Seven days until you’re a “Mrs.”? Don’t stress! Here’s what to do the week of your wedding.
Image courtesy of Lighthouse Photography Dream Weddings
Remember when you booked your venue and thought, “that date is so far away”? Time certainly flies when you’re having fun, and now that you’ve primped, planned and celebrated, the day you’ve been waiting for is (almost) here.
It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed as the days tick by. Have you covered every detail? Are your vendors on the same page? Are you EVER going to sleep more than a few hours without a wedding nightmare jolting you awake? Those butterflies in your stomach may feel like they’re on turbo speed, but trust us — your wedding day will be beautiful, and all of that planning will be worth it.
Now that you’re in the home stretch, you’ll want to check some very important items off of your to-do list. Take a big deep breath and get ready to conquer the next seven days! Here’s what to do the week of your wedding.
Image courtesy of Elise Margolin Photography
Talk to your bridal party
They’ve been there for you every step of the way, and right now is no exception. Your bride tribe can come in clutch during this hectic week, so don’t be afraid to recruit them if you need a helping hand. You’ll also want to make sure everyone on your team has an accurate timeline of events for the day. Instead of the group text, download Ring Leader and keep everyone in your wedding party apprised of the latest developments.
Prep hotel bags
If a lot of your guests are traveling for your wedding, you may want to consider arranging hotel bags. This has become a more optional decision over the years, as many hotels have in-house food services and other deluxe amenities. But it never hurts to slip a few snacks, beverages, and mementos into a cute bag! Take the next few days to prep some fun-sized items for your guests. Include any pertinent last-minute information on an insert, if you’d like!
Image courtesy of L.I. Party Photos
Finalize seating charts and escort cards
Did you download Ring Leader? If so, pour yourself a glass of wine because you can skip this step completely! If not, now’s the time. The venue should have your headcount by now, so finalize the names for your seating chart and start alphabetizing your escort cards. This will make it much easier for your guests to find their names when the arrive at your reception.
Pay your vendors and set aside tips
You won’t want to be scrambling around for payments or tip money while you’re trying to enjoy your first dance. Make sure you’ve made all of your final payments and start setting aside cash for tips.
Break in your wedding footwear
Have you ever tried to wear a new pair of heels for a night out, only to be in agonizing pain a few hours later? Make sure you slip on your wedding shoes before you walk down the aisle — to break them in for the big day, and to confirm they’ll be comfortable enough to wear long-term.
Image courtesy of Foxlight Studios
Confirm contingency plans with vendors
With a week left to go, you should be able to get a fairly accurate idea of what the weather will look like on your wedding day. If you’ve planned an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, go over any inclement weather back-up plans with your vendor team — even if the forecast calls for sunny skies.
Wrap your gifts
If you’ve bought gifts for your bridal party, parents, or future spouse, take this week to wrap them! Pull out your paper rolls, tape, and decorative bags and set a goal to wrap a few each day. That way, you won’t be trying to wrap 20 gifts the night before your rehearsal dinner.
Image courtesy of Studio Nicholle Photography
Prep your overnight bag
Staying overnight in a hotel before the big day? Make sure you’ve got a bag packed will all of your essentials. You’ll definitely need all the usuals — deodorant, toothpaste, face wash — but you’ll probably also need a few extras like hairspray, bobby pins, and bandaids. Don’t forget any daily medications!
Focus on self-care
Girl, you’ve worked hard planning and preparing for a beautiful wedding day. In these last few days before “I do,” take some time to relax and take care of yourself. It’s in your best interest to stay away from any new skincare products or spa treatments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find other ways to treat yourself. Even if it’s as simple as a walk around the block or a movie night with your bridesmaids, enjoy and revel in this week!
