10 Wedding Day Must-Haves Every Bride Needs (From a Photographer and Formerly Chaotic Bride)

Planning your wedding is a wild ride of tiny details you didn’t even know you needed to think about—bandaids, extra water bottles, pretty hangers, deodorant, hair ties, maybe even that one lint roller that magically disappears. Sometimes you’re so buried in the small stuff that you forget the actually necessary things (hi, yes, this happened to me).

So, in the spirit of saving you from my mistakes and helping you prep like the calm, collected queen you are, here are my top wedding day must-haves—the things that actually make your day smoother.

Let’s dive in.

1. Snacks + Water Bottles (A Non-Negotiable Wedding Day Must-Have)

This was high on my husband’s list when he helped me write this, and honestly? He’s not wrong. Snacks are ESSENTIAL.

Most brides forget to eat on their wedding day (I’ve seen it dozens of times), and by the time the reception rolls around, you’ve been running on nothing but adrenaline, hairspray fumes, and maybe a mimosa.

Pack snacks. Bring water. Future You will thank you.

2. A Sweetheart Table

Okay, this one’s personal preference—but hear me out.
A sweetheart table gives you two things:

• A chance to actually EAT

• A tiny moment alone together in the middle of the chaos

When you sit at a head table, people come up to chat, hug, congratulate, interrupt, ask questions… it never stops. A sweetheart table gives you breathing room and a little bubble of just-the-two-of-you time.

3. Bug Spray

If you’re getting married in New England during spring or summer, this is NOT optional.

Woods + water = mosquitos that have absolutely no chill.
Bug spray is one of those wedding day must-haves you don’t think about until you’re already being eaten alive. Keep some handy for portraits, wedding party photos, or anytime you’re near plants that look too pretty.

4. Hand Warmers

For my late fall and winter couples—this one’s for you.

There is nothing worse than trying to smile through numb fingers and frozen toes during portraits. Hand warmers (and foot warmers!) are small, cheap, and incredibly effective. You can even tuck the foot warmers into strappy sandals or hide hand warmers behind your bouquet.

5. A Coat or Some Kind of Wrap

This gets forgotten ALL the time—especially by brides.
Bridesmaids almost always have shawls, but brides? Not so much.

Get something warm to throw on between shots. You don’t have to wear it in photos, but having it will make you 10x happier. (I forgot mine at my own wedding—shout-out to my cousin who randomly had a fur wrap in her car. A blessing.)

6. Extra Shoes (One of the Most Practical Wedding Day Must-Haves)

Wear the cute heels. Live your best life.
But also bring backup shoes.

You’re going to be on your feet for hours—standing, walking, dancing, hugging, posing. Even comfortable shoes get tiring. Flats, sandals, a second pair of heels… anything is better than suffering through blisters.

7. A Reception Bag

This is one of the most brilliant things our venue provided.

They gave us a huge LL Bean tote (that legendary giant canvas bag), and all the bridesmaids tossed their purses, shoes, shawls, phones, chargers, deodorant—everything—right into it.

It gets delivered to your reception so no one is scrambling for their belongings or handing off purses right before the ceremony. A true unsung hero.

8. Clear Umbrellas

Rain happens. And honestly? Some of the dreamiest photos happen in drizzle.

Clear umbrellas are lifesavers—they keep you dry, look aesthetic in photos, and make it possible to shoot outside even if the weather isn’t ideal. I keep a bunch in my car for this exact reason.

9. An Emergency Bag

Your planner probably has one.
Your photographer might have one (I do).
But YOU should have one too—especially for personal essentials.

Include:

• Bandaids

• Safety pins

• Tide pen

• Tylenol

• Tampons

• Chapstick

• Lotion

• Moleskin

• Blister pads

• Fashion tape

• Mini sewing kit

• Deodorant

You won’t need it until you really need it.

10. A Point Person

This is one of the most important wedding day must-haves: a designated human who handles questions, decisions, vendor communication, and the random “Where should the gift table go?” situations that WILL happen.

Your Maid of Honor is often the best fit, but it can be anyone you trust.
The key is that this person shields you from unnecessary stress.

My sister and I were each other’s point people for our weddings and let me tell you—it changes EVERYTHING.

These are some of the most beneficial things to have from my experience as a bride AND a photographer, but I know that my list of must haves will continue to grow!!

Learn from my chaos, friend.
I wish someone had handed me a list like this before our wedding—because guess who forgot half of it and ended up scrambling the morning of? (Hi, it me 🙋‍♀️). These are the not-so-glamorous, absolutely necessary little things that will make your wedding day smoother, happier, and less “where the heck is the lint roller?!”

Grab the list, pack your bag, and breathe a little easier.
And if you’re still looking for a photographer who’s basically a walking wedding toolkit with a camera in hand—let’s chat. I’m here for the beauty and the backup plans.