the ultimate wedding day checklist for brides
Your wedding day is finally here—or just around the corner—and while excitement is high, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by last-minute details. Whether you're the type-A bride with color-coded spreadsheets or the go-with-the-flow kind, this checklist will help you stay organized and calm. From must-have items to final to-dos, here’s everything a bride needs to be ready for her big day.
Wedding Day Essentials Every Bride Should Have
Pack these items in your bridal bag or assign your maid of honor to keep them handy.
Wardrobe & Beauty Must-Haves:
Wedding dress (in garment bag with hanger)
Veil, hair accessories, or headpiece
Undergarments (shapewear, garter, etc.)
Comfortable shoes for dancing or later
Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
Perfume
Hairbrush, comb, bobby pins, hair ties
Makeup for touch-ups
Tissues (trust us—you’ll need them)
Deodorant
Toothbrush, floss, and mints
Nail polish (in your wedding color or clear)
Stain remover pen
Fashion tape & safety pins
Small sewing kit
Tech & Documents:
Phone + charger or portable battery pack
Vows (printed or digital)
Vendor contact list
Day-of timeline (printed copies for key people)
Health & Comfort:
Pain reliever (like Advil or Tylenol)
Band-aids (especially for shoes!)
Water & snacks (stay fueled!)
Tampons or pads
Eye drops or allergy meds
Hand sanitizer & wipes
Week-of Wedding To-Do List
Stay ahead of stress with this countdown checklist:
7 Days Before:
Final dress fitting and pick-up
Confirm all vendor details and arrival times
Finalize seating chart and send to venue/caterer
Pack your wedding day emergency kit
Break in your wedding shoes
Write or finalize your vows
Designate someone to handle vendor payments/tips
3–5 Days Before:
Get a manicure & pedicure
Pick up your marriage license (if not done yet)
Prepare gifts for bridal party
Confirm appointments for hair/makeup
Print all important documents (timeline, contacts, vows)
1 Day Before:
Attend your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Lay out your full wedding outfit and accessories
Steam your dress and veil (or delegate)
Pack a honeymoon bag if leaving immediately
Go to bed early—hydrate, rest, and breathe!
Wedding Day Morning Checklist
Set the tone for a relaxed, joy-filled day.
Eat a healthy, energizing breakfast
Stay hydrated—water, not just champagne!
Wear a robe or button-down shirt for hair/makeup
Keep your bridal bag/emergency kit close
Stick to your timeline (or have someone keep you on it)
Have your phone fully charged (or hand it off)
Capture getting-ready moments with your crew
Do a final touch-up before heading out
Take a deep breath and enjoy the magic
Final Words of Advice for Brides
Appoint a point person (maid of honor, planner, or sibling) to handle any issues that arise
Don’t sweat the small stuff—something will go off-script, and it’s okay
Take mental snapshots throughout the day—you’ll want to remember these little moments
Eat. Seriously.
Let go and live it up—you’re getting married!
