So here you are – close to a week from your big day and it’s starting to feel very real. You’ve got butterflies in your stomach that are doing somersaults, your to do list is so long you aren’t sure you’re going to get through it and you’re wondering if you remembered to confirm the cake delivery.
You’ve probably heard the phrase – it’s a marathon not a sprint. Well wedding planning is no different. But the final days are more like a rush to the finish line.
But by this point most of the heavy lifting should be done. The venue is booked, the dress is hanging in your closet and your guest list is (mostly) sorted. You just have to tie up some loose ends, keep everything organized and try to enjoy the moment.
This last minute wedding planning checklist is your friend. It can help you through the difficult final week before you say “I do”.
We’ll walk through everything you need to deal with, from confirming vendor details to packing ann emergency kit. These tips will help make sure you don’t mind anything and stay as relaxed as possible up for the big day.
One Week Before the Wedding
This week is all about confirming things, getting coordinated and making sure all those months of planning come together.
Confirm All Vendor Details and Timelines
First things first: reach out to every single vendor. And yes – every single one. Your photographer, caterer, florist, DJ or band, transportation company, baker – just everyone.
Send a quick email or make a phone call to confirm the arrival times, setup requirements and any last minute details they might need from you.
Create a document that has a timeline of everything if you haven’t already. It should include what time each vendor arrives, where they should go, who their point of contact is and when they’re expected to wrap up.
You should then give this timeline t your wedding planner (if you have one), your venue coordinator and the main members of your wedding party. The more people who have all the information the smoother everything should run.
Don’t forget to confirm the delivery addresses, especially if you’re getting ready at a different location than your ceremony or reception. The last thing you want is your bouquet showing up at the wrong hotel.
While you’re at it double check any special requests you made. Things like a specific song for your first dance, certain allergy for guests, the right shade of pink you wanted for the linens etc.
Finalize Your Seating Chart and Guest Count
Your seating chart is probably one of those things you’ve been messing with and making little changes to for weeks. Well, you can’t do that anymore! One week out is when you need to have the final chart done and settled so you can send the final version to your caterer and venue.
First, get your final headcount. Get in contact with any guests who haven’t RSVP’d (there’s always a few, isn’t there?). Be direct but friendly: “Hey’ We’re confirming the numbers with our caterer and need to know if you’ll be able to make it to the wedding. Can you let me know by tomorrow?”. Most people will appreciate being go me a little nudge and get back yo you quickly.
Once you know exactly who’s coming you can then decide where everyone is going to sit. Think about the dynamics of the group – you want people to be comfortable and have good conversation.
So think about things like putting your chatty aunt next to your extroverted cousin, not a shy coworker. Mix friend groups so people can make new connections but also give people some familiar faces at their table.
Create your place cards or table assignment cards and get them to your venue or whoever’s handling the setup. If you’re doing escort cards (the ones that tell guests which table they’re at) make sure they’re organized alphabetically by last name.
That may sound over the top but your guests will be much happier if they don’t have to search through a huge pile to find theirs.
Prepare Payments and Vendor Gratuities
Money talk might not be romantic but it’s necessary. About a week before your wedding sit down with your partner (or whoever’s helping with finances) and organize all your final vendor payments and gratuities.
Make a spreadsheet or list of every vendor, what they’re owed, and when/how they need to be paid. Some vendors will need the last payment right before the wedding day whereas others expect it on the day itself. Know which is which so you’re not in a mess at the last minute.
For tips and gratuities prepare envelopes with cash and label them clearly with each vendor’s name and the amount inside. The industry standard is typically 15 to 20% for good service, though some contracts include gratuity already, so check your agreements carefully.
Common vendors to tip include your catering staff, bartenders, hair and makeup artists, musicians or DJ, delivery drivers and your wedding planner.
Get someone you trust, like your best man, maid of honor, or a family member, to be in charge of distributing the envelopes on the wedding day. You’ll be way too busy (and emotional) to do it yourself.
Give them clear instructions about who gets what and when, and then let it go. It’ll be one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Three Days Before the Wedding
You’re almost there. Three days out from the wedding is when it will really start to feel real. This is best time to deal with the practical details that’ll make the wedding day much more comfortable.
Break In Your Wedding Shoes
This is something you probably should’ve started earlier. But if you haven’t worn your wedding shoes around the house yet, do it now.
Nothing will ruin your wedding day faster than shoes that pinch, rub or give you blisters.
So take a few hours out of each day to wear them around your home. Walk up and down stairs, stand for long periods. You can even practice a few dance moves if you want.
If they’re feeling tight in certain spots try the sock trick: put on thick socks, squeeze into your shoes, and use a hairdryer to warm up the tight areas. The heat helps the material stretch and mold to your feet.
You might want to look into using gel inserts or cushioned pads to make them extra comfortable, especially if you’ll be standing through a long ceremony or reception. And this is a clever tip: pack a pair of comfortable backup shoes or cute flats for later in the evening.
Your feet will thank you after hours of standing, dancing and socializing. There’s no shame in changing into something more comfortable once the photos are done.
Also, if you’re getting married outdoors, think about what shoes will work. Heels and grass aren’t a good match. Some couples use heel protectors (little clear discs that go on the bottom of heels) to stop from sinking into the ground. Or you might want a different pair entirely for the ceremony.
Pack Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit
A wedding day emergency kit is more important than you might first think. It’s there to deal with any unforeseen moments you wouldn’t otherwise be prepared for. Pack this kit three days before so you’re not trying to throw things together at the last minute.
What goes in it? Start with fashion emergencies: safety pins, double sided tape, needle and thread in your wedding colors, stain remover wipes, clear nail polish (this will stop runs in stockings), and an extra pair of stockings. Add bobby pins, hair spray, and a mini brush for hair touch ups.
For makeup pack blotting papers, your lipstick or lip gloss for reapplying, concealer, powder and maybe some mascara. Include mints or breath spray, pain relievers (ibuprofen and antacids), band aids, and any medications you take. Don’t forget tissues (for happy tears), antistatic spray, deodorant and tampons or pads just in case.
Other lifesavers: phone charger, energy bars or snacks (you might not eat much with all the excitement), water bottle, mini sewing kit, super glue (for broken heels or accessories) and scissors. If you wear contacts have your solution and glasses too. For outdoor weddings you can add in sunscreen and bug spray.
Put everything in a clearly labeled bag or basket and get someone like your maid of honor, mom or a bridesmaid to hold on to the emergency kit. Make sure they know where it’ll be throughout the day and that they’re responsible for bringing it to both the place you’re getting ready and the reception venue.
The Day Before Your Wedding
It’s completely normal to feel excited and nerves today. Knowing that tomorrow it will be happening makes everyone a bit emotional and all over the place. But the day before is about preparation and also getting ready to celebrate.
Attend Your Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Your rehearsal is more important than it might seem. Everyone is going to learns their cues, where to stand and how the ceremony will actually workout. Even if it feels a bit awkward or silly to practice, do it properly. Walk through the entire ceremony at least twice.
Make sure everyone knows their role: Who’s walking with whom down the aisle? Where does each person stand? When do they sit? Who’s holding the rings? Where do readers go, and when?
The officiant should go through all the major moments, including the processional order, any readings or rituals, the vows, the ring exchange and the recessional.
Pay attention to the little details. Where will you put your bouquet during the vows? Does someone need to help arrange your dress or train?
If you’re doing a unity ceremony (candle lighting, sand ceremony etc.), practice that too. The more you rehearse the less nervous you’ll feel during the proper ceremony.
After the rehearsal is the rehearsal dinner which is a chance to relax and enjoy some time with your closest family and friends. This isn’t a formal affair (usually) so you can let loose a bit.
Eat, drink and laugh as you enjoy the moment. It’s one of the last times you’ll have this close group together before the craziness of the wedding day.
This is traditionally when you do the toasts so be ready to say a few words thanking your parents, wedding party and guests for being part of your the day and everything leading up to. Keep it brief as people are there to celebrate not listen to a 20 minute speech.
Prepare Your Wedding Day Attire and Accessories
The night before your wedding lay out everything you’ll be wearing. Your dress or suit, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, veil or hair accessories, garter (if you’re wearing one), watch, cufflinks. Everything.
Check your outfit one more time for any spots, loose threads, missing buttons etc. Steam or iron anything that needs it.
Make sure your shoes are clean and don’t have any scuffs. If you’re wearing a veil practice putting it in your hair or attaching so it’s secure.
Get everything in one place, preferably hung up or laid out in the order you’ll put it on. Take a photo of it all as a reference. This helps make sure nothing gets forgotten when you’re rushing in the morning.
If you’re getting ready somewhere other than home pack everything carefully in a garment bag. Don’t fold your dress unless you absolutely have to you don’t want any wrinkles this late in the day.
Don’t forget the little things that complete your look: your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Your perfume or cologne. Your wedding rings. (you’d be surprised how often they almost get forgotten.) Any sentimental items you want to carry with you like a photo of a loved one who’s passed away or a handkerchief with a special message embroidered on it.
If you have a wedding party remind them to do the same with their attire. Send a quick group text: “Hey everyone! Tonight please lay out your complete wedding outfit and make sure everything’s pressed and ready”. It’ll save everyone some stress in the morning.
Delegate Responsibilities to Your Wedding Party
Tomorrow you’re going to be the star of the show, which means you can’t also be the stage manager. That’s where delegating comes in. The night before is the best time to have conversations with your wedding party about who’s going to be doing what.
Sit down with your maid of honor and best man and give them specific tasks. Who’s holding the rings during the ceremony? Who’s in charge of the emergency kit? Who’s responsible for getting family for photos? Who’s making sure the gifts and cards from the reception make it safely into someone’s car at the end of the night?
Other responsibilities to delegate: someone to handle your phone (you shouldn’t be checking any texts on your wedding day), someone to coordinate with vendors if questions come up, someone to get any personal items from where you’re getting ready and someone to make sure older relatives or guests with mobility issues have help getting around.
Be very specific with your instructions. Don’t say “can you help with things tomorrow?” say “can you make sure my bouquet gets from the room I’m getting ready to the ceremony and that it’s waiting for me right before I walk down the aisle?”. The clearer the instructions the fewer mistakes and mix ups.
Also give the people like your wedding planner, venue coordinator or reliable friend the vendor contact list and timeline. Let them to make decisions if any smaller issues come up. You don’t need to be bothered if the napkins are ivory instead of cream. It’s best to let someone else handle it.
Wedding Day Morning Essentials
It’s here. Your wedding day has finally arrived. Today’s will probably go by like a blur. How you start the morning will sets you up for the rest of the day so let’s make sure you’re taking care of yourself right from the beginning.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast and Drink Lots of Water
It’s understandable if you’re feeling too nervous or excited to feel hungry. But you really do need to eat.
You’ve got a long day ahead with lots of standing, walking, talking and celebrating. Running on empty is a recipe for feeling faint, shaky or getting a pounding headache right when you should be saying your vows.
Go for something balanced with protein, complex carbs and healthy fats. Something like eggs and whole grain toast, oatmeal with nuts and fruit, yogurt with granola or a smoothie bowl. All will work well.
Don’t go anything too greasy or heavy that might upset your stomach. And steer clear of foods that could get stuck in your teeth or cause you to be bloated.
Drink water. Lots of it. Start hydrating first thing in the morning and keep sipping throughout the day.
Dehydration causes headaches, makes you feel sluggish and can even affect your skin’s appearance in photos. Keep a water bottle with you during hair and makeup. Use a straw if you’re worried about messing up your lipstick.
Here’s a less glamorous but important tip: use the bathroom regularly. It sounds obvious but as the day get crazy people often forget. And once you’re in that dress or suit bathroom trips get complicated.
Don’t drink too much caffeine if you’re already jittery. A cup of coffee or tea is fine if that’s part of your normal routine but downing three espressos on an empty, nervous stomach isn’t going to do you any favors. You want to be alert and energized not anxious and shaky.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Get Ready
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is underestimating how long getting ready takes. Hair and makeup take time, professional stylists are worth every penny, but they’re not magicians. Factor in time for your wedding party to get ready too, plus time for getting into your outfit, and inevitably, the moments where you’re pausing and trying to to take it all in.
If your hair and makeup artist says it’s going to take three hours, believe them. And it’s probably best to assume it’ll take three and a half! Better to have extra time than to be rushing and stressing out.
Make a getting ready timeline the night before. Work backwards from when you need to leave for the ceremony. If you need to leave at 2 PM and getting dressed takes 30 minutes, and hair and makeup take 3 hours, you need to start by 10:30 AM at the latest.
Build in cushion time for photos of you getting ready (if you’re doing those), for toasts with your wedding party, for that moment when someone realizes they forgot their shoes and needs to run back to grab them!
Also try to have a calm atmosphere wherever you’re getting ready. Put on music that makes you happy, maybe light a nice candle, pour mimosas or sparkling juice for everyone. Keep the energy positive and relaxed. If there are certain people who tend to stress you out or create lots of drama then think about whether they need to be with you the whole time. It’s okay to protect your peace on a day like today.
Final Beauty and Grooming Touches
You’ve spent months (maybe years) imagining how you’ll look on your wedding day, and now it’s time to bring that all to life. But beyond the obvious hair and makeup there are those finishing touches that brings it all together and help you feel polished, confident and yourself.
If you haven’t already done your final grooming the morning of is not the time to try something new. No experimental haircuts, no trying a new skincare product, no DIY waxing. Stick with what you know works for you. If you’ve scheduled professional services, trust your stylists, they’ve done this hundreds of times.
For your hands and nails hopefully you got that manicure in the past day or two. If you notice any chips or smudges this morning do a very careful touch up. Your hands are going to be on display in a big way with the ring exchange, cake cutting, holding your bouquet in photos etc. Same goes for your partner if they’re wearing nail polish.
Don’t forget about your feet if they’ll be visible in your shoes or if you’re going barefoot for a beach wedding. A fresh pedicure makes you feel good even if no one else sees it.
Eyebrows frame your face, especially in photos, so make sure they’re groomed to your liking. Whether that’s a light pluck, a shaped by a professional or just brushing them into place with a little gel, give them some attention.
For facial hair, whether you’re clean-shaven or have a beard, make sure everything is trimmed, shaped and tidy. If you’re shaving do it the night before rather than the morning of to avoid any redness or irritation showing up in photos.
Once your hair and makeup are done do a final check in natural light if possible. Photography lighting can be different from indoor lighting, so step near a window and make sure everything looks the way you want. It’s easier to adjust now than after you’re already in your dress and heading out the door.
And here’s something people often don’t think about: scent. Wear a perfume or cologne you love, but don’t overdo it as you’re going to be close to lots of people. Apply it to your pulse points a little while before getting dressed so it doesn’t stain your outfit. Some people even spritz a little on their veil or boutonniere.
Lastly take some time to really look at yourself. You’ve put so much work into this and you look amazing.
Take a few selfies, have someone take candid photos of you laughing with your wedding party. These getting ready moments are some of the most special of the entire day.
Last Minute Details to Remember
Right, you’re dressed, you look incredible and you’re almost ready to leave. But before you go there are a few important details that you can’t forget. Let’s run through the checklist one more time.
Marriage License and Important Documents
This is the big one. Without your marriage license you’re not legally getting married. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the ceremony is or how perfect the reception goes, no license means no official marriage.
The night before or the morning of get someone to bring the marriage license to the ceremony. This should be someone extremely reliable, usually your best man, maid of honor or a parent.
Put it in a safe, specific place (like a folder or envelope clearly labeled “MARRIAGE LICENSE”) and tell that person exactly where it is.
Remember that you’ll need two witnesses to sign the license (requirements vary by location, so check your local laws). Your officiant will also need to sign it.
Make sure your officiant knows who has the license and when/where the signing will happen. Some couples do this right after the ceremony and others before or during the cocktail hour.
Also bring any other important documents you might need, copies of vendor contracts, your ceremony script if the officiant doesn’t have it, your vow cards if you’re reading from them, or a shot list for your photographer. Put all of these documents together in one folder and give it to your the person who you’ve chosen to be responsible.
Your wedding rings should go in someone’s pocket or a secure bag. Decide ahead of time who’s carrying them to the ceremony, traditionally the best man, but it could be anyone you trust. Just make absolutely sure someone knows they’re responsible for those rings.
Vendor Tips and Final Payments
Remember those envelopes of cash you prepared last week? Now’s the time to make sure they’re ready to go. If you haven’t already hand the all of them to whoever you decided was going to deal with the money, probably your best man, maid of honor, wedding planner or a trusted parent.
Review with them exactly who gets tipped and when. Some tips get given out when vendors arrive (like your hair and makeup team if they came to you), others at the end of their service (like the photographer or DJ when they’re packing up), and some throughout the night (like catering staff).
For any final payments that are due on the wedding day make sure those are done too. Some vendors require a check or cash payment after services are rendered. Have everything organized and labeled so there’s no confusion.
Your money person should also keep a small amount of petty cash on hand for any unexpected expenses, maybe a vendor stayed later than expected, or someone needs to make an emergency run to the store.
Once you’ve handed everything off, let it go. You’ve done your part. Trust your people to deal the financial details while you focus on getting married and enjoying your day.
Managing Stress in the Final Hours
Even with the best planning in the world the final hours before your wedding can feel intense. Your emotions are running high, there are a million little details swirling around and the magnitude of what’s about to happen is starting to sink in. That’s all completely normal.
First, give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling. If you’re nervous, that’s okay. If you’re crying happy tears (or even stressed tears), that’s okay too. If you’re weirdly calm and zen, that’s also fine. There’s no right way to feel on your wedding day.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few minutes for yourself. Find a quiet corner, step outside for some fresh air, or even hide in the bathroom for five minutes if you need to.
Take some deep breaths. Close your eyes and remind yourself why you’re doing this, because you love your partner and you’re excited to marry them. That’s what today is about. Everything else is just pretty decoration.
Here’s a grounding exercise that works wonders when it’s all getting too much: Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. This pulls you out of anxious thoughts and back into the present moment.
Lean on the people around you. That’s why you chose them to be your wedding party. If something goes wrong (and something small probably will), let someone else fix it.
Dropped a bobby pin? Someone will grab it. Vendor running ten minutes late? Your coordinator’s on it. Aunt Martha going on about the centerpieces? Not your problem today.
Don’t get obsessed with everything being perfect. No wedding in history has gone exactly according to plan, and yours won’t either.
Maybe it rains, maybe someone messes up a reading, maybe the cake is a bit lopsided. None of that matters.
What matters is that by the end of the day, you’ll be married to the person you love, surrounded by your favorite people. That’s the only thing that has to go right.
Limit alcohol before the ceremony. A mimosa or glass of champagne while getting ready? Sure, if you like. But don’t overdo it.
You want to be present, coherent and steady on your feet. There’s plenty of time to celebrate with drinks at the reception.
If you need to vent or have a small meltdown do it with someone you trust who can handle it, your maid of honor, your mom or your best friend. Let it out, then take a breath and move forward. Don’t let one stressful moment ruin the whole day.
And here’s maybe the most important advice: at some point during the day, steal a moment alone with your partner. Whether it’s a “first look” before the ceremony or sneaking away for five minutes during the reception, take time to look at each other and really enjoy it. It’s your day, make sure you experience it together, not just as performers at an event.
Final Thoughts
You’ve made it through the checklist which means you’re more than ready for your wedding day. Planning a wedding, especially getting together all these last minute details, is no small feat.
You’ve coordinated vendors, finalized guest lists, broken in uncomfortable shoes and probably solved a dozen little problems along the way.
But here’s the thing: when you look back on your wedding day years from now you’re not going to remember most of the smaller details. You’re going to remember how you felt when you saw your partner at the end of the aisle. The way your dad choked up during his toast. How your best friend made you laugh so hard during the reception that champagne came out of your nose. The feeling of being surrounded by everyone you love.
So yes, follow this checklist. Be organized and prepared and deal with those loose ends. But also remember to let yourself enjoy the day.
Put your phone away. Don’t spend your reception worrying about the logistics of it. Dance, laugh, ugly cry if you need to, eat that expensive cake and take in every single moment.
Your wedding day will fly by faster than you can possibly imagine. People always say that and it’s absolutely true.
So when you’re standing there in your dress or suit, about to walk down the aisle, take a breath. Look around.
This is your moment. You’ve planned for it, stressed over it, and now it’s finally here.
So go get married, have the time of your life and worry about unpacking gifts and writing the thank you notes next week.