Wedding Planning 101: A Checklist of What to Do Before the Big Day

Wedding planning can inevitably be stressful – not because you’re marrying the love of your life, of course, but because there is so much to do! Plus, speaking from experience, it seems there’s more to take care of the week before the wedding than the rest of the planning months. To ease some of that tension, we’ve compiled a checklist of some of the most important things to do leading up to the big day.

Triple-Check Everything Is Set With Vendors

The last thing you want is vendor confusion or miscommunication on your wedding day. This means it’s important to contact every vendor to confirm the arrangements the week before the wedding. For example, check in with the reception venue and catering company to ensure the headcount is correct (including vendor meals, if applicable). Be sure to also update your venue with your complete list of vendors and when they’ll arrive on-site, like the florist or the DJ. Finally, confirm that all hired transportation has accurate pickup and drop-off times and locations.

Hand Out Delegations

Don’t hesitate to delegate jobs to your trusted inner circle. Your bridal party, parents, and in-laws are likely asking what they can do to help. Use them! Tell them what you need and how they can take some of those responsibilities off your plate.

Don’t Forget the Marriage License

For the marriage to be legal, almost all states require you to apply for a  before the officiant performs the ceremony. Keep in mind most states have waiting periods or other requirements to obtain a marriage license. For example, some offices demand you pick up the paperwork 24-72 hours beforehand; others implement expiration dates so that if you don’t pick up the license by a certain time, it will no longer be valid, and you’ll have to reapply.

Try On Your Full Wedding-Day Getup

Try on your outfit with all accessories, including shoes, veils, jewelry, gloves, and anything else you may be wearing on the big day (be sure not to have food, drinks, pets, or kids in the vicinity), then do a few walks around the room to ensure everything fits properly and comfortably. Last-minute alterations may be a pain and can be pricey, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Did we leave out any items from our wedding checklist? Share them with us in the comments below!