As your wedding day approaches, excitement is undoubtedly building. The week before the big day is crucial for final preparations, and it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ll get through it! This final stage is all about tying up loose ends and ensuring everything is in place. If needed, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your vendors and family members. Here’s a checklist of essential tasks to run through in the week leading up to your celebration:
Get Your Marriage License: Obtaining your marriage license is a vital step that depends on your state’s laws. Some states have a waiting period of 24 to 72 hours from the time of pickup to the wedding day. Additionally, marriage licenses have an expiration period, typically around 60 to 90 days, so timing is crucial. Make sure you understand the specific requirements and deadlines in the state where you plan to get married.
Confirm Your Vendors: Reach out to all your vendors to confirm they have everything they need for the wedding day. Email your caterer to discuss the final headcount and menu details. Verify the table and seating arrangements with your venue. Check in with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator to ensure all logistics are in place and everyone is on the same page. This step is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises and to guarantee that all hands are on deck.
Try on Your Wedding Attire: A dress rehearsal before the wedding is essential to ensure everything is in place. Carefully try on your wedding dress with all the accessories in one final run-through. Enlist the help of family and friends for assistance with zippers, buttons, or adjustments. Once you’ve confirmed everything fits perfectly, pack your attire away safely for your wedding day.
Prepare Your Wedding Vows: Don’t wait until the last minute to write your wedding vows. Begin early and aim to finalize them within the last week. Practice reading your vows out loud several times to gain confidence and comfort. Even if you plan to read from a paper, this preparation will help you deliver your vows smoothly during the ceremony.
Keep Your Beauty Routine Simple: Stick to familiar beauty treatments in the week leading up to your wedding. Avoid new treatments that could cause unexpected reactions. Schedule facials, waxing, teeth whitening, and lash extensions at least a week before the wedding. Treatments like airbrush tans, manicures, and pedicures can be done two or three days prior. Grooms should consider booking a hot shave and a haircut during this week.
Finalize Outstanding Details: Review the entire wedding day and ensure all details are settled. Address any last-minute seating chart adjustments or ceremony readings promptly. Seek assistance from your event planner, friends, or family if you feel overwhelmed.
Organize Payments and Tips: Ensure all vendors are paid according to their contracts and review the tipping guide to prepare gratuities for the wedding day. Have all payments and tips ready for easy distribution during or before the wedding. This will help ensure a smooth and stress-free celebration.
Pack Your Day-of Necessities: In preparation for your wedding day, gather all the essential items you’ll need. This includes your phone charger, wallet, and, most importantly, the rings. Create a wedding day emergency kit with snacks, beauty supplies, tape, and medicines to handle any unexpected situations. If you’re not returning home after the reception, pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need for the wedding night.
Prep Your Welcome and Thank You Gifts: Wrap the gifts for your wedding party, parents, fiancé(e), and future in-laws, and keep them with the rest of your wedding day items. If you’re providing wedding welcome bags, assemble them or enlist your bridal party’s help to speed up the process. These gifts add a personal touch and show your appreciation for the love and support of those closest to you.
Pack for Your Honeymoon: Review your honeymoon itinerary and ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as passports and IDs. Start packing for your honeymoon well in advance but use the last few days before the wedding to gather any miscellaneous items. This way, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to relax and enjoy your post-wedding getaway.
Rehearse the Ceremony: Plan a ceremony rehearsal with your partner, wedding party, immediate family, planner, and officiant for the day before your wedding. Walk through the proceedings to ensure everyone knows their cues and positions. Afterward, consider celebrating with a rehearsal dinner to unwind and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Finally, Get Some Rest: Amidst all the planning, take a moment to relax and treat yourself. You’ve put in a lot of effort to make your wedding perfect, and now is the time to rest and recharge. A well-rested and refreshed you will look and feel your best on the big day. Trust that everything will go smoothly and prepare for a fantastic celebration!
