Ultimate Wedding Checklist

Your wedding day is one of the most exciting moments of your life, but it can also feel overwhelming when you think about all the details that need to come together. From decor and setup at the venue to everything you’ll need to get ready, there’s a lot to keep track of. To help make your big day as stress-free as possible, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist covering everything you need to buy, bring, and prepare. Whether you’re in the final stages of planning or just getting started, this guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Let’s dive in!

For the Bride

The bride and groom are the stars of the show when it comes to their wedding day. However, the bride has specific (and necessary) items that no one else needs to worry about. 

While there may be other things brides want in addition to those on our list, this may also be an extensive list. We’ll cover the items that I’ve come across brides looking for when selecting what to buy for their wedding.

Wardrobe Essentials

• Wedding Dress
• Reception Dress (if changing for reception)
• Veil
• Shoes
• Shoe cushions
• Undergarments (bra, shapewear, pasties, etc.)
• Garter
• Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet, anklet, etc.)
• Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
• Getting Ready Robe or Outfit
• Slippers for getting ready and reception
• Clutch/Purse (for essentials like tissues, lipstick, etc.) or bag for Maid of Honor to carry for you.

Grooming Products and Tools

• Mouthwash
• Toothbrush
• Body and hand lotion
• Perfume
• Deodorant
• Hair pins or hair ties
• Hair Comb

Other accessories

Want some ideas for other accessories that you might overlook? Here are some options:

• Belt or sash
• Gloves
• Cape or shawl
• Clutch or evening bag
• Shoe clip embellishments
• Hand fan
• Parasol (for outdoor weddings)

Emergency Kit

• Sewing Kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
• Stain Remover Pen
• Double-Sided Fashion Tape
• Lint Roller
• Band-Aids
• Pain Relievers (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Chafing Cream
• Deodorant
• Mints/Gum
• Snacks & Water
• Scissors
• Extra Earring Backs
• Tampons/Pads

Other Essentials

• Phone & Charger
• Vow Books/Notes (if written personally)
• Marriage License & Necessary Documents
• A Relaxing Playlist or Music (to calm nerves)
• Personalized Hanger for the Dress or wooden hanger
• Contact List of Vendors
• Extra Invitation Suite for photographer
• Breakfast and Lunch -Delivery preferred
• Assign someone to order and deliver breakfast and lunch

For the groom

Moving on to the groom’s corner. Just like brides, grooms have several items they should buy for their wedding to ensure it goes off without a hitch. Let’s dive into some of the items grooms will want to have on hand before, during, and after the wedding. Depending on the attire a groom will be wearing, each packing list could look different.

Formal attire

Formal attire requires a bit more class, which usually means extra layers. Here are some things grooms may want to buy for a formal wedding:

• Tuxedo
• Blazer
• Slacks
• Themed attire
• Button-down shirt
• Under shirt
• Tie or bow tie
• Dress shoes
• Socks
• Pre-getting ready clothes -usually something comfortable

Jewelry and accessories

Just like brides, grooms have additional jewelry and accessories they may wear during their big day. Here are just a few of those items to give you a better idea of what you may need to buy and bring:

• Nice watch
• Tie clip or tie bar
• Cufflinks
• Pocket square
• Lapel pin (or boutonnière)
• Suspenders
• Collar stay
• Belt
• Money clip

Grooming products and tools

Grooms want to look their best on their big day, so grooming products and tools are essential. Here are some of the items you’ll want to have on hand:

• Hair styling products
• Lip balm
• After-shave lotion or balm
• Beard oil/styling products
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Cologne
• Body or hand lotion
• Nail clippers
• Razor

Things to buy for the wedding party and family

Buying special gifts for loved ones is an exciting aspect of getting things for your wedding because you can make them more personal. Let’s dig into some different, unique ideas for perfect gifts you can buy others for your big day. Typically these gifts are not expected but much appreciated.

Most importantly, For future wife/husband

• Future Wife/Husband gift
• Love Letter

Bridesmaids

For the bridesmaids, consider ideas like these:

• Personalized jewelry or matching jewelry to wear on wedding day
• Monogrammed robes or pajamas
• Custom tote bags
• Personalized makeup bags
• Gift certificates
• Custom keepsake photo frames
• Personalized drinkware
• Luxury Skincare Sets
• Manicure Kits
• Scented Candles
• Bath Bombs or Bath Sets
• Matching Friendship Bracelets
• Bridesmaid Survival Kits (with essentials like lip balm, tissues, etc.)
• Personalized Compact Mirrors
• Handwritten Letters of Appreciation (in a beautiful card or framed)

Groomsmen

Here are some ideas for what you could get the groomsmen:

• Monogrammed Cufflinks
• Custom Wallets (with their initials)
• Personalized Flasks (with their name or a special message)
• Engraved Money Clips
• Customized Bottle Openers
• Socks (fun or themed pairs to wear on wedding day)
• Sunglasses
• Leather Belts
• Personalized Whiskey Glasses
• Custom Beer Mugs or Steins
• Engraved Decanters
• Wine or Whiskey Tasting Sets
• Grooming & Self-Care
• Luxury Shaving Kits
• Beard Care Sets
• Cologne (mini versions of a favorite scent)
• Monogrammed Towels or Robes
• Gift Cards (for their favorite restaurants, stores, or online shops)
• Custom Engraved Knives
• Personalized Zippo Lighters
• Golf Accessories (like personalized golf balls or tees)
• Cigar Accessories (like a cigar case or cutter)
• Monogrammed Backpacks or Duffel Bags – Specially if you want “game day photos”

Parents

A wedding day is just as monumental for the happy couple as it is for their parents. Here are some things you can give them as a token of appreciation:

• Framed wedding invitation
• Personalized photo album or picture frame
• Custom family illustration (from places like Etsy or Amazon)
• Engraved jewelry
• Memory book
• Custom Handkerchiefs (with a personalized message or their initials)
• Handwritten letters

Flower girl and ring bearer

For the special girls or boys who earn spots in your wedding party, treat them with something like these items:

• Personalized toys
• Activity books
• Custom t-shirts
• Personalized storybooks
• Mini jewelry or beauty kits
• Gift cards or certificates

Other loved ones

Other people at your wedding, like the officiant or extended family members, may also have a special place in your heart. If so, you could buy them things like the following to show you care:

• Personalized keepsakes
• Unique flower arrangements
• Gift boxes
• Food baskets
• Gift certificates
• Handwritten thank-you cards

For the ceremony

You probably have a good idea of what you need for your wedding ceremony, such as seating, the altar, decorations, flowers and other items. But if you want to go all out, here are a few other things you may want to consider:

Ceremony Essentials

• Wedding Rings (in a ring box or on a ring bearer pillow)
• Marriage License (signed and ready for the officiant)
• Vows/Vow Books (if personalized; written down or memorized)
• Officiant’s Script (if applicable, along with any required paperwork)
• Programs (for guests, detailing the order of the ceremony)
• Unity Ceremony Items (if applicable, such as a unity candle, sand ceremony kit, or handfasting cord)
• Reserved signs
• Silent, biodegradable confetti
• Kneeling or sitting pads (for religious ceremonies)
• Exit Guest Items (bubbles, confetti, flower petals, etc)
• Communion Set (if applicable, for religious ceremonies)
• Foot Washing bowl and Towels (if applicable, for religious ceremonies)
• Broom (if applicable, for cultural ceremonies)
• Other Cultural and/or Religious tradition items

Decor

• Ceremony Arch or Backdrop (with flowers, drapery, or other decor)
• Aisle Runner 
• Aisle Markers (flowers, lanterns, or other decorations lining the aisle)
• Seating Signage (for reserved seating or general guest seating instructions)
• Welcome Sign (greeting guests as they arrive)
• Flower Petals or Confetti (for flower girls or guests to throw)
• Chair Decorations (such as sashes, flowers, or signs for the couple’s chairs)
• Memorial Table or Sign (to honor loved ones who have passed)

For the Bridal Party

• Bouquets (for the bride and bridesmaids)
• Boutonnieres (for the groom, groomsmen, and other special guests like fathers or grandfathers)
• Flower Girl Basket (with petals or other items to scatter)
• Ring Bearer Pillow or Box
• Wedding Party Attire (bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits, etc.)

For the reception

While you should plan ahead with the right decor and furniture for your reception, there may be additional items for wedding guests (and the newlyweds) to create the ultimate party atmosphere. Here are a few of those things:

Reception Decor

• Centerpieces (flowers, candles, lanterns, etc.)
• Extra long stick lighters for candles
• Table Numbers or Names
• Place Cards (for assigned seating)
• Seating Chart (if using one)
• Extra place settings for the ones who didn’t RSVP but came anyway or brought an uninvited +1
• Table Linens (tablecloths, runners, napkins)
• Chair Covers or Sashes (if using)
• Backdrop or Arch (for the head table or sweetheart table)
• Signage (welcome signs, bar signs, guest book signs, etc.)
• Lighting (string lights, uplighting, candles)
• Floral Arrangements (additional flowers for tables, cake, etc.)
• Dance Floor Decor (optional, like monograms or special lighting)
• Photo Booth Props & Backdrop (if you’re having a photo booth)
• Cake cutting set
• Wedding cake stand
• Champagne (and flutes)
• Drink stirrers
• Custom coasters
• Guest book and pens or audio guest book
• Disposable cameras
• Party favors (and similar thoughtful gift ideas)

Special Touches

• Guestbook Alternatives (like a fingerprint tree or Polaroid guestbook)
• Photo Display (of the couple, family, or wedding journey)
• Wedding Hashtag Sign (encouraging guests to share photos on social media)
• Memory Table (to honor loved ones who have passed – repurposed from ceremony)
• Card Box (for guests to drop off cards)
• Gift Table (to place gifts)
• Blankets or Shawls (for an outdoor reception in cooler weather)
• Kids’ Activity Kits (to keep children entertained)

Tables & Seating

• Guestbook & Pens (for guests to sign)
• Favors (to be placed at each seat or on a favor table)
• Menus (if providing at each place setting)
• Chargers, Plates, Utensils, and Glassware (if not provided by the venue)
• Cocktail Hour Decor (like high-top table decor)
• Lounge Area Furniture (if setting up a lounge area)

Entertainment & Music

• Playlist, Song Requests or DO NOT Play List (if providing a list to the DJ or band)
• Dance Floor Props (like glow sticks, hats, or other fun items)
• Projector & Screen (if showing a slideshow or video)

Food & Drink

• Cake or Dessert Table Decor (cake stand, knife, server, etc.)
• Cake Topper
• Serving Utensils (for cake, buffet, etc.)
• Toasting Flutes (for the couple)
• Bar Signage (listing drink options or specialty cocktails)
• Cocktail Napkins
• Drink Stirrers, Straws, or Coasters
• Cake Boxes or Wrapping (for guests to take home cake slices)

Ceremony-to-Reception Transition

• Escort Cards or Seating Chart (to guide guests to their tables)
• Guest Transportation Arrangements (if applicable)
• Welcome Drinks or Snacks (for when guests arrive at the reception)

Speeches & Toasts

• Speech Notes or Cards (for the couple or those giving toasts)
• Thank-You Cards or Gifts (for parents, bridal party, etc.)

Exit Items

• Sparklers, Confetti, or Bubbles (for the send-off)
• Exit Signage (to direct guests to the send-off area)
• Getaway Car Decor (like “Just Married” signs, cans, etc.)

Miscellaneous

• Vendor Payment Envelopes (with tips or final payments)
• Emergency Kit (with items like safety pins, pain relievers, etc.)
• Phone & Charger (to stay connected)
• Marriage License (in case it needs to be signed at the reception)

Miscellaneous items

Finally, let’s touch on some of the general items you won’t want to overlook:

• Spare invitations (for photos or keepsakes)
• Timeline
• Vendor meals
• Pet care packs (if pets are in the wedding)
• Batteries (for cameras, microphones, or other devices)
• Tape
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Clothing Steamer (for wedding dress or last-minute wrinkles)

As you prepare for your wedding day, this comprehensive list of items to buy and bring is designed to help you cover all the bases and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. While not every item on this list is essential, having these extras on hand can make all the difference in handling any unexpected situations or last-minute needs. Focus on what’s most important to you and your celebration, and remember that the key to a successful wedding day is preparation and flexibility. With these details covered, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and joyous occasion.