Franklin Dean
The week before your wedding can be a busy and stressful time. Many couples take time off work to finalise details, make last-minute appointments, and welcome out-of-town guests. It's a good idea to create a minute-by-minute timeline of the wedding weekend, from the morning until the vendors leave. This timeline should be shared with the wedding party, family, vendors, and wedding coordinator. In the week before the wedding, you may need to accommodate specific seating arrangement requests, finalise payments to vendors, and pack perishable treats and welcome bags with the hotel. It's also important to get enough sleep, eat healthily, and avoid trying new beauty products or services to prevent any mishaps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of business | High |
| Reasons | Last-minute appointments, coordinating family and friends, DIY perishables, flowers, venue styling, confirming details with suppliers, accommodating guests' seating requests, etc. |
| Recommendations | Take time off work, eat healthily, take a few hours for yourself, prepare a week-of wedding checklist, pretend the ceremony is 2-3 weeks earlier and complete tasks without feeling hurried |
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What You'll Learn
Confirming final guest count and seating arrangements
The week before your wedding can be busy and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. If you plan ahead, you can ensure that the final days leading up to your wedding are as calm and enjoyable as possible. Confirming the final guest count and seating arrangements is a crucial aspect of this process. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate this task effectively:
Final Guest Count:
It is essential to finalise your guest count about two to three weeks before your wedding day. This timeline allows you to make any necessary adjustments and ensures that your caterers can prepare accordingly. Be flexible and expect a few last-minute changes, such as additional guests or cancellations. Communicate any updates promptly to your wedding planner, caterer, and venue to secure a seamless experience.
Seating Arrangements:
Creating a seating chart for your wedding reception can be a challenging task, but with proper planning, it becomes more manageable. Here are some steps to guide you:
- Start Early: As you determine your guest list and receive RSVPs, begin grouping guests into tentative tables. Consider natural groupings, such as family, friends from different circles, or colleagues. This early preparation will make the task less overwhelming.
- Obtain the Floor Plan: Before finalising your seating chart, obtain a floor plan from your venue. Make several copies so you can experiment with different arrangements. Consider the setup of your reception space, ensuring easy access for guests with movement concerns and appropriate seating distances for older guests in relation to the music.
- Finalise Seating Chart: Once you have your final guest count, finalise the seating arrangements. Consider the comfort and enjoyment of your guests when assigning seats. For example, seat single friends at tables with strong conversationalists to make them feel comfortable.
- Display Options: You can display your seating chart in various ways, such as alphabetically or by table. It can be presented as a decor installation or a simple canvas on a table. Escort cards or place cards can also be used to designate assigned seats.
- Communication is Key: Don't procrastinate on your seating chart. Address any family dynamics or special requests early to avoid last-minute conflicts. Communicate your seating plan to your wedding planner and day-of coordinator to ensure a smooth execution.
By following these steps and staying organised, you can efficiently confirm your final guest count and seating arrangements, contributing to a well-planned and enjoyable wedding celebration. Remember to take some time for yourself during this busy week to relax and mentally prepare for your special day.
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Finalising payments to vendors
Payment Timing:
Most vendors will require final payment before the wedding day, typically one to four weeks in advance. This is to ensure they receive payment for their services and avoid the challenges of collecting payments after the event. Some common vendor payment timelines include:
- 30 days for photography, videography, and music
- 14 days for catering, florals, and lighting
- Wedding dress designers usually require payment upon delivery, which is often several weeks before the wedding
- Wedding planners may request their final payment two months in advance, as it is unlikely they can rebook that date if there is a last-minute cancellation
- Some vendors, such as hair, makeup, and transportation, may require payment on the day of the wedding or after the event, but this is less common
Payment Methods:
- Cash is commonly requested by vendors, but some may accept cheques or credit card payments. It is important to discuss and clarify the preferred payment method with each vendor.
- If you are more comfortable with a different payment method, such as a cheque or credit card, don't be afraid to ask the vendor if that is acceptable.
- Payment plans or installments are also an option with some vendors, especially for larger expenses like venues.
Contracts and Tips:
- Always review the contract with each vendor to understand their payment structure, dates, and methods.
- When paying in full before the wedding, ensure you have a clear understanding of the services provided and any potential recourse if there are issues.
- Consider including tips or gratuity in your wedding budget, as it is customary to tip certain vendors, such as hair and makeup artists, bartenders, and other service providers.
Managing Stress:
- Finalising payments before the wedding can reduce stress on the day itself. Knowing that everything is paid for will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your special day.
- If you are concerned about carrying large amounts of cash, consider assigning a trusted individual, like a parent or member of the wedding party, to handle and distribute payments to vendors on your behalf.
Remember to stay organised, communicate with your vendors, and don't be afraid to ask questions or negotiate payment terms that work for both parties. Finalising vendor payments is a critical step to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and that everyone involved is fairly compensated for their contributions.
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Packing for the honeymoon
Packing for your honeymoon is an exciting but potentially stressful task. To make the process as smooth as possible, it's a good idea to prepare a checklist of essentials and nice-to-haves. Here are some tips to help you pack for your honeymoon:
Start with the essentials:
These are the must-haves for any trip and include items such as your passport, driver's license, credit/debit cards, cash, and travel documents (including booking confirmations). Don't forget to bring any prescription medications, and a phone charger. If you're travelling internationally, let your bank know to avoid any transaction blocks. It's also a good idea to keep emergency contact information easily accessible, such as in your wallet or pocket.
Pack according to your destination:
The type of clothes and gear you need will depend on where you're going. For a beach or resort honeymoon, pack resort wear, swimwear, sandals, and a sun hat. If you're heading to a city, bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the local culture and climate. For a ski trip, you'll need skiwear and warmer layers.
Consider your activities:
Think about the excursions and activities you've planned. For example, if you're going hiking, pack appropriate footwear and clothing. Don't forget to bring formal wear if you're planning a romantic dinner, and leave some space for any gifts you might purchase.
Plan for convenience and comfort:
Functional packing cubes can help you save space and stay organised. Bring a small towel if you plan to swim or visit the beach. To save space, you can also pack laundry sheets instead of carrying a lot of extra clothes. A small bottle of fabric conditioner or a travel steamer can help smooth out wrinkles in your clothes.
Don't forget the extras:
In addition to your clothing and essentials, there are some extra items that can enhance your honeymoon experience. This includes a small bottle of perfume or cologne to remind you of your trip, bug spray, basic first aid supplies, and travel-sized toiletries.
Remember to weigh your bags before you leave to avoid any issues at the airport, and try to leave some time for yourself amidst the busyness of wedding preparations to relax and mentally prepare for your honeymoon.
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Self-care and beauty treatments
The week before your wedding can be busy and stressful, and self-care and beauty treatments can be a great way to take care of yourself during this time. Here are some detailed suggestions for self-care and beauty treatments to focus on in the week leading up to your wedding:
Nails
Nail artist Tom Bachik recommends keeping your nails hydrated to prevent them from becoming brittle and prone to chipping and cracking. He suggests using an oil on your cuticles nightly before bed to keep them flexible and strong. In addition to cuticle oil, Amy Lin, the founder of Sundays Nail Studio, recommends using a gentle scrub on your hands and nails once a week, followed by a generous amount of lotion and cuticle oil. Lin also advises applying sunscreen to the back of each hand to protect the skin. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, treat yourself to a professional manicure to ensure your hands and nails are well-maintained and to give yourself a chance to relax.
Skin
To achieve glowing skin on your wedding day, it is important to manage your expectations and create a realistic skincare plan. Determine your specific goals, such as reducing acne, increasing collagen, or simply hydrating your skin. To achieve a lit-from-within glow, New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner recommends regular exfoliation paired with a brightening serum. However, some dermatologists suggest stopping the use of exfoliators or retinoids about a week before your wedding to avoid possible skin irritation. Instead, opt for hydrating and calming serums, essences, or toners to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Hair
If you plan to change your hair colour or style, it is advisable to start early. You can gradually transition to your desired hair colour and cut over several months leading up to the wedding. This will give you time to adjust and ensure you are happy with the result.
Mental Health
While self-care and beauty treatments can enhance your physical appearance, it is also important to focus on your mental health. Upper-body strength training can help improve your posture, especially if you tend to hunch over your laptop or phone. Additionally, reducing your sugar intake can provide numerous beauty benefits and positively impact your mental state. Finally, try to set aside a few hours before your wedding to relax and mentally prepare for the big day.
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Rehearsal dinner
The week before a wedding can be extremely busy for brides, grooms, and their families. While some sources suggest that most things should be set by then, there are still many last-minute tasks to complete, such as:
- DIY-ing perishables or flowers
- Entertaining out-of-town relatives
- Beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing
- Rehearsing the ceremony
- The rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding tradition that takes place after the wedding ceremony has been rehearsed. It is a celebratory meal that allows the couple to thank their wedding party and close relatives. The dinner is typically hosted by the groom's parents and is often a nice dinner at a restaurant or club, although casual dinners are also common. The dress code is usually less formal than the wedding itself. The dinner can include family-style meals to create a close-knit atmosphere, and it is also an opportunity to distribute gifts and make heartfelt toasts. The groom's cake is traditionally served during the rehearsal dinner.
The rehearsal dinner is not always necessary, and some couples may choose to bypass it. However, it is a great way to kick off the wedding festivities and ensure that everyone is on the same page about the wedding ceremony. It can also be a more relaxed event compared to the wedding, allowing the couple and their loved ones to enjoy themselves and celebrate before the big day.
Overall, the week before a wedding can be very busy, and it is important for couples to take some time to themselves to mentally prepare for their big day. While there may be many last-minute tasks and details to manage, it is crucial to remember that the wedding is a symbol of the couple's love and the beginning of their new life together, so finding a balance between preparation and enjoyment is key.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how much DIY is involved and whether you have a wedding planner or coordinator. It's ideal to take the entire week off before your wedding to relax and prepare yourself mentally.
You should ensure your wedding party is where they need to be on the big day by providing them with a chronological schedule of events. You should also confirm your final guest count, create a seating chart, and organize escort cards.
It is important to eat healthily and get enough sleep in the week before your wedding. You should also avoid trying new skincare or hair products, and it is not advisable to get a fake tan.
You should try to complete as many tasks as possible before the week prior to your wedding. It is also helpful to work with your planner and/or venue coordinator to create a minute-by-minute timeline of your entire wedding weekend and share this with your vendors, wedding party members, and close family.
