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Wedding Day Must Haves

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Plan your perfect wedding day with this comprehensive checklist of must-haves! From essential snacks and beauty touch-ups to emergency kits and sentimental mementos, ensure your big day goes off without a hitch.

Wedding Day Must Haves
Jessica Bishop Headshot

As your big day approaches, you might be thinking about the things you’ll need for the wedding day. The few days before the wedding will likely be jam packed with setting up, finishing DIYs and welcoming your out of town guests.

You’ll want to have everything else ready to go on the big day, and a list is the best way to make that happen! These are all things that you need to have to make sure your day goes smoothly.

Snacks

Food is definitely a must have! If you are having a late wedding have both breakfast and lunch, if you are having an afternoon wedding, have breakfast and a snack before photos begin. Having light snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars can keep everyone energized, especially during long photo sessions. It will be a long day, and most of the time there will be some alcohol involved. Food will help to keep you energized and feeling good!

Drinks

Drink a lot of water! It’s also helpful to have some Ginger Ale on hand in case you get some butterflies. Mimosas are nice as well.

Alone Time

Spend a few minutes to relax and take it all in. This is finally your day, all of these people are here to celebrate your new marriage. Start the day with alone time by yourself, and then during the reception, take some time with your new husband.

Timeline

Have this finished and in the hands of all of your vendors and bridesmaids prior to the big day. Most of the time your planner will take care of this, but if you are making your own, pay attention to details so you are saved the questions on the big day.

Vendor Contact Sheet

Include every vendors company name, name, and phone number. Give a copy of this to key family members, bridesmaids, vendors and the venue. This will help to keep you free of any questions throughout the day so you can relax.

Emergency Kit

Prepare a kit with items like safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, band-aids, double-sided tape, and any personal medications. This can be a lifesaver for unexpected mishaps.

Beauty Touch-Up Bag

Include blotting papers, your chosen lipstick and lip gloss, tissues, a compact mirror, and any other makeup essentials for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Comfortable Shoes

While your wedding shoes may be stylish, having a comfortable pair for dancing or moving between locations can keep you at ease.

Phone Charger or Power Bank

Ensure your phone stays charged for communication and capturing candid moments.

Copies of Speeches or Vows

If you have personalized vows or speeches, have printed copies on hand to avoid any last-minute searches.

Marriage License and Rings

Double-check that these crucial items are packed and assigned to someone responsible.

Personal Mementos

Incorporate “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” to add sentimental value to your attire.

Comfortable Attire for After the Reception

If you’re heading to a hotel or another venue post-reception, pack comfortable clothes to change into.

Bag Packed for Wedding Night

Are you staying elsewhere after your wedding? Make sure you have a bag packed prior to your rehearsal day. This way it’s easy to grab and take with you to the hotel or wherever you go on your wedding night.

Getting Ready Outfit

When you are getting your hair and makeup done, you will need a top that is easy to get off without messing up your hair and makeup. A robe, tank top, button up, etc will all be great options.

Transportation Arrangements

Confirm all transportation details for yourself and the bridal party to ensure timely arrivals.

What are your wedding day must-haves?

Jessica Bishop Headshot

Jessica Bishop is the founder of TheBudgetSavvyBride.com, and has worked in various areas and roles within the wedding industry since 2007. She is the author of the best-selling book,The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer and also hosts The Bouquet Toss Wedding Planning Podcast. Jessica's expert wedding advice and savvy savings tips have been featured by Good Morning America, COSMOPOLITAN, Glamour, and more. You can learn more about Jessica on her personal blog and professional website.