Wedding Day Checklist: The Items You don't want to Forget
After months of planning, the big day is finally here! Set yourself up to be as carefree and relaxed as possible. For me, that always came down to making sure I had the little details picked out ahead of time.
While I’m sure you can find exhaustive wedding day checklists online, I want to focus on photography-specific items you can put a little extra thought into (if time allows). At the end of the day, having the mental capacity to consider these things is a bonus — not a requirement.
What really matters is that the bride, groom, and marriage certificate make it. Everything else is just fun. Don’t get sucked into the stress of feeling like you have to do all of this.
1 — A Pretty Hanger for Your Dress
You spent good money on your gown — let’s show it off with a hanger that does it justice. Think something simple and wooden, or a heavier metal hanger that photographs clean and timeless.
This can go for your bridesmaid dresses as well. Matching or cohesive hangers help create a really polished, intentional look in those getting-ready photos.
2 — Detail Photos Made Easy
Do your photographer a huge favor and have everything you want included in detail photos gathered in one box. That way, we can whisk it away while you’re getting ready and photograph everything efficiently (and you don’t have to hunt things down later).
Detail photo items can be anything that captures you as a couple or represents your wedding day.
Paper + Stationery Details
- Wedding invitation or full invitation suite
- RSVP card
- Detail card
- Envelope (Pro tip: use the address of your first home together or a location meaningful to you two)
- Wax seals
- Ribbons or silk ribbon styling
- Belly bands
Personal Style Details
- Jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelet, watch)
- Wedding bands — we’ll always make sure they get back to the right people after photos
- Perfume or cologne
- Veil
- Heels or wedding shoes
- Hair clips, pins, or hair accessories
Floral + Texture Details
- Bouquet or loose florals (your florist will often set some aside)
- Ribbon from your bouquet
- Extra lace or fabric from your gown
Storytelling Pieces
- Ring box or dish (this can be creative — I used a shell for my beach wedding)
- Vintage mirror or heirloom styling pieces
- Vow books or a printed copy of your vows (these often become meaningful keepsakes — and this goes for bridal party speeches too)
Meaningful Personal Touches
- Handwritten letters
- Family heirloms
- Vintage jewelry or accessories
- Old family photos
- Cultural or family traditions
3 — Cake Cutting Utensils (Don’t Forget to Check!)
If you’re planning on doing a cake cutting, it’s worth asking your venue or caterer ahead of time if they provide cake cutting utensils. Some do, some don’t — and sometimes the provided ones are very basic.
If detail photos and cohesive styling are important to you, you might consider bringing your own set. There are so many cute options now — vintage servers, gold or champagne-toned sets, engraved heirloom pieces, or even something thrifted that feels unique to you.
It’s a small detail, but it can make your cake cutting photos feel a little more intentional and personal.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about perfect details — it’s about the two of you, the people you love, and the commitment you’re making.
These little items simply help tell the story of your day in a richer, more personal way. And if you forget something? I promise the photos — and the memories — will still be beautiful.
My job is to document your day as it truly felt, not just how it looked.
