The Final Countdown

After the marathon period of wedding preparation, you are just a month away from the big day. While you are so close, there are still several important tasks that need to be done to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Below is a wedding checklist for couples that are in the final weeks before the wedding.

One month before the big day:

Finalise the RSVPs into your guest-list database. Contact anyone who has not yet responded.

Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form and pass it onto your celebrant.

Confirm the rehearsal dinner date with all attendees.

Book in your final dress fitting. This might be best done on the week of the wedding.

Confirm with the caterer and bar staff.   

Pay as many invoices as possible to service providers.

Confirm hair and make-up appointments.

Contact wedding car drivers and give clear directions to the church, photo shoot location and service venue. This will help them determine the best route and timing.

Complete the seating plan.

Purchase any gifts for the bridal party.

Write wedding vows.

Cut and colour hair if needed.

Have your hens party or bucks night.

One week before the big day:

Reconfirm arrival times with vendors.

Delegate small wedding-day tasks to family and friends. Choose people to help you bring things to where they need to be. Collect any gifts or other small items that may be forgotten such as bonbonnieres. 

Brief the entire bridal party on what time everything is happening in case celebrants, drivers and other service providers need more information quickly and can't get in contact with you.

Send a timeline to the bridal party which includes every member’s contact information.

Pick up your dress, or make arrangements for a delivery/someone else to collect it.  

Catch up one last time with the photographer and make it clear which moments you want captured.

Set aside any last minute payments (cash or cheques) to be given to vendors on the day. Put them in a safe place or with a (reliable) family member or friend.

Make an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure the day before the wedding.

Send the final guest list to the caterer and all persons/venues hosting events on the day.

Break in your shoes for at least three hours prior to the big day.  

Assemble and distribute the programs.

Pack for your honeymoon.

Book in a spa treatment and perhaps a pre-wedding massage - to help you to relax.