Imagine: you’re shooting a wedding at your favorite venue. The hydrangeas are blooming, the couple has been amazing to work with, and you know this DJ is going to have the place jumping during the reception.

You work your way through your shot list, and everything has gone smoothly — even the family photos! And sure enough, the DJ has brought the party just like you anticipated. So much so that Uncle Steve stumbles into you, spilling his new beer all over your outfit. But even that can’t ruin your day because you packed your wedding day toolkit last night and you know you have a change of clothes with you.

Having a well-packed wedding day toolkit can make the difference between a smooth, successful day and a stressful one. That one spilled drink could mean a five-minute recess, or it could mean finishing the night and driving home sticky and smelling like beer. To help you feel ready for anything that comes your way, here’s what we suggest you pack in your wedding day toolkit to ensure you’ve got everything you need. 

Your Equipment, Plus Backups

Of course, your camera gear is the number one priority for your wedding pack list, so make sure you’ve double-checked that you’ve packed the essentials:

• Cameras (at least two bodies)
• Lenses (wide-angle, prime, zoom, and macro) – Here’s a peek at the lenses we use
• Memory Cards (plenty of them)
• Batteries (charged and with spares)
• Chargers (just in case you need to power up)
• External Flash or Speedlights

The last thing you want is a technical failure with no backup plan, so make sure you pack backups for everything. It might feel excessive, but you can never be too prepared!

Printed Timeline and Family Formals List 

It’s no secret that wedding days can be chaotic, and that timelines are often tight. To stay organized and on top of everything, we suggest printing out a copy of the wedding timeline and the family formals list. Having this at your fingertips ensures you don’t waste time scrolling through your phone or getting lost in the digital shuffle.

Haven’t created a wedding day timeline yet? This blog post will help you craft one that will keep you covered!

Pro Tip: Keep these printed documents in a protective folder so they stay clean and dry throughout the day.

Flash Stands and Light Modifiers

Indoor receptions and poorly lit venues can make lighting a challenge, so be sure to pack your flash stands and any light modifiers you use for diffusing or bouncing light. These tools are lifesavers when you’re shooting in low-light situations.

Flat Lay Mats and Details Kit

You’ll often start the day by photographing details like the rings, invitations, and other personal touches. Bring a flat lay mat to style these shots, so you have a clean, neutral background to work with. You can also build a details kit that includes styling elements like ribbons, silk cloths, ring boxes, and extra greenery to enhance your detail shots.

Care For Yourself in Your Wedding Day Toolkit

Wedding days are long, and chances are that you’ll be on your feet for 10+ hours. Which means that you need to ensure that you’ve got everything you need to take care of yourself. Here are a few things we’re always sure to pack:

 

• Extra Backup Shoes (Your feet will thank you)
• Food (We personally always bring Uncrustables)
• Water Bottles (Hydration is key!)
• A Change of Clothes

Miscellaneous Essentials for Your Wedding Day Toolkit

And, of course, no wedding day toolkit is complete without a few miscellaneous essentials:

• Gaffer Tape (For securing cords or quick fixes)
• A Small First Aid Kit
• Safety Pins (For wardrobe malfunctions)
• Phone Chargers or Battery Packs
• Rain Protection Gear (Umbrellas, Clear Ponchos, Camera Rain Cover)
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant

Ultimately the best wedding day toolkit is the one that makes you feel prepared and confident for the day ahead. By having all of your gear, tools, and personal essentials on hand, you can handle whatever the wedding day throws at you without missing a beat.

Because when you’re well-prepared, you’re able to not only capture stunning photos but also create a seamless experience for your couple. (And if you want to ensure that you are creating unforgettable experiences every time, check out this blog post!)