Plan your big day with confidence, calm, and a little Hill Country magic.
Planning your wedding in San Antonio, Texas? Whether you’re dreaming of a downtown celebration at The Pearl or a garden ceremony in the Hill Country, this wedding day checklist is designed to keep you calm, organized, and ready to enjoy every moment.
This guide includes smart planning tips, local suggestions, and external links to wedding resources like The Knot, Zola, WeddingWire, and more.
Two Weeks Before the Wedding
- Final dress fitting (bring your shoes and undergarments)
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Confirm final timeline with all vendors
- Send day-of timeline to wedding party and family
- Confirm headcount and meal selections with caterer
- Prepare cash tips and vendor thank-you cards
- Final beauty appointments: waxing, facials, hair color
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Use Zola’s Honeymoon Packing Guide
One Week Before
- Pick up wedding attire (dress, veil, suit, accessories)
- Create a wedding day emergency kit (pain relievers, sewing kit, mints, etc.)
- Organize marriage license paperwork
- Practice your vows
- Final RSVP check
- Confirm transportation logistics for guests and wedding party
- Print or write vows, toasts, and speech notes
- Prepare welcome bags if you’re offering them
Want to be sure you’re not missing anything? The Knot’s Weekly Wedding Checklist has you covered.
The Day Before
- Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Steam or press wedding outfits
- Give rings and marriage license to the officiant or trusted person
- Get a manicure and light spa treatment
- Layout flatlay items for the photographer (invitation suite, jewelry, perfume)
- Hydrate + eat something nourishing
- Charge your phone + portable chargers
- Go to bed early — you’ve got a big day ahead!
Need a wedding rehearsal timeline? WeddingWire’s Rehearsal Guide is a great resource.
Wedding Morning
- Eat a light, protein-packed breakfast
- Wear a robe or button-up shirt for hair and makeup
- Allow extra time for hair and makeup delays
- Play a calming or upbeat playlist
- Have snacks, straws, and water on hand
- Touch up your vows if needed
- Give your phone to your maid of honor or planner
- Be present — take it all in
Need a local makeup artist or hair stylist? Try Jax Studio or Blown Beautiful.
Before the Ceremony
- Take getting-ready and detail photos
- First look with partner or parents (if planned)
- Wedding party and family portraits
- Bouquets and boutonnieres delivered
- Emergency kit and touch-up kit packed
- Reminder: breathe deeply and stay hydrated
Ceremony Time
- Cue music + wedding party procession
- Marriage license and officiant ready
- Tissues for vows or emotional family moments
- Designated point person for guests or questions
- Time to walk down the aisle!
Looking for ceremony inspiration? The Knot’s Ceremony Checklist helps with everything from order of events to music selections.
After the Ceremony
- Sign the marriage license
- Couple portraits during golden hour
- Cocktail hour photos (optional)
- Confirm setup for reception décor
- Touch-up hair and makeup (if needed)
- Change into reception shoes or outfit (if applicable)
Reception
- Grand entrance
- First dance + toasts
- Dinner served
- Parent dances
- Cake cutting + dessert
- Dance floor open
- Bouquet/garter toss (optional)
- Last call for bar or late-night snacks
- Grand exit with sparklers or bubbles
Want a downloadable version of your reception plan? Zola’s Wedding Reception Timeline has a great template.
End of the Night
- Assign someone to gather gifts, cards, and personal items
- Collect décor or return rentals (or confirm pickup)
- Change into travel outfit
- Grab a to-go plate of food + dessert
- Take a moment with your new spouse
- Head off to your hotel, honeymoon, or afterparty!
San Antonio Wedding Tips
Add some local flair with these ideas:
- Hire a mariachi band for cocktail hour
- Set up a taco truck for your late-night bite
- Get florals from local stars like Petále Haus or Beloved Blooms Boutique
- Use a luxury picnic setup from Picnic In The Air for your bridal brunch
- Plan portraits at iconic spots like The McNay, The Pearl, or Landa Library
Final Thoughts
Planning a San Antonio wedding should be as joyful as the day itself. With this checklist, you’ll stay organized, grounded, and ready to soak in every sweet, chaotic, unforgettable moment.
Need a wedding photographer who can help you feel calm, confident, and actually enjoy the camera? Let’s connect.
Lindsey Murphy | San Antonio Wedding Photographer
Capturing real love, bold moments, and unforgettable wedding day vibes.
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