Planning a wedding can take months – or even years – of preparation. And most professional wedding planners recommend compiling a ‘to-do’ list with a timeline indicating each action’s due date to stay on track and complete everything. This process sounds easy, and it usually is, at least in the early days of wedding planning.
However, as the big day draws near, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook key details. Unfortunately, one small misstep here can greatly impact your big day. Therefore, a couple of key things you will want to do in the two weeks right before the wedding include:
- Get your marriage license. Many states require a minimum waiting period before legally issuing a marriage license. These waiting periods can last between 24 and 72 hours. And while you may think the answer is to get your marriage license far in advance, many of them also expire if they aren’t completed within 60 or 90 days. Therefore, you want to get your license somewhere within this window. Applying for it two weeks before the wedding often gives you enough time to address any complications while ensuring it will still be valid on your wedding date.
- Do a dress rehearsal. While it may be tempting to skip this step (after all, haven’t you tried on your dress or tux at least a million times already), you will want to try everything on one more time a couple of days before the wedding. This step will ensure that you notice any last-minute alterations that may be required.
- Practice your vows. Public speaking isn’t everyone’s forte. Even if you wrote your vows far in advance of the ceremony, you would want to practice them a few times before speaking in front of the crowd. This process helps you memorize it and can be the key to controlling your emotions on the big day!
- Get gifts for your bridal party. Your bridal party will be instrumental in helping you with wedding planning. They can also help keep you grounded during these hectic and stressful times. Therefore, it is customary to present them with gifts on your wedding day or at the rehearsal dinner. It’s best to consider unique and personalized gifts for each of your loved ones who are there for you on your wedding day. This special touch is a simple gesture that can show everyone how much you appreciate what they have done to make your wedding day perfect. In addition to bridesmaids and groomsmen, you may also want to consider gifts for your fiancé(e), parents, and future in-laws.
- Follow-up with vendors. Throughout the wedding planning process, you have made many decisions about the food, drink, entertainment, décor, and venue. As such, you have selected the vendors you want to work with and likely have a contract with each. However, checking in with them right before the wedding is a good idea to convey important last-minute information. This action could be verifying a headcount, confirming table arrangements and seating, and verifying timelines. At this time, it is appropriate to convey any information that your vendors might need to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.
- Issue payments. Many vendors require pre-payment. And while some may have been paid long ago, you likely still owe several vendors money in the weeks leading up to your wedding. So this time is a good time to sort through the details and issue payment to any that are still owed – and don’t forget tips and gratuities.
- Pack an emergency kit and other necessary items. Most wedding parties opt to get ready at the venue or hotel before a wedding. And while these facilities are very accommodating, they may not have all of the things you need. So remember to pack the items you must have before the day arrives. This includes your phone charger, wallet, rings, snacks, beauty supplies, tape, and over-the-counter medications. And don’t forget a sewing kit – it’s inevitable that someone will need it while getting ready for the ceremony.
- Rehearse the ceremony. This step is a no-brainer. After all, a rehearsal dinner is usually hosted after the rehearsal. But it goes without saying that if you skip this step, you may have a very confused wedding party on the day of the wedding. The rehearsal is critical as it allows everyone to walk through the ceremony. That way, they all know where they need to be and what to do throughout the wedding. The wedding planner, officiant, or event coordinator often guides the rehearsal. You will want everyone with a role in the wedding present, including the couple, the wedding party, parents and siblings, and the wedding planner or officiant.
- Make sure you are ready for the honeymoon. Newly wedded couples often take off for a honeymoon within a few days of the ceremony. And since honeymoons are often very big, luxurious trips, you will want to ensure all the details are finalized. To achieve this, ensure you are packed and have the required travel documents (passports, boarding passes, identification, and confirmation numbers). You may also want to confirm your transportation to the airport if it is prearranged and ensure any required medications are refilled to last throughout your vacation.
- Get plenty of rest. This last tip may be the hardest for betrothed couples to do in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Stress and nerves can make it hard to get good rest. But you must get enough to keep your energy level up and de-stress. This goal will help you relax and enjoy everything throughout your wedding day – which will be very long and still feel like it flew by!
Planning a wedding is a tremendous task. You have to oversee what feels like a million details. Wedding planning checklists can help you stay organized and ensure you complete everything in time – including the last-minute details that are easiest to overlook!
Wedding Details is your comprehensive guide to all aspects of your wedding. From traditional ceremonies to questions regarding the guests, our website offers you one place to do all your research.