When it comes to the week of your wedding, there’s a lot to do. Having a checklist of things to do, or a guide can help keep everyone on task. Here are five things to do the week of your wedding.
#5 – Make a Wedding Day Timeline and Share with Everyone
A wedding day timeline is a way that everyone will be able to stay on task and be where they’re supposed to be when scheduled. Work with your planner or coordinator to make sure everyone agrees with the final timeline and give people enough time to get to each of the locations.
A timeline will keep the vendors on track, so they know what needs to happen when, and what food needs to be on the table when. The timeline will minimize any confusion your wedding party has with the day’s events, and where they need to be when. It’s a good idea to start with your timeline by hour and you can refine in smaller increments if needed.
#2 – Confirm all Dates, Times, Locations, and Services With Your Vendors
The week of your wedding can be a hectic time, but it’s also the time you need to make sure all your vendors know their schedule. This builds on the timeline you made above. If you have transportation to and from the venues, such as a limo, or buses for guests, make sure the drivers know their schedule times. When confirming times with the venue, ensure that the florist, DJ or band, and other vendors have early access.
#3 – Finalize Any Outstanding Payments
Most vendors will want any payments to be finalized before the day of your wedding. Usually when you send your final guest count, most vendors dependent on guest count will ask for your final payment then. Non-dependent vendors will expect payment before the event.
#4 – Check In-With You Wedding Party and Other Important Guests
In addition to the timeline you’ve given them, make sure the wedding party, ushers, and other guests who are a part of the ceremony know their duties are for the wedding activities. When checking in with your bridal party, assign a responsible person the job of grabbing everyone for formal photos.
Have another person pack up your gifts and belongings after the reception, and have them do one final check to make sure you didn’t leave anything. Check in with people making speeches to make sure they’re ready, and in your given time limit.
#5 – Ensure All the Important Items Are In Their Place
During the week of your wedding contact your officiant to finalize the details on obtaining your marriage certificate. Ensure the best man is prepared to hold the wedding bands during the ceremony. If you have prepared any reception items like place cards or table decorations, deliver them to the venue manager before your wedding day. Lastly, during the rehearsal dinner, find the time to present your gifts to your wedding party.
Have fun the week of your wedding, just make sure to do the important things as well. Preparing for your wedding early? If you’re in the market for a bridal gown check out our bridal collection.