Staying Organized!


That's the name of the game for a wedding day. As someone with ADHD, organization is something I really have to prioritize if I'm going to use my time well, and it doesn't come really naturally. But, there are a few things that really helped me when it came to my wedding day, and that I highly recommend other brides try out! My biggest tip for a crazy wedding day is having a "one-stop Go Bag". Now, mine might be a bit crazy, but it worked for me, and I'll share what I did in a minute, but first a little context.


My husband and I live in Pennsylvania, right outside of Philadelphia, and we have since attending college in Philly. But, we're originally from Southern California! We met in high school and started dating before doing long distance for a year, and then college across the city from each other. So even though we lived in Philly while planning our wedding, we were making all of our plans to have the wedding in California where my family and many of our friends live. This made for a more than slightly hectic wedding week, including flights to CA, getting our marriage license mere days before our wedding day, and having to pack EVERYTHING I needed for my wedding day into a carry-on suitcase.


THE thing that helped me stay organized was actually really simple: a backpack. Now, this probably seems really basic, but for me, it worked! I had a backpack with about 15 pockets (no joke) and a space for everything! We kept any important documents in a portfolio in the laptop case, high use items in an external pocket for easy access, think lipstick and q-tips, comfy shoes in the main compartment, my "bridal" shoes were actually strapped to an external loop so they didn't get crushed inside. I even got a cute set of small cosmetic pouches that said "bride" and organized my makeup and toiletries! One just had all my based makeup and things I probably would only need while getting ready, one had things I'd need for touchups throughout the day, and one was a little "emergency kit" (think small sewing kit, deodorant, Advil, etc.)


Having everything broken down by categories was really helpful, and allowed me to communicate clearly with my bridesmaids about what I needed and where they could find it. Now, as a wedding photographer, I would also add my "details box" to that main compartment! That way you have your paper goods, jewelry, and other little details you want to be photographed all in one spot, and it's easy to hand off to your photographer during your getting ready time!


Here's an example of how I organized my "go bag"!


Emergency kit:

  • Bandaids
  • Advil
  • Chapstick
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Lint remover sheets
  • Static spray
  • Sewing Kit with white/invisible thread


Makeup:

  • Skincare products
  • Foundation/Concealer
  • Waterproof mascara
  • False Lashes
  • Lip Liner/Lip Stick
  • Setting Spray
  • Blush/Bronzer
  • Eyeshadow
  • Makeup Brushes


Touch Ups:

  • Lipstick
  • Mascara
  • Q-tips/Tissues
  • Nail File
  • Clear Nail Polish
  • Ring Cleaner Pen
  • Bobby Pins
  • Travel Hairspray
  • Travel Perfume


Main Compartment:

  • Comfy Shoes
  • Fancy Shoes
  • Details Box
  • Veil/Hair Piece (If not in a different garment bag)


Easy Access (small items)

  • Mints/Gum
  • Chapstick
  • Pen

Easy access (Larger Items)

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Seasonal items ( hand warmers, cool pack, etc.)
  • Wallet
  • Keys