After all of your meticulous planning and preparation, you want to start your wedding day in a relaxed way! Amidst all the excitement (and a little bit of chaos, no doubt!), it can be hard to keep track of all the little jobs that need to be done on your big day. To make sure you have all the bases covered, we’ve compiled the ultimate wedding morning checklist for brides to keep the start of your day as calm and stress free as possible.
Remember, delegation is your friend when it comes to a smooth wedding morning. You want to focus on calming any nerves, and being fully in the moment as you get ready. The last thing you need is to be running around ticking off items on a checklist. So while some of these are for you as the bride to do, there are plenty of tasks that can be delegated to family members, your bridesmaids, and of course your other half and their wedding party. Just let them know in advance what you’d like them to do on on the day, and they will be more than happy to help!
Wedding Morning Checklist
- If you want to check on the venue or set up, make sure it’s the first thing you do, so it’s out of the way.
- Introduce your reception coordinator to your wedding planner (if you’re having one), or bridesmaid/best man who will be there contact for any questions or problems during the day. (In other words, you are not to be disturbed!)
- Have your fees ready for any suppliers who need to be paid such as your florist, makeup artist and hair stylist. If it’s in cash, send someone out for cash.
- Make sure to get some cash so you can tip staff such as waiting staff on the day. We have a post on who to tip and who not to here.
- Give your contact list to one of your bridesmaids in case you need to reach one of your suppliers.
- Ask a friend to collect or take deliveries of any last-minute flowers, décor or the wedding cake.
- Your bouquet and bridal party flowers should be delivered to where you’re getting ready, so your florist should help you ensure they stay fresh.
- If your partner’s wedding party are wearing boutonnieres enquire whether they have arrived.
- Organise a breakfast spread so you and your bridal party have plenty of energy for the big day.
- Put any bubbles in the fridge to cool, and set up your glasses and bucket, or ask the venue to send them to the bridal suite.
- Set aside all your accessories, jewellery, engagement ring and wedding invite for your photographer so they can get that all-important details shot!
- Ask the tidiest bridesmaid to make sure the room stays clean for those getting-ready photos.
- Take off any underwear, socks or hair ties that might leave a print on your skin.
- If you have bridal robes or PJs, change into them.
- Give your photographer your wedding photo checklist. We have one you can print out here!
- Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer’s contact, so they know who is who.
- Have a person designated to take your presents and cards and let them know where you have assigned a place for them to be kept securely, even if it’s the venue safe. We have cute ideas of where to store them here!
- Ask your most organised friend to be at the ceremony venue early to ensure everything is in order and laid out, such as mass booklets and confetti.
- This would also be a good person to help transport any florals or decor after the ceremony that you’re hoping to repurpose for the reception.
- Ask a bridesmaid to pack water and snacks – glowing skin and energy relies on good hydration and food.
- Have a timeline prepped in advance and ask someone in the bridal party to keep an eye on the clock.
- Pack your bridal handbag – we have suggested for what to put in it here.
- If you are going from home to your wedding venue, ensure your wedding overnight bag is being transported.
Check out our guide on how to make sure your wedding morning is relaxed. We have plenty more handy checklists to keep you organised including a full wedding planning itinerary and a to-do list covering the entire day from morning to night.