Are you feeling the pre-wedding week jitters, future brides? It’s completely normal to feel a whirlwind of excitement and nerves as your big day approaches.
Amidst finalizing details and dreaming of your perfect day, it’s crucial to remember the dos and don’ts in the week leading up to your wedding. This is a time for final touches, not for drastic changes or new experiments.
Let’s walk through some key reminders to ensure your lead-up to ‘I do’ is as smooth and joyful as possible.
What To Do The Week of Your Wedding
1. Confirm Vendor Arrivals
Reach out to each vendor – caterers, florists, photographers, and musicians. Confirm their arrival times and any specific setup needs. For example, remind the florist about where to place the centerpieces.
2. Finalize Seating Chart
Review your seating plan. Ensure everyone has a place, especially if you’ve received last-minute RSVPs. Consider potential guest dynamics – like keeping feuding relatives apart.
3. Transportation
Double-check arrangements for the wedding party. If you’ve arranged shuttles for guests, confirm times and pickup locations. Remember, timely transportation is key to avoid delays.
4. Emergency Kit
Pack a wedding day emergency kit. Include items like a sewing kit for unexpected tears, stain remover for spills, and extra makeup for touch-ups. Think about what you might need in a pinch.
5. Charge Electronics
Make suer all necessary electronics are charged. This includes your phone, camera, and any other devices you’ll need. A portable charger can be a lifesaver.
6. Payments and Tips
Prepare envelopes with final payments and tips for your vendors. Label each envelope clearly – for example, “DJ Final Payment” or “Caterer Tip.” This organization helps avoid any payment mix-ups.
7. Timeline Review
Sit down with your wedding planner or coordinator. Go through the day’s timeline in detail. Discuss key moments like the ceremony start time, speeches, and the first dance. This review ensures everyone is on the same page.
8. Marriage License
Double-check that your marriage license is in order. Know where it is and who will be responsible for it on the wedding day. Often, this is a task for the best man or maid of honor.
9. Honeymoon Packing
If you’re leaving for your honeymoon shortly after the wedding, pack now. Make a list of essentials – passports, tickets, clothing, and any other necessities. Avoid last-minute packing stress.
10. Accommodations for Guests
If you have guests coming from out of town, confirm their accommodations. Ensure they know the check-in process and have all necessary information.
11. Final Dress Fitting and Pick-Up
If you haven’t already, pick up your wedding attire. Try it on one last time to ensure a perfect fit. Remember to also collect any accessories like veils or cufflinks.
12. Prepare Vows and Speeches
Finalize your vows and any speeches. Practice them. Keep a copy on hand – perhaps with a trusted member of the wedding party.
13. Weather Check
Look at the weather forecast. If there’s a chance of bad weather, confirm your plan B. For example, have umbrellas ready for an outdoor ceremony.
14. Wedding Day Items
Gather all necessary items for the day. This includes rings, accessories, and any special decorations. Pack them the night before to avoid morning-of panic.
15. Hair and Makeup Appointments
Confirm your appointments. Ensure you know the schedule – when and where you’ll be getting ready.
16. Rental Returns
Assign someone to return any rented items post-wedding. This could be decor, sound equipment, or furniture.
17. Playlist and Song Requests
Touch base with your DJ or band. Confirm they have your playlist and any special song requests – like your first dance song.
18. Wedding Party Briefing
Make sure your wedding party knows their roles. Brief them on the schedule and any tasks they need to handle.
19. Rehearsal Dinner Details
Confirm the details of your rehearsal dinner. This includes time, place, and any speeches or special moments planned.
20. Relax and Rest
Finally, take some time for yourself. A relaxed, well-rested bride or groom makes for a much happier wedding day.
What Not To Do The Week of Your Wedding
1. Avoid Drastic Hair Changes
Now is not the time for a new hair color or a dramatic cut. Stick with what you know looks good. A bad hair decision this close to the wedding can be stressful.
2. Skip New Skincare Treatments
Avoid trying any new facial or skincare treatments. You don’t want to risk allergic reactions or breakouts. Stick to your regular skincare routine.
3. Don’t Crash Diet
Avoid starting any extreme diets. Not only can this affect your energy levels, but it can also alter how your dress or suit fits. Focus on eating balanced, nutritious meals instead.
4. Avoid Over-Scheduling
Keep your schedule as clear as possible. Avoid taking on new projects at work or planning too many pre-wedding events. You need time to rest and focus on the big day.
5. No Last-Minute DIY Projects
Avoid starting new DIY projects. They can be time-consuming and add unnecessary stress. Focus on finalizing the details you already have in place.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Don’t compromise on sleep. Late nights can lead to fatigue and under-eye bags. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
7. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Avoid skipping meals or relying on fast food. Nutritious meals will give you energy and help keep your skin looking fresh. Also, drink plenty of water.
8. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Too much alcohol or caffeine can affect your sleep and skin. Enjoy in moderation, but don’t overdo it.
9. Quality Time with Your Partner
Don’t get so caught up in planning that you neglect your relationship. Spend quality time with your partner without talking about the wedding.
10. Avoid Family Drama
Steer clear of any potential family conflicts. If there are sensitive issues, delegate them to a family member or your wedding planner.
11. Take Time for Yourself
Don’t forget to relax. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book or a spa day, take some time to unwind.
12. Weather Watch
Don’t obsess over the weather forecast. You have a plan B in place. Constantly checking won’t change the weather.
13. Break in Your Shoes
Don’t wear new shoes for the first time on your wedding day. Break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.
14. Avoid Last-Minute Changes
Resist making significant changes to your wedding plans. Last-minute alterations can lead to confusion and additional stress.
15. Delegate Tasks
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to your wedding party or family members. Trust them to handle things