The Ultimate Wedding Day Checklist For Florida Couples

Florida is a phenomenal place to be, and there’s really nowhere else like it in all of the United States.

That’s why so many couples choose to get married here, even if they have to come from the other side of the country to do it.

Actually, they especially come from the other side of the country, particularly when it’s winter wherever they live.

But Florida has its ups and downs, just like any other place, from our unique weather and heat to logistical and practical concerns.

And there are certain things you’ll want to include on your wedding day checklist to ensure that you’re prepared and everything goes smoothly. 

What to Take With You When You Go to Your Venue

Here, we’re talking about the personal items you’ll want to have on you when you exit your hotel room or accommodations and start making your way to the venue on your wedding day.

Most of what you need should already be there by the time you arrive if you’ve hired a wedding planner, but you’ll still want to have a few extra items on hand.

Such items include:

• Wedding attire (suit/dress and accessories)
• Comfortable, breathable walking shoes or sandals (bring both if you can)
• Marriage License (required by the state of Florida)
• Vows or a vow book (if applicable)
• First aid kit (because you never know)
• Emergency Kit (different from a first aid kit)
• Deodorant
• Makeup 
• Sunscreen
• Aloe vera (in case anyone gets sunburn)
• Umbrella (especially if your ceremony will be outside)
• Rings

Additional items that can help you handle the climate

• Hand fans and/or cooling towels
• Bottled water for you and everyone in the wedding party
• UV-blocking sun hats

Pro Tip: Make a pen-and-paper list so you can physically check each item off.

Essential Items for Your Wedding Ceremony

These are things you don’t necessarily need to have on your person when you leave your hotel room, but they should be present at the venue when you arrive. 

• Ceremony programs (schedule of events)
• Ring box or pillow
• Reserved seating signs
• Guest book and pens
• Sand, candles, and other miscellaneous items if you’re doing a unity ceremony

You’ll also want to double-check that:

• The officiant has arrived on time
• The sound system and microphones are functioning properly

Pro Tip: If you’re getting married outside on the beach, check the weather forecast and tides before you set everything up and confirm that you have all the necessary permits and permissions.

Coordinate With Your Vendors

Your vendors are the providers of everything that makes your wedding run smoothly. They also prepare and serve the food, so you should consider them when making your wedding day checklist.

• Print and share your final timeline
• Create a list of all of your vendors
• Prepare envelopes labeled with payment or tips
• Assign someone to be the point person (planner or trusted friend)
• Confirm the delivery times for:
• Florist
• Rentals
• Cake
• Catering
• Photographers/videographers
• DJs/Bands

Pro Tip: If possible, choose vendors who have worked with your wedding venue or with each other in the past. 

Important Details to Consider for Your Wedding Reception

It’s not only about the obvious things, like your marriage license and umbrellas. These little extra things on your wedding day checklist can make a disproportionate amount of difference. 

• Seating chart and place cards
• Decorations for the reception
• Favors for guests
• Cake-cutting set
• Champagne flutes
• Signage for the reception

Song List for Special Songs Including:

• First dance
• Dances between parents
• Last dance

Pro Tip: Don’t assume that your guests know where to go or what to do. Signage, cards, and even including little programs with the guest favors can help keep everyone on the same page.

Additional Considerations for Outdoor or Beach Weddings

Everyone comes to Florida for the scenery (among other things). Naturally, that means many people choose to have their wedding, or at least part of it, outside. However, if you do that, you’ll want to add a few extra items to your wedding day checklist. 

• Have a backup location (indoors or a tented space)
• Clearly mark directions to the location
• Bring towels for wet feet
• Provide shade options or heat sources as needed
• Add lighting for sunset ceremonies
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Pro Tip: At a beach wedding, there will be sand. So, ensure there is a place for you and everyone else to wash and dry their feet.

Closing Thoughts

With a comprehensive wedding day checklist, you’ll be able to enjoy your celebration knowing that everything has been taken care of and accounted for.

Being adequately prepared reduces the amount of anxiety you’ll experience on your wedding day and allows you to give each other a wonderful gift – the ability to simply enjoy yourselves.

So, be sure to start planning as early as possible, build buffer time into your schedule, and remember that not everything has to be perfect to be magical.