Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but with just a month to go, the big day is almost here! There are still a few things to finalise, such as confirming the timeline of the day and sending this to your wedding party, vendors, and family. You should also ensure that your vendors are aware of any must-play and do-not-play songs for the reception. If you're planning to have a wedding cake, now is the time to finalise the design and order it. It's also important to ensure that your out-of-town guests have everything they need, such as hotel rooms and travel arrangements. With just a month to go, it's also time to think about your wedding vows and to have your final dress or suit fitting. Finally, don't forget to take some time to relax and enjoy the excitement of your upcoming wedding!
What needs to be done 1 month before a wedding:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finalise the wedding timeline and send it to the wedding party, parents, suppliers, photographer, videographer, DJ/Band/Ceremony Musician | Ensure the DJ/Band/Ceremony Musician has a copy of the ceremony and reception timeline to know when to play which songs |
| Finalise the design and get the ceremony programs printed | Finalise the design and get it printed now. You'll want the complete booklet in your possession well before the wedding date |
| Finalise your vows | Writing your wedding vows within the month gives you plenty of time to revisit and ensure you've said everything you need to |
| Finalise honeymoon details | Finalise flights, passports, activities, and packing list |
| Book hair and makeup trials | Include dying your hair no later than two weeks before the wedding so you've got time for the colour to settle in |
| Final dress fitting | Wear your heels to the final fitting and do your hair and makeup so you feel extra beautiful |
| Check marriage license requirements | |
| Finalise rehearsal dinner details and send invitations | |
| Confirm arrival times, what they need to bring and pay everyone ahead of time | |
| Create a wedding day emergency kit |
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What You'll Learn
Finalise the wedding venue and send out invites
Finalising the wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. The location affects almost everything else, from the number of guests to the flowers on the table. It is also likely to be the biggest chunk of your budget. So, if you haven't already, explore your options, visit your top choices, and select a venue that fits your guest count, style, and budget.
Once you have your venue, you can finalise your guest list and send out your invitations. The invitations are your guests' first impression of your big day, so you want to put your best foot forward. If you are going for a custom design, now is the time to work with a graphic designer or stationer to create your dream suite. You can also use photos from your engagement shoot for your invitations. Send out your invites six to eight weeks before the wedding.
In addition to sending out invitations, you should also coordinate with your in-laws and mail out the rehearsal dinner invitations. This is also a great time to finalise any other details about the rehearsal dinner with your in-laws and the venue.
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Plan your wedding attire and accessories
Planning your wedding attire and accessories is an important step in the lead-up to your wedding. While you may have already purchased your wedding attire, now is the time to finalise the smaller details, such as accessories and alterations.
If you haven't already, it's a good idea to start shopping for your wedding undergarments, shapewear, and other intimate essentials. These are important to bring to your alterations fitting to ensure your wedding attire fits flawlessly. You can also shop for accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a clutch while you wait for your attire to arrive. It's a good rule of thumb to have your veil, jewellery, and other adornments picked out before your first fitting so you can get an early glimpse of your full wedding look. Wedding shoes are a must, as they will determine the hem length of your attire.
If you're buying a dress, it's important to remember that you'll need to pay for alterations in addition to the cost of the dress itself. These alterations can range from adding sleeves to adjusting the hem, and they can cost anywhere from $200 for a basic alteration to more than $1,000 for major changes. To avoid unexpected costs, ask for a quote or estimate before agreeing to any alterations. It's also a good idea to bring a bridesmaid or two to your first fitting to demonstrate how to bustle the gown.
While it may seem early to be planning your wedding attire and accessories a month before your wedding, it's important to allow enough time for any necessary alterations and to ensure that your chosen attire is comfortable and fits you well. This is also a good opportunity to treat yourself and enjoy the process of putting together your dream wedding look.
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Book beauty appointments, but avoid new treatments
With just a month to go until your wedding, it's time to start booking those beauty appointments to ensure you feel as confident as possible on your big day. But remember, this is not the time to experiment with new treatments – stick to what you know and trust.
If you haven't already, now is the time to book a hair trial with your stylist. It's a good idea to visit your stylist twice – once for a cut and again for a style. This gives your stylist the chance to get to know your hair type and helps you decide on the best style for your big day. You can also get a final hair colour touch-up at this appointment, but be sure to do this at least two weeks before your wedding so the colour has time to settle.
Next, book your makeup trial. Take pictures of your dress, accessories, and even a swatch of fabric to this appointment so your makeup artist can get a full picture of the look you're going for. Be sure to take note of the lipstick and concealer they use so you can buy them for touch-ups on the day.
If you want to get a spray tan, book one now to make sure you're happy with the colour and technician. You can then book another tan for two days before your wedding.
Now is also the time to get your brows groomed and shaped, but avoid any major changes. If you want to try tinting, do this well in advance, not the day before the wedding.
If you're thinking of getting a manicure and pedicure, the week of your wedding is the perfect time to do this, but be sure to have decided on your nail technician and colour in advance.
Finally, if you want to get any skin treatments, such as a facial, it's best to do this a few weeks before the wedding, especially if it's your first time, so your skin has time to recover. Visiting a dermatologist can help ensure your skin is looking its best, and they can advise on any skin concerns.
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Finalise the wedding day timeline and share it with your wedding party
Finalising the wedding day timeline is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. It ensures that everyone involved, from the wedding party to the vendors, is on the same page and knows their responsibilities and schedule for the day. Here is a detailed guide to help you finalise the timeline and share it with your wedding party one month before the wedding:
Create a Comprehensive Timeline:
Break down the entire wedding day into distinct segments, from the morning preparations to the evening celebrations. Decide on the timing of each event, including the wedding ceremony, reception, meals, speeches, first dance, and cake cutting, and any other special activities. Consider the flow of the day and allow for adequate time between each segment.
Communicate with Your Vendors:
Confirm the arrival and setup times for all your vendors, including the caterers, florist, photographer, band or DJ, and wedding coordinator. Ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and have a clear understanding of the timeline. Share any specific requests or requirements you have, such as song choices for the band or DJ, photo opportunities for the photographer, or special dietary needs for the caterers.
Finalise Logistics:
Decide on the order of events for key moments, such as the entrance of the wedding party, the exchange of vows, and any cultural or religious rituals you plan to incorporate. If you are having a rehearsal dinner, finalise the details and send out invitations. Also, confirm transportation arrangements for yourself, the wedding party, and your guests, especially if the ceremony and reception venues are different.
Prepare an Emergency Kit:
Assemble an emergency kit to handle any last-minute hiccups. Include items like a small sewing kit for any wardrobe malfunctions, extra makeup for touch-ups, pain relievers, snacks, and a phone charger. You can also assign a member of the wedding party or a trusted friend to be the point of contact for any issues that may arise, ensuring a quick response.
Share the Timeline with Your Wedding Party:
Communicate the finalised timeline to your bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and anyone else in the wedding party. You can send it via email or a messaging platform, ensuring they have easy access to the information. It is also a good idea to provide a printed copy to each person, as a backup, and to ensure everyone has all the necessary contact information for the key people involved. This way, your wedding party can be well-prepared, know what to expect, and help keep the day running smoothly.
Finalising the wedding day timeline is an essential step to ensure a stress-free and joyous celebration. By sharing it with your wedding party, you empower them to support you and resolve any potential issues, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.
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Confirm out-of-town guest accommodation and travel arrangements
Confirming out-of-town guest accommodation and travel arrangements is an important part of wedding planning. Here are some detailed steps to help you navigate this process:
Finalise Guest List and Send Invitations
Firstly, ensure your guest list is finalised, including any plus-ones or children. This is crucial as it directly impacts the accommodation and travel arrangements. If you haven't already, now is the time to send out your invitations. Digital invitations are a great option if you're short on time, offering instant delivery and RSVP tracking. Printed invitations with rush mail delivery are also an option, but be mindful of potential delays.
Secure Group Accommodation
Next, secure a block of hotel rooms near your wedding venue. This simplifies transportation and makes socialising more convenient for your out-of-town guests. Negotiate a group rate with the hotel and consider arranging a shuttle service to and from the venue to keep guests on schedule and ensure safe travel.
Provide Travel Information
Share specific directions, parking details, and any special instructions with your out-of-town guests. This can include information about the nearest airports, train stations, or car rental options. If guests will be driving, provide clear directions to the venue and details about on-site parking.
Plan Additional Activities
Think about creating special moments for your travelling guests. For instance, you could organise a welcome dinner, a sightseeing tour, or a casual get-together the night before the wedding. This is a great way to make your guests feel appreciated and included, especially if they've travelled a long distance.
Finalise Rehearsal Dinner Details
The rehearsal dinner is an important event leading up to the wedding. Finalise the details, including the guest list and invitations, in the month before the wedding. If your wedding venue doesn't host rehearsal dinners, book a nearby hotel, restaurant, or alternative location.
Create a Central Meeting Point
If you're coordinating multiple events, such as a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or brunch, establish a central meeting point to help guests stay connected. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may be unfamiliar with the area.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Lastly, prepare a wedding day emergency kit that includes items like a small first aid kit, sewing kit, stain remover, and any other essentials you think might come in handy. This kit can be a lifesaver for last-minute touch-ups or unexpected situations.
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Frequently asked questions
If you'll be shuttling guests to and from the ceremony and reception venues, look into local transportation services. If you're travelling for your honeymoon, pack a suitcase with all the essentials.
Writing your wedding vows in the month leading up to your wedding is a great idea as it gives you plenty of time to revisit and ensure you've said everything you need to.
Book your hair and makeup trials for the month before the wedding. If you're planning on cutting your hair, book your final cut three to four weeks ahead of the wedding so you're free of split ends but still have time to settle into the look.
