This Is the Only Wedding Packing List You Need

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

Design: Tiana Crispino

Updated May 15, 2025

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 that covers everything you need. With help from Michelle Myers, wedding planner and owner of Michelle's Main Event, we came up with a handy checklist of everything you'll need to pack for your wedding.

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After you read over our wedding essentials list, you might notice some items you didn't think about and don't have. No need to panic—we got you covered. For example, you can browse The Knot Invitations to find all the day-of stationery products you need, like programs, napkins, coasters and much more.

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In this article: Wedding Shopping List | Wedding Packing List

Wedding Must-Haves Checklist

Want something you can easily reference later for all the items you need for a wedding? Then, bookmark, print or download the visual below for quick access. (For those who love ticking off things in a list format, look at these week of the wedding tasks and to-dos on our wedding day checklist.)

List of essential things needed for a wedding that couples need to pack

Wedding Packing List

There's an abundance of specific things needed for a wedding that you shouldn't forget. Keep reading to see all the necessities split into eight helpful categories.

Attire

Myers, who's been a wedding planner since 2013, says to-be-weds should wear appropriate attire that works easily with hairstyling, makeup and dressing demands. This is where coordinating or personalized robes, button-up PJs and slippers come into play. Here's the wedding accessories and attire the couples need to bring in their bags.

Dressing robe
Photo-worthy pajamas
Slippers
Wedding dress
Padded or decorative hangers
Undergarments
Pantyhose
Veil
Engagement ring
Jewelry
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

Details for Photos

A collection of details including invitations, shoes and keepsake items make beautiful photos in your wedding album. Set out these necessary things for a wedding flatlay before your photographer arrives 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 heirlooms and jewelry)
Vow books
Handwritten notesWedding rings
Ring boxes
Wedding shoes
Tie
Veil

Getting Ready

Myers says the getting-ready space sets the vibe for the day. "Great lighting, 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's often left behind is a survival kit for the wedding day. "I frequently offer safety pins, have sewn on buttons and even repaired zippers on more than one occasion," she says. The following are the 24 items needed for wedding packing checklists before the ceremony.

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Snacks
Water
Champagne or other beverages
Personalized tumblers or drinking glasses for photos
Hangers
Rolling clothing rack
Steamer
Towels
Tissues
Wedding emergency kit (bobby pins, lash glue, static guard, small sewing kit, etc.)
Pain medicine
Hairbrush and comb
Hair spray
Hair accessories
Razor and shaving cream
Aftershave
Perfume
Stain remover
Fashion tape
Portable speaker
Phone charger
Makeup (if not done professionally)
Lipstick/gloss for touch-ups
Board/card games
Pen and notepad
Wedding day timeline

Ceremony

For those who want to know what to bring to a wedding ceremony, the answer depends on your venue and whether you're tying the knot inside or outdoors. During an outdoor wedding in the summer heat, for example, Myers has seen couples get creative by offering fans that double as ceremony programs. No matter the forecast, she always encourages to-be-weds to bring umbrellas in case of rain or to provide shade. Include these must-haves and more on your checklist of ceremony extras to buy.

Marriage license
Photo ID and any paperwork needed for the ceremony
Ceremony programs
Vow books
Guest book and pen
Card box
Ring bearer pillow
Flower girl basket
Flower petals
Unity ceremony items
Religious ceremony items
Handheld fans
Umbrellas

Reception

Have something sentimental you want to incorporate into your wedding day? Add it to your list of wedding reception extras. "One of the many reasons I love building relationships with my clients is because I get to know them, their style and their vision, which helps me personalize their reception," Myers says. "Decor details and fun items that contribute to the party often help to do this. I've seen everything from cardboard cutouts of pets to large foam glow sticks," she adds. For your reception wedding day packing list, ensure you and your partner focus on the small wedding details that represent your relationship with one another, your shared interests and more. (Some items from the ceremony list are necessary for the reception too.)

Cake topper
Cake knife and server
Champagne flutes
Guest book and pen
Card box
Photo booth props
Wedding favors
Sentimental photos
Wedding bathroom basket (pain medicine, deodorant, tissues, etc.)
Reception programs
Wedding games
Extra copies of guest speeches
Comfortable backup shoes

Gifts and Payments

Remaining vendor payments and tips absolutely have to be on your list of stuff you need for a wedding. (If you don't already know, this is how much to tip vendors.) Also, 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
Extra cash

Overnight Bag

If you and your partner are staying away from home after your wedding, pack an overnight bag. Leave your luggage in your car or store it in a secure location at your venue so you can easily grab it as you leave. Now is the time to pack everyday items needed for a wedding checklist for an overnight getaway. (Here's a honeymoon packing list for those who are vacationing immediately after the wedding.)

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
Skincare products
Hairbrush and comb
Hairstyling tools
Deodorant
Nail clippers and file
Makeup bag
Prescription medication
Feminine hygiene products
Razor and shaving cream
Aftershave
Phone charger

Weekend Wedding

Are you planning a full weekend of activities for you and your guests? Add the following to the overnight category above to create a comprehensive list of items needed for a wedding weekend.