We all know by now what kind of cameras, lenses, and other gear we need to pack in our kit for a wedding day. But what else should you bring? Here’s a list of some of my top items that I include in my kit, whether it’s to help the inevitable wedding hangover the next day, or help out a member of the wedding party in a pinch!
Lots of water, and Hydralyte
There is no such thing as too much hydration on a wedding day! I slack on keeping up with it sometimes while I’m working (don’t we all?), but I always pack multiple bottles of water to keep me going through the day. I add Hydralyte (for added electrolytes) into every 2nd or 3rd bottle for extra hydration!
Tip: For super hot days, pack yourself a small cooler filled with ice, snacks, and a couple of water bottles - throw a fresh one in the cooler whenever you finish one so it’s cold for when you need it. I love using insulated bottles because they stay cold for longer and are reusable!
Protein bars
Wedding days are TOUGH. They’re incredibly busy and also can be very long - sometimes you start the day early in the AM, and won’t have a hot meal until dinner at the reception! Because of this, I’ve been keeping protein bars on me at all times lately. They’re perfect to snack on while driving between locations, or when you have a quick second in between portraits. While I do love packing other snacks in my cooler, I like these for how easy they pack into my bag (a fruit tray just doesn’t fit!) and I like to have them on hand in case another vendor needs a boost in their day as well. Sharing is caring!
Tip: BRING EXTRAS. You never know when a vendor friend, your couple, or someone else needs something to eat in a pinch. Many couples are waiting just as long as you are to get to dinner, or you may help someone who is having low blood sugar.
Translucent powder (and other relevant, easily sanitized makeup products, if you have them)
Translucent pressed powder is truly the GOAT for helping in a myriad of situations.
Shiny faces? Powder.
Makeup sliding off? Help it stay with powder.
Oily hair? POWDER.
It’s an easy fix for makeup mishaps and other small wedding day tragedies, so I keep this on hand not only for myself, but for my clients as well!
Tip: A little goes a long way! This is also what I use to (hopefully) keep myself looking like less of a hot mess by the end of the day.
Smart watch
I have only recently started using an Apple Watch on wedding days, for a few reasons:
Quick access to the wedding day timeline and photo lists
Access to posing inspiration, the couple’s favourite engagement session photos or other information in case I’m drawing a blank during portraits
Fast way to communicate (you can talk into and take phone calls from your couple while you’re on the go - I used this feature on my first wedding of the month, for their first look, and it worked surprisingly well)
It tracks your activity levels - it’s kind of fun to see the workout you get while shooting!
You can set reminders throughout the day which will vibrate and keep you on schedule. For example, reminders for when to wrap up the couple’s photos and get them back to the reception site for their entrance, or even reminders to drink water or snack!
I wouldn’t say it’s a TOTAL game changer, as you can definitely use your phone for all of these things too, but I do like having a quick nudge on my wrist to keep me on track during the day.
Extra shoes
I change my shoes a minimum of 2, but often 3 times while shooting on a wedding day. This SAVES me and my feet, and I can tell you, nothing feels better than putting on comfortable shoes before hitting the reception! I typically start out with flats and switch to Allbirds later in the day. I discovered them when traveling in New York City, wearing terrible shoes on day 4 of walking all around the city, and I honestly would have bought them for $1000 at that point because of the pain my feet were in! They are pricey, but worth the cost. Other photographer friends of mine swear by Birkenstock’s and Rothy’s, or really good running sneakers.
Tip: Change your shoes after each chunk of the day, I.e. after the getting ready, after the ceremony, and before the reception. Save the comfiest ones for last and you’ll be walking on air!
Sunscreen and bug spray
You know what’s worse than a wedding hangover? A wedding hangover when you’re sunburned and covered in bug bites (I’m speaking from experience here). I apply sunscreen to my face every morning, and bring sunscreen for any exposed areas that my clothing doesn’t cover.
Here in Atlantic Canada, bugs can be a real issue - and many of the best locations include tall grass, water, and other bug-friendly spots. Tossing some bug spray in your bag can save you and your clients from some serious scratching!
Tip: I actually keep bug spray in my car 24/7, because my dog and I frequent some buggy spots on our adventures. Always having it on you means you won’t forget to pack it, and you’re prepared for any unexpected mosquito bites!
A lighter
Whether or not you smoke, a lighter is so handy to have on a wedding day. You can add ambience to portraits with a few lit candles, and it’s important to have on hand for anything involving sparklers!
Tip: I prefer barbecue lighters for these situations but a regular BIC lighter does the trick too.
Phone charger (in your car or a charging bank)
Can you imagine driving to a remote location and having your phone (with the GPS on) die?! It’s good to keep it charged so that your clients can contact you if they need to as well. If you capture any behind-the-scenes, it can really drain your battery, so be prepared!
Tip: I charge my phone while driving between locations with a car charger, but a power bank in your bag would be even better.
I’m sure some of these are obvious, but maybe you’ve read something you hadn’t thought of - I’d love to know what unconventional items you keep with you on wedding days! Let me know in the comments!