After months of planning, the final week arrives quickly. There are calls to make, payments to settle and dozens of small details. A simple checklist can keep the week under control.
Seven days out: confirm vendors
Call or message every vendor: venue, caterer, decorator, photographer, videographer, DJ or band, MC, makeup artist, transport and officiant. Confirm times, addresses and contact people for the day.
Six days out: final numbers
Give the caterer and venue your final guest numbers and seating plan. Remember to include vendors who need meals.
Five days out: fittings
Collect the gown, suit and traditional outfits after final fittings. Try on everything with shoes and accessories. Collect rings and keep them safe.
Four days out: payments
Prepare final payments, in envelopes or transfers, labelled for each vendor. Assign a trusted person to handle payments on the day.
Three days out: the programme
Send the final programme and timeline to the MC, planner, photographer and bridal party. Confirm who is giving speeches and how long they have.
Two days out: pack
Pack bags for the wedding night and honeymoon. Prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, plasters, painkillers, sewing kit, deodorant, snacks and phone chargers.
One day out: rehearsal
Hold a rehearsal at the venue if possible. Walk through the entrance, vows and exit. Hand over decorations, favours and items to the planner or a trusted friend.
Rest
Go to bed early the night before. Drink water, eat properly and avoid starting new beauty treatments that could irritate your skin.
Delegate
Choose one person, a planner or reliable friend, to be the point of contact on the day. Vendors should call that person, not the bride or groom.
Switch off
Put your phone away for at least part of the day. The problems that come up will be handled by others. Your job is to be present.
Confirm the bridal party
Check that bridesmaids and groomsmen have their outfits, know their arrival times and understand their duties. Share a group message with the key times and locations.
Beauty and grooming
Book any final hair appointments, nail treatments and haircuts for a day or two before the wedding. Avoid anything new, such as a facial or hair colour, that you have not tried before.
The last task
The final item on any checklist should be simple: enjoy it. After the planning is done, the day belongs to the couple, not the to-do list.
