All the details you won't want to forget on the day of your wedding!


Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
From flat lays to gifts, to the piece of the groomsman's suit that is inexplicably missing 😳
Before every wedding I do a final call with the couple to go over their timeline, photo lists, and ideas for the day. At multiple times during the call I find myself defining what "details" are and how they should be prepared ahead of time. Then, at the end of the call when we're recapping, I find myself repeating the spiel again and I always think "I should write this down for them."
There are so many things to think of on the day of your wedding. So much excitement, so many nerves and anticipation! It's absolutely understandable when something falls through the cracks. Personally, I was lucky to have my wife diligently double checking everything on the day of our wedding, otherwise I might have forgotten something super important (nevermind, I DID forget all the church florals in the car at the hotel...cue my superwoman sister/bridesmaid commandeering an uncle's car to weave in and out of the busy Saturday Long Island traffic to return to the hotel and pick up the flowers, just in time!).
When that "something forgotten" is a piece of important clothing, or a ring box, or shoes, obviously that's just more stress than needed on a wedding day. Lucky for you, I've boiled down all my wedding experiences into some simple guidelines and checklist items for you to follow. Just read on below, and let me know if you have any questions or are looking for further advice!
Two weeks before your wedding...
If you are wearing a dress:
- Take the dress out and steam it, if possible. It may have been sitting in its bag or box for a year plus!
- Ask anyone wearing a dress to do the same. Try them on one last time, just to make sure it wasn't swapped for the incorrect dress (that happened once).
- Verify that all the colors and customized pieces were included correctly.
- Purchase a nicer (customized? wooden?) hangar for your suit.
- Put all pieces of clothing in a secure location.


If you are wearing a suit:
- DOUBLE CHECK THAT ALL THE PIECES OF YOUR SUIT ARE IN THE BAG AND THAT THEY FIT!!! Out of all the details that could go awry before a wedding, this is really the only thing that has actually been an issue in all the weddings that I have worked.
- Verify that all the colors and customized pieces were included correctly.
- Steam the suit. You will thank me in ten years when your photos are still wrinkle-free.
- Put all pieces of clothing in a secure location.
- Tell everyone else wearing a suit to do the same.
- Purchase a nicer (maybe wooden) hangar for your suit.


Both people should:
- Confirm timing with transportation.
- Confirm pronunciation of names with DJs.
- If any part of the day is a surprise to your partner, family, or guests, let the appropriate vendors know so they can expect it. Photographers and videographers will definitely want to document these moments! Also, make sure the vendor knows who NOT to tell beforehand to keep it a secret.
- Wrap gifts to each other, if you are giving them.
- Write your vows! Don't be the person without a personalized message if your partner is writing one 😁
- If you are doing any kind of exit with bubbles, confetti, sparklers, make sure you have someone in charge of collecting all the materials, bringing them to the location, and passing them out. Notify your photo and video team of your plans 📸








Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
One week before your wedding...
Both people should:
- Collect all your small details and heirlooms in a secure box (see the list below of what you may want to include).
- Designate someone who will be in charge of knowing where those items are on the day of your wedding.
- Remind whoever is helping with any DIY decorations about the plans to set them up.
- Communicate with the wedding party and family members the times when they need to be ready and where they need to be for photos, especially if these happen between a first look and the ceremony.
- Talk with these people personally…no one reads emails 🤷♂️
Here's your handy list with all the details you might want to bring!
Think flat lays, arrangements, special solo moments, photos with wedding party...
- Family heirlooms
- Invitations/save the dates
- Flowers: can be the bouquet and/or extra florals provided by the florist for detail photos
- All three rings (unless wedding bands are with one party and engagement ring is with another and they are not in the same location)
- Personalized clothing or jewelry
- Watches, cuff links
- Matching PJs, glasses, robes, slippers, etc. with wedding party
- Shoes
- Perfume or cologne
- Vow books
- Special glasses or bottles
- Gifts and cards to each other
- Personalized signage or florals for ceremony















Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
The day of your wedding...
Before your photographer arrives, have your point person collect those details (see previous list) and leave them near a window in your prep room.
Collect all your small details and heirlooms in a secure box (see the list above of what you may want to include).
Take suits and/or dresses out of bags and hang them up.
Pop a bottle of champagne, take a breath, and enjoy! You've made it 🍾