The big day —your wedding — is quickly approaching. Are you ready for it? Planning a wedding is a huge task, and sometimes even the most meticulous planners miss something. Whether you’re a few weeks out from the wedding or it’s the night before, be sure to run down our list of 8 last-minute wedding tips.
Confirm your arrangements and payments
A quick review of your vendor details can’t hurt. Contact each one and make sure they have the correct date, time, location, and contact information for your wedding. Make those final payments ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about it on your wedding day. Get receipts for those final payments, just in case.
Put together tip envelopes
If you plan on tipping anyone, like your DJ or caterer, prep some tip envelopes ahead of time and write their names on it. Not only is this a safe way to keep track of the cash tips, but it’s also a much smoother way to give it to your vendors, rather than fumbling through the bills in your wallet.
Pack for your honeymoon early
Once the wedding festivities are over, you’ll want to kick off your shoes and relax. Pack for your honeymoon early, and check that your passports and travel documents are ready to go if you’ll need them. Staying at a hotel after your reception? Have a family member or friend drop off your bags the morning of the wedding.
Check-in with these vendors
Make sure you’re on the same page with your vendors a few weeks to a few days before. (Ask for the vendor’s preference if they don’t tell you.) Run through the Play/Do Not Play song list you’ve chosen with your DJ. Many popular songs have covers, so check that they have the right versions. Similarly, give your photographer a list of the people you’d like to have photographed. Give your caterer a final headcount, and write down any special drink recipes to give to your bartender. If it looks like the weather might turn nasty, talk to your venue in case you’ll need to fall back on an alternate plan.
Get your marriage license
State requirements vary, so you’ll need to get your marriage license anywhere from 60 days to 24 hours before your wedding. Do your research and figure out when you’ll need your marriage license before you visit a local clerk to get it.
Run through the wedding day schedule
Make sure everyone involved in your wedding is on the same page: wedding party, wedding planner, family, you, and your soon-to-be spouse. A good time to review your detailed day-of schedule is during the rehearsal. Everyone should know where and when they’re supposed to be at a certain time so things can keep moving smoothly.
Do one last outfit check
One last wedding day outfit check can’t hurt. Try on your entire outfit down to the last accessory to check that everything looks right. Check-in with your groomsmen to make sure that their clothing and shoes fit, and that they have all their accessories ready to go.
Don’t forget these day-of essentials
The morning of the wedding will be hectic. Don’t forget items that are easy to miss, including:
- Your vows
- Your phone
- An extra shirt, tie, socks, and cufflinks
- Boutonniere
- Deodorant and cologne
- Hairstyling tools
- Snacks and water
- Aspirin
- Cash
Even if you don’t need any of these things in the end, you never know if someone else might. One of your groomsmen may forget his cufflinks or another might need a last-minute hair touch up. It’s best to be prepared just in case.
Wedding tips: takeaway
Even if you’ve planned down to the last detail, something unexpected may still go wrong. Remember to relax, breathe, and enjoy your day. You’re marrying your partner, and that’s what’s important. Do what you can to prepare for your wedding, and then go with the flow. Enjoy it!
When it comes to looking good, Jim’s Formal Wear can help you out with some of those last-minute wedding details. Make sure you and your groomsmen are ready for your big day by browsing through our collection of accessories online!
