Your wedding day should be pure magic, not a frantic scavenger hunt for a safety pin or headache medicine. To keep stress at zero, an organized day-of packing list is your best friend.
A successful wedding day is all about preparation. Use a simple checklist (or a spreadsheet!) to track every item, and be sure to designate a person responsible for transporting it to the venue—be it a trusted bridesmaid, family member, or your coordinator.
Ready to pack? Here is the ultimate checklist for every phase of your wedding, from your first sip of champagne to your final send-off.
1. The Getting Ready Phase
Green Gables Bridal Suite (Left), Ethereal Gardens invitations (Right)
The pre-ceremony hours are arguably the most relaxed part of the day—a time for champagne, laughter, and savoring the anticipation with your closest friends. Your main goal here is comfort and preparedness. Everything you need should be packed the night before and easily accessible so you can focus entirely on enjoying the luxury of being pampered. A dedicated Getting Ready Bag ensures no critical morning item is misplaced.
- Comfy Getting Ready Outfit: Pack robes, pajamas, or button-down shirts that can be easily removed. Tip: Avoid pull-over tops to protect your hair and makeup once they’re done.
- The Emergency Kit: The must-haves for quick fixes, ideally consolidated into a small box or pouch.
- Pain relievers (Tylenol/Ibuprofen) and Antacids.
- Safety pins, mini sewing kit, and fabric tape (for wardrobe emergencies).
- Blister treatments (Band-Aids, Moleskin) to save your feet before they even get into the wedding shoes.
- Comfortable Flats/Flip-Flops: Essential for walking around the venue and standing comfortably while you have your hair and makeup done.
- Crucial Medications: Prescriptions (daily pills, allergy medicine) must be packed, along with life-saving items like EpiPens or inhalers.
- Vendor Communication Packet: Keep all logistics contained in one folder.
- Final Itinerary and Contact List for all vendors and key family members.
- Cash for Tips (in clearly labeled envelopes to hand off to your coordinator).
- Personal Care & Touch-Up Kit:
- Your Signature Scent, deodorant, and any essential toiletries.
- A Touch-Up Kit containing your chosen lip color, a small compact of powder, and travel hairspray.
- Tech Essentials: Your Phone and Portable Charger—you’ll be taking photos and communicating all morning.
- Gifts to Thank Your Wedding Party: Have these ready to hand out during the getting-ready photos.
- Laptop or Wireless Speaker: For your “pump-up” playlist to set the right mood.
Once you’re dressed and ready to go, make sure your designated point person takes over the Getting Ready Bag. You should only be carrying your phone (briefly!) and the excitement of the moment as you move toward the ceremony.
2. The Ceremony Phase
Ethereal Gardens Starlit Lawn (Left), Tivoli “Tesoro Di Tivoli” (Right)
This is the pinnacle of the day, where years of planning culminate in a single walk down the aisle. The focus shifts entirely to your appearance and the critical legal/ceremonial artifacts. Ensure every piece of your ensemble is pristine and that the few items necessary for the vows are secure. This phase demands extreme caution, so entrust these items to a single, hyper-responsible person—they are not for the couple to worry about.
- The Wedding Ensemble:
- Steamed and Pressed Attire: Kept in a protective garment bag—do not take it out until the last possible moment!
- Wedding Shoes: Both the main pair and any specialized backup heels or sneakers.
- All Accessories: This includes the Veil, jewelry, tie, cuff-links, pocket squares, and headpiece. Double-check that you have all pieces for any borrowed jewelry.
- Proper Undergarments: The exact bra, shapewear, or slips needed for your specific outfit.
- Essentials for the Vows:
- Marriage License: Signed, secured, and ready to be given to the officiant. This is non-negotiable!
- The Rings: Clearly delegated to the Best Man, Ring Bearer, or a trusted family member.
- Written Vows: Neatly printed on nice paper, or written in a small book, just in case you need a reference.
- Quick Fixes:
- Stain Remover Pen and Lint Roller: For pre-ceremony mishaps or fuzzy attire.
- Gum or Mints: Freshen up before you walk down the aisle and kiss your partner!
- Ceremony Objects: Any special items needed for the ceremony, such as a Kippah, unity candle, sand, special religious/family artifacts, or items for an altar.
As you conclude the ceremony, your coordinator or delegated person should immediately gather the Marriage License and any accessories you take off (like a veil) to ensure they are safely transported out of the ceremony space. Congratulations—the hardest part is over!
3. The Reception Phase
Tivoli Piazza (Left), Tivoli Bridal Suite (Right)
You’ve said “I do,” and now it’s time to celebrate with the perfect blend of joy and relaxation. The key to this phase is setting the party up for success and ensuring your personal comfort for a long night of dancing. Have a designated friend or coordinator set these items up before the guests arrive, and be sure they know where your personal comfort items are staged.
- Reception Comfort:
- Comfortable Dancing Shoes: Essential for enjoying the party! Tip: Prioritize comfort over fashion here—your feet will thank you.
- Change of Outfit: If you plan on wearing a second dress or suit for the dancing portion of the evening.
- A Wrap, Shawl, or Coat: Even Southern California nights can get chilly, especially for outdoor receptions.
- Guest-Facing Items:
- Guestbook and Pens: Make sure the pens actually work!
- Card Box for Gifts: Have a specific, secure spot for this.
- Wedding Favors: If they are not being delivered directly to the venue by a vendor.
- DIY Items, Signage, or Unique Décor: Anything you are supplying that the coordinator needs to place.
- Vendor-Facing Items:
- Cake Topper and Cake Knife: If your baker/caterer does not provide them.
- Seating Chart Copy: A backup for your coordinator or venue manager to reference.
- Designated Point Person’s Phone Number: Give this to the DJ, florist, and anyone else who might have a last-minute question, so you don’t have to take calls.
- Personal Clutch/Bag: A small bag to carry tissues, a pocket mirror, and your lipstick for quick touch-ups after dinner.
With all of these details in place, you can finally hit the dance floor with confidence! Just remember to periodically delegate someone to check the status of your personal bag and the security of the card box throughout the night.
4. The Wedding Night & Departure
Tivoli Bridal Suite
As the final song plays and the last guests depart, your only focus should be on unwinding with your new spouse. The purpose of this final bag is to get you through the wedding night and the next morning smoothly. Pack this Overnight Bag entirely separately from your main wedding kit and ensure it goes directly to your hotel or home suite before the reception even begins.
- For the Night:
- Nightwear/Pajamas and Slippers for the end of a long day.
- Glasses/Contacts and Solution.
- Essential Toiletries: Makeup remover/face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
- Menstrual supplies, if needed.
- Sleep aids (mask, earplugs) for a hotel stay or new environment.
- For the Next Morning:
- A complete, comfortable Change of Clothes and Shoes for traveling or breakfast.
- A Coat or Jacket depending on the weather for your departure.
- Water Bottle (pre-filled)—you will likely be dehydrated after the celebration!
- Departure Logistics:
- Bags or Boxes: To transport your gifts, cards, and any leftover décor or personal items that need to leave the venue with you.
Take a deep breath! You’ve planned and executed your wedding flawlessly. With your Overnight Bag ready and the logistics handled, you can happily kiss your guests goodbye and start the first chapter of your life together.
Plan Your Fairytale with Trademark Venues
The more you plan ahead, the more your fairytale wedding is likely to go off without a hitch. Writing a thorough wedding day packing list can keep things running smoothly when the moment finally arrives.
If you need help with any other details, we are here to help. With a stunning collection of unique venues and full service experience packages, we have the resources and expertise you need to host the celebration you’ve always wished for. Your perfect event is within reach.