10 Things Brides Forget on Their Wedding Day | Wedding Day Checklist

Your wedding day has been planned for months, maybe even years. You’ve chosen your wedding dress, booked your vendors, picked out your flowers, finalized the timeline, and probably have a Pinterest board full of details you don’t want to forget. But when the big day finally arrives, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook a few of the little things.

At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in Watertown, Wisconsin, we’ve helped brides prepare for their wedding day since 1989. We know that while the big details tend to be covered, it’s often the small, practical things that get forgotten once the excitement begins.

So, before your wedding day arrives, save this list! Here are 10 things brides often forget on their wedding day, plus a few simple ways to make sure they’re taken care of ahead of time.

1. Someone to Carry Your Phone, Lipstick & Essentials

On your wedding day, you probably won’t want to carry a purse around, and you definitely don’t want your phone tucked into your wedding dress!

Designate a trusted person to carry the little essentials you may want throughout the day. This could be your maid of honor, bridesmaid, mom, sister, or another member of your wedding party.

Consider having them carry:

• Your phone

• Lipstick or lip gloss for touch-ups

• Tissues

• Breath mints

• A small mirror

• Powder or other makeup essentials

• Safety pins

• Band-Aids

• Any other small personal items you may need

Wedding day tip: Put everything into one small clutch or bag so your designated person knows exactly what they’re responsible for.

2. Breaking in Your Wedding Shoes

Your wedding shoes may look absolutely beautiful with your wedding dress, but beautiful shoes aren’t always comfortable shoes, especially after several hours of standing, walking, dancing, and celebrating.

If you’re wearing new wedding shoes, break them in before your wedding day.

Wear them around your home for short periods of time. Practice walking in them, going up and down stairs, and getting a feel for how they move with your wedding dress.

And don’t forget to pack a backup option! A comfortable pair of flats, sandals, sneakers, or reception shoes can be a lifesaver once the dancing begins.

3. Snacks & Water While Getting Ready

Between hair, makeup, photos, getting dressed, and the excitement of the morning, it’s easy to forget to eat and drink.

But your wedding day is a long day!

Have water and easy-to-eat snacks available while you’re getting ready. Choose foods that are filling but not overly messy.

Some easy options include:

• Granola or protein bars

• Fruit

• Crackers

• Cheese

• Sandwiches or wraps

• Trail mix

• Yogurt

• Plenty of water

Even if you’re nervous or have butterflies in your stomach, try to eat something. You’ll be glad you did when you’re still going strong hours later.

4. Your Marriage License

This is one of those details that can easily get lost in the excitement, but it’s an important one! Make sure your marriage license is where it needs to be on your wedding day. Designate one responsible person to keep track of it and make sure it arrives at the ceremony. Talk with your officiant ahead of time about exactly what they need and when. You’ve spent so much time planning the celebration. Don’t let an important piece of paperwork become an afterthought!

5. A Few Private Moments With Your New Spouse

Your wedding day can feel like a whirlwind. You’ll have family and friends wanting hugs, congratulations, photos, and a few minutes of your time. Your photographer may have a timeline to follow. Your wedding party will need you. Before you know it, the day is over. That’s why we love the idea of scheduling a few private moments with your new spouse.

It could be a quiet moment together after your ceremony, a few minutes alone during your reception, or simply stepping outside together to take a breath. Put down your phones. Take a deep breath. Look at each other. Let yourselves really soak in the fact that you’re married! These quiet moments may end up being some of your favorite memories from the entire day.

6. A Touch-Up Kit

Your wedding day makeup may look perfect when you leave the bridal suite, but you’ll likely want a few things available for touch-ups throughout the day.

Ask your maid of honor, bridesmaid, or another trusted person to carry a small emergency kit containing:

• Lipstick or lip gloss

• Powder

• Tissues

• Bobby pins

• Hair spray

• Safety pins

• Band-Aids

• Stain remover

• Breath mints

• Deodorant

• Blotting papers

You don’t need to carry everything yourself. The key is simply making sure someone knows where these items are when you need them.

7. A Comfortable Pair of Shoes for the Reception

This deserves its own reminder! Your wedding shoes may be perfect for walking down the aisle, but after hours of celebrating, your feet may have other plans.

If your shoes aren’t designed for an entire night of dancing, pack a comfortable backup pair. And remember: your reception shoes don’t have to match your wedding dress perfectly. If a fun pair of sneakers, flats, or sandals makes you more comfortable and ready to dance, go for it!

8. The Little Details for Your Photographer

You’ve probably thought about your wedding portraits, family photos, and wedding party pictures—but don’t forget the small details you’ll want photographed, too.

Before the wedding, gather the items you’d like your photographer to capture together in one place.

This might include:

• Your wedding rings

• Invitation suite

• Wedding shoes

• Jewelry

• Perfume

• Veil or hair accessories

• Something sentimental

• Family heirlooms

• Wedding day stationery

Having these items ready makes it easier for your photographer to capture those beautiful detail photos without having to search for everything.

9. Someone to Know the Wedding Day Timeline

You don’t want to spend your wedding day wondering, “What are we supposed to be doing next?” Give a trusted person a copy of your wedding day timeline and vendor contact information.

This person could be your maid of honor, wedding coordinator, family member, or another member of your wedding party. Their job isn’t to make decisions for you—it’s to help answer questions and direct people when needed so you can stay focused on enjoying your day.

Your wedding day should not feel like a workday.

Let someone else handle the little logistics whenever possible.

10. Taking a Moment to Enjoy It All

This might be the biggest thing brides forget. You’ve spent so much time planning your wedding that it can be easy to get caught up in whether everything is happening exactly as planned.

But your wedding day doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Your flowers might not look exactly like the inspiration photo. Your timeline may run a little behind. Someone might spill something. The weather may change.

Look at your spouse. Look at your family. Look at your friends who traveled to celebrate with you. Let yourself be present for the day you worked so hard to create.

Years from now, you probably won’t remember whether every little detail went according to plan. You’ll remember how you felt, and the people you shared it with.

Your Wedding Day Checklist: The Little Things Matter

As you prepare for your wedding, remember that the little details can make a big difference in how comfortable and relaxed you feel throughout the day.

Before your wedding day, make sure you have:

☐ Someone to carry your phone and personal essentials
☐ Broken in your wedding shoes
☐ Snacks and water for getting ready
☐ Your marriage license ready for the ceremony
☐ Time set aside for private moments with your spouse
☐ A wedding day touch-up kit
☐ Comfortable reception shoes
☐ Your photographer detail items together
☐ Someone who knows the wedding day timeline
☐ A plan to slow down and enjoy the moment

And, of course, don’t forget the most important thing: your wedding dress!

A Little Wedding Day Advice From Sandra D’s

After helping brides find their wedding dresses and prepare for their big day for more than 35 years, we’ve learned that wedding planning isn’t just about finding the perfect dress. It’s about helping you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident as you head into one of the most memorable days of your life.

At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in Watertown, Wisconsin, we offer a personal, boutique-style wedding dress shopping experience with a thoughtfully curated selection of bridal gowns and personalized service.

Whether you’re searching for a classic lace wedding dress, a simple and elegant satin gown, something romantic and detailed, or a style that feels completely like you, we’re here to help you enjoy the process.

Because your wedding dress is important, but how you feel wearing it matters even more.

Ready to start wedding dress shopping? We’d love to welcome you to Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in downtown Watertown, Wisconsin.

What do brides commonly forget on their wedding day?

Brides often forget small but important items such as comfortable shoes, snacks and water, lipstick for touch-ups, their marriage license, and time to spend privately with their new spouse.

What should a bride have with her while getting ready?

A bride should have water, easy-to-eat snacks, makeup touch-up items, tissues, comfortable shoes, and any personal or sentimental items she wants photographed.

What should a bride bring to the ceremony?

One of the most important documents to remember is the marriage license. The couple should also make sure any rings, vows, ceremony details, or other required items are accounted for before leaving for the ceremony.

How can a bride make her wedding day less stressful?

The best way to reduce wedding-day stress is to prepare the night before, delegate responsibilities to trusted people, build extra time into the schedule, stay hydrated and fed, and remember that the goal is to enjoy the celebration.