Top 10 Things Brides Should Know Before Their Big Day: A Complete Wedding Checklist

May 28

1. Confirm Your Venue Details

Venue Walkthrough: Schedule a final walkthrough with the venue coordinator at least 1-2 weeks before your wedding day to confirm all details. This ensures you understand where everything will go and that there are no last-minute surprises.
Venue Layout: Review the venue layout, including ceremony seating, reception seating, and placement of decor. Make sure everything aligns with your vision.
Set-up and Access Times: Confirm when the venue will be available for setup (for vendors and decorations) and when the ceremony/reception will officially begin.
Sound and Lighting: Double-check your AV requirements (sound system, microphones, lighting) to ensure everything is set up properly. Many venues offer basic AV packages, but you might need to upgrade for a better experience.

Headcount: Confirm the final number of guests attending your wedding to provide your caterer and venue with an accurate count. Always include a few extra spots for last-minute RSVPs.
Seating Chart: Create and finalize your seating chart at least a week before the wedding. This will make it easier for guests to find their seats, and the venue staff can arrange the tables accordingly.
Invite Reminders: Send reminders for guests who haven’t RSVP'd yet and make sure everyone has their invitation details.

Detailed Schedule: Work with your planner or coordinator to create a timeline for the wedding day. Include details like hair and makeup appointments, pre-ceremony photos, arrival times for vendors, ceremony start time, dinner, speeches, first dance, etc.
Share with Vendors & Bridal Party: Distribute the final timeline to all vendors and the bridal party so that everyone is on the same page. This helps ensure smooth transitions throughout the day.
Buffer Time: Build in buffer time for unexpected delays (hair and makeup running late, traffic, etc.).

Vendor Contracts: Double-check contracts with all vendors, including the caterer, photographer, florist, DJ, videographer, etc., to ensure they know the schedule and their responsibilities.
Final Payments: Make sure all vendor payments are made in advance (if possible) to avoid last-minute stress on the wedding day.
Vendor Contact Information: Keep a list of all vendor contacts (phone numbers, email addresses) handy, in case you need to reach them on the day of the wedding.

Final Dress Fitting: Schedule a final fitting for your wedding dress 1-2 weeks before the big day. Bring your shoes, undergarments, and accessories to ensure a perfect fit.
Bridal Party Attire: Confirm that all members of the bridal party have their attire (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, etc.), and make sure they have received all instructions (shoes, accessories, etc.).
Undergarments and Accessories: Ensure you have the right undergarments for your dress and accessories like shoes, jewelry, veil, and garter. Try everything on together before the wedding day to avoid last-minute surprises.

Rings Ready: Make sure your wedding bands are polished and ready for the ceremony. Keep them in a safe spot until the big moment!
Ring Bearer: Confirm with the ring bearer’s parent (or another responsible party) that the rings will be brought to the ceremony and are safely in their possession.

Bridal Party Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to your bridal party—like holding your bouquet, managing the guest book, or running errands. This helps prevent the bride from getting stressed about logistics.
Day-of Coordinator: If you don’t have a full-time wedding planner, designate a trusted friend or family member as your point person for day-of details (ensuring vendors arrive on time, managing timelines, etc.).
Vendor Liaison: Assign someone to act as the go-to person for your vendors so you can focus on enjoying the day.

Keep it Accessible: Give your emergency kit to your maid of honor or trusted bridesmaid, so it’s easy to grab when needed.

Hair and Makeup Trial: Schedule a hair and makeup trial to make sure you love the look you’ve planned. Bring photos of the styles you want and any accessories (veil, headpiece, etc.).
Relaxation Before the Big Day: Avoid last-minute stress by getting a manicure, pedicure, or massage the day before the wedding. Make time to relax and rest the night before your wedding, even if you’re excited!

Trust Your Team: Your coordinator, bridal party, and vendors are there to handle any issues. Let go of control and enjoy the moments of the day.
Take a Breath: Spend a quiet moment with your partner before the ceremony. It’s a special time to reflect on your relationship and the day ahead.
Savor the Day: Focus on celebrating the love you share and be present for every moment of your wedding day. Whether everything goes exactly as planned or a few things go awry, remember that the day is about your commitment to each other.

Natalie Davison