Wedding Day Essentials List (Shopping Ideas For Bride)
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You may be asking yourself, “What little things do I need for my wedding?”
This wedding day essentials list will go over everything you need for your special day.
We reached out to thousands of married couples and readers of our blog and asked them for some advice and tips on what wedding day purchases they were most happy with.
We got so many amazing recommendations for things to buy for your wedding day.
We put together these shopping ideas to get you started.
Here is what we cover (feel free to browse the entire article, or use the links below to skip to your favorite section):
- Getting ready for the wedding essentials (robes, pajamas, hangers, drinking glasses/tumblers, etc.)
- Bridal wardrobe essentials (veils, shoes, jewelry, dresses, etc)
- Groom and groomsmen accessories and essentials (socks, cuff links, etc.)
- Flower girl and ring bearer accessories and essentials
- Wedding gift ideas
- Wedding ceremony essentials (welcome signs, vow books, aisle decor, unity ceremony ideas, etc)
- Cocktail hour essentials (bar signs, bar menus, etc.)
- Wedding reception essentials (decor, cake toppers, table numbers, guest books, neon signs, etc.)
Getting Ready For Wedding Essentials and Must-Haves
The getting-ready part of the wedding day can result in so many amazing photos. Here are some of the fun items that can make those photos look even better
Wedding day robes for the bride and bridal party
If you want really cute photos of you and the bridal party getting ready, matching robes always look fantastic!
One of our favorite shops for bride and bridesmaid robes is LLDgiftsByLaurenLash on Etsy.
- Their robes are very highly rated.
- Available colors are: White, rose gold, champagne, black, navy, light gray, wine, and blush.
- All sizes are available including child and plus-size.
These silk-satin robes can be purchased with or without personalization.
You can order the robes with the following titles:
- Bride
- Maid of honor
- Matron of honor
- Bridesmaid
- Mother of the bride
- Mother of the groom
- Sister of the bride
- Sister of the groom
- Jr. Bridesmaid
- Flower girl
Or you can customize the front/back of the robes with first names or “Mrs. (name of bride)”.
We love these silk floral robes from GlamBridalGifts on Etsy.
- These robes are available in sizes ranging from child-size to plus-size.
- Available floral colors: White, champagne, navy, slate blue, and burgundy.
- These gorgeous getting-ready robes can be ordered with or without personalization (front or back)
Our favorite Etsy stores for bridal party robes
Here are a few more of our favorite Etsy shops that sell bridal party robes (these stores all have fantastic reputations)
Pajama sets for the bride and bridesmaids
We put together an entire article that features the best bride and bridal party pajamas.
Check it out here:
50 Best Bride and Bridal Party Pajama Sets
We love these flannel pajama sets for the bride and bridal party from SelineLounge on Etsy.
- Choose from 15 different flannel patterns/colors.
- You can mix and match between long pants, shorts, long sleeve tops, and short sleeve tops.
These personalized bridal party pajama sets by SSWeddings on Etsy are gorgeous!
- They are available in multiple sizes (infant up to XL)
- Available in multiple colors and styles
Our favorite Etsy stores for bridal party pajamas
Here are a few more of our favorite Etsy shops that sell pajamas for the bride and bridesmaids (these stores all have fantastic reputations)
- Plus we put together an article on our 50 favorite bridal party pajama sets: 50 Best Bride and Bridal Party Pajama Sets
Button-down shirts for the bride and bridal party
Check out this article for all of our favorite button-shirts for the bride and bridal party:
50 Bridesmaid Button-Down Shirts
We love these denim button-down bridesmaid shirts from OpaStitch on Etsy.
- Available sizes: XS-4XL
- Colors: White, faded blue, and dark ink blue.
- You can purchase these awesome oversized denim shirts with or without personalization.
Check out these super comfortable button-down flannel shirts made by BlushBridesCo on Etsy.
These button-down flannel shirts are available in 18 different patterns and colors
We love these stylish button-down “boyfriend” style shirts from SelineLounge on Etsy.
- Available sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: White, burgundy, dusty blue, soft gray, blush, lilac, navy, black, and soft pink
Our favorite Etsy stores for bridal party button-down shirts
Here are a few more of our favorite Etsy shops that sell button-down shirts for the bride and bridesmaids (these stores all have perfect reputations)
- SSWeddings
- EverlyGrayce
- SouthernMySass
- ModParty
- SEmbroideredBoutique
- ELRILEYGIFTS
- OpaStitch
- SelineLounge
- BlushBridesCo
- We also put together an article that shows off our 50 favorite button-down shirts for the bridal party: 50 Bridesmaid Button-Down Shirts
Dress Hangers for the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses
We love these custom-designed wedding dresses and bridesmaid dress hangers. Handmade and sold by WeddingsDecorStudio on Etsy.
- These amazing dress hangers come in white, natural wood, or walnut.
- You can order them for adult dresses (with or without a bar) or for flower girl dresses.
Check out these awesome wire name hangers from FoxBlossomCo on Etsy.
Choose from 4 different hanger wood colors and 18 different wire colors.
Our favorite Etsy stores that sell wedding dress hangers (and bridesmaid dress hangers)
Here are a few of our favorite Etsy shops that sell dress hangers for the bride and bridesmaids (these stores all have fantastic reputations)
- BrideAndBow
- WeddingsDecorStudio
- FoxBlossomCo
- WireNameART
- CustomBKDesign
- WhiskeyNWeddingBells
- WeddingHangerStudio
Slippers, socks, and flip flops for the bride and bridal party
Socks for the bride and bridal party
We love these custom bridal party socks from BlissfulSocks on Etsy.
These socks come in white, black, charcoal, and gray.
Here are a few of our favorite Etsy shops that sell socks for the bride and bridesmaids (stores with great reputations):
Slippers for the bride and bridesmaids
These comfortable slippers from ModParty on Etsy look so amazing in your getting-ready photos.
Etsy shops with great reputations that sell slippers for the bride and bridesmaids:
Flip-flops for the bride and bridal party
Custom flip flops are a perfect getting-ready accessory. They look really cute and keep your feet clean if getting ready in a salon or hotel room.
We love these flip-flops from FAVOURGRAM on Etsy.
More Etsy shops that sell flip-flops for the bride and bridal party (shops with perfect reputations):
Tumblers and glasses for the bride and bridesmaids
Matching glasses for the bride and bridal party look great in wedding day getting-ready photos.
We love these travel cups (tumblers) from DestinationPineapple on Etsy.
They are available in 23 different colors (glitter, glossy, or matte)
Check out these stainless steel wine glasses and tumblers from WeddingsByLeann on Etsy.
Highly rated Etsy shops that sell tumblers, wine glasses, champagne glasses, and travel cups (these are our favorites):
- These stemless bride and bridesmaid champagne flutes from Amazon are also highly rated.
Wedding day emergency kit for the bride
One of the most important (but often overlooked) items that you can put together for your wedding day is the wedding day emergency kit.
Some of the more common items included in these kits are mini scissors, stain remover, bobby pins, safety pins, mints, etc.
We put together an entire article on items that you might want to include in your wedding day emergency kit.
So even if you purchase a done-for-you kit from Amazon or Etsy, you can use this list to customize your wedding day emergency bag.
We love these pre-made emergency kits from AmandaMaeStudio on Etsy:
We also love these “Oh Sh*t Kits” from FavorBagsAR on Etsy:
Here are a few Etsy shops that sell these awesome wedding day emergency kits:
Here are a few highly rated wedding-day kits from Amazon:
- Wedding day survival kit on Amazon (bag only)
- Bride’s Wedding day survival kit on Amazon (this is the custom bag only. You would fill it with any items that you want/need using the link to the article below).
Don’t forget to check out our article on must-have items for your wedding day emergency kit.
Bridal Wardrobe Essentials
Your resource for wedding day wearables (we will add to this section each week)
Bridal veils and hair accessories
These handmade wedding veils from BlancaVeils on Etsy are absolutely gorgeous!
Prices range from $25-$85 (depending on veil length)
These veils for the bride are available in the following sizes:
- Elbow (25″)
- Waist (30″)
- Mid-hip (33″)
- Hip (36″)
- Fingertip (45″)
- Waltz (54″)
- 6ft floor length
- 7.5ft chapel veil
- 9ft cathedral veil
- 10ft
- 12ft royal cathedral
- 15ft
We also love these handmade bridal veils from LordandGreyBridal on Etsy.
Prices range from $23-$100 (depending on veil length)
Available wedding veil sizes:
- Shoulder (20″)
- Elbow (25″)
- Waist (30″)
- Hip (33″)
- Fingertip (38″)
- Knee (45″)
- Waltz (54″)
- Floor (72″)
- Chapel (90″)
- Church (100″)
- Cathedral (108″)
- Royal (10ft)
- Regal (12ft)
- Empress (14ft)
More wedding veils and shops to check out (with fantastic reputations):
Our favorite Etsy shops that sell wedding veils (amazing customer service and products)
- BlancaVeils
- LordandGreyBridal
- SimplyWeddingDesign
- DarethColburnDesigns
- MarryBridalUS
- BellaBridalVeils
- ABusyMother
- VeilsbyRebecca
If you prefer shopping on Amazon, here are a few highly rated bridal veils to check out:
- A gorgeous short lace bridal veil (35″)
- Beautiful 2-tier wedding veil (24″/35″)
- A stunning cathedral wedding veil
Bridal jacket and wraps for the bride (and bridesmaids)
We absolutely love these bridal denim jean jackets from BrideBikini on Etsy.
- These bedazzled denim jackets look so amazing in wedding-day photos.
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, and 4XL
How amazing are these white fringe denim jackets for the bride from ModParty on Etsy?
Groom and Groomsmen Accessories and Essentials
Personalized socks for the groom and groomsmen
We love these stylish groom/groomsmen socks from NoColdFeetCo on Etsy.
- Choose from 40 different colors/patterns.
- Personalized label for each groomsman
We love these Marvel/Superhero socks from MrGandCo on Etsy.
- Perfect for the groom and groomsmen.
- Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Incredible Hulk, Flash, Black Panther, Iron Man, Captain America, Groot, Thor, and DeadPool
Check out these awesome groom and groomsmen socks by NewWindsorCustoms on Etsy.
- Choose from 6 different styles.
- Perfect for the groom, groomsmen, best man, ushers, fathers, and anyone else.
We love these personalized face socks from PersonalizationLab on Etsy.
- 20 different awesome styles to choose from.
- Each groomsman can have their own face on their socks, or everyone can have the groom’s face.
- You can even put your dog or cat on the socks.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Accessories and Essentials
Check out these ring bearer and flower girl items to include on your wedding day.
Ring bearer sign
We love these adorable custom ring bearer signs from TheRitzyRose on Etsy.
- You can use one of the common ring bearer sign saying, or you can have the sign customized with anything words you want.
Here are a few of the funny ring bearer sign sayings available:
- Here comes the bride
- They didn’t trust me with the rings
- Don’t worry ladies, I’m still single!
- Think I’m cute? Just wait for the bride!
- Ring security
- Has anyone seen the rings?
- Uncle (name), here comes your bride!
- I’m just here for the cake!
- Last chance to run!
These wood ring bearer signs from PaperAndPineCo on Etsy are awesome!
- You can purchase the sign as shown, or you can customize the text to say anything you want.
Flower girl basket
How cute are these wood-willow flower girl baskets from AlexEmotions on Etsy!
- Choose between a small basket (perfect little two-year-old flower girls), medium basket, or large basket.
- The beautiful artificial flowers and ribbon are included with the flower girl baskets.
This awesome Etsy shop also sells handmade ring pillows, flower crowns, and lots of other wedding day accessories.
Wedding Gifts (Bridal Party, Parents, Bride, Groom, Etc.)
We will be adding to this section shortly (we are currently reviewing products)
In the meantime, you can check out these two articles that we put together for wedding gifts:
Wedding Ceremony Essentials (Decor, Accessories, Etc.)
Vow books
We love these handmade marriage vow books from TheCozyComfyHome on Etsy.
- Choose between his/hers, hers/hers, or his/his.
- For personalization, choose between rose gold foil, silver foil, gold foil, or no foil (white or black text)
These handmade vow books are perfect for your wedding ceremony.
Made and sold by BlushPrintables on Etsy.
- Choose from 20 different book colors and 3 foil colors for the personalized text.
Top-rated Etsy shops that sell wedding vow books:
- IvoryandSageCo
- RebeccaGreenDesign
- NostalgicImprints
- ModernAlbumDesigns
- ThePaperMemory
- TheCozyComfyHome
- SunnyHomeStudio
- BlushPrintables
Wedding welcome sign for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception
We love these custom handmade wooden welcome signs from TimelessAccessoryInc on Etsy.
- The laser-cut 3-D lettering on these wedding signs really makes them eye-catching.
- Multiple sizes and stain/finishes to choose from.
We love these custom name signs from Time4Wedding on Etsy.
- Laser-cut and available in white, gold, rose gold, black, and unfinished.
Check out these awesome frosted acrylic wedding welcome signs by ArtofAffairs on Etsy.
- Sizes: 12″x18″ up to 36″x44″
- Lettering: Mirror gold, mirror silver, mirror rose gold, mirror copper, black, and white.
We love these wedding welcome signs from LilyAndRoeCo on Etsy.
- Perfect to use for the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and wedding reception
- So many amazing designs to choose from
- Personalize the signs to reflect the look and feel of your wedding day
Unity ceremony items (candles, sand, etc.)
A Cord of Three Strands (handmade round unity sign)
We love these handmade wedding ceremony unity signs from LoveCraftedDecor on Etsy.
- This is an Etsy shop with a fantastic reputation.
- You can choose between a white rope, a brown rope, or both a white and brown rope.
We love this unity ceremony idea from TwistedGroveDesigns on Etsy.
- A Cord of Three Strands
- Choose from 35 different stain colors
These monogram unity sand sets from TheDreamWeddingShop on Etsy are perfect for your wedding unity ceremony.
We love these blended family sand unity ceremony sets from TheDreamWeddingShop on Etsy.
- Choose from 38 different colors of sand
- Includes 5 pounds of sand
- Personalize the blended family sand ceremony sets however you like
Cocktail Hour Essentials
Bar signs
We love these modern bar menus and signs from PartyWithJennaTaylor on Etsy.
- We will be adding many more cocktail hour items shortly.
In the meantime, check out all of the bar items that Etsy offers.
Wedding Reception Essentials (Decor, Entertainment, Etc.)
Everything you need to decorate your wedding reception space (we will be adding to this section each week as we review different shops and products)
Wedding place names for table
We love these wedding place names (wooden table cards) from Time4Wedding on Etsy.
- Available in white, black, gold, rose gold, and unfinished.
- These amazing table cards are laser cut with smooth edges and colored on both sides.
Wood wedding reception signs (table numbers, guestbook, Mr. & Mrs., gifts, cards, favors, reserved, etc.)
We love these rustic wood wedding reception signs from WeddingsDecorStudio on Etsy.
- You can order the table numbers for the number of tables you need.
- All signs can be made single side or double-sided.
Guest book ideas for your wedding
CreanlyGifts on Etsy has the most amazing guest books. The quality is outstanding!
- Choose between a big variety of cover styles.
- Receive a digital proof in 24 hours
- Sizes: 9×6, 10×8, and 12×12 (all hardcover)
- Lettering: Rose gold foil, silver foil, gold foil, or flat ink
We love this custom 3-D guest book alternative idea from OHCgifts on Etsy.
- Sizes: 18×24 or 20×30
- Stain colors: Caramel, mocha, or slate
- Choose from 9 different layouts
This wedding guest book alternative is such a unique idea. Handmade and sold by GladPaper on Etsy.
- Choose from 6 different sizes ranging between 8×10 and 24×36 (there is a size chart in their listing so you can see the best size for your number of wedding guests).
- A gorgeous pencil drawing of trees where each guest signs along the branches.
- Choose between museum-quality art paper or museum-quality art canvas.
These custom wedding guest books with foil personalization from KismetPress on Etsy are of amazing quality!
- Choose between gold foil, rose gold foil, silver foil, white ink, or black ink.
- Order the guest book by itself or add matching custom vow books.
- Multiple book/font styles to choose from (and cover colors).
We love these handmade wood guest books from WillieAndDollyDesign on Etsy.
These are made of high-quality pine wood (not cheap plywood).
Choose between 15 different wood stains!
Wedding cake toppers
These modern LED light wedding cake toppers from LilyCraftAU on Etsy are amazing!
A true work of art is the best way to describe these cake toppers.
They run for 12 hours and are battery-operated (no wires or anything).
We love these wedding cake toppers from ItsTheSeasonShop on Etsy.
These cake toppers come in your choice of gold, silver, black, or natural birch wood.
We are in love with these handmade bobblehead wedding cake toppers from HelloMiniMe on Etsy.
The customized detail is absolutely amazing! What a cake topper!
You have to check out these gorgeous wedding cake toppers from APKweddings on Etsy.
Choose between gold, silver, rose gold, or natural wood.
Neon sign for wedding reception
Neon signs look so amazing in wedding reception photos.
Here are a few different presentation ideas for your neon sign:
- Hang your neon sign over the sweetheart table. This way it will be lots of your wedding reception photos.
- Have it mounted and set on a stand or easel (this way you can use it at your ceremony, cocktail hour, and again at your reception).
- Make it a focal point for your photo booth (guests can take their photos under your custom neon sign).
Here are our favorite neo signs from Etsy (these 3 shops are highly-rated and have amazing customer reviews):
We love these custom neon signs from NeonArtisans on Etsy.
Sizes range between 26″ and 60″
These neon signs from NeonDecorLovers on Etsy are amazing!
Available colors: natural white, pink, warm white, red, cold white, purple, baby blue, blue, green, orange, and yellow.
We love these handmade neon signs from NeonCustom on Etsy.
Available in multiple fonts and colors.
Helpful Wedding Planning Resources
Here are a few articles that you might find helpful when planning your wedding day:
