As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a little pre-wedding planning can make a huge difference in how relaxed and present you feel on the big day. Whether you’re a super-organized planner or flying by the seat of your gown—this checklist is here to help you stay grounded and confident before you walk down the aisle.

Here’s your go-to pre-wedding checklist, designed to keep things stress-free and photo-ready!

1–2 Weeks Before the Wedding

1. Confirm Final Timeline
Double-check the full day-of timeline with your planner, photographer, and all key vendors. Be sure everyone is aligned—especially for things like hair/makeup, the first look, ceremony start time, and sunset photos.

2. Prep a Detail Box
Put together a box of all the items you'd like photographed before getting ready. Include:

- Rings (all of them)
- Invitation suite
- Extra Florals
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Perfume/cologne
- Vows or letters
- Any heirloom or meaningful items

3. Try on Your Full Look
Do a final try-on of your dress/suit with shoes, accessories, and undergarments. Break in your shoes a little if you haven’t yet!

4. Delegate Like a Pro
Assign point people for key tasks (like vendor questions, setup issues, or family wrangling) so you don’t get bombarded with questions day-of.

5. Finalize Shot List for Family Photos
Create a list of essential family groupings and share it with your photographer in advance. This helps keep portraits smooth and organized.

1–2 Days Before the Wedding

1. Steam Your Attire
Get everything steamed or pressed ahead of time (not the morning of!). Wrinkle-free = photo-ready.

2. Pack an Emergency Kit
Include fashion tape, safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover, breath mints, bobby pins, touch-up makeup, and pain reliever.

3. Prep Tips for the Morning:
- Eat a real breakfast (you’ll need the energy)
- Play music and keep the vibe fun + calm
- Keep the getting-ready space tidy for clean photos
- Lay out all your details for your photographer

4. Check the Weather
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or portraits, keep an eye on the forecast and talk with your planner/photographer about backup plans or umbrellas if needed.

Wedding Morning

1. Stay Hydrated + Breathe
You’re about to have one of the most beautiful, joy-filled days of your life. Drink water. Breathe deeply. Be present.

2. Soak in the Little Moments
The first look with your partner, reading your vows, hugging your parents, getting dressed with your crew—these moments fly by, but they’re everything.

3. Let Go + Trust Your Team
You’ve done the planning. Now it’s time to be fully present, enjoy your people, and live every second. I’ll be there capturing the beauty, the emotion, and everything in between.

Final Thoughts:
Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be yours. With a little prep and the right people around you, it will be unforgettable.

And if you’re looking for a photographer who’s not just here for pretty photos, but for the story behind them—I’d love to connect.