What to Do the Week of Your Wedding: A Last Minute Checklist

As your wedding day approaches, the final week is crucial for tying up loose ends and getting every detail in place. When you’re well-prepared, you can head into your big day with confidence and peace of mind. This checklist will help streamline your final preparations so you can celebrate without worries when the time comes.

 Pick Up Gowns, Tuxes, Rings And Any Other Altered Items.

 Make sure all of your wedding attire is collected and in good shape a few days before your wedding. This includes the wedding dress, bridesmaid gowns, tuxedos and any other specially tailored outfits. Try everything on one last time to confirm that the fit is good and the clothing needs no further alterations. If you’re getting your wedding ring set resized, make sure they’re ready to go, too. Remember that men’s wedding bands made of hard metals like tungsten and titanium may not be possible to resize, so consider using ring sizers if necessary.

Create A Spreadsheet With Your Most Important Contact Information.

 Start your week by organizing a spreadsheet with phone numbers and emails for your wedding party, family members, vendors and anyone else directly involved in the wedding day. Make the list accessible on your phone, and share it with your wedding coordinator or a designated point person. This proactive step can save time and reduce stress, allowing quick communication and resolution of any last-minute details or emergencies.

make Sure Your Marriage License Is Squared Away.

 Having your marriage license ready and correctly processed will help make sure no legal hiccups interrupt your day. Double-check that you and your partner have met all requirements, including identification checks and any necessary waiting periods. Verify this documentation with your local county clerk (or whoever is responsible for marriage licenses) at least a week in advance. Keep the license in a safe, easily accessible place, and designate someone you trust to bring it to the ceremony.

 Make Sure Vendor Payments Have Cleared Or Are On Their Way.

 To avoid last-minute vendor hiccups, double-check that all payments to your vendors have been processed or are scheduled correctly. Make sure the final invoices match what you agreed on and that there haven’t been any surprise charges. It’s also a good idea to confirm arrival and setup times with each vendor, ensuring everyone knows exactly when and where they need to be to make your day run smoothly. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, ask your wedding planner!

Pack For Upcoming Flights.

 If you’re heading straight for your honeymoon or having a destination wedding, get your packing done a few days in advance. Gather all of your essential travel documents like passports, tickets and itineraries, and make sure you’ve got the right clothes for your destination. Remember to pack electronic essentials like chargers and adapters, and tell your bank and/or credit card provider about your travel plans to ensure your account doesn’t get incorrectly flagged for suspicious transactions.

Check Weather Reports.

 Keep an eye on weather forecasts in the days leading up to your wedding. Check forecasts for any changes that might affect your event, especially if you have outdoor elements planned. Think about whether you might need to arrange for accommodations like canopies, heaters or fans. Keep your guests and vendors informed about potential weather conditions so everyone can dress appropriately and plan for travel.

Confirm Details For Your Rehearsal Dinner.

 Make sure the venue, time and guest list for your rehearsal are all set, and confirm the menu with the caterer or restaurant. Remind your wedding party and any special guests about location and arrival time. This dinner is a great chance to relax and have some real time to talk with your closest friends and family before the wedding, when you’ll often be too busy to talk to anyone for more than a few minutes. Take the opportunity to enjoy the good company and make some treasured memories!

 Prepare A Day-Of Emergency Kit.

 An emergency kit will give you the tools to handle any last-minute issues — from makeup mishaps to broken chains on bridal jewelry. Stock your kit with essentials like safety pins, band-aids, a mini sewing kit, stain remover and extra makeup for quick fixes. It’s also a good idea to include things like snacks, water and headache medicine to keep you feeling your best. Having these items on hand can prevent minor issues from turning into big distractions on your special day.

Distribute Your Wedding Itinerary.

 Keep everyone in sync by distributing the finalized wedding day itinerary to your wedding party, family members and vendors. Your itinerary should include all the key times and places, plus any specific duties that your family and friends need to know about. Sending it out via email beforehand and giving out hard copies at the rehearsal dinner will help make sure everyone’s clued in and keep this most important day running without a hitch.

 Find Time To Relax.

 Sure, the week before the wedding is almost always a hectic time — but it’s truly important to find some time for yourself. Taking a moment to relax, reflect and rejuvenate can help you stay centered and enjoy the significance of your upcoming celebration. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a soothing spa day or a leisurely walk in nature, try to carve out a little personal time to keep stress at bay and ensure you’re at your best.Take a deep breath, trust your preparations and get ready to make unforgettable memories on one of the happiest days of your life. Remember — it’s all about the love and connection you share, so drink in every moment and appreciate being surrounded by the people you love the most.