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Your wedding day is one of the most significant and memorable days of your life. After months (or even years!) of planning, the big day is finally here. While your mind is filled with thoughts of walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, and celebrating with loved ones, many small details can easily slip through the cracks if you don’t plan carefully. To ensure your day goes smoothly, it’s essential to have a solid wedding day checklist packed with all the must-haves.
Here’s a comprehensive list from Tara Bridal to help you stay organized, stress-free, and confident as you step into the spotlight on your big day:
The Dress (and All Its Components)
Of course, your wedding dress is at the top of the checklist. But there’s more to it than just grabbing the gown off the hanger. Here’s what to ensure you have ready:
Bride: Kelsey Loose - PA, USA. Veil: Julia
The Wedding Dress Itself: Make sure it’s freshly pressed, cleaned, and hanging properly in its garment bag. Any last-minute wrinkles can be a distraction, so having it professionally steamed is a good idea.
Wedding Veil or Headpiece: Whether you’re opting for a wedding veil, a flower crown, or a chic headband, ensure it’s packed and ready to go. If you’ve opted for a custom veil, check for any detailing that may need a quick touch-up. If you purchased your wedding dress and veil a few months before the big day, consider checking out the blog post How to Store Your Wedding Dress and Veil before the Big Day for tips on keeping it in perfect condition.
Undergarments: The right bra, shapewear, and underwear can make all the difference in how you feel in your gown. Don’t underestimate the importance of comfortable, well-fitting undergarments!
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll need your gorgeous ceremony shoes, but don’t forget to pack a more comfortable pair (like flats or sneakers) for dancing and moving around at the reception. Some of Tara's brides even bring two pairs of shoes to ensure they can dance and move comfortably throughout the celebration.
Take some time to try on your entire ensemble—veil, dress, shoes, and all accessories—a few days before the wedding. This way, you can spot any last-minute issues that need attention, such as alterations or jewelry adjustments.
Bride: Paulina Leal - Zapopan, Mexico. Photo: danielagtzh.com. Veil: Lilly
Jewelry and Accessories
Your wedding jewelry adds the finishing touches to your bridal look, so don’t forget these items:
Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet: Whether it’s something new, borrowed, or blue, make sure your jewelry pieces are packed and polished. If you’re wearing heirlooms or borrowed jewelry, pack these items carefully to avoid damage.
Bride: Paulina Leal - Zapopan, Mexico. Photo: danielagtzh.com. Veil: Lilly
Hair Accessories: Pins, combs, or clips for your hairstyle are often overlooked but play a vital role in keeping your look together throughout the day.
Also, double-check that your engagement ring is ready to be worn after the ceremony along with your wedding band.
Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can save the day when it comes to unexpected mishaps. Fill a small bag with essentials that can handle any mini-disaster:
Sewing Kit: Pack needles, thread that matches your dress, and extra buttons.
Safety Pins and Bobby Pins: These are lifesavers for quick fixes, from broken zippers to a hairstyle that needs touching up.
Tissues or Handkerchief: Happy tears are a given, so keep tissues or a pretty handkerchief close by.
Pain Relievers and Band-Aids: Whether it’s a headache from all the excitement or blisters from your shoes, it’s best to be prepared.
Having this kit handy will help avoid unnecessary stress, allowing you to focus on the celebration instead of minor inconveniences.
Makeup and Touch-Up Essentials
Even if you’ve hired a professional makeup artist, you’ll likely need a few touch-ups throughout the day. Pack a small makeup bag with these essentials:
Lipstick or Gloss: Keep your wedding shade close for reapplication after eating, drinking, or kissing!
Powder or Blotting Papers: These will help control any shine during your photos or under the lights at the reception.
Eyeliner, Mascara, and Setting Spray: For keeping your eyes looking bright and fresh, especially after tears or long hours. This kit will ensure your makeup stays flawless from “I do” to your final farewell.
Perfume
Your signature scent is a personal touch you won’t want to forget. Pack a small bottle or rollerball of your chosen perfume to refresh throughout the day.
Bride: Tegan Consol - Devon, UK. Photo: pinkwavephotography.
Your Vows
If you’ve written personal vows, don’t forget them! Whether you’ve memorized them or plan to read from a card, ensure they’re easily accessible. Keep an extra copy just in case—you don’t want to lose such an important detail. Some brides choose to have their vows written in a keepsake book, which can be a lovely touch for photos and memories.
Bride: Alix Celestino - Ventura, CA, USA. Photo: karatillerphotography.com. Veil: Jesi
Marriage License
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to overlook in the whirlwind of the big day. Make sure the marriage license is safely packed with your other important documents. It’s a good idea to give it to your officiant or a trusted family member before the ceremony to avoid any last-minute scrambles.
Wedding Rings
Double-check that both your wedding rings are accounted for and stored in a safe place. Assign a responsible person—such as your best man, maid of honor, or a family member—to take care of them before the ceremony. Having the rings ready and in the right hands will give you peace of mind as you walk down the aisle.
Bride: Jaci Jamieson, LA, USA - Photo: peonyphotography. Veil: Kaitie
Phone Charger (or a Fully Charged Phone)
While you’ll want to stay as present as possible on your wedding day, a fully charged phone is a must-have. You may need it for last-minute coordination, emergency contacts, or even candid photos. Pack a portable charger to ensure your phone stays powered up throughout the day, especially if you’re using it for key moments like the first look or reception entrances.
Itinerary and Vendor Contact Info
Keeping a printed or digital copy of the wedding day timeline is key to staying on track. Include phone numbers for your vendors—florist, photographer, DJ, caterer—and assign a point person to handle any day-of questions or issues. Having this information readily available will help ensure everyone is where they need to be, on time, with minimal stress.
Gifts for Your Bridal Party
If you’ve prepared thank-you gifts for your bridesmaids, flower girls, or anyone else who helped make your day special, make sure these are wrapped and ready to go. A heartfelt card to accompany the gifts is always a thoughtful touch, making your gratitude even more meaningful.
Transportation
Confirm your transportation details a few days before the wedding. Whether you’ve arranged for a limo, vintage car, or horse-drawn carriage, double-check the time, address, and number of people the vehicle can accommodate. Ensuring everything is lined up in advance will help you avoid delays.
Reception Decor and Favors
If you’ve created any DIY decor, seating charts, or wedding favors, make sure they’re packed and ready to be delivered to the venue. Assign someone to oversee the setup so you don’t have to worry about it on the day. That way, you can focus on getting ready and soaking in every special moment.
Bride: Alix Celestino - Ventura, CA, USA. Photo: karatillerphotography.com. Veil: Jesi
Thank-You Cards and Gratuity Envelopes for Your Vendors
While tipping is a customary way to thank your vendors for their hard work, a handwritten note can also express your appreciation in a meaningful way. Prepare labeled envelopes with cash for tips in advance and write personalized thank-you notes. Hand these envelopes and notes to a trusted family member or wedding planner to distribute on the day or shortly after the wedding. This thoughtful gesture will show your gratitude for their efforts in making your special day memorable.
A Calm Mind
While not a physical item, this is perhaps the most important thing you can carry with you on your wedding day. Things may not go exactly as planned, but trust that the day will be beautiful no matter what. Take a few moments to breathe, relax, and remind yourself of what the day is truly about—celebrating love.
Bride: Alix Celestino - Ventura, CA, USA. Photo: karatillerphotography.com. Veil: Jesi
Wrapping Up
As you prepare for your big day, having a wedding day checklist ensures that nothing gets left behind. From the dress and accessories to small comforts and emergency items, being well-prepared will allow you to fully enjoy every moment of your wedding.
With experience advising brides from over 1,500 cities around the world, we fully understand that brides often feel anxious from the moment they start planning their wedding until the big day arrives. If you have any concerns about choosing the right wedding veil, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized advice. We’re here to help!
