The Last Week of Wedding Planning
Here it is… the final week leading up to your wedding. How are you feeling?
Nerves frayed?
Stressed and overwhelmed with details?
Burdened with a zillion questions from family and friends?
Here’s how to make it through:
Monday…
If you haven’t already, begin assembling, alphabetizing and arranging important details of your wedding reception. Alphabetize your escort cards and separate them from the mix. If you have place cards designating each guests meal preference, make sure it is something that can be quickly ascertained by the catering staff. Finish compiling programs, favors, etc. remembering auxiliary items that assist in their function (matches, buckets, tape, etc.). Start this now, so that if you need to carry it through the week, you’ll still have time.
Update your wedding website with information you think people are bound to ask– where are the supermarkets, nearest restaurants, hospitals, etc.? If you have guests who have allergies or food preferences be sure that you let them know they will be accommodated. Add any transportation pickups and parking information that might be necessary. Designate one person you trust to handle all of these questions for you in the event that people incessantly call or email you.
Continue to break in your wedding shoes. Vacuuming in your Louboutins is fabulous, honey.
Tuesday…
Look over the timeline from your event planner to go over any additional details or changes.
Deliver finalized version of the seating chart to your event team.
If you are leaving immediately after your destination wedding for your honeymoon, pack separately for your stay at your wedding location and for your honeymoon. Send your local bags back with a friend or your parents. Be sure to include your necessary travel documents in your honeymoon luggage.
Wednesday…
Take your dress to be pressed if you are traveling to your wedding location. This is will ensure that it is done by your wedding date.
Finalize the details for your rehearsal dinner: décor, menu and entertainment.
Prepare box of finished items (escort cards, programs, personal photos, favors, send off items, menus, restroom baskets, etc.) for your event planner.
Thursday…
Get your manicure and pedicure done today– it will save you time. Many brides opt to do this on the Friday before their rehearsal or rehearsal dinner, but doing this in large groups can push your schedule to the max, forcing you to be late for ultra important events.
Pick up/purchase your liquor from the appropriate sources if you are supplying alcohol for your bar. Arrange to have this at the venue or have someone deliver it the day of the wedding (as most vendors are not equipped to handle extended storage of your items).
Deliver any welcome bags to your guests’ hotels or arrange for pick up from your event planner. Be sure you include proper local information about the area to spearhead unnecessary calls.
Friday…
Do a final walk through with your planner and caterer to discuss the plans, layouts and details for the next day so that they can remain fresh in everyone’s minds.
Pick up your wedding dress and any formal wear as necessary.
Go through your rehearsal and allow your event planner to disseminate any important information and details to your family and bridal party. Exchange box of finished items with planner or leave them on site (if allowed).
Enjoy your rehearsal dinner! Limit your alcohol and increase your water intake to avoid bloating and puffiness for the special day!