It’s here! The week of your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your relationship and the entire wedding planning process. In our experience as a destination wedding planner, we know that all the major decisions and details for your wedding festivities will be done by the week of the wedding; however, there are some final checks and confirmations to put your mind at ease. Don’t be overwhelmed, just be prepared! To help, we’ve put together our 7 steps for ensuring a stress-free wedding week.
Photo by Maui Maka Photography
1. Make a list
The first step is to eliminate all concerns out of your head and write them down on paper. This will help you feel in control and ready to check things off one by one. Make sure to assign duties to your fiancé, a family member or bridal party members to help you finalize any last-minute details.
2. Feel Your Best
Photo by Love + Water Photography
Looking and feeling your best on your big day is so important. Schedule a manicure and pedicure at your favorite spa! And if you are having a hair and makeup trial, the week of your wedding, is a great time to do this! Get lots of sleep and be refreshed and ready for your big day!
3. Gather all your dress and tux details
Photo by Daniel Kim Photography
Your wedding dress and tux are starring details of your wedding. If you haven’t yet, pick up your dress from the seamstress or bridal salon, and try it on one last time!
Gather your shoes, veil, jewelry, garter and undergarments in one place so that they are ready to pack and travel to your getting ready location. Once you arrive to your destination wedding location, hang your dress and check to see if it requires steaming or pressing before your wedding day arrives! Grooms should also try on their tux or suit one final time and have it pressed and packed. They should also organize any cufflinks, ties or bow ties, socks, shoes, pocket squares and anything else they plan to wear on the day of the wedding.
4. Have a call or in person meeting with your destination wedding planner
Photo by Kaua Photography
Of course, we always recommend hiring a destination wedding planner to ease the stress of planning your wedding and to ensure your day is flawless. We are in touch with our couples in the final week of their wedding, and our job is to manage all your vendors, the timeline and flow of your day so you don’t have to! Keeping in contact with your planner will ease your anxiety and ensure a seamless wedding day.
5. Plan your photography shot list
Photo by Brad and Jen Photography
Many couples look back on their photos and realize they missed capturing certain shots with important people or details of their wedding. If you have a special detail like embroidery in your wedding dress or a family heirloom you’re including, make sure your photographer knows to capture it. Think ahead of time and make a shot list with your photographer so you don’t miss anything important. Prep your family and bridal party to know when and where to be for the photos so you aren’t looking for anyone at the last minute.
6. Check with wedding participants
Photo by Love + Water Photography
Besides your wedding party, you may have other family members or friends participating in the wedding. Whether it’s giving a special speech, singing or playing music or reading at your wedding, these people play an important role. Check in to confirm they know to be at the rehearsal, provide them with extra copies of any readings so they can practice in advance and thank them for being a part of your special day.
7. Take some time as a couple to connect
Photo left by Angie Diaz Photography, right by Kaua Photography
Photo by Maui Maka Photography
Now that you have your ultimate week of the wedding checklist, tell us what you and your love are doing to be stress-free before the wonderful destination wedding day in the comments below! ☺
