The Ultimate Packing List for
Weddings & Elopements
Planning your wedding or elopement can already keep you busy enough, much less to have to come up with a list of things that you are going to need to do or pack. I hope this list will give you a little peace of mind so that you can just enjoy soaking up your day, friend! I can’t wait to celebrate you!
XO, Dakota
Weddings (Scroll Down for Elopements)
Helpful Tips for the Bride & Groom
Do what you want because it’s your day. Read more about this here!
Start planning your wedding/elopement. Read more about this here!
Hire vendors that you trust & that will work well together.
Have your photographer make your wedding/elopement day timeline. Read more about his here!
Choose your wedding/elopement location. Read more about this here!
Consider your getting ready location. Spacious, clean, and lots of natural light. Your getting ready location might be the same as your wedding/elopement location. If it’s not, you will want it to be relatively close to your wedding/elopement location to help eliminate lengthy travel times.
Plan time alone with your best friend on your special day. Read more about this here!
Decide if a first look is right for you. Read more about this here!
Break in your shoes before the big day.
Make arrangements to have your ring cleaned if that’s important to you! Sparkle, sparkle.
Gather all of your details (see list below) the night before and put them in one place. You can put them in a shoe box or bag so I don’t have to ask for them while you are getting ready. Woohoo!
Bride: Give yourself at least 3 hours for hair & makeup. Hair & makeup artists need time to make their magic! Plus, you just want to enjoy being pampered. If anyone else is doing their own or having it done professionally (bridesmaids, moms, etc.), please make sure their appointments do not interfere with yours & that your hair + makeup artists & bridesmaids know they must be finished at the time noted in your timeline. It’s better to have extra time left than not enough and end up running behind schedule.
Bride: Don’t put on any jewelry, hair pieces, accessories, shoes, perfume, etc. - until photographer(s) is present so that we can get to photograph you in action!
Groom: Don’t put on any jewelry, accessories, shoes, cologne, tie, jacket, etc. - until photographer(s) are present so that we can get to photograph you in action! Just have your pants & shirt on when we arrive.
Remove all packaging & tags from your details so that your photographer doesn’t have to & you don’t have to on the day of.
When planning for any family photos, try to keep them short & sweet. Group photos can feel exhausting & time consuming, but they don’t have to. Usually, just do the immediate family (grandparents, parents, siblings + their spouses & children). Extended family can snap photos with you at the reception if they’d like.
Thinking about doing a send off? Read more about this here!
Bride
General (items that need to go in your details the day of have a 🌼 beside them)
printed timeline (for you & anyone that might need a copy)
🌼 dress
🌼 hanger for your dress (decorative/wooden/velvet hanger that looks good, keeps shoulders from sliding off, & supports weight of dress)
🌼 hangers for your bridesmaids (decorative/wooden/velvet hanger that looks good, keeps shoulders from sliding off, & supports weight of dress) *** note, not all brides care to have photos of bridesmaids’ dresses, but just in case you want them
portable steamer (if you need one for your dress/veil/bridemaid dresses)
🌼 shoes (for ceremony & reception)
insoles (if you need them)
nude/white undergarments
shapewear/spanx
sticky bra cups
🌼 veil (if you’re wearing one)
🌼 garter (if you’re wearing one)
🌼 jewelry & accessories (cool hat, earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings, hair piece, etc.)
🌼 *** ALL 3 rings (your engagement ring, your wedding band, his wedding band) ***
🌼 something new, borrowed, blue (if you want)
🌼 special items that you want photographed (a piece of jewelry you wear all of the time, a family heirloom, etc.)
🌼 a fresh copy of any stationary you have (invitation, save the date, program, etc. because they make for a great flatlay of your details)
🌼 bouquet, flower crown, etc. (these are gorgeous additions to your detail shots)
🌼 extra petals/greenery (ask your florist for handful of them to add to flat lay of your details)
🌼 perfume
pajamas/shirt and/or robe for getting ready
slippers/flip flops for getting ready
🌼 gifts/letters for your bridesmaids/parents/groom/someone special
🌼 vows
🌼 ring box/ring holder (if you want)
🌼 spool of silk or chiffon ribbon that matches your theme (if you want)
🌼 any other fun trinkets (if you want)
hanker-chief (better than tissues because it doesn’t leave pieces & is more delicate on makeup)
reception or sendoff outfit (if you want to party or leave in something different than your wedding dress)
jacket/shawl/kimono (winter weddings)
any toiletries, hair tools, & makeup that you might need for getting ready
For Your Peace of Mind
bluetooth speaker + good music (find or make your playlist on Spotify/Pandora beforehand)
phone charger
For Your Health
any medicines you take daily
birth control
vitamins
essential oils
hand sanitizer
Emergency Kit
tissues (you or someone else might cry, could be me)
Advil/Tylenol (aches & pains)
Pepto Bismol (relief for upset tummy)
Benadryl (bug bites/stings or allergic reactions)
extra pair of contact lenses + solution
eye drops (for dry eyes)
small sewing kit
safety pins
crochet hook (for buttons on dresses)
fabric tape (for a fallen hem, etc.)
tweezers (useful for multiple things)
small pair of scissors (always a must)
small first aid kit
sunscreen & bugspray (summer weddings)
gum or mints (because oral hygiene)
bobby pins (you can never have too many)
double-sided tape/boob tape (for the girls if something isn’t holding)
deodorant/body-glide (so you stay fresh, but can also use it anywhere you might chafe)
makeup blotting sheets (helps with excess oil on your face)
setting spray (miracle product that helps your makeup last longer)
feminine care products for emergencies (if not for you, someone else may need ‘em)
nail polish (the color you used for the wedding if you need to fix a chip)
nail file
earring backs (these darn things always come up missing)
lint roller
Tide-to-Go Pin
white chalk (can hide small stains on wedding dress)
For Your Belly
food & snacks
water (stay hydrated)
drinks & glasses/cups (check with your venue on their policy for alcoholic beverages)
straws (so you don’t mess up your lipstick)
Groom
General (items that need to go in your details the day of have a 🌼 beside them)
printed timeline (for you & anyone that might need a copy)
🌼 suit or tux (make sure all of your items fit before the big day)
🌼 hanger (decorative, wooden, velvet hanger)
portable steamer (if you need one for your suit/groomsmen’s suits)
undershirt
underwear
🌼 shoes (for ceremony & reception)
insoles (if you need them)
🌼 shoe polish kit
dress socks (you can make these fun)
🌼 tie, suspenders, pocket square, etc.
🌼 jewelry & accessories (watch, cool hat, cuff links, pins, etc.)
🌼 cologne
🌼 special items that you want photographed (a piece of jewelry you wear all of the time, a family heirloom, etc.)
🌼 boutonnière (cool addition to your detail shots)
🌼 gifts/letters for your groomsmen/parents/bride/someone special
hanker-chief (for tears or sweat)
🌼 vows
🌼 ring box/ring holder (if you want)
🌼 any other fun trinkets (if you want)
reception or sendoff outfit (if you want to party or leave in something different than your suit/tux)
any toiletries & hair tools (including shaving kit), that you might need for getting ready
For Your Peace of Mind
bluetooth speaker + good music (find or make your playlist on Spotify/Pandora beforehand)
phone charger
For Your Health
any medicines you take daily
vitamins
essential oils
hand sanitizer
Emergency Kit
tissues (you or someone else might cry, could be me)
Advil/Tylenol (aches & pains)
Pepto Bismol (relief for upset tummy)
Benadryl (bug bites/stings or allergic reactions)
extra pair of contact lenses + solution
eye drops (for dry eyes)
small sewing kit
safety pins
fabric tape (for a fallen hem, etc.)
tweezers (useful for multiple things)
nail file
small pair of scissors (always a must)
small first aid kit (for cuts & booboos)
sunscreen & bugspray (summer weddings)
gum or mints (because oral hygiene)
deodorant/body glide (so you stay fresh, but can also use it anywhere you might chafe)
lint roller
Tide-to-Go Pin
For Your Belly
food & snacks
water (stay hydrated)
drinks & glasses/cups (check with your venue on their policy for alcoholic beverages)
Bride & Groom
vows (okay, so I’ve listen it twice, but it’s that important)
marriage license
vendor gifts & thank you notes
any items you need to drop off at venue (special decor, favors, etc)
bags packed for honeymoon
passport/ID, wallet, cash, flight info, boarding pass, lodging info, rental car info, etc.
Elopements
Before delving into this list, please know that you are going to want to pack as light as possible if you are eloping and hiking is involved. Because you will be together the whole day, I am able to consolidate this list as you will be able to share some items. You might not be hiking far, so some of these things might not apply.
Helpful Tips for the Bride & Groom
Do what you want because it’s your day. Read more about this here!
Start planning your wedding/elopement. Read more about this here!
Have your photographer make your wedding/elopement day timeline. Read more about his here!
Choose your wedding/elopement location. Read more about this here!
Consider your getting ready location. Spacious, clean, and lots of natural light. Your getting ready location might be the same as your wedding/elopement location. If it’s not, you will want it to be relatively close to your wedding/elopement location to help eliminate lengthy travel times.
Break in your shoes before the big day.
Make arrangements to have your ring cleaned if that’s important to you! Sparkle, sparkle.
Remove all packaging & tags from your details so that your photographer doesn’t have to & you don’t have to on the day of.
Bride
General
backpack
garment bag/protective bag for attire (waterproof)
dress
layers to wear while hiking that are weather/condition appropriate (leggings, joggers, thermals, pants, jacket, wind breaker, etc) (no jeans because they are uncomfortable and can cause chaffing)
poncho
hiking shoes
shoes (if you opt to change into something besides your hiking shoes)
insoles (if you need them)
wool socks (pack an extra pair too)
nude/white undergarments
shapewear/spanx
sticky bra cups
veil (if you’re wearing one)
jewelry & accessories (cool hat, earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings, hair piece, etc.)
*** ALL 3 rings (your engagement ring, your wedding band, his wedding band) ***
something new, borrowed, blue (if you want)
special items that you want photographed (a piece of jewelry you wear all of the time, a family heirloom, etc.)
a fresh copy of any stationary you have (invitation, save the date, program, etc. because they make for a great flatlay of your details)
bouquet, flower crown, etc. (these are gorgeous additions to your detail shots)
extra petals/greenery (ask your florist for handful of them to add to flat lay of your details)
perfume
gifts/letters for the groom
vows
hanker-chief (better than tissues because it doesn’t leave pieces & is more delicate on makeup)
any toiletries, hair tools, & makeup that you might need for getting ready
a compact mirror
Groom
General
backpack
garment bag/protective bag for attire (waterproof)
suit or tux (make sure all of your items fit before the big day)
layers to wear while hiking that are weather/condition appropriate (leggings, joggers, thermals, pants, jacket, wind breaker, etc) (no jeans because they are uncomfortable and can cause chaffing)
undershirt
underwear
poncho
hiking shoes
shoes (if you opt to change into something besides your hiking shoes)
insoles (if you need them)
wool socks (pack an extra pair too)
tie, suspenders, pocket square, etc.
jewelry & accessories (watch, cool hat, cuff links, pins, etc.)
cologne
special items that you want photographed (a piece of jewelry you wear all of the time, a family heirloom, etc.)
boutonnière (cool addition to your detail shots)
gifts/letters for your groomsmen/parents/bride/someone special
hanker-chief (for tears or sweat)
vows
any toiletries & hair tools (including shaving kit), that you might need for getting ready
a compact mirror
Bride & Groom
General
printed timeline
vows (okay, so I’ve listen it twice, but it’s that important)
marriage license + a pen
passport/ID, wallet, cash, etc.
For Your Peace of Mind
bluetooth speaker + good music (find or make your playlist on Spotify/Pandora beforehand)
power block for your phones
For Your Health
any medicines you take daily
vitamins
essential oils
hand sanitizer
Emergency Kit
tissues (you or someone else might cry, could be me)
Advil/Tylenol (aches & pains)
Pepto Bismol (relief for upset tummy)
Benadryl (bug bites/stings or allergic reactions)
extra pair of contact lenses + solution
eye drops (for dry eyes)
small sewing kit
safety pins
crochet hook (for buttons on dresses)
tweezers (useful for multiple things)
small pair of scissors (always a must)
small first aid kit (this may have a lot of the things listed above)
sunscreen & bugspray (summer weddings)
bear spray
hand warmers
gum or mints (because oral hygiene)
bobby pins (you can never have too many)
double-sided tape/boob tape (for the girls if something isn’t holding)
deodorant/body glide (so you stay fresh, but can also use it anywhere you might chafe)
makeup blotting sheets (helps with excess oil on your face)
setting spray (miracle product that helps your makeup last longer)
feminine care products for emergencies (if not for you, someone else may need ‘em)
a roll of toilet paper/wipes
pee funnel (I know, I know, but if you are in a dress, this can help SO much)
For the Hike
snacks
water (with a filter)
matches/lighter in a ziploc bag
compass
flashlights/headlamps
pocket knife
walkie talkies
map of trail
damp towel to wrap around your bouquet to keep it fresh
blanket
quick dry towel (can be used for multiple purposes)
popup changing tent
The Honeymoon
Must Haves
passport/ ID
boarding pass (if flying)
wallet
cash
credit cards (specifically the ones you used for booking accomodations)
flight itinerary (if flying)
rental car confirmation
lodging/hotel confirmation
house keys
phone
Toiletries (liquids & gels must be TSA approved - 3.4 oz or less - if they go in your carry-on)
shampoo
conditioner
face wash
body wash
loofa/wash rag
shaving cream
razors
deodorant
facial lotion
body lotion
perfume/cologne
makeup (liquid rule may apply to some of your products)
makeup wipes
toothbrush
toothpaste
q-tips
baby wipes (great when you need to freshen up on long flights)
tampons & any other feminine products
contact case (unless you use disposables)
contacts
contact solution
eye drops
glasses/reading glasses
hair dryer
curling iron
dry shampoo
styling products
hair ties/hair accessories
nail file
tweezers
Clothing - Hot Weather
underwear
socks
shoes (make sure you have flip-flops/sandals)
tops (tanks & short sleeves)
bottoms (dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans)
pajamas
light jacket (for flight)
hat/ball cap (if ya want)
swimsuit
swimsuit coverup
Clothing - Cold Weather
underwear (maybe some long-johns too)
socks (throw in some thick ones)
shoes (boots included)
tops (long sleeves & sweaters that you can layer)
bottoms (dresses, skirts, jeans, sweat pants)
pajamas
swimsuit (if there is a hot tub)
heavy coat/jacket
light jacket (for flight)
hat/ball cap/beanie
earmuffs
gloves
scarf
For Your Health
any medicines you take daily
vitamins
essential oils
hand sanitizer
tissues (blow your nose after going through an airport; can prevent sickness)
birth control
For Your Belly
snacks
refillable water pouch/bottle
Essentials
notebook + pen
a book to read
headphones
power blocks (if you can’t charge a device & need to)
sunglasses
phone charger
small digital camera + battery + charger + sd cards
disposable camera or polaroid camera if ya like instant film
Just in Case
Advil/Tylenol (aches & pains)
Pepto Bismol (relief for upset tummy)
Benadryl (bug bites/stings or allergic reactions)
sunscreen
aloe vera
bug spray
beach towels
adapter plug (for international travel)
ziploc bags for phones & personal items (avoid rain, water, sun, sand)
a blanket
sleeping mask (if flying)
ear plugs (if flying or your spouse snores)
neck pillow (if flying)
Tips for the Airport
Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure time. I always do 2 hours before boarding time to give myself cushion.
Checked luggage goes in the cargo-hold of the plane. You can put most anything in there, but don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Your luggage could end up getting lost or delayed. Pack some toiletries & a change of clothes in your carry-on. Check your airline for luggage fees, dimension requirements, & weight requirements.
Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on & one personal item on the plane with you. Your carry-on has to be able to fit in the overhead bin on the plane (check airline for dimension requirements), but it usually does not have a weight restriction. Your personal item (can be a purse, a small bag, backpack, camera bag, or just an extra item) has to go under the seat by your feet. If you are like me, I don’t want to pay extra to check my luggage, so I only pack a carry-on. That means I put everything I need in it. If you pack toiletries or snacks in your carry-on that are liquid/gel, they have to meet TSA’s 3.4 oz regulation. Size of liquids does not matter for your checked luggage.
On occasion when we have flown internationally, some airplanes do not have the amount of overhead storage necessary for larger carry-ons. The airport asked us to check in our carry-ons to make space for small bags, free of charge, to our final destination.
Keep it basic. The more stuff you wear, the more you have to take off going through security. Jewelry (not always, but depends on situation), belts, hair pins, coats/jackets/pullovers, shoes usually are required to come off & go into a bin to be scanned. You might be scanned with a wand & even patted down for reasons not obvious to you. Be patient & don’t worry.
Wear easy to slide on/off shoes.
Keep all of your valuable things in your carry-on & personal item (usually another bag that can go under the seat by your feet).
Medicine & vitamins have to be in their original bottles. Essential oils must meet the 3.4 oz rule if they are in your carry-on.
Any electronic bigger than your cell phone has to come out of your carry-on, be put in a bin, & scanned separately.
Any food items that you pack in your carry-on or personal item also have to be removed, placed in a bin, & scanned. Consider waiting until you get through security to buy snacks or buy them on your flight.
Get registered for TSA Pre-Check (works domestically, but not always internationally).
Consider leaving valuables at home, even jewelry. Opt to wear a Qalo ring if you are traveling internationally.
Download a map of the airport before you get there so you know what gate you need to go to for a connecting flight. Sometimes your gate might be on the other side of the terminal.
Have a printed boarding pass & download it on your phone. Both are good to have.