A wedding can be overwhelming, especially the month of your wedding and even the week before. You have a million and one things to on your to do list to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly, but you don’t know where to start or what you need to do first or last or at all. Well this little blog post is just something that will help you cross some things off your list or even bring to light some things you might not have thought of. 

4 to 3 weeks before your wedding

The RSVP List: This is the perfect time to start looking at your RSVP list to see how many guest have responded. If you’re still missing a few replies then this is great time to give them a little bit nudge as a reminder to RSVP by X date Usually wedding website like Zola.com can have reminder texts send out to your guest to remind them to rsvp.

The Groomsmen and the Bridesmaids: Around 30 days before the wedding you would want to to check in with your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen to see if they started getting their dresses, suits, ties, bow ties, shoes. Etc. It’s best they have everything in AT LEAST a week before the wedding, to make sure they are not running round last minute trying to purchase their attire.

Vendors: If your vendors haven’t already this would be great time to reach out to them to star finalizing details. 

Florals: Finalize you floral details with florist how you want your florals to look, the types of florals, placement of florals, confirm locations if the flowers are getting delivered and being set up. If the Flowers are being Picked up by someone give your florist their information Name and Phone number (with the permission on your pick up person) as well as confirming date and time of pick up.

Venue: Now is also a great time to start finalizing linens, menu, guest count (if you have all the RSVPs by this time), as well as cocktail and dinner times *NOTE* This can also be done about 2-3 weeks before

Photographer: Around this time is when I usually reach out to my brides to schedule a meeting to go over timeline. I personally try to schedule a meeting at least 3 weeks before the wedding date to get an overall rough draft for the wedding day, I also use this time to explore bridal portrait locations with the bride if they do not have one picked out, verify locations, confirm about any specific details the bride and groom want captured. *NOTE* Not all photographers will hep with a custom timeline for your day check your package with your photographer.

Videographer: If you are working with a videographer now would also be a good time to check in with them as well, Usually they follow the same timeline as the photographer so if your photographer is helping you with that then just forward it to them when its done!

Hair and Makeup: If you are getting your hair and makeup done by artist whether its one person or 2 different people this would be a great time to either have your trial if you have not had them done yet. If you have had your trials then get in contact with your artist to see how long hair and makeup will take. This will be great information for your photographer and videographer if they are capturing you and your party getting ready. Usually as you are finishing up hair and makeup (me personally) your photo/video team will be capturing those pretty details of yours you have set aside. 

Caterer/bar: If you have a caterer this also would be a good time to start reaching out to them as well, To start finalizing menus, Establish service times.

Dj/Entertainers: Don’t forget to reach out to your DJ’s to give them playlist, location of venue, and verify times.

3 to 2 Weeks Before

Hotel: If you booked a block of rooms for out of town guest, I would just pop in the hotel just to make sure they have your booking see if anything needs to be done on your end.

Details: If your photographer is capturing your details while you are getting ready this would be a good time to start putting them aside for your photographer. *Check out Your Pretty Details for ideas on what to include*

Bridal Shop: If your bridal shop has not reached out to you or you do not have a pick up date set, then I would reach out to get an update on your dress and When you can pick it up.

Grooms: Now not many think about what the groom needs on the wedding day or really how he needs to prepare. Now there’s a lot more to what I am going tell you in this blog, but I am going to give you a condensed version for now. (There will soon be a blog dedicated to our precious grooms and groomsmen so they wont be feeling left out of the wedding world for too long 😂).

• If you plan on wearing cuff links on your wedding day make sure your shirt has the holes for them (this will avoid you from having to struggle cutting off your cuff buttons on your sleeve the MORNING of your wedding)
• Speaking of shirts make sure your collar fits comfortably around your neck WITH the tie or bow tie he will be wearing
• Have shoe shine that matches the color of your shoes (or as close as possible)
• Make sure he has a plain white BREATHABLE undershirt, a tank top will show lines especially when he takes his jacket off. The undershirt also helps protect from pit stains.
• Deodorant: Make sure he wears a gel based deodorant to avoid pit stains
• If you’re wearing a belt and watch make sure the leathers match or are at least close in color
• If you’re wearing dress shoes, make sure you have long socks! The socks can be fun but dress shoes calls for long socks.
• Have If you’re wearing a pocket square make sure you find one that matches your wedding colors but also you suit/tux color. (I’m sure the your fiancé thought about this part!)

Apply For your Marriage License: In the State of Michigan can apply for your marriage License No earlier than 33 days before your wedding and not less than 3 days before (In Michigan There is a 3 day waiting period.

1 Week Before

Wedding Favors: I feel like this might be as relevant anymore since I have not seen it done at many weddings this past year BUUUUUUUUUT if you have wedding favors now when be a good time to start labeling (If needed) or getting them together also a sign someone to take them and set them up at the venue.

Welcome bags: If you are having guest come in from out of town staying at the hotel you blocked off and you want to do some kind of welcome bag for them now would would also be a great time to put those together. I would also call the hotel letting them know this is something you plan on doing for your guest and how to go about distributing them.

Finalize things with bridal party, everyone should have everything in by now (hopefully). If they don’t then make sure they have everything in and together by at LEAST 3 days before. If they ordered something online and it’s been delayed or something happened in transit this gives them some time to get what they need.

Emergency Bag: This also would be a good time to get an emergency bag together for you and your bridal party. This can Either Be a BIG bag that you keep at the venue (this is easier if everything is in the same place or it can be kept in the car/bus until the final location) or it can be a small bag like a purse. Some things you can include are:

• Listerene Strips
• Palmate (Great For the guys) or Hairspray (Great for Girls)
• Tide Stick
• Some Makeup for touch ups
• Sewing kit
• Bandaids

These are just a few things, I do have a whole blog post on an emergency kit. For more ideas on what to include feel free to check it out HERE

The Week Of

The week of your wedding is when things should start coming together. About 4-3 days before the wedding you should be confirming timelines and address with your vendors, as well as confirming pick up people and times. This is also a good time to designate people to different task (if you have any task) like helping with decor or even Taking the favors to the venue. Please also take this time to RELAX, this is also a week for you and your loved ones. Take time to go get a message, get your nails done, have lunch with your family from out of town, enjoy this moment.

The Day and night before

The day before your wedding, put together everything that you will need to get ready as well as details the photographer might need in the morning that you would like to include in your photos. If you have a wedding emergency kit make sure that’s ready to go as well. The night before make sure you get your sleep! You want to be well rested for your big day!

That’s about it! Hopefully I didn’t miss anything, but if you’re a past bride and think there’s something else that should be added please let me know in the comments below.

’Till Next time!

Diana M.