Plan Ahead, Stress Less: What to Pack for Your Wedding Day—Room by Room

wedding planning

Jul 17

Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of your life—but it also comes with a lot of moving parts. One of the easiest ways to stay organized and calm? Pack with intention! That’s why we love the “What to Pack: Room by Room” guide featured in our exclusive Hawthorne House Planning Magazine. All booked couples receive access to this detailed resource, which walks you through the tips and tricks of wedding planning—including expert advice tailored specifically to planning a celebration at Hawthorne House. It breaks down exactly what to bring for each area of your venue, helping you (and your wedding party) stay stress-free and ready to celebrate.

Ceremony Must-Haves

The ceremony is the heart of the day, and it deserves all the thoughtful touches. Be sure to pack essentials like wreaths for the chapel doors, reserved signs, your programs, and of course, your guestbook and pens. Don’t forget practical (and adorable) items like the flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, and a welcome sign with an easel. These little details help set the tone for your guests and ensure everything flows seamlessly from the moment they arrive.

Getting Ready Rooms: The Magnolia & Bradford Rooms

For the bride and bridesmaids in the Magnolia Room, you’ll want to bring the dress (of course), veil, shoes for the ceremony and reception, jewelry, a dress steamer, and your marriage license. Pro tip: pack snacks and water so everyone stays energized and hydrated! Don’t forget a personalized hanger for photo ops, and a honeymoon bag if you're heading out right after.

In the Bradford Room, the groomsmen will need suits or jackets, shirts, pants, belts, socks, shoes, and a honeymoon bag too. Water and snacks are also a great idea here—we see a lot of nerves and excitement in this room, so a little fuel goes a long way!

Details Box

This one is often overlooked, but it’s gold for your photographer and planner. Pack your invitation suite, vow books, ring box, all rings, perfume, and a ribbon or other styled accents. These items will be used for your flat lay photos—those beautiful styled shots of your details that help tell your wedding day story.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Cocktail hour essentials include your seating chart, bar sign, and any decor for the mantle or cocktail tables. When it’s time to move to the reception, don’t forget table numbers, any printed menus or thank you cards, and your send-off items (bubbles, ribbon wands, etc.).

Don’t Forget the Extras

Under the Miscellaneous section, pack the cake stand, knife and server, and any special champagne flutes you’d like to toast with. These final touches bring personalization to the celebration.

Final Tip

Use labeled totes for each room or area. Mark what's inside and where it belongs—it’ll make setup smoother and ensure nothing is left behind.

Packing might not be the most glamorous part of wedding prep, but trust us—it makes a huge difference. Planning in advance helps you relax and truly enjoy every beautiful, joy-filled moment of your wedding day!