Getting married is a huge celebration – so why not make the occasion even more special with a wedding advent calendar. You can purchase items and wrap them to place in a box, on a board or even on a hanger which the bride could then use for her gown. Maybe you’d like to make one for the bride and groom or maybe you are the bride and would like to make one for your bridesmaids. You can opt to make a calendar for the whole month leading up to the wedding or even just the week before. Having a gift to open every day leading up to the wedding will make the big day even more special. Check out these ideas for some inspiration.
This is a great idea for bridesmaids to make, in total this calendar contains 18 gifts (lotion, earrings, nail polish etc.) and then each can write a card for her to open on the day of her wedding (in the last envelope).
Supplies
- Small fabric or paper bags (one for each countdown day)
- Numbered stickers or tags (for labeling each bag)
- A corkboard or display frame (to arrange the bags neatly)
- Push pins, mini pegs, or ribbon (to attach the bags)
- Scissors & tape
- Pens or markers (for personalization)
- Small gifts & notes
Instructions
Decide how many days you want your wedding countdown to last.
Fill each bag with something special, like:
– Earrings
– Reminders for wedding planning (like a to-do list or a note to relax)
– Small treats, like chocolates
– Mini gifts for self-care, like a face mask or lip balm
– Accessories for the bride, like jewelry or hairpins
– Ideas for date nights before the wedding
– Fun ideas for the honeymoon
Arrange the bags on a board, like a corkboard or picture frame. Number them from 18 to 1 (or however many days you chose). Use pins, clips, or ribbon to attach the bags to the board and make it look pretty.
Starting 18 days before the wedding, she can open one bag each day and enjoy the surprise inside. If you’re making this for a friend who is getting married, you can also include special messages and thoughtful gifts.
You can even use a door as the backdrop for your calendar by hanging numbered gift bags on command hooks.
Supplies
- Gift Bags or Small Envelopes (one for each day)
- Mini Pegs or Hooks (to hang the bags)
- Numbered Tags or Stickers (for each countdown day)
- Twine or Ribbon (to attach tags)
- Scissors & Tape
- Pens or Calligraphy Markers (for personalizing)
- Small Gifts & Notes (see ideas below!)
Instructions
After choosing the countdown length, Put special things inside each bag
What to Include:
-Love notes or ideas for the wedding countdown
-Small chocolates or yummy treats
-Mini things to help relax (like face masks, candles, and lip balm)
-Small keepsakes (like personalized keychains or charms)
-A list of fun date night ideas or places to visit on their honeymoon
-Wedding accessories (earrings, cufflinks, vow books)
-A kind letter for the last day!
Hang the Bags in Order
Use hooks, pegs, or twine to show the bags in the right order.
Arrange them in a cool, random way (like on a door or board) for a fun and pretty look!
This Wedding Advent Calendar Box is a beautiful and exciting way to count down the last days before the wedding. Whether it’s full of romantic notes, self-care treats, or little keepsakes,it will make the journey to “I do” even more special!
Supplies
- A sturdy box (a decorative keepsake box works best!)
- Small paper bags, envelopes, or gift boxes (one for each countdown day)
- Numbered labels or tags (to mark each day’s surprise)
- Decorative items (stickers, ribbons, fairy lights, vinyl lettering)
- Glue, tape, or a hot glue gun
- Pens or markers
- Surprise gifts
Instructions
Choose how many days you want for your countdown: 7, 10, or 12 (or longer if you like surprises!).
Decorate the box with stickers, paint, or ribbon.
Add a cute sign that says “Days Until ‘I Do'” on the lid.
String fairy lights around the box for a magical look.
Fill the bags with special surprises.
Each bag should have a small, fun, or meaningful surprise.
Here are some ideas: love notes from your partner, bridal accessories, reminders for wedding planning, self-care treats, chocolates, beauty products, date night ideas, and a mini journal for wedding memories.
Arrange the bags in the box in order from 12 to 1.
If you’re giving the box as a gift, add a special note inside the lid.
Open one bag each day!
Start 12 days before your wedding and enjoy a happy moment before the big day!
This Wedding Advent Calendar Box is a beautiful and exciting way to count down the last days before the wedding. Whether it’s full of romantic notes, self-care treats, or little keepsakes, it will make the bride to be’s day.
As you can see, most of these examples only require a cork board, tacks a few bags, gift tags, and a just a little bit of crafting to create a unique and special board to help count down to the big day. To help start with your project I have provided a printable starter kit to help you begin your design.
See more Bridal Shower ideas below
