Finalizing the Wedding Day Itinerary and Timeline Before "I Do!"

Finalizing the Wedding Day Itinerary and Timeline Before "I Do!"

When planning a wedding it can be easy to get so obsessed with the big stuff like venue, attire, photography and the menu, that you forget about the mounting last minute wedding checklist to-do's that need to be taken care of.

Wedding checklist

 

In this post we provide a summary of your wedding must haves that should be attended to within the month leading up to your nuptials.

One month out you should be finalizing and confirming your wedding day itinerary and timeline, and if you're working with a planner make sure you're confirming the wedding coordinator checklist with your planning team - you want to make sure you're on the same page.  This list should also include a confirmed wedding vendor checklist.  All of the key players in your wedding day should be lined up at this point.

Wedding Calendar

The other planning priorities at this point include:

  • Finalize rehearsal dinner details

  • Song selection and announcements with your band and/or DJ

  • Provide your photographer with 10-12 of your must-have before and after ceremony posed photos

  • Confirm when final payments need to be given to your vendors

  • Enlist a planner or bridal party member to get your last minute guest list RSVP's

  • Set your reception seating arrangement if you plan on having assigned seats

  • If you plan on changing your name and address you should start that process at this time

Wedding Photographer

The 2 to 3 weeks before wedding frenzy kicks in you get a bit of a breather, but the 'wedding must have list of items' in this time frame are very important and shouldn't be overlooked.

  • Pick up your wedding rings

  • Confirm the arrival times with your vendors

  • Confirm hotel and and accommodation reservations

  • Have your final gown fitting if you haven't done so already

  • Choose the date and schedule obtaining your marriage license and blood tests

Wedding rings

The week before your wedding will require your bridal party and anyone else involved in the planning to begin fulfilling their responsibilities too.  It's an all-hands-on-deck moment from here on out:

  • Provide your caterer with your final guest count

  • Pack for your honeymoon (if you're going right after your wedding)

  • Schedule pick up times for wedding gown and tuxedos

  • Groom and his party should have final tux fittings if they're renting

  • Coordinate tux rental returns

  • Enlist your bridal party to help with wedding errands and responsibilities

  • Give gifts to your wedding party, family and your fiance if you don't want to do it at the rehearsal dinner

  • Make arrangements for someone to collect and take your wedding gifts to your home

  • Arrange house/pet sitter while you're on your honeymoon

Bridal Party gifts



While the couple of days before your wedding should include pampering yourself and relaxing activities, there's still some fine details that need to be taken care of.

  • Finalize your day of wedding planner checklist

  • Get your nails done, and if you haven't already done so have a hair and makeup trial run

  • Compile a contact list of your vendors and important people who will be "running the show" and distribute to the appropriate people

  • Make payment envelopes for your vendors and give them to your planner or coordinator to distribute at the wedding

  • Make a wedding day emergency kit

  • Have your ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

  • Go to bed early and drink lots of water

Rehearsal dinner


On your wedding day you should have very little to do other than to have the time of your life and marry your forever person.  All of the duties to orchestrate the wedding of your dreams should have been delegated to the appropriate people.  On your big day we recommend the following:

  • Take time to meditate, relax and reflect

  • Get your hair and makeup done early so you have plenty of time for pre-wedding photos

  • Stay nourished and hydrated

  • Don't forget the wedding rings and marriage license

  • Exchange "I do's"

  • Bask in every moment and have the time of your life

Pamper yourself



This checklist of homestretch wedding essentials is useful if you're planning a wedding without a planner or have hired a full-service or day of professional.  It's a touchstone for you to utilize to make sure you and your planning team are crossing every T and dotting every I.

I do