All the planning is done and you are in the home stretch. Now what? What can you do to keep yourself from going crazy the week before the wedding? Here are a few tips to get organized and make your wedding day as stress-free as possible.
1. Confirm details with all of your vendors.
Make sure to confirm what time they will be arriving, setting up, and any other important details.
2. Send out your itinerary.
Send a copy of the wedding day itinerary to all of your vendors, the bridal party, and your close family. This will get everyone on the same page and make sure there are fewer questions for you.
3. Get your décor and personal items organized.
Make a list of everything that needs to be packed for the ceremony and reception. ( i.e. the unity candle, the cake topper, the card box, the escort cards, candles, etc.) Then pack everything into boxes that are labeled and organized as best as possible, so everything will be easy to find. You will also need to figure out who will be dropping off the boxes at your venue(s).
4. Make a packing list for yourself.
Make a list of everything you need to pack for the weekend. Doing this in advance will allow you plenty of time to review the list and add to it as you think of additional items, giving yourself a far better chance of not forgetting anything.
5. Make sure you have your marriage license accounted for.
At this time you should already have your marriage license in your possession. Figure out who will be in charge of bringing it to the rehearsal or the wedding. If possible, bring it to the rehearsal and let the officiant hang on to it. One less thing for you to worry about!
6. Get your tips ready.
Go to the bank and get some crisp bills for tipping. Then label envelopes and put your vendors’ tips inside. Decide who will be in charge of handing them out at the wedding.
7. Make an emergency contact list.
Give your Day Of Coordinator, MOH, or personal attendant (or all three!) a list of your vendors and any other important phone numbers. It’s also a great idea to give your vendors a contact number other than yours. They clearly won’t be able to reach you on the wedding day, so make sure they have your MOH’s or Mom's phone number handy.
8. Get pampered!
I know this is your favorite one yet! :) Get your bridesmaids together and go for a mani-pedi. Not only will this help you prepare for the big day, but also allow you some much needed relaxation with your best girls. Don’t forget the champagne! You deserve it!
9. Discuss the wedding day duties and assignments.
Make sure your bridal party and family members are aware of exactly what they need to do and when, including when and where to be for pictures.
10. Set aside at least one hour to spend some alone time with your fiancé.
Between all the planning and your busy lives you probably haven’t spent as much quality time together as you would like. It’s important to connect with each other and spend some time NOT worrying about the wedding. Plan a romantic dinner and make a rule – No talking about the wedding!
Just remember that no matter what happens on your wedding day and how perfect or imperfect everything turns out, the important thing is that you are going to marry the love of your life. Now, go enjoy yourself!