Are you excited for your approaching wedding day? The week before is a time to dot your I’s and cross your T’s in preparation. It may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry; you’ll get through. While in this final stage, feel free to ask for help from your vendors and family members if needed. Here’s a list of the last things to run down that week to ensure the success of your celebration.
Get Your Marriage License
Receiving your marriage license depends on your state laws, but some states have a waiting period of 24 to 72 hours from pickup to your wedding. However, you should only apply a little in advance as licenses also expire around 60 to 90 days. Ensure you know the laws in the state you choose for your wedding.
Confirm Your Vendors
You can do this by emailing all vendors to confirm they have everything they need for the wedding day. Talk to your caterer about the headcount and confirm tables and seating arrangements with your venue. It is also essential to check in with your wedding planner, the day-of-coordinator, to ensure all hands are on deck.
Try on Your Wedding Clothes
A dress rehearsal before the wedding will help you confirm everything is in place. So, carefully try your wedding dress with accessories in one final run-through. Trying on our clothes will require some assistance, so ensure you have some family and friends available to help. Once done, pack everything away safely for your wedding day.
Prepare Your Wedding Vows
It’s crucial not to wait until the last moment to write your wedding vows. It may take some time to finalize and get your vows right, so it’s best to start early and finish your vows within the last week. Practice reading them out loud to yourself at least once or several times. This preparation will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the ceremony, even if you plan to read from a paper.
Keep Your Beauty Routine Simple
Stick to familiar beauty treatments in the week leading up to your wedding. Avoid trying new treatments that could cause unexpected reactions. It is advisable to schedule facials, waxing, teeth whitening, and lash extensions at least a week before the wedding. Other therapies like airbrush tans, manicures, and pedicures can be done two or three days prior. For grooms, consider booking a hot shave and a haircut during the week leading up to the wedding.
Finalize Outstanding Details
Take a moment to review the entire wedding day and ensure all the details are settled. If there are any last-minute seating chart adjustments or responses from the officiant about the ceremony reading, address them promptly. Feel free to seek assistance from your event planner, friends, or family if you feel overwhelmed.
Organize Payments and Tips
Ensure all your vendors are paid according to their contracts and review the tipping guide to prepare gratuities for the wedding day. Have all the payments and tips ready for easy distribution during or before the wedding.
Pack Your Day-of Necessities
Before your wedding day:
- Gather all the essential items you’ll need, such as your phone charger, wallet, and, most importantly, the rings.
- Create a wedding day emergency kit with snacks, beauty supplies, tape, and medicines.
- If you won’t return home after the reception, pack a bag 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. Then, 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 make the process quicker.
- Pack for Your Honeymoon
- Review your honeymoon itinerary and ensure you have all the necessary documents. We’re talking about necessities such as passports and IDs. Start packing for your honeymoon in advance but use the last few days before the wedding to gather any miscellaneous items.
Rehearse the Ceremony
Arrange a ceremony rehearsal with your partner, wedding party, immediate family, planner, and officiant the day before the wedding. Walk through the proceedings to ensure everyone knows their cues and positions. Consider celebrating with a rehearsal dinner afterward.
Finally, Get Some Rest
Take a moment to relax and treat yourself. You’ve been planning your wedding for a long time, 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 the best day!
