Preparing for a wedding can be stressful, but having a checklist can help keep everything organized. Here’s a comprehensive list of reminders for the week leading up to your wedding:
One Week Before
Finalize Guest Count:
Confirm final numbers with your venue and caterer, along with any dietary restrictions. Don't forget to feed your vendors who are present for the reception!
Share the final guest list with the relevant vendors.
Vendor Confirmations:
Confirm all details and timelines with vendors (photographer, DJ/band, florist, cake, etc.). Provide vendors with a day-of timeline and confirm the arrival times are correct. Your day of coordinator can do this step!
Wedding Attire:
Pick up your wedding dress, suit, and any other attire from the tailor. Don't forget to make sure the appropriate socks and underwear are also ready!
Break in your wedding shoes.
Wedding Rings:
Ensure the rings are clean and in the correct size.
Assign someone to keep the rings safe until the ceremony- rings should be in one of the getting ready rooms for easy access for the photographer(s).
Seating Chart:
Finalize and print the seating chart.
Ensure place cards are ready.
Payments and Tips:
Prepare payments and tips for vendors in labeled envelopes or ensure payments are made before the wedding for a stress free day.
Assign a trusted person to distribute these on the wedding day if needed (like me, your day of coordinator!)
Emergency Kit:
Assemble an emergency kit with essentials (sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, etc.). If you have a coordinator like me on site, they usually provide this.
Three Days Before
Pack for Honeymoon:
Ensure all documents (passport, tickets) and essentials are packed.
Double-check hotel and transportation reservations.
Bridal Party Gifts:
Wrap and prepare gifts for the bridal party.
Write thank you notes if you haven’t already.
Beauty Treatments:
Get any last-minute beauty treatments (manicure, spray tan, haircut, shave, etc.)
Delegate Tasks:
Assign someone to handle post-wedding tasks (returning rentals, transporting gifts, etc.).
Give your wedding day emergency contact list to someone you trust- like your coordinator.
One Day Before
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner:
Attend the rehearsal and go through the ceremony with your bridal party.
Enjoy the rehearsal dinner and thank everyone for their support.
Pack Wedding Day Bag:
Include essentials like makeup, a change of clothes, and comfortable shoes.
Ensure you have all necessary documents (marriage license, vows).
Relax:
Take some time to relax and unwind.
Avoid alcohol and get a good night’s sleep.
Wedding Day
Eat Breakfast:
Have a light, healthy breakfast to keep your energy up.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Hair and Makeup:
Stick to the schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Getting Ready:
Allow extra time for getting ready to avoid feeling rushed.
Ceremony Essentials:
Ensure you have the rings, vows, and marriage license.
Enjoy the Moment:
Take a few moments to savor the day and enjoy your wedding.
Post-Wedding
Thank Yous:
Start working on thank you notes for your guests and vendors.
Preserve Attire:
Arrange for your wedding dress and suit to be cleaned and preserved.
If you are having your bouquet preserved, get this to the artist right away before it begins to dry.
Review Photos:
Follow up with your photographer and videographer regarding your photos and video.
Return Rentals:
Ensure all rentals are returned on time to avoid additional fees.
Following these reminders can help ensure your wedding week goes smoothly and that you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Happy Planning!
Comments