It’s finally here. You’ve been waiting for it, but didn’t realize it would be here so fast. The wedding week can be extremely hectic for the wedding couple—especially if they didn’t keep up with the wedding planning as much as was needed. Even when couples are on top of things, the final week can be agonizing having to deal with any last-minute situations that may arise. We’re all human and we forget things, and to keep you from forgetting those final steps, here’s a helpful checklist for you to look over.
1. Meet With Your Vendors
This is a critical step during your wedding week. Meet with your wedding venue, florist, band or DJ, catering service, photographer, and any other vendor that will be providing services for your wedding to double- and triple-check all the final details.
Make sure you go over the final pricing once again to ensure that everything looks right, including any possible extra charges you might incur throughout your wedding day. This is also the perfect time to get any final contracts.
2. Pay Off Any Necessary Invoices
Make sure when meeting with your vendors that you’re taking care of any payments that need to be taken care of. You don’t want to be having to wait around at the end of the reception, worrying about paying someone.
Some vendors might work out specific details with you on how they’d prefer to be paid. Be sure to figure these details out when you’re meeting with them.
Similarly, figure out the gratuities that you’ll be giving your various vendors. Put each specific vendor’s gratuity into its own envelope marked with their name and/or company on it, and keep it in a safe place. This way you won’t be scrambling through your wallet or purse.
3. Assign People To Their Specific Roles
If you haven’t chosen to have a wedding planner, hopefully you’ve given assignments to others and are not trying to coordinate everything yourself. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be dealing with the florist, the caterer, and the DJ—all while trying to get your nails and makeup done. Take the time to speak with any friends or family members who you have assigned a role and remind them of their duties.
For example, have your parents deal with any financial situations that need to be taken care of. Ask your maid of honor be the point person for the florist. Have your sister deal with wedding guest questions…and so on. Don’t try to do it yourself, or you’ll quickly get overworked on your wedding day. No one wants that.
4. Make Sure You Have Your Marriage License
Hopefully you haven’t waited until the very last minute, but make sure you’ve applied for your marriage license from your local county clerk. Depending on what state you’re in, there may be a wait time to receive your marriage license. Most states are the same day or 1-2 days’ wait. Be sure you get it in plenty of time so it’s not a loose end to take care of.
5. Finish Your Wedding Vows
If you’ve decided to take on writing your own wedding vows, make sure they’re finished, edited, and printed out days before the wedding. If you haven’t finished, shame on you—but seriously, if you haven’t finished, take the necessary time to find that inspiration and finish off the most important promises you’ll make in your life!
6. Get Your Wedding Attire
Get to the bridal store or tux shop for the final alterations and pick up your wedding day outfits. Don’t forget to take the specific undergarments you plan on wearing to the fitting in order to make sure everything looks right. And make sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen do the same! In fact, it’s wise to bring everyone to have their fittings and pick-ups at the same time to keep everyone on the same page.
7. Pack Your Bags
If you’re going on the honeymoon one or two days after the wedding, go ahead and get your packing done now. You’re not going to have time and will likely be too exhausted to pack the day after your wedding.
Similarly, if you’re getting dressed somewhere else, pack all of your wedding day attire that is necessary. Don’t wait until the night before, because chances are you’ll forget something. Get this task done at least three days in advance, then do one last check the night before.
8. Finalize Your Seating Chart
Hopefully everyone has been able to RSVP for your wedding, and you have a finalized guest list. If they haven’t, start making some phone calls or text messages.
This part can be difficult, as you’re trying to coordinate where 200 to 300 people are sitting. That’s why it’s important to not wait until the last minute to do this. Finalize your seating chart, and get it to your wedding venue!
9. Speak With Your Photographer
This goes back to having a meeting with your vendors, but this one is particularly important. Make sure you’ve discussed any specific shots or moments that you want your photographer to capture. If there are any guests that you want to be absolutely sure are photographed, make a list of them and be sure to provide this to your photographer as well.
10. Pack An Emergency Kit
Not to worry you, but there are always small things that can go wrong on a wedding day. But if you pack an emergency wedding-day kit, this can take care of many of those little issues. This is a great assignment for one of your bridesmaids or family members. Get your emergency kit done early in your wedding week, and ask all your “helpers” to contribute ideas. Some typical items you might want to pack include:
- A sewing kit
- Bobby pins
- Safety pins
- Q-tips
- Mints
- Hairspray
- Band-aids
- Advil/Tylenol
- Extra basic makeup
Hopefully this wedding week checklist will help you in those final steps of planning. It’s also a good idea to research online and ask friends about any final, last-minute things to tackle. Remember, when it comes to wedding planning, there’s never enough advice.
Happy planning, and good luck!