It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. The reality is that wedding planning is both emotionally and financially overwhelming for many couples. 

So, what’s the best way to prepare? Know what is necessary and splurge only on things that truly matter to stay on top of the costs.

In this blog, we will guide you through the key things you should buy for a wedding so you can sidestep last-minute stress and avoid impulse buys that stretch your budget too far.

The bride and groom are the stars of the show when it comes to their wedding day. However, the bride has specific (and necessary) items that no one else needs to worry about. 

While there may be other things brides want in addition to those on our list, we will cover the basic items that most brides look for when choosing things to buy for their wedding. Let's dive into the essentials for the bride-to-be.

Wedding attire

Here are the must-have attire items for most brides:

• Wedding dress
• Undergarments (strapless bra, shapewear, etc.)
• Shoes
• Second dress (if changing for the reception)
• Garter
• Robe (for “getting ready” photos)
• Slippers or flip-flops (for tired feet after dancing)

Jewelry and accessories

Ah, the sparkle that makes you shine even brighter! Let’s check out some of the most important jewelry and accessories for brides.

Jewelry

Here are the basic jewelry items for brides-to-be:

• Earrings
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Anklet
• Brooch
• Ring

Headpieces and hair accessories

Headpieces and hair accessories can pull together an outfit. Here are some common items brides may want to buy for their wedding day:

• Veil
• Tiara or crown
• Headband
• Hairpins or clips
• Hair combs
• Hair vines
• Fresh flowers
• Fascinator

Other accessories

Want some ideas for other accessories that you might overlook? Here are some options:

• Belt or sash
• Gloves
• Cape or shawl
• Clutch or evening bag
• Shoe clip embellishments
• Hand fan
• Parasol (for outdoor weddings)

Grooming products and tools

Beauty looks a little different for most brides on their wedding days. Here are a few items you’ll want to have as you get ready for the big day:

• Hair styling products
• Hair styling tools
• Body and hand lotion
• Makeup products
• Mouthwash
• Perfume
• Deodorant
• Hair pins or hair ties
• Q-tips, tissues, and cotton pads (for makeup)

Moving on to the groom's corner. Just like brides, grooms have several items they should buy for their wedding to ensure it goes off without a hitch. Let’s dive into some of the items grooms will want to have on hand before, during, and after the wedding.

Wedding attire

One of the most important parts of planning a wedding includes choosing the right wedding attire. For many brides, a wedding dress and its accessories are typical choices. Grooms, however, have more choices. Let’s take a look at must-have items  for grooms, considering the differences between formal and semi-formal wedding attire.

Formal attire

Formal attire requires a bit more class, which usually means extra layers. Here are some things grooms may want to buy for a formal wedding:

• Black tie tuxedo
• White tie tuxedo
• Morning suit
• Evening suit
• Tie or bow tie
• Formal dress shoes

Semi-formal attire

Let’s discuss some standard things for grooms having a semi-formal wedding:

• Business suit
• Blazer
• Slacks
• Themed attire
• Button-down shirt
• Dress shoes

Jewelry and accessories

Just like brides, grooms have additional jewelry and accessories they may wear during their big day. Here are just a few of those items to give you a better idea of what you may need to buy:

• Nice watch
• Tie clip or tie bar
• Cufflinks
• Pocket square
• Lapel pin (or boutonnière)
• Suspenders
• Collar stay
• Belt
• Money clip

Grooming products and tools

Grooms want to look their best on their big day, so grooming products and tools are essential. Here are some of the items you’ll want to have on hand:

• Hair styling products
• Lip balm
• After-shave lotion or balm
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Cologne
• Body or hand lotion
• Nail clippers

You never know when little hiccups will pop up. That’s why it’s crucial for couples to plan ahead with an emergency wedding kit that covers all their bases. 

Health and comfort

This category will include things that will help the happy couple (and any guests who may need some help) feel their best throughout the day.

• Pain relievers
• Antacids
• Band-Aids
• First-aid ointment
• Allergy medicine
• Eye drops

Personal care

The personal care category of the emergency kit should have things that will make the day a little easier and more relaxing. After all, no one wants to worry about not looking or smelling their best at their wedding. Here are some things that may be helpful to have easy access to throughout the day:

• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Lip balm
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Hand lotion
• Blotting papers
• Brush or comb
• Makeup for touch-ups
• Perfume or cologne
• Sanitary products
• Hair pins or ties
• Mirror
• Tweezers

Apparel and accessories

You never know when something may go wrong with a piece of jewelry or a garment, so having an emergency kit with some items to address these problems on the spot is a good idea. Here are some things to include:

• Safety pins
• Mini sewing kit
• Stain remover pen
• Fashion tape
• Lint roller
• Shoe cushions
• Scissors
• Superglue

Buying special gifts for loved ones is an exciting aspect of getting things for your wedding because you can make them more personal. Let’s dig into some different, unique ideas for perfect gifts you can buy others for your big day.

Bridesmaids

For the bridesmaids, consider ideas like these:

• Personalized jewelry
• Monogrammed robes or pajamas
• Custom tote bags
• Personalized makeup bags
• Gift certificates
• Custom keepsake photo frames

Groomsmen

Here are some ideas for what you could get the groomsmen:

• Personalized cufflinks
• Grooming kits
• Matching leather wallets or belts
• Personalized drinkware
• Gift certificates
• Custom pocket knives
• Custom keepsake photo frames

Parents

A wedding day is just as monumental for the happy couple as it is for their parents. Here are some things you can give them as a token of appreciation:

• Framed wedding invitation
• Personalized photo album or picture frame
• Custom family illustration (from places like Etsy or Amazon)
• Engraved jewelry
• Memory book

Flower girl and ring bearer

For the special girls or boys who earn spots in your wedding party, treat them with something like these items:

• Personalized toys
• Activity books
• Custom t-shirts
• Personalized storybooks
• Mini jewelry or beauty kits
• Gift cards or certificates

Other loved ones

Other people at your wedding, like the officiant or extended family members, may also have a special place in your heart. If so, you could buy them things like the following to show you care:

• Personalized keepsakes
• Unique flower arrangements
• Gift boxes
• Food baskets
• Gift certificates
• Handwritten thank-you cards

There are many things that you’ll need for the big day, including necessary items for the ceremony and reception. But what are other things you may want to buy for your wedding that aren’t on every other list out there? We’ll help you uncover some ideas that may spark further inspiration and make your wedding day as special as possible.

For the ceremony

You probably have a good idea of what you need for your wedding ceremony, such as seating, the altar, decorations, flowers, and other items. But if you want to go all out, here are a few other things you may want to consider:

• Reserved signs
• Program fans
• Ring warming box
• Silent confetti
• Unity candles
• Kneeling or sitting pads (for religious ceremonies)

For the reception

While you should plan ahead with the right decor and furniture for your reception, there may be additional items for wedding guests (and the newlyweds) to create the ultimate party atmosphere. Here are a few of those things:

• Cake cutting set
• Wedding cake stand
• Champagne (and flutes)
• Drink stirrers
• Custom coasters
• Phone chargers
• Guest book and pens
• Disposable cameras
• Extra place settings
• Party favors (and similar thoughtful gift ideas)
• Kid activity packs or settings

For transportation and logistics

Your big day may include shuttle transportation and other logistics that need attention. To make it easier, you can buy things for your wedding day that will help everyone stay organized:

• Helpful direction signs
• Shuttle or taxi services
• Maps with printed directions
• Luggage stickers (if you’re providing accommodations)
• Prepaid ride cards

Miscellaneous items

Finally, let’s touch on some of the general items you won’t want to overlook:

• Spare invitations (for photos or keepsakes)
• Timeline or agenda cards
• Vendor meals
• Pet care packs (if pets are in the wedding)
• Batteries
• Tape
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen

Tie up loose ends for your big day with Accrue Savings

Wedding planning is hectic, but preparation can save you from stress and excessive spending. 

If you don’t know how to save for all these expenses, Accrue Savings can help. We will help you save for your big wedding expenses, including everything from the wedding rings to the beautiful gown to the honeymoon. And with our solution, the brand you plan to buy from can contribute to your savings goal so you reach it faster. It’s a win-win.

Let’s make saving a part of your life, especially for an event as special as your wedding! Explore Accrue Savings today to learn more.