After all of your meticulous planning and preparation, you want to start your wedding day in a relaxed way! Amidst all the excitement (and a little bit of chaos, no doubt!), it can be hard to keep track of all the little jobs that need to be done on your big day. To make sure you have all the bases covered, we've compiled the ultimate wedding morning checklist for brides to keep the start of your day as calm and stress free as possible.

Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab Day

Remember, delegation is your friend when it comes to a smooth wedding morning. You want to focus on calming any nerves, and being fully in the moment as you get ready. The last thing you need is to be running around ticking off items on a checklist. So while some of these are for you as the bride to do, there are plenty of tasks that can be delegated to family members, your bridesmaids, and of course your other half and their wedding party. Just let them know in advance what you'd like them to do on on the day, and they will be more than happy to help!

Image by Wonder & Magic via One Fab Day

Wedding Morning Checklist

• If you want to check on the venue or set up, make sure it's the first thing you do, so it's out of the way.
• Introduce your reception coordinator to your wedding planner (if you're having one), or bridesmaid/best man who will be there contact for any questions or problems during the day. (In other words, you are not to be disturbed!)
• Have your fees ready for any suppliers who need to be paid by you such as your florist, makeup artist and hair stylist. If it's in cash, have it ready in clearly labelled envelopes.
• Give the best man separate envelopes with any fees that need to be paid after the ceremony, including the celebrant, musicians and any other entertainers, as well as the tips for staff.
• Make sure to get some cash so you can tip staff such as waiting staff on the day. We have a post on who to tip and who not to here.

Image BY Niamh Smith, The Photography Hub  VIA ONE FAB DAY

• Give your contact list to one of your bridesmaids in case you need to reach one of your suppliers.
• Ask a friend to collect or take deliveries of any last-minute flowers, décor or the wedding cake.
• Your bouquet and bridal party flowers should be delivered to where you're getting ready, so your florist should help you ensure they stay fresh.
• If your partner's wedding party are wearing boutonnieres enquire whether they have arrived.
• Organise a breakfast spread so you and your bridal party have plenty of energy for the big day.

Image by Studio Brown via One Fab Day

• Put any bubbles in the fridge to cool, and set up your glasses and bucket, or ask the venue to send them to the bridal suite.
• Set aside all your accessories, jewellery, engagement ring and wedding invite for your photographer so they can get that all-important details shot!
• Ask the tidiest bridesmaid to make sure the room stays clean for those getting-ready photos.
• Take off any underwear, socks, watches or hair ties that might leave a print on your skin.
• If you have bridal robes or PJs, change into them. Make sure they are steamed beforehand to ensure a crease free look in your photos!

Image by Dasha Caffrey via One Fab Day

• Put on a playlist of upbeat tunes to get everyone in the spirit, or check out our getting ready playlist on Spotify here.
• Have someone steam your bridal look or suit for that pristine, crease-free finish, ideally the night before. Don't forget about the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses too!
• If you are giving gifts to your bridesmaids, take a special moment to give them out.
• Assign a friend or family member to take a letter or gift from you to your partner.
• Have your wedding day emergency kit on hand with all the essentials.

Image by Studio Brown via One Fab Day

• Give your photographer your wedding photo checklist. We have one you can print out here!
• Decide what you don’t want photographed. Everyone plans shot lists, but very few define “no-photo zones” (getting ready clutter, phone use moments, supplier setup chaos). It keeps your final gallery cleaner and more intentional.
• Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact, so they know who is who.
• Have a person designated to take your presents and cards and let them know where you have assigned a place for them to be kept securely, even if it's the venue safe. We have cute ideas of where to store them here!
• Ask your most organised friend to be at the ceremony venue early to ensure everything is in order and laid out, such as mass booklets and confetti.
• This would also be a good person to help transport any florals or decor after the ceremony that you're hoping to repurpose for the reception.

Image by Anna G Photography Via One Fab Day

• Ask a bridesmaid to pack water and snacks - glowing skin and energy relies on good hydration and food.
• Have a timeline prepped in advance and ask someone in the bridal party to keep an eye on the clock.
• Have white gloves on hand for whoever will be helping you put on our wedding dress to prevent staining from hands.
• We're big fans of the “zipper whisper”. When your dress is being zipped/buttoned/tied, everyone else should stop talking and moving. Sounds funny, but this is when most dress mishaps happen from distraction.

Image by Sheena T Photography via One Fab Day

• Pack your bridal handbag - we have suggested for what to put in it here.
• Pop a cotton bud into your bouquet for quick tear touch-ups throughout the day — it’s much gentler on makeup than using tissues and helps keep everything looking fresh for longer.
• If you are going from home to your wedding venue, ensure your wedding overnight bag is being transported and make sure to pack your dress cover and suit cover in your overnight luggage – you’ll need it when checking out.
• Leaving from your house , or a rental on the wedding morning? Make sure to assign someone to lock up afterwards, or even better, have someone stay at the house while you’re gone. Empty homes can often become an easy target on busy wedding mornings.
• Don’t forget the green folder (if getting married in Ireland!)/marriage license! Nominate a trusted person to look after bringing this to both the ceremony and looking after it afterwards.

Check out our guide on how to make sure your wedding morning is relaxed. We have plenty more handy checklists to keep you organised including a full wedding planning itinerary and a to-do list covering the entire day from morning to night.