The Ultimate Wedding Packing List for Every Part of Your Big Day

You won't forget a thing with this handy guide.

Illustration: Tiana Crispino for The Knot

Updated Jan 10, 2024

We're all familiar with that pit-in-your-stomach sensation when something important gets left behind. What's worse is when it happens on your wedding day. From getting ready essentials to packing your overnight bag there's a lot to remember. Avoid that "we forgot something" panic with a wedding packing list covering everything you need.

Every Task You Need to Complete During Wedding Week

With help from Michelle Myers, wedding planner and owner of Michelle's Main Event based in Winchester, Virginia, we came up with a handy checklist of what to pack for your full day of activities. Myers added the best way to remember what to bring to your wedding is by hiring a professional planner to help with all of the details. Along with a handy list, she said "there's nothing like having your own personal guide on the side who has a genuine passion for all things weddings—and a relationship with the client—to ensure preparedness."

Every Task You Need to Complete During Wedding Week

Wedding Attire Must-Haves

Along with your wedding-day attire, don't forget to bring along the outfit you'll wear beforehand. "For the bride and her squad, it's important for them to wear appropriate attire which lends itself to hair styling, makeup artistry, and dressing with ease," Myers said. "This often means coordinating / personalized dressing robes, PJs that button up, and slippers. At the very least, a button-down shirt and bottoms of choice." Here's the attire the to-be-weds need to bring on the big day.

Dressing robe
Photo-worthy PJs
Slippers
Wedding dress
Padded or decorative hanger
Undergarments
Pantyhose
Veil
Hair accessories
Engagement ring
Jewelry (necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc.)
Garter set
Clutch or handbag
Wedding/dress shoes
Tuxedo or suit jacket
Vest
Pressed shirt
Pressed pants
Suspenders
Tie or bow tie
Tie clip
Cufflinks
Belt
Socks
Handkerchief
Garment bags

Wedding Details for Photos

A collection of details including invitations, shoes and keepsake items make beautiful photos in your wedding album. Set these items out for your photographer before they arrive so you don't have to scramble to find them later.

Wedding invitation suite (RSVP card, decorative envelope and other extras)
Sentimental items (handkerchief, family heirloom, jewelry etc.)
Vow books
Handwritten notes
Wedding rings
Ring boxes
Wedding shoes
Tie
Veil

Getting Ready Checklist

Myers said the getting ready space sets the vibe for the day. "Great lighting/ring lights, music, full-length mirrors, hearty and healthy finger foods, beverages, and climate control all contribute to making the getting ready experience great." One thing she sees that is often left behind is a wedding emergency kit. "I frequently am offering safety pins and have sewn buttons and repaired zippers on more than one occasion," she said. "One item I've used that no client or guest has ever had on hand is my hot glue gun."

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Snacks
Water
Champagne or other alcohol
Personalized tumblers or drinking glasses for photos
Hangers
Rolling rack
Steamer
Towels
Tissues
Wedding emergency kit (bobby pins, lash glue, static guard, small sewing kit, etc.)
Pain medicine
Hairbrush and comb
Hairspray
Perfume
Stain remover
Fashion tape
Portable speaker
Phone charger
Makeup (if not done professionally)
Lipstick for touch-ups
Playing cards
Poker chips
Wedding party games
Pen and notepad
Wedding day timeline

Ceremony Must-Haves

Ceremony wedding packing list items depend on your venue and if you're tying the knot inside or outdoors. Myers said the weather can affect what you need to bring. "Some couples use a fan to serve as the program or other hand-held fans. I encourage umbrellas as well, in case of rain and sometimes for shade." Include these must-haves on your checklist of ceremony extras to buy.

Marriage license
Photo ID and any paperwork needed for the ceremony
Programs
Welcome sign and easel
Aisle markers
Wedding arch
Wedding vows
Guest book and pen
Card box
Ring bearer pillow
Flower girl basket
Flower petals
Aisle runner
Unity ceremony items
Religious items (communion wafers, smash pouch etc.)
Aisle decorations
Water for guests
Blankets or fans for guests
Chair covers
Umbrellas
Aisle exit items (bubbles, flags etc.)

Reception Wedding Packing List

Choose wedding reception extras that reflect you and your partner. "I love building relationships with my clients for many reasons, but one is to get to know them, their style [and] their vision in order to encourage ways to personalize their reception so that it looks and feels like them," Myers said. "Decor details and fun items that contribute to the party often help to do this. I've seen cardboard cutouts of pets, large foam glow sticks, leis, the Pittsburgh cookie table, beautiful memory tables and so much more." Include these items on your reception wedding packing list. Some of these items might appear on your ceremony checklist as well.

Cake topper
Cake knife and server
Champagne flutes
Guest book
Card box
Place cards
Table numbers
Seating assignment display
Welcome sign
Photo booth props
Bar sign
Centerpiece details (in addition to or in place of flowers)
Candles
Personalized napkins
Guest favors
Menus
Sentimental photos
Bathroom basket items (pain medicine, deodorant, tissues etc.)
Programs
Wedding games
Extra copies of guest speeches
Comfortable backup shoes
Sparklers, glow wands, bubbles etc. (for sendoff)

Wedding Gifts and Payments

Include any remaining vendor payments and tips in your day of wedding packing list. Don't forget any gifts you want to give your partner and wedding party on the day of your celebration.

Vendor payments
Vendor and server tips in envelopes
Wedding party gifts
Gifts for your partner
Welcome bags for out-of-town guests
Extra cash (just in case)

Overnight Bag Packing List

If you and your partner are staying overnight somewhere away from home after your wedding, you'll need to pack an overnight bag. Leave your bag in your car or store it in a secure location at your venue so you can easily grab it as you leave. Include everyday items in your wedding night packing list.

Pajamas/lingerie
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
Comfortable shoes and socks
Outfit for brunch or any next morning activities
Undergarments
Jewelry
Makeup remover
Face wash
Skincare products
Hairbrush/comb
Hair styling tools
Deodorant
Nail clippers and file
Makeup bag
Prescription medication
Feminine hygiene products
Phone charger

Weekend Wedding Packing List

Are you planning a full weekend of activities for you and your wedding guests? Add these must-haves to the overnight category above to create a packing list for a wedding weekend.