There’ll be plenty of purchases over the course of your wedding planning journey (sadly you’ll see the zeros regularly decreasing from your bank balance) but there are certain items that will get you so excited for the Big Day, you’ll feel about 8 and like it’s Christmas eve all over again. From the biggies like the dress to the little stuff like the hanger you’ll pop your dress on and the PJs you’ll be wearing on the day you get married, these 12 wedding buys will have you extra excited as you count down the days to your wedding…
1. A Wedding Planning Notebook
Journal by MyWeddingPlanner.ie | Photo courtesy of Sosueme
Whether you’re a list maker or not, by the time your wedding rolls round, you’ll have it down to a fine art! A wedding planning journal or notebook is so handy and picking one up will make the day seem even more real. It’s generally one of the first of the purchases and a brilliant investment – not only will it get you super excited, it’s the perfect place to jot down the endless stuff running through your mind at all hours and will be a gorgeous little throw-back to your planning journey when the day has been and gone. Irish business MyWeddingPlanner.ie have a fab planning journal designed specifically for Irish brides (see above!). You can pick it up here!
2. A Countdown Sign
€8.50 available from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | Photo by DKPHOTO
Like the planning journal, the countdown sign is a little daily reminder of the fun times ahead and how close the wedding is! Chances are you might get one as a gift at some stage but if not, pop over to Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique who have a fab selection of countdown signs in their online store.
3. The Dress
Photo by Vicki Bartel Photography via Bridal Musings
If there’s one item that will get you in proper wedding mode, it’s the dress! Not only is dress shopping a gorgeous chance to enjoy some serious quality time with your nearest and dearest, but buying a dress makes the wedding SO much more real. After all this is the very dress you’ll be wearing when you marry the love of your life!! Paying that deposit is a serious milestone.
4. The Veil (If You’re Having One)
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Although not every bride dons one for the Big Day, the veil is the quintessential wedding item. If there’s anything sure to get you in bridal mode (other than the dress obvs.) it has to be the veil. Pop this baby on and you’ll be able to pretty much picture yourself heading up that aisle!
5. Your Wedding Invites
Photo from Laura & Craig’s real wedding by Hu O’Reilly
Whether you love your stationery or not, picking your wedding invitations will be a memorable experience. And receiving your very own wedding invite with your names and your wedding date on it has to be pretty darn exciting! This little milestone will give you a serious wedding high.
6. A Gorgeous Garter
Photo via Emily Riggs
Unless you’re a Burlesque dancer, chances are you won’t have much dealings with garters on a daily basis. It’s a time old tradition that you either love or loathe but if you like the idea of having something secret and special just for you (and your partner), purchasing one of these pretty pieces as a nod to this wedding tradition is sure to get the excitement going. Shop beautiful garters here!
7. The Wedding Rings
Photo by Whitney Neal Photography via Style Me Pretty
Choosing the ring that will adorn your ring finger for the rest of your days is pretty special. Granted, it’s not as fancy as the engagement ring but this little band symbolises so much and will be a gorgeous shopping experience for you both. The only downside is you can’t wear it straight away! There are some beautiful engravings and ideas out there for couples looking to make their wedding rings that bit more special and personal – check out some of our faves here.
8. Bridal PJs for the Wedding Morning
Photo by Claire Gessel Photography
The robe and PJ trend is super popular with bridal parties and it’s no surprise. They make a great gift idea and you and the girls will look and feel great on the wedding morning. Whether you opt for a personalised robe, some cute PJs, a romper or some sweat pants and a fun Bride tee or hoody, choosing the attire you’ll wear on the morning of your wedding is such a lovely feeling and will be a fun shopping experience too.
9. THE Hanger for Your Dress
Photo via Etsy
Whether you go with a simple white wooden hanger from Penneys or IKEA or something pretty and personalised, picking up the wedding dress hanger YOUR wedding dress is going to be hanging on will get the butterflies going. It’s also a gorgeous keepsake piece that you’ll cherish afterwards. Shop hangers on Akito Avalanche Wedding Hangers and Jazzy Creationz.
10. Your Hen Party Dress
Photo via The Coveteur
The hen is such a fun part of the wedding journey and a chance to celebrate with your bestest pals! It’s also the perfect excuse to go shopping. As the bride-to-be, you’ll want to feel amazing so a new gúna will more than likely be on the cards and picking out THE dress you’ll wear on the big night will make things feel very real indeed. Same goes for your day after outfit, just think, you’ll be wearing this when you’re officially a spouse! Whoop!
11. A Wifey Tee for Honeymoon
Wifey T-shirt from Ily, photo via @LivingLifePretty
Okay, so this isn’t strictly a necessity but if you’re looking for some bits and pieces that’ll make you smile when you’re packing your honeymoon suitcase, this one is sure to do it! Check out 20 Brilliant Honeymoon Buys to Make Your Trip Extra Special for more inspo.
12. Anything Mr/Mrs
Photo by Eternal Light Photography
If you’re on the hunt for decor for your wedding day, you’ll more than likely come across some pretty amazing Mr/Mrs pieces. Lots of couples opt to showcase the odd Mr & Mrs/Mrs & Mrs/Mr & Mr decor as a fun little tribute to their new coupledom and we think it’s really sweet. And picking up these during your wedding planning journey is sure to give you a bit of a high, knowing that it will be you guys very soon!! Check out some brilliant Mr/Mrs buys here.