Wedding Day Kit | 10 Things To Do Before You Say Your Vows

Our Best Advice After 15 Years of Wedding Photography | from Twig & Olive

They say the devil is in the details, and that’s never more true than in wedding planning. The early stages are a whirlwind of meetings, budgets, and big decisions, but just when you think you’re in the clear… there’s still more to do. That’s why every couple needs a wedding day kit—a checklist of the final to-dos that will keep everything running smoothly.

While photographers are not wedding planners (we leave that to people like Ashley and Midwestern Bride, Chastity at Copper Feather Events, or Laura of Brides on a Budget), we are with you through the most significant portions of your wedding day. More than anything, we want you to enjoy this experience and be with the friends and family you invited, eat the food and drink the cocktails you picked, and have time for each other. If you can knock this list out in the final weeks, you’ll actually be able to enjoy your wedding day instead of stressing about last-minute details.

1) Home Away Logistics – Plan for During and After the Wedding

From job responsibilities to figuring out who’s feeding the cat while you’re on your honeymoon, the sooner you handle these details, the better.

If you’re taking time off after the wedding, make sure:

• Work is squared away – Get your boss and co-workers on board so you won’t have to answer emails during your honeymoon.
• Pets and houseplants are taken care of – Assign someone to check in or arrange boarding.
• Travel plans are set – Confirm flights, hotels, and transportation. If you’re heading somewhere tropical, double-check that passport expiration date.

2) Vendor Check-In – Confirming Details for Your Wedding Day Kit

Now’s the time to contact every vendor to confirm details and submit final payments.

This is also the moment to ask any lingering questions. Think your concerns are weird? Trust us when we say we’ve heard it all. It’s better to bring them up now than after the wedding when it’s too late to do anything about them.

• Have a weird uncle that makes you uncomfortable? Tell us!
• Are your dogs – who are basically your children – coming to the wedding? Let us know!
• Is there a surprise flash mob? OMG WE WANT TO KNOW!

4) Seating Chart & Vendor Meals – Last-Minute Wedding Adjustments

• Last-minute RSVPs will happen. It’s shocking how many guests just assume you’ll know they’re coming. Have a few backup seats ready.
• Politely nudge anyone who hasn’t responded. Some people think not RSVPing means they’re coming (??). Don’t take it personally.
• Feed your vendors. We’re not high-maintenance, but on long wedding days, we need food! Also, ideally, have us eat right away so we can get back to work!

6) After the Nuptials – Have a Wedding Clean-up Plan

After the party’s over, who’s in charge of cleanup? If you don’t have a planner, assign someone to handle florals, décor, and rentals.

Trust us, you do not want to be hauling decorations the morning after your wedding. That time should be reserved for brunch, relaxation, and maybe jetting off to your honeymoon.

7) Try Everything On – Check Your Bags Twice

Wardrobe malfunctions are 100% avoidable if you check everything now:

• Shoes – Wear them around the house. If they’re uncomfortable, add pads or blister blockers.
• Jewelry – Get your rings cleaned, locate cufflinks, and organize accessories in a bag.
• Gown & Suit – Try everything on one week before to ensure no surprises.
• Undergarments – If I had a dollar for every time a groom or groomsman forgot his underwear…

8) Vows & Toasts – Making It Meaningful

If you’re writing your own vows, practice them out loud. If you’re repeating after the officiant, it’s still a good idea to know what’s coming.

For wedding toasts, use these guidelines:

• 2-3 minutes MAX! Anything longer is a hostage situation.
• Spread out through the night so guests aren’t stuck listening to 20 minutes of speeches back-to-back.
• They’re Optional – If your family isn’t into speeches, skip them.

9) Gifts & Thank You Gratuities – Essentials for your Wedding Day Kit

• Welcome bags – If you have out-of-town guests, they’ll love a little something waiting for them at check-in. Bonus points for local goodies.
• Bridesmaid & groomsmen gifts – Now’s the time to wrap them up. Many couples hand them out at the rehearsal dinner.
• Vendor gratuities – If you’re tipping vendors, organize labeled envelopes in advance so they’re ready to go.

10) Self-Care & Date Night – Taking a Breath Before the Wedding

With all the chaos, don’t forget to:

• Drink water, eat actual food, and sleep. You don’t want to be running on fumes.
• Schedule a non-wedding date night. No planning, no stress—just the two of you.