A list of wedding day essentials is well—essential! Sure you’ve got your dress, your shoes, hair accessories and makeup bag, but what else will you need on your big day? And more importantly, what can you pack in advance or delegate to your tribe? No worries here. I’ve got you covered! As a Colorado photographer since 2013, I’ve managed the Rocky Mountain wedding scene for more than a decade. So without further ado, here are my top 10 wedding day essentials, guaranteed to keep Colorado brides stress-free and photo ready! 

1. Wedding Day Essentials: The Bridal Binder

Whether you’ve opted for a scenic mountain space or a more traditional venue, odds are your vendors are based everywhere from Boulder or Vail to Denver and Colorado Springs… and service weddings everywhere in between! That’s why I recommend a bridal binder on your list of wedding day essentials. It doesn’t need to be stuffed or complicated—but it should include a final schedule and the names and contact information for all of your day-of team. Colorado is a fairly drivable state, so your guests and vendors are all probably coming in from somewhere. Having all this information handy (and printed out ahead of time!) can help to keep track of everyone and make it easy to check in if anything comes up. (Spring snowstorms anyone?) 

2. Dry Shampoo/Dry Conditioner

Did you know Colorado is the seventh driest state in America? With no oceans to help regulate temperatures, and no bodies of water anywhere nearby, the air is some of the driest you’ll find year round. As such, the temperatures can swing from hot to cold all in one day, resulting in some pretty frizzy, dry hair—especially if you’re not a native or traveled here for a destination wedding. That’s why dry shampoo and dry conditioner are a must-have on my list of wedding day essentials! Dry shampoo can help maintain your hairstyle without weighing you down, and breathe life into flattened roots, all while eliminating that pesky mountain static. 

3. Dryer Sheets

Your hair isn’t the only thing affected by the dry Colorado climate. Everything from skirts to veils and pant legs can fall victim to static cling, and sprays can often lead to stains or unwanted drops of spritzy moisture on your gowns and suits. The solution? Add a box of dryer sheets to your list of wedding day essentials. If skirts are sticking and pants aren’t laying correctly, just wipe a simple sheet over the surface, and voila. No static—no problem! 

4. Ibuprofen

With an average altitude of about 6,800 feet above sea level, Colorado is the highest contiguous State in the Union. Even the natives aren’t immune to altitude sickness, especially on days where nerves are running as high as the peaks! Caused by the lack of oxygen at high altitude, people in Colorado, especially visitors who aren’t accustomed, can often experience headaches and muscle soreness as they adjust to the thinner air. Don’t let the height ruin your day! Have some ibuprofen handy to make sure your big day isn’t interrupted by any discomfort. 

5. Wedding Day Essentials: Water Bottles & Sports Drinks

Water bottles and sports drinks are wedding day essentials in Colorado, especially if you’re planning a cocktail hour or open bar. Consuming alcohol at a higher elevation can exaggerate its effects of dehydration, usually making altitude sickness much worse than it needs to be at big events like your wedding. If your guests are arriving and attending a drinks-included reception within 48 hours of their arrival, make sure there are plenty of water and electrolyte-heavy drinks to go around. Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available, and make sure you have a way to stay hydrated at every phase of the day’s events.

6. Chapstick & Hand Cream

These go without saying in a dry climate like Colorado, but they’re worth mentioning as wedding day essentials when kisses and rings are among the day’s focal points. You’d be surprised how quickly your hands can dry out, especially if you’re planning a winter wedding. Refresh your moisture before all those close-up wedding band photos, and make sure your lips are soft and kissable any time a fork taps a glass all night long.

7. Footwear Options

Colorado wedding venues have some stunning options for bridal portraits, but some do require some walking. Even when staying on the grounds, you’ll probably have to walk over some rocky mountain terrain at some point in the day. That’s why I recommend packing some extra comfortable shoes to wear as you walk from place to place. Trust me. It’s best to keep your wedding shoes clean and your ankles happy and healthy! 

8. Blotting Papers & Setting Spray

I’ve mentioned the drying effects of Colorado’s climate on your hair and your clothing, but did you know it can have the opposite effect on your skin? It’s true! When faced with the dry winds of Colorado, our skin tends to fight the air by overcompensating with extra oils and shine. That’s why blotting papers and a good matte-finish makeup setting spray are among the top wedding day essentials. They’ll help you stay looking your best without excessive drying or adding to the oily root cause. 

9. Sunscreen

Ever wondered why Colorado skiers get sunburnt cheeks in the dead of winter? Even on cold, cloudy days? Well, being 6,800 feet above sea level puts us a lot closer to the sun that we often realize. And that proximity to the sun can lead to a quick burn on your big day, even in the length of a simple outdoor ceremony. Make sure you have a lightweight, spray-on sunscreen handy, and remember to treat your scalp. You don’t want to head off on your honeymoon with wedding gown tan lines! 

10. Wedding Day Essentials: Snacks

Most healthcare professionals advise eating smaller and more frequent meals, carbs, vitamin rich foods and even salty foods when on a high-altitude visit. Most brides on the other hand tend to skip morning breakfast or refuse wedding day snacks because they don’t want to be bloated. You see the problem here? Your body really does need more fuel at Colorado’s elevation, and a lack of respect for that can cause you to feel far more dizzy and lightheaded than you usually would. There are plenty of snacks that can combat hunger without bloating. Find your favorites and make sure you have plenty on hand throughout the day. 

Your wedding day should be as special and unique as your love story. Let’s make it as smooth as possible! Let’s capture the unforgettable moments together. 

Have you felt that cool breeze in the air lately? The holidays are on their way, and if the goosebumps on your arms are accompanied by butterflies in your stomach, your winter wedding is probably on its way, too. Are you prepared for the big day? Whether you’re weeks away from your dream wedding or you’re working toward winter 2024, here are my top five tips for a gorgeous winter wedding.

1. Embrace the Season

Did you know only 11 percent of weddings took place outside the traditional May-October wedding season last year? A winter wedding is a stunning event to plan, and gives you the opportunity to create a day that’s both fresh and unique to this industry. So when you’re preparing for your winter wedding, it’s important to embrace the season! Choose a seasonal menu full of hearty soups, winter salads and festive comfort foods. Embrace rich velvets for fabrics and warm hues for colors. Worried about losing the natural light too early? Fairy lights and candles can create the perfect cozy mood—and make for some gorgeous photos!

2. Give Yourself Time

With winter being a unique wedding season, it’s easy to think dates and venues will have plenty of availability, or your guests will have plenty of days off to spend with you. But holiday travel and events book early, and your vendors will, too! Be sure to start planning in advance, and give your guests plenty of time to coordinate holiday calendars with save-the-dates at least six months out.

Even if your winter wedding plans are well underway, this tip applies to the day itself, too. Roads are icy and snow can cause delays, so make sure you give yourself (and your wedding party) plenty of time to commute and prepare. 

3. Consider your Guests

It’s always important to make your friends and family feel welcome on your big day, but with a winter wedding, those steps of comfort for your guests look a little different than the traditional ushers and cocktail hours. Planning an indoor ceremony or reception? Make sure you have a coat check upon arrival, and have plenty of coordinated mats handy for snowy shoes. Any outdoor events? Consider serving warm beverages, or passing out blankets with your programs. If you’re passing out favors, opt for some seasonal favorites like mulled wine spices, mittens, or cozy candles. 

4. Warm up with Layers

Nothing can take you out of a romantic mood faster than cold feet—and I don’t just mean nerves! If you’re walking from space to space, have some cute boots handy to change in and out of, and make sure your bridesmaids do the same. Long dress? Grab some thick or fleece-lined tights to keep your feet and legs toasty. Your accessories and outerwear will be on full display, so make sure you’re prepared with chic layers (for you AND your wedding party!)

5. Prepare for Emergencies

Contingency plans are a part of any event, but they’re especially important for a winter wedding. If you’re planning to use any outdoor spaces, make sure there’s an indoor option that’s available and convenient—winter weather is so unpredictable! Are you providing transportation for your guests? Make sure you have backups available if conditions are bad, and alternate routes ready to communicate if roads are closed. Keep an eye on the airlines, too… your honeymoon travel plans might be delayed!