In a perfect world, the week of your wedding would consist of treatments at a spa. However, that isn’t the reality of what your wedding week will look like. Follow our in depth wedding week to-dos, so you don’t have any “oh no” moments.
Bridal test drive:
You’ve picked up your dress from alterations by now and have tried it on to make sure it fits. But make sure it also feels comfortable wearing the whole ensemble. Try on the entire look.
Put on your dress, with any specific undergarments you have, and try using the restroom. This will let you know how many bridesmaids you’ll need for restroom assistance. Put on your jewelry, shoes, shawl, gloves, headpiece, and veil to practice your walk down the aisle.
Make sure you feel as prepared and comfortable as possible. Break in your wedding shoes as well. You will be wearing them for hours, but also bring a backup pair for the reception.
Busy work for the week of your wedding:
Clear up your work to-do list by completing any tasks or phone calls. Do not be the bride, or groom, that is handling work an hour before the “I dos”. Those aren’t the memories you’ll want to look back on.
Get your engagement ring cleaned. Your photographer should plan on taking close ups of all that shines. Meet with your planner or day-of coordinator to handle any last minute details or changes.
Catch the quiet crowd over the phone or email to follow up with anyone that did not RSVP. They may want to attend and forgot to send it. They may not be able to make it, but it is best to find out ahead of time.
Share any live feed links for those invited that cannot make it. The RSVP follow up list will be necessary for the final head count. That final head count should be delivered to the caterer, bar, and venue.
Try to inform whoever needs the final head counts on time, so you do not have to pay for the no-shows. Once you have the final headcount, refer to your RSVP list and plan the seating chart. Hopefully you did this ahead of time, but the seating chart should be done at least one week before the wedding. The place cards or escort cards may need a few days to be shipped.
Give the seating chart to your planner or day-of coordinator to make sure they have your plans. Some people do not know about this, but you should make a shot list for the photographer. Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to see the must-have shots you need.
It’s no fun, but it must be done:
Give your shot list to a designated bridesmaids or friend to check in with the photographer throughout the wedding day, so no shot is forgotten. Same goes for the marriage license. Ask a friend or your mother to keep track of the marriage license before and after the ceremony.
Check your inbox for any wedding related questions. Vendors or friends may be asking about details that cannot be put off. Answer those before they get mixed in with the junk mail.
If you have a honeymoon planned, confirm every reservation and detail. The honeymoon should be a breeze not a stressor. Call your vendors one last time to confirm their arrival times- especially the hair and makeup crew.
Make any final payments, or at least prepare them for the week of your wedding. If you trust him or her enough, ask your maid, matron, or man of honor to handle day of payments. Nothing takes the magic out of an evening like handling money.
Escape route:
Once your dream day has come to and end, you’ll need a planned getaway car. Plan your transportation, so you don’t run out of the venue with flower petals all over you and then have to wait for a cab. Plan ahead of time for an after-party even if you don’t think you’ll want one.
Making last minute plans with thirty people isn’t easy. Pick a few nearby bars the week of your wedding just in case you decided you’re up for post-wedding fun. If you’re too tired, no one will be upset.
Whatever the case may be, have your transportation lined up. Remember not to drink and drive. Play the newlywed card and mention you just got married to your hotel upon check in. They might work some magic and give you a free upgrade!
Thank you for reading this week’s blog. There are more tasks for the week of your wedding, so check in next week for more information. Have a great Fall weekend!
Staff Writer
