The Ultimate List of Things to Buy For Your Wedding

When planning your own wedding it is important to keep track of the many little bits and pieces. Even the best wedding planners can overlook a few items until the last moment, when it may be too late.

With that in mind, here is my guide to the ultimate list of things to buy for your wedding day.

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Bridal Attire

1. Bridal Veil / Hair Accessory

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I ended up wearing a fingertip length drop veil for my wedding, but now wonder if I should have worn a floor length veil instead. I strongly suggest choosing your veil and hair accessory long before your wedding day so that you know exactly which one you want to wear.

Try on the veil a few times throughout the process, take photos wearing it with your gown, and get a feel for how you will wear your hair. Only then will you know for sure which veil accessory is right for you, giving yourself plenty of time to purchase a different one. Read my complete guide to wedding veil styles to help you find the right veil length.

2. Bridal Jewelry

Just like your bridal veil and hair accessories, bridal jewelry should be chosen long before the wedding day!

Knowing what goes best with your dress is worthy of a whole other post. Some gowns with a high neckline might only call for chandelier earrings, whereas a sweetheart neckline looks stunning sans earrings, but rather a chunky necklace.

Do your homework. For example, Etsy has a large selection of stunning bridal jewelry and reasonably priced costume jewelry.

3. Bridal Shoes

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Not to sound like a vacuous Sex in the City wannabe, but shoes really do make a girl feel better sometimes. Whether you’re going full Jimmy Choo or found something perfect at a fraction of the price, the right wedding shoes just hit different. But here’s the thing: break them in BEFORE the wedding. Wear them around the house for a week. Your feet (and your dance moves) will thank you.

34 Comfortable Wedding Shoes That Won’t Hurt Your Feet

4. Bridal Lingerie

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When the big day nears, brides are usually so caught up in worrying about everyone else that they forget to spoil themselves a little. We say phooey to that — and humbly suggest a sexy bridal lingerie purchase to look forward to on your wedding night! Lace, satin, something with a little more coverage — whatever makes you feel like a million bucks. This one’s for you, babe.

Guide to Choosing the Right Bridal Lingerie

5. Bridal Garter

A bridal garter is one of those sweet old-school touches that never goes out of style. Doing the toss? Great. Keeping it private? Also great. Either way, look for something that matches your vibe — and bonus points if you can get it personalized with your new last name and wedding date. Future you will be so happy you did.

Get one from PandaImpressions

6. Bridal Jacket or Wrap

Fall wedding? Evening reception? You’re going to want something cozy when the temperature drops. And your gorgeous dress deserves better than whatever pashmina is lying around. (Save those for bridesmaid gifts!) A faux fur wrap, a lace shrug, a chic little bridal jacket — there are SO many options to keep you warm and looking amazing.

15 Stylish Wraps to Match a Fall Wedding

7. Dress Garment Bag

Hear me out: A fancy garment bag creates anticipation. When people see you walk in with that gorgeous bag, they KNOW something incredible is inside. It’s a red-carpet moment without paparazzi hanging from trees. Get one that’s long enough for your gown and train, and sturdy enough to actually protect it. Worth it.

11 Bridal Garment Bags to Buy for your Wedding Day

Wedding Ceremony Decor

1. Wedding Direction Signs

Will your guests know where to go when it’s showtime? Direction signs are an easy way to point everyone in the right direction — and save Aunt Louise from wandering the property looking for the ceremony. Rustic, elegant, whatever matches your wedding vibe.

TIP: DIY these LONG before the big day. Trust us — no one wants to be scrambling with gold paint pens the night before the wedding when they should be enjoying the rehearsal dinner.

2. Wedding Welcome Sign

As with wedding ceremony direction signs, make sure to either buy or create your welcome signs long before the big day.

My ornate gold chalkboards welcome signs were complete before my wedding day, but still needed to be written out with chalk the night before.

24 Wedding Welcome Sign Ideas By Theme

3. Easels for Signs

So you’ve got a beautiful seating chart or welcome sign. Amazing! But please, for the love of all things pretty, don’t stick it to the wall with scotch tape. A nice floor easel in a finish that complements your decor makes ALL the difference. Your Pinterest-worthy signage deserves better.

4. Wedding Programs

Not a necessity, but a fun way to let your guest know who’s who in the wedding party, along with a schedule of events. Another cute idea if you are marrying in the hot summer sun are wedding program fans. We guarantee your guests will appreciate them!

27 Unique Wedding Program Ideas & Wording to Inspire You

5. Unity Candle

A unity candle is a more recent tradition that is sometimes performed to symbolize the joining together of the two families into one united family. More often, a unity candle symbolizes the union of two individuals becoming one in commitment.

6. Shadow Box Sand Ceremony Set

Sometimes a lit candle just isn’t gonna work. Outdoor ceremony? Windy. Young kiddos participating? Wax burns. Pre-ceremony champagne? Fire and alcohol, not ideal. A unity sand ceremony is a beautiful alternative! The pouring vessels and shadow box display make a gorgeous keepsake — especially if you personalize it.

7. Ring Box

We chose not to have a ring bearer for our wedding ceremony, mainly because we didn’t know any younger boys to give the position to at the time. The next best thing is to find a pretty ring box and utilize the best man.

13 Wedding Ring Box Ideas for a Luxury Style

8. Ring Bearer Pillow

Classic, elegant, never goes out of style. Whether you’re going for luxe satin and lace, rustic burlap, or something sleek and modern, a pretty ring bearer pillow is one of those small details that just feels right.

9. Stylish Flower Girl Basket

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If you’ve got a flower girl, she needs something adorable to carry those petals in! Baskets come in every style — delicate lace, rustic wicker, modern metallic. Pick one that matches your vibe and makes your littlest attendant feel like the princess she is.

10. Wedding Chair Signs

We already mentioned the importance of wedding signs to keep your guests from getting lost. But don’t underestimate the likelihood of losing your own way once you’re overwhelmed with festivities and attention and thinking things. Wedding chair signs not only nip that potential problem in the bud, but they also look super classy! Bonus: They’ll keep everyone in their place at the head table. So to speak.

11. Wedding Aisle Chair Decor

Floral aisle markers = instant polish. Fresh flowers, silk arrangements, ribbon and greenery — whatever your style, aisle decor frames your walk beautifully and photographs so well. (And honestly? Silk flowers look amazing these days if you want something lower maintenance.)

12. Ceremony Aisle Runner

Nothing says fairy tale quite like a beautiful aisle runner! Whether you’re going classic white, romantic blush, or matching your colors — just make sure it has a non-slip backing. Made especially for picture-perfect brides who don’t want to eat it on their way up the aisle. Which is every bride in the history of brides.

13. Loose Silk Rose Petals

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Rose petals are a wedding staple, and beyond the aisle there are a HUNDRED ways to use them. (Consult Pinterest. You’ll see.) Real petals get pricey fast — silk ones are just as gorgeous, way more affordable, and won’t wilt or stain. Win-win-win.

14. Bubble Favors

Bubbles are a perfect example of a DIY-friendly favor that’s actually fun! Cute labels, a little assembly help from your crew, and boom — inexpensive favors that double as a fun send-off. Way better than birdseed.

Wedding Reception Decor

1. Personalized Wedding Card Box

A card box keeps all those envelopes (and the checks inside!) safe while looking pretty on your gift table. Rustic wood, elegant acrylic, something totally you — there are tons of options. Get one with your names and date on it and you’ve got a practical piece that’s also a keepsake. Two birds!

2. Wedding Guest Book

Guestbooks can be a fun way to get creative and let your imagination run wild.

We used a double magnum wine bottle at our wedding, which was signed using a gold felt pen by all our guests. We plan to pop the cork on our 5th wedding anniversary.

There are all sorts of unique guestbooks to choose from. Below is a personal picture that is framed with your wedding day, signed with guests messages.

29 Wedding Guest Book Alternatives

3. Guestbook Sign

While plenty of guest book alternatives exist on the bridal circuit, the old-fashioned bound wedding guest book will never go out of style! An elegant acrylic sign is a great way to request your guests to sign yours. Personalize it with your names, and choose a flat or glossy finish. It’s also available with a huge variety of colors to customize your backsplash and text. Stand available for purchase.

4. Pens for Guest Book

Guest books will never go out of style — but people won’t sign yours if they don’t notice it! A pretty sign pointing guests in the right direction solves that problem. Match it to your other signage for that cohesive look.

5. Seating Chart

What better way to show your guests to their table in style than an oversized seating chart sign? The right sign expertly displayed can make a beautiful and bold contribution to your wedding day decor! It contributes to the decor and points your guests to the correct table- who doesn’t love multitasking wedding decor?

15 Unique Wedding Seating Chart Ideas For Your Big Day

6. Place Cards

Sometimes certain guests need special seating arrangements. A strategically placed name card that assigns an exact spot at a table is a good idea.

15 Unique Wedding Place Cards & Escort Cards

7. Place Card Holders

So you’ve got the seating chart to show your guests where they should go. The table numbers signal them to the right table. The place cards put everyone in the right place. Sounds efficient, but we’re missing the panache, right? That’s where an elegant place card holder comes in! Whether you choose a simple block or a polished stand, it’ll be the finishing touch you didn’t know you were looking for!

8. Table Numbers

Your guests have found their names and table on the seating chart- but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find it! Table numbers are especially in order if you’re having a grand affair in a vast ballroom, but not just to make it easier for everyone to find their way around. The faster everyone finds their seats, the sooner everyone can eat!

9. Wedding Menu Cards

Whether or not you need menu cards is a question to ask your caterer. If all the guests will have the same thing for dinner or you are having a buffet, menu cards won’t be necessary.

However, if you are planning a sit down meal with options, guests will have an easier time selecting what they want if menu cards are available. Plus, any servers will thank you for not having to repeat themselves over and over to each table.

15 Unique Wedding Menu Card Ideas To Impress Wedding Guests

10. Toasting Flutes

There are going to be lots of toasts at your wedding. Personalized toasting flutes are a nice touch to go along with the special cheers.

11. Cake Platter

The dinner’s great and all, but let’s face it, everyone’s looking for the cake! Your wedding cake is a work of art and deserves to be put on a pedestal- don’t settle for any old cardboard stand covered in aluminum foil. Bonus? You’ll want to use these well after the wedding’s over.

14 Cake Stands Perfect for Any Wedding Style

12. Mr & Mrs Cake Topper

This is one of those little details that makes a big impact. Classic “Mr. & Mrs.,” your names in script, little figurines, something totally unexpected — whatever reflects you two as a couple. Bonus: makes a great prop for anniversary cake photos for years to come.

14 Word Cake Topper Ideas for your Wedding Cake

13. Cake Knife and Server

Why use just any old knife?! A pretty cake knife and server set makes the cake-cutting moment feel special. (And picture-perfect!) Go sleek and modern, ornate and traditional, or personalize it and use it on every anniversary. Up to you.

14. Wedding Favor Sign

You put so much thought into those favors — it would be such a bummer if guests walked right past them! A sign directing people to grab one on their way out = no orphaned favors left behind.

15. Wedding Favors

Do you have to have wedding favors? Strictly speaking, no. Should you have wedding favors? Absolutely! There are so many to choose from, no matter what your guest list looks like, there’s something to please everyone at every price point. (The mini honey pot is my personal fave.)

21 Personalized Wedding Favors (They’ll Actually Use!)

16. Wedding Favor Tags

Little thank-you tags on your favors? Super classy. Match them to your wedding stationery for that cohesive vibe, or keep them simple and let your favors be the star.

17. Tea Lights and Holders

Candlelight is essential for setting the mood anywhere, especially on significant occasions when people gather to dine and dance the night away. Not only are these little lights charming, but they’re also versatile enough to suit your table perfectly! Use them as-is or fill them with decorative stones or other stuff (the silk flower petals on this list, for instance) to create something personal to your decor.

18. Photo Booth Backdrop

I’m not sure when photo booths became such a wedding staple, but they are genius! Not only are they the perfect way to capture the best photos, but they’re also the perfect way to entertain your guests while taking a dancing break. All in the most affordable way ever!

Unique Ceremony Backdrops

19. Sparklers and Sparkler Tags

Sparkler send-offs are SUCH a moment. But here’s the thing — those short sparklers from the dollar store burn out way too fast. Get ones that are long enough to actually last through the send-off. (And picture-perfect!) Cute tags turn them into a favor too. Time to get your sparkle on!

Gifts For the Wedding Party

1. Gifts for Bridal Party

A fun photo I see from featured real weddings all the time is the bride and her bridesmaids each wearing matching robes while they get ready.

If you’re not the type who enjoys silk robes, there are lots of different gifts you can buy for your ladies.

29 Best Bridesmaid Gift Ideas for Any Budget

2. Gifts for the Bride

Whether she’s a scrapbooker or a spa enthusiast, a meaningful gift on the big day is a fabulous way to let the bride know you cherish her! There are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas on our list, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s just for her. The ultimate goal? Happy tears and hugs, of course!

56 Day-of Wedding Morning Gifts for the Bride

3. Gifts for the Groom

It’s true: most of the attention is on the bride during a wedding. But that doesn’t mean the soon-to-be groom wouldn’t love a small token of affection on his wedding morning! He’ll appreciate the gesture, whether it’s something funny like cold feet socks or something sentimental like personalized cufflinks. A small gift is a great way to let him know you can’t wait to see him at the altar.

62 Best Wedding Morning Gifts for the Groom

4. Bridal Emergency Kit

Last but not least.

Stress management is one of life’s most essential skills, especially when wrangling a wedding. Stave off potential disaster (and a harried trip to the nearest drugstore) with an emergency kit! Pain relievers, fashion tape, stain remover, breath mints — stock it with all the things. It’s a fab gift for the bride, or assemble one yourself to have on hand. Because Murphy’s Law is REAL on wedding days.

Wrapping UP

Phew! That’s all for now. We update this list from time to time, so you can be sure you’ve always got the best list of things that you need for your wedding day!