The week before your wedding

It takes an average of six to twelve months to plan a wedding. And no matter how much you think you’re not going to succumb to wedding brain, it pretty much happens to everyone. Wedding brain — you know… when that’s almost all you can think about. It can be exhausting. Even if you’re having a pretty small wedding, the number of details to consider stays about the same. Then after all that time, it seems that suddenly, it’s the week before your wedding.

You could be the most calm couple ever to couple, and still… this last bit of countdown time to your wedding is likely going to cause some anxiety and nerves on top of the exponentially growing sense of excitement. That’s all normal.

In those last few days, guests might be arriving. Pre-wedding parties and gatherings are happening. Last minute details are showing themselves undecided. And it seems every single person on your guest list has some sort of logistical question. (And that’s one of the big reasons why we suggest you have a wedding website.)

So with all of that, how easy would it be to forget something? Pretty easy, so we’re here with a checklist to help you stay on task. We’ll review some of the obvious stuff (that can still get lost in the shuffle) and the not so obvious stuff.

Most importantly… rest. Yep. Rest.

The details and the energy that are coming at you at this point are intense. It can be really easy to feel a little bit like you’re totally overwhelmed. In this state, you’re not going to be mindful of what’s happening. A lot of people get through their wedding and only really remember it based on photos. Don’t let that be you.

So make sure you take time to rest.

Seriously, you and your future spouse need down time. Dare we say, even “lazy” time? Do nothing time. Simply be time. Go on a quiet date. Take long walks. Watch sunsets. Be with each other.

Don’t do anything drastic the week before your wedding

It’s a trap that many fall in to. During the week before your wedding, do nothing drastic. Do not get a fresh haircut. (That’s for a couple of weeks before your wedding.) Don’t get a fake spray tan. And, absolutely, do NOT spend too much time out in the sun in a top that will give you weird tan lines with your dress. 

Please, do not think you’re suddenly going to drop those last few pounds only to end up dehydrated and light headed and grouchy.

Take care of yourselves

This is not a week for denial. Eat well. Eat healthy. Drink lots of water. Watch your alcohol intake. Exercise (but not in a nutty way… you get us). Go to the spa. Get a massage. 

This whole week leading up to your wedding can feel like it’s part of the wedding itself if we approach it with awareness and an attitude of extreme self care. Make all of this part of the lead-up ritual.

Take time off the week before your wedding

Don’t just take Friday off when you’re getting married that weekend. Talk about running yourself ragged! Take at least a few days off. 

Again, spend time with your spouse-t0-be in a relaxing way. Spend time with friends and family who are there to support you. And we really can’t say this enough: REST. Nap. Laze about.

Test your wedding wear

Your body can easily change from week to week. Make sure to do a final try-on in the few days before your wedding. Both of you.

And test everything, including your shoes. If your shoes are new, spend a wee bit of time every day walking around your house in them to break them in. No one wants blisters when they are planning to dance the night away.

Also do a run through with your make up and hair if you’re not having it professionally done on the day.

Prepare for your honeymoon

If you’re leaving right from your wedding or even within a day or so, make sure you prepare ahead of the wedding itself. Check on everything — tickets, reservations, identification. 

Pack your bags or get them started. If you’re relying on last minute packing, make sure you have lists and start creating them the week before. You’ll constantly think of things to add… guaranteed.

Prepare your rings

You can get them cleaned or clean them yourselves but you’ll want them super sparkly, of course. And try them on. Again, our bodies can change so much in a short time.

Clean your home

This seems like overkill but wouldn’t you love to come home from your wedding or your wedding and honeymoon to a clean and organized space? If you can, hire someone to do this for you. See it as part of your self pampering ritual.

Other last minute things to do the week before your wedding

• Take care of any final payments to vendors and venues. Gather tips into marked envelopes.
• Pack a wedding day emergency kit.
• Check in with your wedding party. Have them also do outfit tests and make sure they have detailed notes about the schedule and their tasks. (Or have your maid of honor and best man do this.)
• Review your seating arrangement a final time.
• Have you decided on a special perfume? This could be a relaxing and fun errand with your bestie.
• Drop off any DIY or additional purchased items at your venue.
• Confirm how you’re leaving the reception and what you’re doing after. (Some like a smaller, intimate post party, for example.)
• Check in with anyone else doing anything specific at your wedding — ushers, mothers, readers, and the like.
• Gather together gifts you’ve purchased for the bride’s and groom’s attendants and anyone else. Wrap and prepare them and put them all in one large container. Make sure someone is in charge of these and that they get to where they need to be the day of.
• Is there anything additional you’re doing for your future spouse? Are you writing them a letter to be delivered to their dressing room? Are you sending over a gift? Get all of that ready and make sure you have a helper.

Have we forgotten anything? Is there something you wish you’d have thought of that might help someone just going through this? Let us know… we want to hear from you!