Youâve been dreaming about this day for as long as you can remember, and now itâs finally here! Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotionsâpure magic, joy, and probably a few happy tears. But, if Iâve learned one thing from standing by so many amazing brides, itâs that the day can flash by in what feels like a heartbeat. Thatâs why Iâve created this tried-and-true list of wedding day essentials. Iâve shared it with all my brides, and now, Iâm sharing it with you, too. Because trust me, these little things? They can make all the difference.
And because I like to keep things as stress-free as possible, Iâve got a sweet little bonus for youâa printable checklist! You can download it, print it, save it on your phone, or share it with your bridal party. However you use it, just make sure this list is ready and waiting for the big day. Alright, grab a cup of coffee (or sweet tea) and get comfyâitâs time to dive in!
1. Boob Tape
Oh, yep, weâre starting here. Glamorous? Not exactly. But essential? You bet! Your dress is likely the star of the show, but sometimes, it could use a little backup. Boob tape is the unsung hero of wardrobe fixes, making sure everything stays exactly where you want it. Trust me on this one.
2. Spray-On Deodorant
You may be floating through your day in a haze of love and excitement, but, sweet bride, itâs still your day, and that means staying fresh matters! A quick spritz of spray-on deodorant will keep sweat at bay without messy marksâbecause the only thing you need making a scene on the dance floor is your totally epic playlist.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
Whether itâs Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or whatever works best for you, this is a must-pack. Those veils can be heavier than they look, and after a while, all that beauty can weigh a girl down. A headache on your wedding day isnât part of the plan, so keep some relief close byâyouâll thank me later!
4. Flip Flops or Comfy Flats
Those heels are stunning, no doubt. But when itâs time to hit the dance floor for âShout!â or your cousinâs questionable version of the Cupid Shuffle, your feet will want a break. Trust me, a pair of comfy flats (or even flip flops!) tucked away will save you from sore toes. And if you think barefoot sounds like a good idea, just rememberâa stiletto to the pinky toe really hurts.
5. Rechargeable Fan
Okay, real talk. Youâre going to get warm at some pointâwhether itâs because of the weather, the excitement, or the happy tears. A rechargeable fan is like a little oasis in your hand. Plus, it keeps your makeup fresh and your bridal glow shiningâsans sweat.
6. White Safety Pins
Picture thisâyour first dance is about to begin, the music fills the air, and then⌠the bustle on your dress pops loose. Donât panic! Stash some white safety pins in your kit, and youâre good to go. Theyâll hold everything in place, and I promise, no one will notice a thing. Crisis averted!
7. Glue
Nail glue, lash glue, wig glueâif it holds something in place, bring a backup! Nails can pop off, lashes might loosen, and hair extensions donât always cooperate. A quick touch-up with some glue, and youâre right back to feeling picture-perfect. Side note? The laughs youâll share with your bridesmaids while fixing it will be some of your favorite memories.
8. Tampons and Midol
I know, itâs not the most romantic topic, but stress has a funny way of bringing surprises (and not the fun kind). Be prepared, just in case. Even if you donât need them, a bridesmaid might, and having these on hand is always a good rule of thumb. Plus, Midol can double as a lifesaver for those mid-day cramps from all the happy jumping and dancing.
9. Water
This oneâs non-negotiable. Between mimosas while you get ready and champagne toasts later, staying hydrated is the key to feeling your best all day long. Thereâs nothing like a glass of ice-cold water to give you a little boost when you need itâplus, itâll keep that bridal glow going strong.
10. Scheduled Automated Text Replies (my favorite!!)
Your phone is going to blow up. I mean, people love you, and theyâre all going to be thinking about you today! But hereâs the thingâthis day is about living in the moment, not being glued to your screen. Set up an automated text reply so you can stay in the moment without worrying. Something short and sweet works like a charm, like:
âHey there! Itâs my wedding day, so Iâm away from my phone soaking in all the love and joy! If you need something urgent regarding the wedding, please text, please text Designated Person at 618-555-1234. If youâre wanting to wish me a âHappy Wedding Dayâ, leave us some love below! Thanks for understanding!â
After you set it up, put your phone on silent. Youâve already got everything you needâyour people, your love, and the start of a forever kind of story.
Your Wedding, Your Beautiful Day
Whether you bring every item on this list or just a few, I hope your day is everything youâve dreamed it would be. If youâre a bride in the Southern Illinois or Western Kentucky area and still searching for a wedding photographer, Iâd love to chat! Capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments is my passionâitâs what fills my heart. And if you just want some more wedding inspo, head over to Pinterest or InstagramâIâm always sharing tips, tricks, and little peeks behind the lens.
Now go enjoy your day in all its wild, beautiful, breathtaking gloryâyouâve got this!
Keep your phone on silent. I promise you wonât miss anything urgent! Besides, youâre with some of the most important people of your life, making lifelong memories together!
Iâd love to hear which day-of wedding tips and must-haves youâre going to use for your wedding! Head over to my Instagram to keep up with the day-to-day life of a wedding photographer, or head to Pinterest to check out more wedding tips and inspiration!
Looking for a wedding photographer in the Southern Illinois area?
If youâre getting married in the Southern Illinois or Western Kentucky area soon and are looking for a wedding photographer, Iâd love to hear from you! Click here to fill out my inquiry form with your wedding details. If youâre still in the middle of wedding planning, check out one of my recent posts all about how to get gorgeous wedding detail photos from your big day!
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