The Ultimate Day-of Wedding Checklist Every Couple Needs

Plus, we break down the top three tasks you'll need to complete the night before your big day.

In This Article

As you well know—or will soon learn—checklists are essential tools when planning a wedding. Though they may seem like a small detail, these little lists will help keep you organized and on schedule throughout your big day. What's more, checklists are required if you and your partner want to have a stress-free wedding experience you'll remember fondly for the rest of your lives.

Elizabeth McKellar, the owner of The Nouveau Romantics, a destination wedding planning company, also knows this to be true. As a wedding planner, she's been organizing, designing, and producing events around the world for over a decade with the use of checklists to get the job done. In fact, she acknowledges that not having a to-do list typically results in avoidable mishaps, like forgetting your marriage license, losing your wedding rings, and not having enough cash to tip your vendors.

Meet the Expert

Elizabeth McKellar is the founder and creative director of The Nouveau Romantics, a destination wedding planning company with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Texas.

To help you steer clear of any emergencies, we put together a simple day-of wedding to-do list all couples should follow. Plus, we provide a few tips on how to effectively prep for your big day to ensure a calm and peaceful experience. Read on for more.

The Top 3 Tasks to Complete the Night Before Your Wedding

Before tackling any day-of checklist items, there are a few tasks you'll need to get done in advance of your big day. Here, we list out three essential prep items to complete prior to marrying the love of your life.

Pack an emergency kit.

You can't predict when an accident will happen, but you can be prepared to handle a crisis if one comes your way. That's why it's essential to pack an emergency kit, preferably before the morning of your wedding, so you can ensure you're equipped with everything you need in case of an emergency.

Though every kit will vary based on an individual's needs, some essential items all kits should have are pain reliever, stain remover, safety pins, needle and thread, bandages, hairspray, deodorant, tissues, floss and mints, bobby pins and hair ties, lint roller, snacks, and a water bottle.

Remind your wedding party of everything they need to bring the next day.

While you may have a plan for storing all your day-of outfits, your wedding party might need a reminder to do the same. McKellar explains, "For bridal parties or anyone who is changing, [their] original clothes are going to be somewhere. [Have them] bring something to put those clothes in so [they] can bring them home at the end of the night." Be sure to remind them of any accessories, makeup products, and other day-of items they'll need to have the morning of the wedding.

Include a bag as part of the wedding party gift to ensure everyone has somewhere to put their change of clothes or heels.

Ensure everyone knows what tasks they have to complete the morning of the wedding.

Whether you're hiring a wedding planner or not, you should appoint several trusted individuals to take ownership of certain tasks, like bringing the rings to the venue, creating a playlist for when you're getting ready, keeping the bridesmaids and groomsmen on time, and even making sure you have something to eat and drink throughout the day. According to McKellar, you should also assign someone to gather pieces of décor, leftover favors, and other items after the reception. "Who is doing that, and are they clear on the range of what that includes?"

A Simple Day-of Wedding To-Do List

Realistically, you shouldn't have much to do on your wedding day, as you'll have your wedding party (and day-of coordinator, if you've hired one) to help handle any last-minute tasks. That said, there are a few day-of checklist items all couples should be aware of, which McKellar highlights below.

Tasks to Complete the Morning of Your Wedding

• Start your morning with a journal entry to document your day.
• Eat breakfast.
• Ensure you have all the items you need in your emergency kit.
• Designate someone to bring your bag and kit to the venue (if you haven't already).
• Create a wedding party group chat (if you haven't already).
• Connect your parents with a friend or coordinator as their day-of contact.
• Be mindful of the time when getting ready.
• Have a mimosa to ease your nerves.
• Use the restroom before putting on your clothes.
• Stay off your feet as much as possible when getting ready.
• Finalize your vows (if you haven't already), and give them to your maid of honor or best man.
• Ask a bridesmaid to keep the room clean while everyone is getting ready.
• Set aside any accessories, paper goods, and items you'd like your photographer to shoot.
• Give your wedding party their gifts (if you haven't already).
• Eat a snack before leaving for the venue.
• Give your partner their gift.
• Go outside for some fresh air.
• Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode or turn it off (you won't need it).

Tasks to Complete for Your Ceremony and Reception

• Confirm you have your wedding rings.
• Confirm you have your marriage license.
• Have vendors' tips ready in assigned envelopes.
• Review your wedding-day timeline.
• Thank your wedding party for being by your side.
• Spend a few minutes alone with your partner, either before or after exchanging vows.
• Stay hydrated.
• Confirm someone gave out the vendor tips at the end of the night.
• Have fun and enjoy the moment!