Franklin Dean
With just 10 days to go before the wedding, it's normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. But don't worry, you're not alone! Many couples experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the final countdown to their big day. From jitters and planning stress to excitement and doubt, it's all part of the pre-wedding journey.
To help you stay organized and sane, it's a good idea to create a detailed timeline and share it with your wedding party and vendors. This will ensure everyone knows what's expected of them and can be where they need to be. It's also crucial to take care of yourself during this hectic time. Eat healthily, take time to relax, and spend time with loved ones.
So, as you tick off those final tasks and preparations, remember to breathe and enjoy the ride!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feelings | Doubt, stress, excitement, anxiety |
| Actions | Finalize guest list, table plan, and wardrobe; pack welcome bags, emergency kit, and suitcases; confirm details with suppliers; share wedding-day timeline with bridal party, parents, and coordinator; get a haircut and/or dye hair |
| Advice | Talk to your partner and planner about any doubts; remind yourself that your decisions were painstaking; wait until three days before the wedding to make a final call on moving to your backup plan if there's rain in the forecast; don't try anything new to your skin for the first time |
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What You'll Learn
Finalise the guest list and table plan
Finalising the guest list and table plan is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Finalising the Guest List
The guest list is one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. It is essential to remember that this is your wedding, and you and your partner should make the decisions. However, it is also important to consider input from close loved ones, especially if they are contributing financially. To start, write down the names of everyone you and your partner want to be there on your special day. Be prepared to make some tough decisions, as it is unlikely that everyone will agree.
Next, set a budget. The number of guests will significantly impact your wedding budget, so determining how much you are willing to spend beforehand is crucial. This includes costs for food, drinks, decorations, and any other expenses associated with each additional guest. Trimming the guest list can help reduce costs.
Plus ones are another controversial element. You are not obligated to offer plus ones to everyone, especially if it is a new relationship or you have never met them. You can set criteria, such as inviting only those engaged or married or in a long-term relationship. An exception can be made for guests who don't know anyone else at the wedding, as a plus one may make them feel more comfortable.
Finally, reserve a portion of the guest list for your parents or in-laws to allocate. This can help avoid unnecessary friction and allow them to feel involved. However, ensure it fits within your venue and budget constraints, and communicate any criteria or limitations clearly.
Table Plan and Seating Chart
Once your guest list is finalised, it's time to create a table plan and seating chart. Diplomacy is key when arranging guests to ensure a harmonious celebration. Consider which guests may not get along and plan their seating accordingly.
It is customary for the newlyweds, their parents, and the officiant with their spouse to share a table, unless a sweetheart table for just the couple is preferred. Grandparents and siblings not in the wedding party should also be included at the head table. If parents are divorced, you may need to create separate head tables to allow them to sit apart.
Consider using a colour-coded system or labels on your guest list to indicate compatible guests and help visualise the seating arrangement. Rectangular and circular tables are popular, but other options like family-style or U-shape designs can encourage more intimate interactions.
Use online tools or a simple pen-and-paper approach to create your seating chart. Online tools like All Seated, Bridebook, or WeddingWire India's Guest List Tool can assist in visualising the reception layout and managing guest information. Alternatively, a physical seating chart and guest list can help minimise distractions and facilitate in-person problem-solving.
Remember to keep track of RSVPs, meal preferences, dietary restrictions, and access needs. This information is crucial for your caterers and venue, so ensure it is communicated accurately and timely.
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Confirm details with suppliers
With 10 days to go until your wedding, it's time to confirm all the details with your suppliers. This is a crucial step to ensure that your big day runs smoothly and that all your vendors are on the same page. Here are some key areas to focus on when confirming details with your suppliers:
Final Numbers and Logistics
Provide your suppliers with the final headcount and any other relevant numbers, such as the number of tables or centrepieces needed. Confirm the timing and location details with each supplier, ensuring they know the address and arrival time. If there are specific drop-off or set-up times for certain vendors, communicate those clearly.
Entertainment and Creative Details
Share your chosen shot list with your photographer and videographer, ensuring they know the key moments and people to capture. For entertainment, send your final wedding playlist to the DJ, including special song requests and the songs for your first dance and last song. If you have a live band, confirm the set list and any special requests.
Catering and Refreshments
Finalise the details with your caterer, including the number of guests, dietary restrictions, and any last-minute changes to the menu. If you're having a wedding cake, confirm the design, flavour, and any other special requests with your cake maker.
Decor and Floristry
If you're using a florist, confirm the types and quantities of flowers needed, as well as any specific arrangements or installations. Finalise the delivery or set-up time, and ensure they have access to the venue. If you're handling the floristry yourself, confirm that you have all the necessary supplies and create a plan for setting up the arrangements.
Transport and Travel
If you've arranged wedding transport for yourself, the bridal party, or guests, confirm the pick-up and drop-off locations and times. Ensure the transport company has an up-to-date guest list and itinerary, and finalise any special decorations or requests for the vehicles.
Payment and Tips
Confirm that all your suppliers have been paid in full to avoid any last-minute surprises. Prepare separate envelopes with cash tips for each supplier and assign a trusted person to distribute them on the wedding day.
Remember to create a comprehensive timeline for your wedding day and share it with your suppliers, bridal party, and key contacts. This timeline should include set-up times, arrival times, and any other relevant details to ensure a seamless flow to your special day.
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Practice walking in your wedding shoes
With just 10 days to go before your wedding, you might be feeling like you're on a "runaway train to Crazy-Town". It's natural to feel stressed or doubtful at this point, but there are plenty of things you can do to prepare for your big day and ensure it goes smoothly. One important thing to do is to practice walking in your wedding shoes. Here are some tips to help you feel comfortable and confident:
Start breaking in your shoes early
Give yourself plenty of time to break in your wedding shoes. Start by wearing them for an hour at a time while doing light chores inside. Avoid wearing them outdoors so you don't scuff the shoes. Once the shoes feel comfortable after an hour, start wearing them for longer periods until you can wear them for several hours without any blisters. This process may take a month or longer, so start early!
Get accustomed to the height
If you're not used to wearing high heels, it's important to gradually get accustomed to the height of your wedding shoes. If you normally wear flats, start by just standing in your bridal shoes in front of a mirror. Practice turning to the right and left, and work on developing your "high-heel legs" by doing various postures with your legs together and progressively further apart until they are shoulder-width.
Practice different maneuvers
On your wedding day, you'll likely need to do some quick-stepping to avoid obstacles like children running around or messes on the floor. Practice stepping sideways, altering your stride, and moving backward without stumbling. Practice these moves at various speeds until you can do them confidently in your heels. This will also help you feel more comfortable on the dance floor at the reception!
Practice turning gracefully
Since your back will be facing the guests during the ceremony, you'll need to be able to gracefully turn before walking back down the aisle after your partner kisses you. Practice a full 180-degree turn by first pivoting halfway around so that both feet and your body are facing your partner, with your weight on the leg closest to the officiant. Then, complete the turn by stepping toward the aisle with the foot closest to the guests. Study fashion models on runways or YouTube videos for visual demonstrations.
Break in tight shoes
If your heels are a bit too small or tight, try stretching them by putting on thick socks, slipping into the shoes, and blasting them with a hairdryer for a few minutes. This will increase the elasticity of the fabric and allow the shoes to conform to your feet. Walk around while the shoes are still warm, and keep them on until they cool down. Repeat this process a few times if needed.
By following these tips, you'll be able to walk down the aisle and dance the night away with comfort and confidence on your wedding day!
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Write a note or buy a gift for your spouse-to-be
With just 10 days to go before the wedding, it's normal to feel like you're losing your mind a little bit. You may feel like you're on a runaway train, with all the planning and preparation coming to a head. It's an exciting but stressful time, and it's important to take a moment to connect with your spouse-to-be. Writing a note or giving a gift is a wonderful way to do this.
If you want to write a note, it's a good idea to make it sentimental and tailored to your partner. It can be a sweet and simple message, or something longer and more heartfelt. You could include a memory, a private joke, or a shared experience that you know will make them smile. Perhaps there's a funny story from when you first met, or an inside joke that you share. You could also include a quote or a message about your future together, and how much you're looking forward to it. It's a great opportunity to remind your partner of your love and commitment.
If you're more of a gift giver, there are lots of options to consider. You could go for something traditional, or something more unique and personalised. Small, thoughtful gifts can be just as meaningful as big, expensive gestures. For example, you could give them something related to a hobby they love, like gardening. Or, if they're into their skincare, you could get them a premium cream. You could also give them something to symbolise your future together, like a digital photo frame. That way, you can fill it with photos of your life as a married couple and add to it over the years.
Whether you choose to write a note or give a gift, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart. It's a special way to connect with your partner during the hectic time leading up to your wedding. It's a reminder that, despite the stress and craziness, your love and commitment to each other are what the day is truly about.
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Get a haircut
Getting a haircut is an important part of wedding preparations. It is recommended that grooms get a haircut with just a week to go to ensure it's not too long or too short. If you are getting an actual haircut, it is best to do it 3-4 weeks before the wedding so that your hair has time to adjust to the new length and settle healthily. This is also a good time to get a conditioning treatment to ensure your hair is in good shape.
If you have a pixie cut or short hair, getting a haircut closer to the wedding may be better as short hair tends to grow out faster. In this case, a week before the wedding should give enough time for your hair to settle, with any stark changes having time to grow out a little.
For those with longer hair, getting a haircut 3-4 weeks before the wedding is a good option. This will give your hair time to grow a little, so it looks just right on the big day. If you are planning to have an updo, keeping your hair long and one length is a good option, with the dead ends trimmed a few weeks before.
It is important to consult a professional hairstylist who understands your hair texture and can advise you on the best course of action. Building a relationship with your hairstylist will ensure they understand your desired look and can help you achieve it. It is also recommended to have a hair trial a few weeks before the wedding to test out your desired style and ensure it works for you.
Overall, the key is to plan ahead and not leave your haircut until the last minute. This will ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your hairstyle on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
10 days before the wedding, you can expect to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. To help ease your worries, it's a good idea to finalise your guest list and table plan, and confirm the final guest count with your caterers. You should also send the timeline for the day to your wedding party, parents, and suppliers.
It's important to take care of yourself in the lead-up to your wedding. Avoid trying new hairstyles, haircuts, or skincare products to prevent any unwanted surprises. Instead, stick to what you know works for you. You should also try to get enough rest and avoid excessive drinking, so you can feel and look your best on your wedding day.
10 days before the wedding, it's best not to leave any tasks until the last minute. Avoid confirming details with suppliers or sending the timeline to your wedding party and family, as they may forget or misplace the information. It's also not advisable to try new hairstyles or experiment with your skincare routine, as this could lead to unwanted results.
