Julia's Pre-Wedding Chaos

Two weeks before the wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for the bride and groom. There are lots of things to remember and organise, from gathering everything that needs to go to the venue to checking in with vendors and suppliers. It's important to confirm that everyone knows where they should be and when, and to provide them with a detailed timeline of the wedding day and the day before. The bride and groom should also make sure they have all the necessary signage and decorations for the wedding, and that they have chosen all the music they want to be played. It's also a good idea to pack an overnight bag and a separate bag with everything they might need on the wedding day.

Confirm hair and beauty appointments, and transport

Confirming hair and beauty appointments, as well as transport, are essential tasks to tick off your wedding checklist. With just two weeks to go before the big day, here are some detailed steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

Confirm Hair and Beauty Appointments:

• Contact your hair and makeup artists to confirm the schedule for your wedding day. Ensure they have a clear timeline and are aware of any specific requirements, such as extensions or hair accessories.
• Finalise any remaining hair treatments, such as a colour touch-up or a trim, to ensure your hair is fresh and settled before the wedding.
• If you plan to get a spray tan, now is the time to confirm the appointment, usually scheduled for two to three days before the wedding. This allows a buffer for any necessary adjustments.
• Book any last-minute beauty treatments, such as a manicure, pedicure, or waxing session, ensuring these are completed at least a couple of days before the wedding to avoid any skin irritation or redness.

Confirm Transport:

• Contact your chosen wedding transport company to confirm the details of your booking, including the timeline, locations, and any specific requirements, such as decorations or music.
• If you are organising guest transportation, finalise those arrangements as well, ensuring the transport company has an accurate guest count and any necessary pickup or drop-off locations.
• Prepare an emergency kit for the wedding day, including items like a small sewing kit, bandages, and hair and beauty touch-up items, in case any last-minute adjustments are needed during transport or at the venue.

By confirming these appointments and transport arrangements, you'll have peace of mind that everything is in order, allowing you to fully enjoy the lead-up to your special day.

Practice wearing wedding shoes

Wearing your wedding shoes for the first time on your big day is a recipe for disaster. To avoid blisters and sore feet, it's important to practice wearing your wedding shoes in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Don't wait until the last minute: Start wearing your wedding shoes around the house for a few hours at a time. This will help you break them in and identify any potential pain points.
• Identify problem areas: Once you start walking in your shoes, you'll notice where they might be tight or uncomfortable. You can then take steps to mitigate this, such as applying band-aids or using sole inserts.
• Gradually increase wear time: If your shoes are uncomfortable, start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase the wear time. If your feet start to hurt, give them a break for a few days.
• Use the hairdryer trick for tight shoes: If your shoes are a little tight, try this trick: put on thick socks, slip into your shoes, and blast them with a hairdryer for a few minutes. The heat will increase the elasticity of the fabric, allowing the shoes to conform to your feet. Walk around while they're still warm and keep them on until they cool down.
• Scuff the soles: To prevent slipping, use the old trick of scuffing the soles of your shoes on concrete, or spray them with hairspray to increase traction.
• Have a backup plan: Even if your shoes are comfortable, it's always a good idea to have a backup pair on hand in case of a snapped heel or bad weather.
• Practice walking: If you're wearing heels, take the time to practice walking in them gracefully. This will help you get used to the height and prevent any tripping incidents on your big day.
• Consider inserts: If your shoes are still uncomfortable, try using gel inserts or cushioned inserts to add extra padding and comfort.
• Prevent blisters: Apply liquid band-aid to sensitive areas or tape your third and fourth toes together to prevent blisters.

By following these tips, you'll be able to dance the night away at your wedding, pain-free and confident in your choice of footwear!

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:

• Set a clear RSVP deadline: Ideally, set the deadline for RSVPs at least four to six weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to chase any late responses and finalise the guest list.
• Confirm numbers with your venue and caterers: Before finalising the guest list, check with your venue and caterers if they need confirmation of numbers earlier than your RSVP deadline. Adjust your timeline accordingly.
• Follow up with guests: If your RSVP deadline is approaching or has passed, don't hesitate to reach out to guests who haven't responded yet.
• Final numbers: Finalise the total number of guests attending the ceremony, reception, and/or evening-only events. Account for any external caterers who will need this information.
• Dietary requirements and access needs: Ensure you have a comprehensive list of your guests' dietary requirements and any access needs. This is crucial for your caterers and venue to prepare accordingly.
• Children and babies: Finalise the number of children and babies attending. This information is essential for the venue to arrange highchairs and any children's meals.

Creating the Table Plan:

• Decide on table configuration: Determine the number of tables and their layout. Consider the space available and the number of guests. If your venue has experience hosting weddings, they can advise on the best configuration.
• Head table: Decide on the head table configuration and who will sit there with the bride and groom. This is typically the bridal party, but you can also include immediate family.
• Grouping guests: Categorise your guests by their relationship to the bride, groom, and their families. You may have groups for the bride's family, groom's family, mutual friends, etc. Try to keep couples together, except for those at the head table.
• Seating arrangements: When allocating guests to tables, consider their age, interests, and backgrounds. Aim for a mix of familiar and new faces at each table. Keep people who don't get along or have a prickly history separate, especially if alcohol will be served.
• Assigned seating: Decide whether to assign specific seats or just tables. Most guests prefer assigned seating. If you choose assigned tables, guests can choose their own seats, or you can use place cards.
• Communication: Decide how you will communicate the seating arrangements to your guests. You can use a seating plan, place cards, or both. A seating plan is recommended to direct guests to their tables and manage the flow of guests during the reception.
• Design and finalisation: Choose a design for your seating plan and place cards that matches your wedding theme and colour scheme. Finalise the plan, ensuring that everyone has been allocated a table and that you are happy with the arrangements.

Pack an emergency kit with wedding-day essentials

Packing an emergency kit is a crucial part of wedding planning. It ensures that you are prepared for any last-minute mishaps and gives you peace of mind on your big day. Here is a detailed list of essentials for your wedding-day emergency kit:

Clothing and Accessories:

• Sewing kit with needles, thread, spare buttons, and safety pins.
• Fashion tape to keep clothes in place.
• Instant hemming tape.
• Clear nail polish if you're wearing tights (to prevent ladders from growing).
• White chalk to mask stains on a white dress.
• A crochet hook if your dress has lots of buttons.
• Flat shoes if you plan to change into them in the evening.

Hygiene and Self-Care:

• Toothpaste and a toothbrush.
• Antihistamine tablets.
• Insect repellent.
• Insect bite ointment.
• Tissues.
• Sanitary pads, tampons, or other sanitary products.
• Lip balm.
• Blister stick.
• Hand sanitiser.
• Emery board or nail file.
• Bobby pins or other hair pins.
• Lipstick and lip pencil in your chosen colour.
• Baby wipes or wet wipes.
• Handbag-sized perfume or fragrance.
• Face mist.

Other Essentials:

• A small mirror.
• Compact first aid kit.
• Stain remover pen or wipes.
• Lint roller.
• Hairspray.
• Insoles.
• Mints.
• Antacid tablets.
• Q-tips.
• Wrinkle-release spray.
• Cash.
• A copy of the wedding-day itinerary.
• A list of contact details for suppliers.

You can also include items such as a disposable camera, protein bars, tweezers, floss, and a portable fabric steamer. Delegate the responsibility of managing the emergency kit to someone trustworthy, such as the maid of honour, a best friend, or a family member.

Write out a detailed timeline of the wedding day and the day before

Two Days Before the Wedding

• Go for a manicure and pedicure.
• Get a massage, waxing, and any other preening and prep (no facials to prevent any potential breakouts).
• Make any last-minute changes to the table plan if necessary.
• Pack up any ceremony or reception décor items in separate boxes for easy transport and setting up.
• Pack an emergency kit with wedding-day essentials such as glue for false eyelashes, spray deodorant, pins, bandages, a hairbrush, clear nail polish, Water Wipes, and a sewing kit.
• Pack your bathroom basket items.
• If you are giving gifts to your bridal party before the wedding/morning of, ensure they’re wrapped and ready to go with a note or card.
• Place final payments and cash tips into separate envelopes for each wedding supplier and give them to the groomsman, a trusted friend, or family member to pay on your wedding day.
• Pack your wedding overnight bag and ask someone to deliver it to where you'll be staying.
• Ceremony rehearsal, if you're having one.
• Rehearsal dinner, if you're having one.
• Think about a plan for removing all your decor or gifts from the venue the night of or morning after the big day. Nominate a friend or family member to help if you are heading away on honeymoon.
• Check in with your bridal party to make sure that they have all their outfits and accessories.

One Day Before the Wedding

• If you are planning on doing any styling yourself, set up at the venue (make sure to have confirmed this with the venue a few weeks before).
• Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favours, and the table plan to the reception coordinator.
• Ensure the cake is on track to be delivered to the reception venue.
• Make sure you have all the essential marriage ceremony documents and nominate someone to bring them to the ceremony the following day.
• Iron or steam anything that needs doing.
• Leave your wedding dress out of the dress cover to let it breathe and fall naturally.
• Pack your wedding day handbag.
• Have a relaxing lavender bath.
• Prep your pre-wedding playlist.
• Put the champagne in the fridge and get a good night's sleep!

Frequently asked questions