15 Essential Tasks to Finish Before Your Wedding
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As a couple, the most exciting moment of planning your wedding is in the final details. However, it is also the time that can create the most pressure as you try to remember every last thing. It is these final details that will allow for a stress-free and smooth wedding day. Whether your wedding is in a large hall or little garden, perfecting the little details will make a big difference.
Reconfirm Wedding Rings and Accessories
Make sure all rings and accessories are polished and ready to go. If you’ll be using lab grown diamonds, have them sparkling and securely set. Even though they are just as durable as natural diamonds, they are still susceptible to oil, dust, and dirt that can dull their shine. While you can clean them at home, consider seeking professional cleaning at least twice a year.
Make Sure Your Paperwork is in Order
Before exchanging vows, make sure that your wedding is legitimate. Often, this very important aspect tends to be neglected while having a wedding abroad. Find the procedures of your particular state or country so you can be sure you have the right marriage license. You may also be asked for prior proof of divorce or proof of death if previously married.
Confirm Last-Minute Details with Wedding Vendors
The week before the wedding would be a good time to check in with your vendors. Even if you finalized plans months prior, a final check-in is the best way to prevent any last minute miscommunication. Reach out to your photographer, florist, caterers, DJ or band, and transportation vendors.
Confirm and review the timeline and let them know of any changes. Make sure to also confirm any special requests and review their estimated arrival time for the day. If there are vendors who have subcontracted parts of their works, ask for those contacts too. This simply ensures everyone is on the same page and can help prevent logistical delays on your wedding day.
Prepare Your Hair and Makeup
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You should feel beautiful and confident on your wedding day, that means no surprises when it comes to your beauty routine. Book a trial for your hair and makeup about two to four weeks before the wedding. This is your time to test out different products, and assess how they look in different lighting.
Bring inspiration photos and communicate to your stylist clearly what you like and don’t like. If you are wearing a tiara, headpiece, or veil, make sure you wear it to your trial, along with your dress if you want to see it all together. A trial is a way for you to ensure that your beauty team is fully prepared, and that you love everything.
Confirm Guest RSVPs
Your vendors and venue want accurate counts of your guests. This is why it is recommended that you get the guests to RSVP as soon as possible. A polite little reminder sent via email, text, or phone call would be fine. Some things have to be counted-the meals, the chairs hired, and the shuttle transport are all dependent on the final headcount. You can share a spreadsheet or organize everything using a wedding planning app. This way, you can track the RSVP status, meal choices, special dietary needs, and special requests.
Finalize Seating and Decor
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After you have your guests settled, it is time to get that seating chart done. Place them in places that will not be uncomfortable (for example sit friends or family members together). Elderly guests or families with children may want to be somewhere quiet or accessible.
While you are finalizing your guest list, walk-through all décor details with your planner or decorator. Talk about your ideas and vision for the ceremony setup, cocktail area and reception (floor plans). Confirm floral delivery times and rental orders (like centerpieces or charges), signage and personal touches (table numbers or guest favors).
Put Together an Emergency Kit
A wedding day emergency kit can be a true blessing and lifesaver. Most wedding day emergency kits contain small items that can keep you comfortable and ready to tackle any bumps. Here are some items that should be in your emergency kit:
● Safety pins, small sewing kit
● Band-aids, blister pads
● Deodorant, mints and tissues
● Nail file, bobby pins, hair spray
● Makeup for touch-up, blotting paper
● Pain relievers, antihistamine
● Stain removers (pen), fashion tape
● Snacks and bottled water
Ask your maid of honor or wedding planner to keep your emergency kit accessible on the wedding day.
Organize and Pack for Everything
With all the craziness that transpires the week before a wedding, it is understandable that you may forget to pack all the items you will need for your wedding day as well as the days following. Take some time earlier in the week to pack so you do not freak out the night before your wedding. Here are some things to pack:
● Marriage license and officiant information
● Wedding rings and vows cards
● Wedding attire, shoes, and accessories
● Extra pair of underwear and touch-up makeup
● Gifts for wedding party or parents
● Overnights bag if you are are staying away from home
● Honeymoon documents, passports, and luggage (if you are travelling shortly after)
Be sure to label everything and pack fragile or important items in your-on or personal bag.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
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Your wedding timeline will provide everyone who is involved in the day, from your hairstyle to your best man, clarity about where they need to be, and at what time. Timelines can also help minimize your chances of waiting around for anyone to show up!Your timeline should include:
● Wake-up time and preparations
● Times for vendors to arrive
● Hair and make-up scheduled start times
● First look and /or other pre-ceremony photographs
● Start times of the ceremony and reception
● Scheduled times for speeches, cake cutting, first dance, etc.
● Transportation timelines
Provide a full and shortened version of your timeline to your wedding party and vendors.
Rehearse Your Vows and Speeches
If you will be giving a speech or saying your own vows, you should practice saying it out loud before the wedding. Hearing the words come out of your mouth will help you become familiar with the flow and feel more comfortable on your wedding day. Be sure to keep copies in your essentials bag. Don't just count on your phone as it can disappoint you.
Prepare Final Payments and Tips
Many vendors expect their final payment or tip on the wedding day. Prepare your labeled envelopes with cash or checks and give them to someone you trust (your best man, a parent) to distribute. Don’t forget:
● Gratuities for catering staff, drivers, hair and makeup artist, and setup crews
● Small thank you gifts for your bridal party and family
Pack a Snack and Hydration Plan
It can be easy to forget to eat or drink water while you are getting ready or when you’re busy taking pictures, but you will need your energy and hydration throughout the day. Pack snacks that are high in protein, fruit, and water. Have someone responsible hand you snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Write Personalized Thank-You Notes or Cards for Your Loved Ones
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Taking a few minutes to write your partner, parents and bridal party a note of appreciation will be a nice, personal emotional touch to your day. Those little gestures may mean more than anything.
Enjoy Some Quiet Time with Your Partner
Wedding days can be beautiful, busy and chaotic. They can also be a blur. Making some time for your partner prior to the big day is really important. Whether this looks like a lazy morning over coffee, a walk in your favorite park, or reading letters to each other prior to the ceremony, those quiet moments can be grounding and emotional.
Check Weather Forecasts, and Make a Backup Plan
The weather may be beyond your control, but you can and should be ready for it. Check the weather reports seven to 10 days before your wedding day and closely monitor for the last 48 hours leading up to the event. Here are some things to keep in mind:
● Have umbrellas or parasols available that your guests can use in the event of rain or sun
● If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, either rent a tent or have a plan for an indoor backup
● Follow up with your planner and revenue about contingency plans
Regardless of the weather, you may want to pack sunscreen or hand warmers, and let your wedding party know of the weather update as soon as possible.
Endnote
On your wedding day, the small details really can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving a cohesive and flowing event. Think about how much you have done-all the reviewing, planning, preparing, and checking. Hopefully, you have each step laid out to make your day less stressful.
