Wedding day checklist

This is the list for the day itself: what not to forget, and who does what. It is not the plan for the months before, and it is not the times. For those, use the wedding checklist and the wedding day timeline. For quick fixes on the day, see the wedding emergency kit.

The morning

Give each person one job the night before. Then the two of you can get ready without being asked.

The couple. Eat breakfast, drink water and get dressed when the timeline says. Leave the questions to everyone else.

The maid of honor. She keeps the getting-ready space calm, holds the emergency kit and makes sure everyone has eaten and is on time for hair and makeup.

The best man. He holds the rings and the vendor phone list, and gets the groomsmen dressed and to the ceremony on time.

Parents. They arrive at the time on the timeline and bring the guest book. They can also hold the tip envelopes and hand them over at the right moment.

Before you leave

These are the things that can't be replaced on the day. Give each one a holder, and check it off the night before.

• The rings.
• The marriage license.
• Your vows, and copies of any toasts.
• Your outfits, accessories and shoes, plus comfortable shoes for later.
• Phone chargers and a power bank.
• Tip envelopes, each marked with a name.
• A printed timeline and vendor list, in case a phone dies.
• The emergency kit.

The day before

Send the venue, photographer and DJ the same packet, so everyone has the same version. Each one needs a different part of it.

• The timeline. For all three.
• The shot list. For the photographer, with your family photo groups.
• The song list. For the DJ, with your must-plays and your do-not-plays.
• The vendor contact list. For the venue and your day captain, with a name and a phone number for each vendor.
• The final numbers. For the venue and caterer: the final guest count and any meal choices.

Through the day

Hand the day to a day captain. This is a friend or family member who keeps the timeline, and is the person vendors ask. Then nobody has to find you. Read more about the day-of coordinator and the day captain.

For family photos, name one person who knows both families to call the groups from your list. The photographer takes the photos and that person finds the people. It is quicker, and everyone is called by someone they know.

Day mode, part of Plus, gives each person their own timeline on their phone and moves the rest of the day when it runs behind.

At the end

Decide before the day who takes what home, and tell them.

• Gifts and cards. Name one person, such as a parent or the best man, to take the card box and gifts to a safe place.
• Tip envelopes. Hand them out at the right moments. Your day captain can do it, if you ask.
• Flowers and decor. Say who takes the bouquets, the centerpieces and anything borrowed.
• Your things. The guest book, the emergency kit and the outfit go home with a named person.

Frequently asked questions

What do we need on our wedding day?

The things that can't be replaced: the rings, the marriage license, your vows, your outfits and shoes, phone chargers, tip envelopes, and a printed timeline with a vendor list. Add a small emergency kit for quick fixes. Give each item a holder and check it off the night before.

What do we give the venue, photographer and DJ the day before?

Send the same packet to each of them. It holds the timeline, the photo shot list, the song list, the vendor contact list and your final numbers. Your venue and caterer need the final guest count, your photographer needs the shot list and family photo groups, and your DJ needs the song list.

What does the wedding party handle?

Give each person one clear job the night before. The maid of honor looks after the bride and the emergency kit, the best man holds the rings and the vendor list, and parents can hold the guest book and tip envelopes. A friend or family member can act as day captain and keep the timeline.

Who keeps the rings and the license?

Most couples give the rings to the best man or the maid of honor, and hand them over just before the ceremony. Keep the marriage license in one safe place with one named person. Ask your officiant who files it afterward, and write down the answer.

Can it remind our wedding party on the day?

Yes. Day mode, part of Plus, sends each person their own timeline for the day and a nudge before their moments. Everyone sees only what is theirs, so you are not answering questions all day.