Everything You Really Need to Enjoy the Day
You’ve planned for months, maybe even years—and now your big day is here. But with all the excitement (and nerves), it’s easy to forget something small that could make a big difference.
As a luxury wedding photographer in NYC—and a recent bride myself!—I’ve seen it all. I’m sharing my go-to wedding day checklist to help you feel prepared, calm, and fully present on the most magical day of your life.
Ready to check off every box? Let’s dive in.
1. The Morning of: What to Bring & Have Ready
- Your wedding dress (steamed & hanging!)
- Bridal accessories: shoes, jewelry, perfume, veil, bouquet
- Vow books or letters
- Rings (engagement + bands)
- A flat lay styling kit (as a photographer I bring mine too!)
- Invitation suite for detail shots
- Emergency kit: fashion tape, stain remover, Advil, bandaids, floss, safety pins
- Makeup touch-up kit: lip gloss (the one you’ll wear that day), mouthwash, powder (to keep everything flawless after happy tears!), and blush.
- Steamer (trust me on this one!)
- Water + light snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc.)
📌 Want the dreamiest wedding detail photos? Check out this blog on Flat Lay Styling Tips
2. For Getting Ready
- Robes or PJs for you + your bridal party
- Spotify playlist and Bluetooth speaker
- Timeline printed or shared with everyone
- Champagne (optional, but fun 😉)
✨ Pro Tip: Let your photographer know who’s most important to you so we make sure to capture them during prep time!
3. Timeline Reminders
Have a clear, relaxed timeline for the entire day. Share it with your vendors, bridal party, and family in advance.
As a recent bride, one of the best things I did was create a PDF with all details (times, contact numbers, vendor info) so everyone was on the same page. Game-changer.
📌 Still working on your timeline? Read this: How to Create the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
4. Things You Might Forget… But Shouldn’t
- Clean shoes for dancing (hello comfy flats!)
- A handwritten note or gift for your partner
- Marriage license (some couples forget this!)
- A list of must-have photos or people you don’t want to miss
Yes, you want every detail to be perfect. But the most important thing? Enjoy. Every. Second.
Let go of control. Trust your team. Be present.
Because your wedding day will fly by—and what you’ll remember most is how you felt.
And remember: photos and video are the only things that will live on after the day. (Aside from your love, of course.) Make sure you invest in a team that will capture it all beautifully.
