If you’re reading this, there is a 99.99% chance that you are getting married very soon. This is one of the most life-changing and impactful moments of your whole life. Soak it all in. Maybe you’re really involved in the wedding planning process. If you are, you know how overwhelming it can be. Don’t worry though, as you get close to the finish line you start to see all that hard work come together. All of the details are fitting together perfectly like a puzzle. Now, you’ve met your match. It’s the week of the wedding and you can see the light of the tunnel, but you’re not quite done. It’s vital that you know exactly what to do the week of your wedding. You are going to need your prep on lock, but luckily… we’ve got the key.

Communicate with Vendors & Venue

First things first, you’re going to want to make sure you communicate with your vendors and your wedding venue. Communication is essential in making sure everything goes to plan. You want to make sure that everyone is on page with when they are supposed to arrive as well as knowing exactly where everyone needs to be. The week leading up to your wedding is so important making sure that everyone knows exactly what is going on. Here are a few of the things you should keep in mind when it comes time to checking in with your vendors and venue.

• Make sure you let your venue and caterer know a final number for guests that will be attending your wedding. Typically about 14 days out from your wedding day. It is also good to make sure that everyone who is attending has their entree selections as well
• Send all vendors (i.e. photographer, planner, florist, venue, etc) a copy of the most up-to-date timeline. This will make sure that everyone is on the same page about arrival/departure times. Why wedding timelines are important for your wedding day can be found here!
• Put final touches on shot lists with your photographer/videographer for family/wedding party portraits
• Talk with your venue about seating arrangements and rentals. Make sure that you have enough tables and seats for all of your guests attending

Final Payments + Tips

You’d be surprised how many couples forget this step. It’s totally understandable though. You are busy, things are getting out of control and there is a lot of planning that takes place, especially the week of your wedding. However, it is crucial that you make sure to submit all final payments to your vendors/wedding venue prior to your special day. There are some wedding vendors who may not show up to your wedding without final payment, so you’d rather be safe than sorry. Get all of this squared away well before your big day.

This also goes for any tips that you plan on giving to your wedding vendors. You want to make sure that you plan this ahead of time so you’re not distracted from your special day. Your guide to vendor tipping etiquette is here!

Practice, Practice, Practice

The week of your wedding is the perfect opportunity to make sure that you practice, practice, practice. If you are planning on reading personally written vows, practice. Planning on doing the classic dip kiss at the end of your ceremony? Practice. If you’re performing a choreographed dance for your reception, practice. Making sure that you set aside time the week of your wedding to make sure that you are on your A-game will save you a ton of worry and stress. Trust us.

Try On Your Wedding Attire

Can you imagine going into your wedding knowing that your suit and dress are not fitting your very best? Or finding out hours into your special day that blisters are forming on the inside of your shoes? Ouch. That’s why we heavily suggest you prioritize trying on your wedding attire prior to your wedding day. You would think this goes without saying, but you could never be to careful.

Along with trying on your dress/tux, please make sure you are breaking in your wedding shoes before the actual day. The last thing you want is for your feet to be so sore you can barely walk on them all because of a pair of shoes. Enjoy the day, invest in some heel guards. You’ll thank us later.

Secure The Marriage License

This goes especially for anyone planning on having a destination wedding. Always and we mean always secure the marriage license well in advance. Some states may have different rules and regulations on how soon you can obtain your marriage license, so make sure you brush up on that way before your big day.

Packing Is A Priority

If you plan on being away for a while, whether you are jetting off to your honeymoon, staying a few nights at a hotel or having a destination wedding, you’re going to want to make sure packing is a priority. While we are assuming you are not setting off to a deserted island with no resources or Wifi, you just never know. Make sure you prioritize a packing list and you are triple checking it before you head off for your special day.

Finalize Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a great way to tell your guests that you love and appreciate them for coming to your wedding. Your wedding week is the week to finalize all of your favors and put your magic touch to ensure everything is perfect.

Invest In Your Self-Care

Our favorite part, is self-care. Don’t get us wrong, everything we’ve said up until this point is extremely important. However, making sure that YOU are a priority, is our priority. The week of your wedding is essentially what we like to call a “pamper week”. Make sure that any and all self-care and maintenance appointments are booked months in advance. The last thing you want is to find out if your favorite hairdresser or nail technician is booked the week of your wedding. Get a haircut, do your nails, get a facial, a fresh tan, and make sure you are looking and feeling your absolute very best.

Tip: We DO NOT suggest trying new services the week of your wedding. New facials, new skincare, new haircuts/hairdressers, new spray tans/tanning salons. You run the risk of something going amok and we absolutely don’t want that for you. Stick with what works, we’re sure it will be fine.

Soak In Every Moment

Last but certainly not least, we encourage you to soak in every moment the week leading up to your special day. It’s been a wild ride and the moment you have been finally waiting for is here. Any and all stresses and worries are whisked away because you know that in a matter of days you and your partner are united as one. Every second and every moment is leading up to this day that you’ve been looking forward to. We encourage you to really engulf yourself in the experience and moment, because it truly is once-in-a-lifetime.

What To Do The Week Of Your Wedding

When it comes to the big day, you want to make sure that you are cool, calm, collected and excited. I mean heck, you’re getting married. While this may seem like a lot of steps to follow and things to remember, just know that there are people out there to help you out. Hiring a wedding planner for your wedding day can help ease the stress and make sure you are focused on what truly matters… GETTING MARRIED. It’s never too late to start looking for a wedding planner to help you with your wedding plans. If you need more of a reason to hire your dream wedding planner, check this out.