We asked local wedding experts what items come in handy on the Big Day.

• ☐ Aspirin, Tums, allergy meds
• ☐ Crochet hook (for tiny buttons on the dress)
• ☐ Clear nail polish (for runs in stockings)
• ☐ Tide stick (for stains)
• ☐ Snacks
• ☐ Lip gloss (for touch-ups)
• ☐ Straws (for sipping drinks after the lipstick is on)
• ☐ Face powder or blotting papers
• ☐ Extra bobby pins
• ☐ Hair spray – “The stylist usually brings hairspray, but usually  takes it when she leaves! This is also good for preventing static build-up on clothing.” Shannon Henry Studio Carré Photographie
• ☐ Breath mints (gum gets on clothes and looks bad in photos)
• ☐ Band-Aids
• ☐ Lint brush
• ☐ Static cling spray
• ☐ Portable steam iron
• ☐ Zip ties
• ☐ Sunscreen
• ☐ Flip flops -“There is often quite a bit of walking when taking pictures. Flip-flops can be a real foot saver and may allow you to get more photographs with different backgrounds.” Aaron Feldman True Photography Weddings
• ☐ Sewing kit – “At almost every wedding, I use a sewing kit. Whether it is for a torn bustle on the bridal gown, or a button that comes off of a rented tuxedo.” Rachel Welland Bliss Events 
• ☐ Hammer, staple gun (for unforeseen projects at DIY and backyard weddings)
• ☐ Duct tape (for taping down electrical cords from DJs, lighting)
• ☐ An extra garter (if you want to do the toss but don’t want to wear it)
• ☐ Straight pins for money dance
• ☐ Mini bottle of alcohol – “I’ve had a bride carry a minibar-size bottle of her fave liquor (vodka) … she had it to calm her nerves just in case she got nervous before walking down the aisle.” Gina Hundley San Diego Weddings by Gina
• ☐ Extra satin ribbon that matches the wedding (to dress up forgotten items like the flower-girl basket)
• ☐ Butane candle lighter for votives – “Not every venue has them, or enough to get things lit in a timely manner!” Krista Romberg Orange Blossom Eve
• ☐ Extra cake cutter and server
• ☐ Extra black socks (for groomsmen)
• ☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
• ☐ Extra earring backs
• ☐ Wite-Out and fine point Sharpies – “Sometimes, the place cards will have people at the wrong tables, or we need to make adjustments because of extra guests.”  Diana Romero Ah! Le Party
• ☐ Feminine hygiene products

Download the checklist

Photography by Jennifer Dery

Chanel thongs in yellow, $325, Neiman Marcus, Fashion Valley; Christopher Kon bag , $375, Neiman Marcus, Fashion Valley, and neimanmarcus.com; 1800 Reposado Tequila, $4.99, BevMo!; Luna Minis, $6 for a box of 10, Target; Altoids, $1, Target; Lip gloss in Tease, $16, Bodyography, bodyography.com; “Help: I have a blister” bandages, $4, and “Help: I have a headache” aspirin, $4, Target; striped paper straws, $9, shopsweetlulu.com; L’Oréal Sublime Sun sunscreen, $9, Target; L’Oréal Paris Mini Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, $7, drugstores; Sally Hansen clear nail polish, $6.49, Target; Zippo candle lighter, $15, zippo.com.