What to Pack in Your Wedding Day Bag

Photo: Elizabeth Nord Photography

It’s 2 days before your wedding and all of your family and friends are starting to arrive to town. Tomorrow is your ceremony rehearsal and welcome reception. You’re ready to check into that luxury hotel suite you splurged on and to let the next few days fly by while taking your breath away with it. You’re settling into the couch getting ready to watch this week’s episode of Abbott Elementary and it hits you… YOU NEED TO PACK.

But pack what?

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve gotten a panic filled text from a couple asking me what they’re missing as they are frantically packing their bags knowing full well that they’re going to forget something important. That’s where we, your team of Chicago Wedding Planners, come in clutch with the ultimate list of “Don’t Forgets” (what my husband calls our shopping list) for packing for your wedding day.

Here it is, no email required. Just bookmark this page for later: (and for bonus tips, check out our blog post on How To Efficiently Pack Your Wedding Decor)

Day-of Items (if applicable):

• Invitation Suite

• Day-of Signage and Decor (Menus, programs, napkins, coasters, welcome sign, framed photos, koozies, escort cards, bar signs, dessert signs, etc.)

• Honor Attendants Gifts

• Cake Knife, Server and Topper

• Table numbers and table number holders (test prior to packing)

• Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

• Vow Books or Letters

• Marriage License

• Guest Book with Pens

• Wedding Pro Gratuities

• Toasting Flutes

• Snacks for Honor Attendants

• Clear Umbrella (if rain is in the forecast)

• Flower Child Basket/Signs for Ring Bearers

• Print Out of Toasts/SpeechesLighters

• Card Box

• Ceremony Elements (Unity Candle, Religious Items, etc.)

Couple's Accessories:

• Dress (with appropriate intimates)

• Suit (Shirt, Undershirt, Vest, Tie, Cufflinks, Pants, Belt, Suspenders, Pocket Square)

• Hairpins

• Jewelry

• Shoes/Heels (plus dancing shoes!)

• Perfume or Cologne

• Rings

• Deodorant

• Veil/Headpiece

• Overnight bag (Pajamas, sleepwear, intimates, shoes, clothes, etc.)

• Personal Makeup

• Personal Medications

• Handkerchief

• Light Sweater

• Nice Hangers for Suit/Dress

• Cell Phone Chargers

• Extra Cash and IDs

• Family Heirlooms

• Outfits for going out post-wedding

• Garter

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