Wedding Day Prep
Preparing for your wedding day starts long before the morning you wake up and get ready... it begins in the months leading up to it. This page is designed to help you feel organized, confident, and fully prepared so your day can unfold smoothly and stress‑free. Here you’ll find tips on what to pack, little things to buy ahead of time, and a simple checklist to make sure nothing gets overlooked. A bit of planning now means you get to be fully present later, soaking in every moment without worrying about the details. Let’s make your morning calm, intentional, and beautifully seamless.
Wedding Day Check List
Having a wedding day checklist is one of the simplest ways to keep your morning stress‑free and organized. With so many moving parts and little details to remember, it’s easy for things to get overlooked in the excitement of the day. A checklist ensures everything you need is packed, prepped, and ready to go so you can focus on being present - not scrambling to find your vow books or wondering who grabbed the rings. I’ve attached a list of the most common items couples need to bring or set aside so nothing important gets missed. Below are some essentials to include:
- Rings
- Vow books
- Marriage license
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Perfume/Cologne
- Veil or hair accessories
- Tie/Bow tie
- Boutonnières
- Bouquet preservation box/bag
- Gifts or letters for each other
- Tips for vendors
- Emergency kit
- Flat lay details (invitations, perfume, jewelry, ribbon, etc.)
A little preparation goes a long way in making your morning feel calm, smooth, and intentional.
Things to Buy Ahead of Time
There are so many moving parts leading up to your wedding day that it’s completely normal for a few small (but helpful!) items to slip your mind. Over the years, I’ve noticed there are certain things brides often wish they had with them, little comforts and practical essentials that can make the morning smoother and the rest of the day stress‑free. None of these are required, but having them on hand can be incredibly helpful.
- Extra bobby pins and hair ties
- Fashion tape
- A pretty hanger for dress photos
- Ring box
- Vow books
- Tissues
- Mints
- Heel stoppers (for outdoor ceremonies)
- Umbrellas (white paper ones photograph beautifully)
- Steamer
- Snacks + water for the morning
- Getting‑ready outfits/robes
- A clean, neutral background (like a fabric or mat) for detail photos
- Emergency Kit supplies- hair spray, stain remover, liquid stitch, bobby pins, sewing kit, etc.
Day & Night Before
A smooth wedding day truly starts the night before. Taking a little time to prep can make your morning feel calm, organized, and completely stress‑free. It also ensures that when I arrive, everything is ready to be captured beautifully without any last‑minute scrambling. I’ve put together a list of recommended things to prepare ahead of time; none of these are required, but they can make a big difference in how relaxed and ready you feel.
- Steam your wedding dress and suits
- Steam bridal party dresses
- Lay all jewelry, wedding scents, shoes, and garments in one spot
- Clean the getting‑ready room if you’re sleeping there the night before
- Put together a flat lay box (invitations, rings, perfume, ribbon, etc.)
- Share your timeline with the wedding party and/or family
- Pack your emergency kit (hairspray, stain remover, sewing kit, bobby pins, etc.)
- Charge your phone and any speakers you’ll use in the morning
- Pack snacks and water for the morning
- Set out getting‑ready outfits or robes
- Make sure your bouquet will arrive before the photos begin
- Confirm transportation details for the next day
- Double‑check that your marriage license, vow books, and rings are packed
- Assign someone to gather cards and gifts at the end of the night
- Make sure someone knows how to bustle your dress
What is the Flat Lay Box?
When I arrive on your wedding morning, one of the first things I do is photograph your flat lay. Having all of your detail items gathered in one box makes this process incredibly smooth. I can quickly pop in, grab everything I need, and get started right away without interrupting hair and makeup. Please include your engagement ring in the box as well. Once I finish your flat lay, it will go straight onto your finger. We won’t be doing any portraits before the flat lay, so this is the most efficient and seamless way to begin the day. Some options:
- Invitation suite
- Rings
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Shoes
- Ribbon or fabric
- Florals or loose petals
- Wax seals
- Ring box
- Any sentimental items (handkerchiefs, heirlooms, charms)
Tips
Your wedding day moves quickly, and having a few helpful tips in mind can make the entire experience feel smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable.
- Eat a real breakfast
- Stay hydrated
- Keep the room tidy - Designate one “mess corner” so the rest of the space stays photo‑ready.
- Have all your details in one spot
- Wear a button‑down or robe for hair and makeup - This prevents smudging makeup when it’s time to change.
- Build buffer time into your morning
- Make sure your bouquet arrives before photos
- Have someone in charge of your emergency kit
- Assign someone to gather cards and gifts
- Put someone in charge of bustling your dress - Make sure they’ve practiced beforehand.
- Give your wedding party the timeline
- Plan a calm moment for yourself
- Trust your vendors
