Even though your floral contract is signed and sealed, you still need to make sure those flowers get delivered.
You’re a week away from saying “I do” – and trust us, we know you’re so ready. But with seven days to go, there are a few seemingly small but important tasks that need to be checked off your list so they don’t fall through the cracks. You don’t want to be at the altar ready for your groom to break the glass and then realize that there’s no glass, right?
To make sure you’ve crossed off every last item on your list (including the glass!), we’ve created a handy week of wedding checklist. But before diving into our week of wedding checklist, we wanted to answer some of your frequently asked questions regarding the seven-day countdown leading up to your special ceremony. Once you have all your burning questions answered, check out our tips for your wedding week. And don’t miss our wedding checklist tool for more advice throughout your wedding planning.
WHAT SHOULD I DO THE WEEK OF MY WEDDING?
Below you’ll find our week of wedding checklist that will help you keep track of all those little details. In addition to marking off all those items, don’t forget to relax and have fun. Yes, it may feel stressful at times, but this is supposed to be a happy and exciting time of your life.
WHAT SHOULD I EAT THE WEEK OF MY WEDDING?
Eating healthy is a must during your wedding week. Avoid skipping meals or stress eating, as it won’t do you any favors. Eat regular, balanced meals with fruits, veggies and lean protein, such as fish, along with healthy fats like avocados.
HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING SHOULD YOU TAKE OFF OF WORK?
Many couples agree that at least three to four days is a good amount of time to take off before your wedding day. It gives you plenty of time to mark off the items on your week of wedding checklist, in addition to providing you with space to relax, welcome guests from out of town and attend any last-minute appointments.
WEEK OF WEDDING CHECKLIST
1. Overcommunicate With Your Vendors
To make sure everyone is on the same page (so they don’t need to call you or your point people on the day-of) call every single wedding vendor and confirm, then re-confirm each arrangement you have with them, including, but not limited to:
- Giving the reception site/caterer final headcount. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.
- Supplying the location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for the DJ or setup space needed by the florist.
- Giving the ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.
- Calling the limousine or car rental company for pickup times and locations.
2. Designate Your Various Point People
You don’t want your caterer calling you while you’re getting your makeup done on the day of. To avoid that, designate point people for every situation, including:
- Ceremony Items: If you’re having a unity candle, combining sand or breaking a glass during your “I dos,” have one of your attendants make sure all items are at the altar ahead of time.
- Money: Write checks and/or talk to the wedding hosts (usually your parents) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.
- Reception Questions: Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.
- Miscellaneous Questions: Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding – usually your planner, maid of honor or bridesmaid.
3. Take The Time To Pack Properly
This is going to be the one occasion where you probably should care deeply about what’s in your suitcase. Whether you’re getting married five minutes down the street or you’re leaving for your honeymoon a day after the reception, taking the time to pack thoughtfully for each event that week is crucial. (We know all too well what happens when you wake up at 5 a.m. to pack with bleary eyes! Mismatched bathing suits and missing deodorant, anyone?) Do you have your beauty emergency kit? Your bikinis and lingerie that was gifted to you at your shower? Your day-of present and note to your partner? Knowing you have everything you need will definitely minimize any stress.
4. Schedule Any Beauty Appointments
Your fingers will likely be texting all week, which makes it even more crucial to keep your nails fresh. Make any minor beauty appointments you want done that week. Think: a mani-pedi, waxing, massage, blowout and facial. This goes for your groom too – make sure his hair is trimmed and face is shaved (if that’s the look he’s after). Any experimental beauty treatments (like facial peels, lasering, hair coloring and drastic cuts) should be done a few months in advance, just in case they don’t turn out as expected.
5. Arrange Help For Any Guests Who Need It
If you have any ill or elderly guests coming to your wedding, it will be meaningful for them to know you’re so glad they can attend. Show your love by making sure they have proper transportation to and from the airport and your wedding events and that they have a comfortable place to stay. You can ask family members, friends or attendants to help with any pick-ups and drop-offs.
6. Hand These Items Off
Getting married also means having a lot of important things to distribute among your family and attendants.
- Give your marriage license to your officiant.
- Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner.
- Present parents and each other with gifts.
- Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.
- Give the best man the officiant’s fee envelope to be handed off after the ceremony.
- Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, favors and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.
7. Have Your Wedding Attire Ready to Go
Make arrangements at your bridal salon or local cleaners to have your wedding dress steamed – and don’t try it on after it’s been steamed or else it’ll wrinkle again. Store it in the garment bag from the bridal salon and hang it in a closet in a smoke-free and pet-free room. (You can lift the skirt out of the bag – just make sure to put a clean sheet on the ground below it first.) Also have an attendant pick up the groom and groomsmen tuxes.
8. Deliver Welcome Baskets
Whether it’s you or an attendant, deliver your welcome baskets for guests to the hotel concierge. Make a list of names, delivery instructions and any additional information you have to prevent any mix-ups.
originally posted on theknot.com by Ivy Jacobson
