With the never-ending checklist of things to do before you walk down the aisle, it's inevitable to forget something. While all of these are no big deal - if you are anything like the narcotic DIY bride like I am, then you need the crazy detailed checklist so you can at least TRY to avoid the little mistakes. I have seen it all as a wedding photographer, and nothing has been detrimental to the big day (except maybe the bride getting heat stroke and not drinking and eating enough the day leading up to her walk down the aisle...) but they definitely will make things run a bit smoother.

Program Basket

Really, make sure you have all of the baskets for all of the things. We work on such beautiful programs, favors, desserts, you name it - but don’t forget how these things are supposed to be displayed too! Everything should have a place even if the place is out on a table, but make sure you have an extra or assigned table to place them on too!

Six-Pence in your Shoe

How come this one is always cut off in the traditions?? A six-pence in the shoe symbolizes prosperity and good luck. If you are not up for walking around with a penny in your heel, are you forgetting to incorporate another heritage tradition?

Getting Ready Attire

Most are so worried about what they are wearing to the ceremony that they forget they can’t lounge around all day in their wedding dress (I mean seriously if you can, then DEFINITELY wear it all day long!) and only bring their lingerie and bridal robe. Trust me, pack an extra bralette (no bra lines!) and some sweatpants so you can relax while you are getting ready!

Rain Gear

What's the saying? Bring an umbrella and it won’t rain? It’s the idea at least. Throw it into your just-in-case bag along with rain boots and if the worst case happens, you will be prepared!

Thank You sign/Banner

This is really just an awesome opportunity to make sure you get the perfect photo for your “Thank You” cards after the wedding is done. I have seen the thank you signs in all shapes and sizes, from banners to scrabble letters to a sign hanging from the doggy-ring bearers neck. How you choose to say it is up to you, but I think it is definitely a don't forget!

Extra Bouquet & Garter

Plan on keeping with tradition and hoisting up your skirt for your new husband to shimmy in and take off your garter with his teeth? Then you will need to toss the bouquet and garter off into the crowd of single ladies & gentlemen too! Have plans for your Bouquet after the wedding? Was thinking of the shadowbox frame with your garter belt in it? If not, Throw it like a dolled up quarterback! If you are planning to preserve either, maybe it is made out of a non-traditional material and you don't want to damage it, whatever your reason - you will need a secondary bouquet and/or garter to give away. You could use a bridesmaids bouquet as an option but I would make sure they didn't plan on taking it home for their dining room table first! I am making my bouquet myself and definitely plan on keeping it so a backup is already in the works!

Matching Lipstick

If your makeup artist isn't staying around for the entire wedding to follow you around for touch ups, you will need to do them yourself. After making out with your man at the altar, you may need to freshen up before photos. Make sure you coordinate with your makeup artist beforehand so you can purchase the same shade of lipstick to keep handy!

Safety Pins

My emergency photographers bag has about 200 laying around at the bottom because there can never be enough of them for an emergency. I cannot say that I have seen it all enough, brides zipper breaking, mens suit hems coming undone, veil tears, flower girl tiara mishaps, all can be fixed with a few safety pins (you may have to get creative but they work!). This goes into your bride emergency kit that you should make in advance along with literally anything useful!

Change of Shoes

Like I mentioned getting ready attire being forgotten because everyone is worried about what they will be wearing at the altar, you can't forget to think about dancing attire too! I know my heels are barely meant for walking, that's just not what they do (...get it! hehe) and I know I will need some boogie shoes. I will be investing in some platform sneakers so my dress doesn't drag too much on the floor now that I have taken a few inches off of my height going from 6 inch heels to vans. Don't forget socks too!

Ikea Bag

This is a brilliant trick I have had a few brides use and say it worked like a charm! There is no beating around it… you will have to pee. Going to the bathroom in a dress is already an ordeal, so imaging with a huge poofy ball gown in tow. If your venue is fancy shmancy and sparkling clean, you may not need to worry about the extra help from the ikea bag, and in that case I recommend standing facing the toilet and hiking up the skirt and sitting down facing the wall, this way the dress does not fall in behind you. If you are at all worried about dirt or anything getting on your dress when you go to do your business, then you will need one of those giant blue bags from ikea. (Beforehand make sure the bag is prepped so it makes for an easier time day of.) Place the bag open on the floor with the handles perpendicular to you (these will be your arm straps) and mark an x in the very center. Take a pair of scissors and cut along the X marking until the hole is big enough for your body to slide in easily when you stand inside the bag. When you need to go, all you will need to do is stand in the hole you have made in the bag, tuck all of your dress bottom inside the bag, and hoist the bag up until you can put your arms inside the bag handles as if it was a shirt strap. Now you look like the blueberry girl in Willy Wonka, and can pee in peace!

Agree on a safe word with your fiancé and/or your 'maids

Everyone has that one family member or friend who can get a little chatty. You certainly don’t want to avoid them, but you also don’t want them to monopolize all of your time as you’re getting ready or enjoying the big day. Pick a safe word/phrase to say when you need to move along in your conversations. My favorite is asking for a specific drink that has a funny name (and you would also never really drink) like a Sex-on-the-Beach or Alligator Chomp.

Portable Speaker

Getting ready starts way too early in the morning, and with so much going on you will need some pick-me-up jams and entertainment. If you are staying at a hotel, don't forget a portable speaker so you and all of your maids can dance along with you! (Always be respectful of the volume, don't go TOO crazy and get me in trouble for suggesting this!)

Have I forgotten anything?

Let me know so I can help out future brides making their dream day come true!

12 Wedding Day Details Not To Forget !