Last-Minute Wedding Checklist: Tips I Share With Every Bride

Your wedding day is almost here!

This is the week when everything starts to feel real. I couldn’t be more excited for you! As your wedding photographer (and your biggest fan), I’ve been through this timeline so many times. And each time, I find myself sharing these same reminders with my couples throughout the day. So I put together this last-minute wedding checklist just for you.

These tips aren’t meant to stress you out — they’re here to help you feel confident, calm, and fully present when the big day arrives. You’ve done the planning. Now it’s time to enjoy it.

Last-Minute Wedding Checklist -From Someone Who’s Seen It All

1. Hydrate the day before.
It’s South Carolina, it will probably be hot. Drinking plenty of water the day before your wedding helps your body stay balanced and prevents that dizzy, dehydrated feeling.

2. Eat a solid breakfast and lunch.
Even if your stomach is full of butterflies, make sure you fuel up. It’s a long day, and having some protein early on keeps your energy up for all the big (and emotional) moments.

3. Try on your dress this week.
Make sure everything fits, moves, and zips the way it should. And pack a crochet hook for the buttons — they’ll come in handy for getting into (and out of) your dress.

If you’re thinking about details, this is also the perfect time to prep for flat lay photos. Here’s what I recommend bringing so I can style those special pieces in a way that tells your story.

4. Break in your shoes.
Just 15 minutes a day walking around the house this week makes a huge difference. Comfortable feet = happier dancing.

5. Consider saving the veil for the ceremony.
This isn’t a must, but it can make the walk down the aisle feel more meaningful — and emotional — if it’s the first time your partner sees you in it.

6. Let the first kiss linger.
Try to hold it for at least 3 seconds — it might feel long in the moment, but it photographs beautifully and makes for a dreamy ceremony memory.

7. If you’re planning a dip, here’s a tip:
Groom’s toes toward me! It helps me catch the dip from the best angle.

8. Assign someone to bustle the dress.
This one always takes longer than expected. Have your person practice ahead of time so it’s smooth and stress-free during the reception.

9. Stick together during the reception.
It makes the night feel even more special and results in the best candid photos. The more moments you share, the more memories you’ll have captured.

10. Walk slower during the exit.
Whether you’re doing sparklers, petals, or bubbles — slow it down and soak it in. This is your final moment of the night, and I want you to remember every second of it.

You’ve Got This

You’ve poured your heart into this day — now it’s time to show up, breathe, and celebrate. I’ll be right there, capturing every tear, grin, and happy blur of it all.

So take this last minute wedding checklist, bookmark it, and maybe pass it to a bridesmaid. I promise it will help everything go just a little smoother.

With love,
Rachael | Carter’s Creative

When you work with Carter’s Creative, I’ll guide you through everything — from the timing of your first look to the details you might otherwise forget. My job is to help you feel seen, supported, and celebrated. If you are interested in working with a passionate husband and wife photography team, reach out to us! We would love to hear from you!