Finishing Touches: What to Do the Month Before Your Wedding

The final month before your wedding is here, and you’re probably feeling both excited and a bit anxious. After months of making big decisions, you’ve reached the home stretch. This phase is about tying up loose ends and getting ready for what’s ahead. Here’s a week-by-week checklist to help you navigate the last prep month with ease.

4 Weeks Out: Wrap Up Details and Gifts

With four weeks left, you need to finalize a few important details so your big day feels perfect.

Finalize the Guest List

Personally call or text guests who missed the RSVP deadline. A friendly, “Just checking if you’re making it to our special day!” works well. Once you have your final count, let your venue, caterer and rental companies know how many guests to expect.

Buy Gifts for the Wedding Party

Make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for. Prioritize your wedding party, parents and your future spouse. Think of fun ways to add your personal touch to the gifts, such as a handwritten note or engravings of their names. Set a budget to avoid overspending while shopping online or in-store.

Purchase Wedding Rings

With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook rings. Schedule some time to secure your wedding bands. A woman’s wedding band costs around $1,200 while men’s cost an average of $600, depending on the design, metal and gemstones featured.

3 Weeks Out: Get Everything in Order

Now less than a month out, you’ll be working closely with your vendors to make sure everything is set for a smooth celebration.

Confirm All Vendor Arrangements

Reconfirm details with your vendors to make sure there are no surprises on your big day. When confirming with transportation, confirm the drivers have up-to-date licenses to drive your rented vehicle and run through the exact times you’ll need them to pick up and drop off. Send your photographer a list of “must-have” shots, such as a first-touch moment and a photo with your grandparents. Then, compile all vendor information in a spreadsheet and share it with your wedding coordinator.

Apply for your Marriage License

Research the requirements for the county where you plan to get married. Remember that rules vary by location. For example, you need to schedule a face-to-face appointment for a marriage license or ceremony when tying the knot in New York City. Verify all your local requirements sooner rather than later.

Have Your Final Dress Fitting

Schedule your final fitting appointment. Bring the undergarments and shoes you’ll wear on your wedding day. Have your maid of honor or a trusted friend attend with you. The tailor can help guide them through how to bustle your dress. Practice walking, sitting and dancing in your attire to spot any potential discomfort.

2 Weeks Out: Focus on You

You’re halfway through the month. This week, it’s all about you and ensuring you’ll have the best time on your wedding day.

Get Your Hair and Makeup Trial

It’s time to finalize your day-of look, ensuring it’s exactly what you envision. Book a trial session with your hair and makeup artist. Wear a top with a similar neckline to your dress and wear your jewelry to get a better sense of the complete look. After the session, spend some time outside to see how long the look will last throughout the day.

Break in Your Wedding Shoes

Don’t let blisters ruin your special day. Wear your wedding shoes for a few hours while doing chores around the house or working at the office. If they pinch, use a shoe stretcher or take them to a cobbler for professional stretching. Apply hydrocolloid patches to areas where you feel discomfort.

Create a Wedding Day Timeline

A day-of timeline ensures you and your vendors are on the same page. It’s important to include the three important phases of your wedding day — before the festivities commence, during the ceremony and during and after the reception. Your wedding day coordinator can help you put together a plan, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your special day.

Week of the Wedding: Finish Strong

This is it, your big day is almost here, and all your plans are finally coming together. You’re just a few days away from marrying the love of your life. With all the excitement in the air, remember to do these final preparations.

Write Your Vows

Set aside time away from your partner to write your vows. Reflect on your memories together — the ups and downs — and jot down key memories. End it with a few heartfelt promises as you start your life together. While you can’t say what the future holds for you, you can promise unconditional love, support and understanding.

Pack Your Bags

Preparation is key to preventing last-minute panic. Pack for the wedding night, emergencies and your honeymoon. Your survival kit should include a mini sewing kit, a stain remover, breath fresheners, tissues, a comb, socks, snacks and a small lint roller. Lay out everything you’ll need for your big day, including your dress, accessories, rings and notebook containing your vows.

Prepare Final Payments and Tasks

Put final payments in separate envelopes with the vendor’s name. Tuck in a handwritten thank-you note to show your appreciation. Hand these envelopes over to your wedding coordinator or maid of honor, and they’ll ensure everyone receives theirs on the big day. Ask a few friends or family members to help with personal favors, like keeping an eye on your phone, passing out the guest book or gathering gifts.

Relax and Recharge

You’ve spent months getting ready for this moment. You deserve to rest and relax before your wedding day. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Start winding down a few days before your big day. Book a relaxing massage and treat yourself to a manicure. Focus on eating nourishing foods and getting eight hours of sleep. Most importantly, do something that lifts your spirits — you’ve earned it.

Have a Smooth-Sailing Journey to Happily Ever After

The final month is a busy and rewarding time. This is when you’ll see your plans come together, meet with your vendors one last time and focus on you. Remember to prepare yourself to be fully present on your special day. With proper preparation, you can soak in every moment and truly enjoy the day you’ve worked so hard for.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams.