Happy Finch Photography
The countdown has begun, and it is only a few more months before you marry your best friend. You’re marking off any last minute tasks and don’t want to miss anything important. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve compiled a list of the final details to complete leading up to the day of your wedding. Did you just start your planning journey? Or are you in the middle of completing wedding tasks? We have blogs for that too!
Amanda Wose Photography
Order and Mail Invitations
We’ve talked about how to select your invitation design and wording. Now it’s time to order your invitations, purchase stamps and then mail them out. Ask for help from your wedding party to assemble and stuff your invitations so you don’t have to do it all yourself. RSVP cards, tissue paper, inner and outer envelopes, and a weekend events card are just some of the elements that can be sent with the invitation. You may also choose to include rehearsal dinner information for those who are invited, or send a separate invitation for that event. The more elaborate your invite, the more time it will take to assemble. Enlist help to address envelopes as well or hire a calligrapher. Once everything is put together, check the weight at home or with your local post office to make sure you add the correct amount of postage.
Happy Finch Photography
Order Menu Cards, Programs and Place Cards
You can place this order when you purchase your invitations, or after you receive your RSVPs. Sooner rather than later is best. You may need to track down answers from guests who haven’t RSVP’d on time, so you can order your place cards far enough in advance.
Molly Majher Photography
Order Wedding Favors
Couples are getting more and more creative with their wedding favors. Some options include a mini mason jar filled with your favorite tea blend; sticks of local honey; personalized playing cards; and succulents. Decide on your favor, and place your order in time, especially if there is any assembly involved.
Love and Adventure Photography
Confirm the Wedding Party Has All Necessary Attire
Sometimes your wedding attendants need a little nudge. Give them a gentle reminder to purchase shoes, jewelry, and any other accessories they need for the wedding. You may also need to remind them to purchase their dress or rent their tux/suit, especially if they live out of state and didn’t go shopping for these items with you when you picked them out.
The Tuckers Photography
Buy and Pick Up Wedding Bands
Take an afternoon with your partner to visit your local jewelry store and try on wedding bands. Consider your budget, and personal style as you shop. You can select matching rings, or go for what best fits your own individual taste. Brides will also want to select a band that goes well with their engagement ring. Choose your bands at least a couple of months in advance to allow time for sizing and engraving.
Write Thank You Cards After Your Wedding Shower
Once your wedding shower is complete, work on sending out thank you cards as soon as you’re able. The last thing you want to do is wait until after the wedding when you’ll have even more thank you notes to write.
Krysta Norman Photography
Purchase the Little Extras
Will you have a guest book, unity candle, toasting flutes or a welcome sign? Purchase all these little extras about a month before your wedding. Now is also a good time to buy any gifts that you plan to give your wedding party, parents and new spouse.
Complete Your Seating Chart
Once you have all of your RSVP cards, start working on your seating chart. Take into consideration placing types of guests together – parents, family members, school friends, etc. We love this helpful guide when it comes to creating your seating plan.
Obtain Your Marriage License
You will need to obtain a marriage license from the state and sometimes the county in which you plan to get married. Do your research to find out if there is a waiting period between getting your marriage license and when you have your ceremony. Also make note of when the license would expire (i.e. after 60 days). You don’t want to wait until the last minute, or get your license too far in advance.
Molly Majher Photography
Final Dress Fitting
Schedule your final dress fitting with your seamstress to make sure your wedding gown hugs you in all the right places. Will your gown need bustling? Bring a family member or bridesmaid along to your fitting so your seamstress can teach them how to do it. Schedule to pick up your dress about two weeks in advance and try it on before you take it home. This allows time to make any minor adjustments right before the big day.
Heather Chesky Photography
Confirm Final Details
As you enter the last few weeks before your wedding, confirm times, itineraries and any final details with your vendors, including drop off times for florals, cake, etc. Double check your shot list with your photographer to ensure you get all of the photos you want for your wedding album. Also confirm that you are paid in full before your big day.
Assemble Gift Bags for Overnight Guests
Put together gift bags that will be waiting for your out-of-town guests when they check into their room. Include a town map, itinerary of the weekend’s events and a mini first-aid kit. You can also add fare from a local market, luxurious hand lotions, or even a mini bottle of champagne to make your guest feel appreciated. If you have a lot of bags to assemble, don’t be shy about asking your wedding party to pitch in and help.
Relax with a Spa Day
You’re in the final stretch and your wedding day is just around the corner. Take some time for yourself to relax either on your own or with your wedding party. Schedule a facial and/or a massage to relieve any tension. Indulge in a manicure and pedicure to get your fingers and toes looking posh.
Pop Shots Photography
Write Your Vows
If you and your partner are writing your own vows, it’s time to start putting pen to paper. Think about the promises you want to make to your new spouse, as well as why you fell in love with them. Include a sweet story about how you felt when you first met, or when you knew they were the one for you. Have writer’s block? Jot down notes and come back to them later when you feel inspired.
Liz Fogarty Photography
Break in Your Wedding Shoes
If you’re donning a pair of heels on your wedding day, we highly recommend breaking them in ahead of time. Walk around in your shoes at home for about 30 minutes each day a week before your wedding. You can also add insoles or line your shoes with a plush fabric for comfort and to minimize friction.
Put Together a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Be prepared for any last minute emergencies that might happen on the day of your wedding. Pack your kit with items including:
Safety pins
Mini sewing kit
Hand sanitizer
Fashion tape
Stain remover pens
Lint roller
Hair spray
Shoe insoles and blister stick
Lip balm
Earring backings
Shelly Pate Photography
Finalize Honeymoon Details and Pack
Double check itineraries, flight times and transportation details before venturing out on your honeymoon. If you’re traveling out of the country, apply for your passport no later than two months in advance. Make time to pack the week before the wedding, especially if you’re heading to your honeymoon destination the next day.
Put Together Tip Envelopes
Put together tip envelopes for your venue, catering staff and other vendors in advance so you don’t have to think about it on your wedding day. Pull cash from the bank and put each tip into a labeled envelope. Assign a responsible member of your bridal party to hand them out during your event.
There’s a lot to do in the months leading up to your wedding, but don’t stress. Complete each task one at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.