There are SO MANY THINGS to think about when planning your wedding day, and because this might be your first go at a wedding day, it’s hard to know where to start when packing.  There are a LOT of items that go into a wedding day as well as a lot of moving parts to keep track of and prepare yourself for so that you set your wedding day up right. That’s why I decided to put this list together of my top 10 tips for packing for your wedding day so you can set yourself up for success and a stress free wedding day!  

1. Plan Ahead

Start off by creating a master list of everything you need to pack and make sure you have.  Then divide the list into categories based on the starting location for each object.  For example, you won’t need your wedding day centerpieces in the same room you’re getting ready in.  When prepping for your wedding day and gradually start collecting the items you’ll need to pack in the year or so leading up to your wedding day so you have plenty of time to get any items you need!

2. Containers and Labels

When packing for your wedding day, it’s easiest to pack your items into containers like plastic bins or sturdier cardboard boxes so you know where everything is at all times.  Be sure to label each box in detail as well so you know what each box has in it, how much of each item you have, and if you still need to get certain items.

3. Clean Your Rings and Prep Your Gear

I will be photographing your rings the morning of your wedding, so as you’re packing be sure to polish your rings the day before and make sure they’re clean!  Along with your rings, you will want to make sure your veil is steamed, your wedding clothes are steamed and ironed, and you have all the proper undergarments cleaned and ready.  Once everything is good to go, pack away your items in labeled garment bags to make things easy the morning of.

4. Break in Your Wedding Attire

Your wedding day is exactly that, a full day!  You do not want to end up putting on your wedding gear the morning of your wedding only to find that your shoes don’t fit right, or you can’t sit down in your new dress pants.  Try on your entire wedding outfit at least a month before your wedding day, run around the house in it, sit down at your kitchen table and really make sure you can move comfortably!

5. Gather Your Details

Gather your details for your wedding day flatlays and put them in a box for your photo/video team.  These items are things like your stationary, ties, wedding ring box, cufflinks, ribbons in your wedding colors, and really any other details that you want to include in your wedding day flatlay. Having these separate from the other items you’re packing for your wedding day will make it much easier for your photographer and videographer to get the shots they need at the start of your day!

6. Emergency Kits are Necessary

Be sure to pack a first aid kit, a sewing kit, and a makeup kit for your wedding day!  Blisters happen, hangovers happen, blemishes happen.  It’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared for anything that could happen on the day of your wedding!

7. Plan and Pack Food and Water

Plan and pack some food for you and your wedding party, and then be sure to have some emergency granola bars or cliff bars on hand. Staying hydrated is also a must for your wedding day so include some bottled water or Gatorade when packing. Your wedding day is a full day of activities and as fun and exciting as it is all going to be, you need to take care of yourself so that you’re able to fully enjoy the experience of the day!

8. Pack Your Overnight Bag

If your wedding is longer than a single day, if you plan to spend the night away from home after your wedding, or if you plan to go on your honeymoon immediately afterwards be sure to get your overnight bag in order when packing. Medications, tampons, pajamas, travel clothes, bathroom necessities, and anything else you’ll need. This depends on how many days you’ll be away from home after your wedding so plan and pack accordingly.

9. Don’t forget Your Chargers

Packing your chargers for your phone, iPad, kindle, speakers and any other electronics you might need is a must for your wedding day. Any technology that you rely on or want as part of your wedding day experience you need to plan and pack for, especially if your wedding will last multiple days or you go on your honeymoon immediately after.

10. Delegate Your Things

Last but not least, this day can not just be left all in your hands. Use your people!  Make sure to label your boxes and bins so they have the names of people who are taking them and the destination to which they are going!  So if your mother-in-law is taking the decorations and needs to set each table, be sure to put the address of your wedding reception and the tables they belong on, all on the designated box!

That covers my top 10 tips when it comes to packing for your wedding day. For my weddings prior to each wedding day my couples will receive a packing list from me with everything most of my couples need to bring with them when packing. If you’re in need of a photographer for your wedding and like the idea of some more help with your packing head to my contact page here!  And if you’re looking for more tips for getting ready for your wedding day, head to my blog for ALL the tips and tricks.