As the days to your wedding count down, we’re here to help you enjoy your special day! To keep you on track and feeling excited for the big day, we’ve compiled the ultimate last-minute checklist. Whether you’re one week or a few days away, or it’s the day of your wedding, our checklist is a failsafe list for everything you need to remember, from confirming appointments and paying vendors to breaking in shoes and packing an overnight bag.
Let this last-minute checklist handle the rest while you spend time with your loved ones!
If your wedding is more than one week away, check out our ultimate guide on planning your wedding, designed to support you at every step of the journey, from deciding on your wedding theme and designing invitations to sending thank you cards.
The week of your wedding checklist
The week before your wedding, your goal is to make sure everything you’ve spent months planning is ready and set for the big day.
Source: Wedding cocktail napkin via VistaPrint
You’ll need:
- Wedding day shot list
- Reception playlist
- Vendor payments
- Wedding outfits and shoes
Confirm hair and makeup appointments
Confirm all hair and makeup appointments for you and the wedding party. Explain the day-of timelines and go over what you will need from them on the day.
Do final wardrobe checks
The wedding party should try on their outfits so that if any last-minute alterations are needed, you have the time to do it before the wedding.
Confirm transportation details
Confirm all day-of transportation schedules, like shuttle buses to and from the reception, as well as how you and the wedding party will get to the venue on the day.
Caterer check in
Check in with caterers about any last-minute changes. Let them know if any late dietary requirements or meal preferences have come through.
Get a haircut
Get beauty treatments like a haircut, manicure or pedicure you need to look fresh at the wedding a few days before. This means you’ll have that just-out-the-salon look without the rush and the risk of a bad blow dry or the wrong shade of pink you won’t have time to change.
Communicate the day-of schedule
Talk to your wedding party, coordinator and officiant about the day-of timeline. This is where you make sure everybody is on the same page about the rehearsal and wedding day schedules.
Confirm the shot list
Go over the shot list with the photographer and answer any questions they have. This is your chance to make any last-minute changes or requests, like who will be included in the close friends and family shot.
Confirm the playlist
Confirm your playlist with the DJ or band. If you haven’t already, give them your must-play songs and “do not play” list if you have one. You can also discuss details like any vibe changes and whether guests can request songs during the reception.
Make any outstanding payments
Make any final vendor payments within the week before your wedding. Some vendor contracts stipulate that you pay them after services are rendered, and if this is the case, set their payments aside to make sure they get paid at your wedding.
Review printed items
Take one last look through all your printed day-of essentials and signage, like menu cards, programs and seating plans, to catch any typos. Do this with enough time to order reprints if needs be.
Source: Wedding menu card via VistaPrint
2-3 days before your wedding checklist
Two to three days before your wedding, it’s crunch time. Here’s your last-minute wedding checklist for these last couple of days.
You’ll need:
- Rehearsal dinner stationery
- Day-of signage
- Wedding shoes
- Marriage license
- Wedding favors
- Remaining vendor payments
- Vows and speeches
Bring rehearsal dinner stationery to the venue
Drop off your rehearsal dinner stationery like cocktail napkins and menu cards at the venue. If you can, you may also want to set it up so you’re ready ahead of time.
Source: Wedding cocktail napkin via VistaPrint
Break in your wedding shoes
Break in your wedding shoes by wearing and walking in them around the house. The last thing you want on your wedding day is uncomfortable shoes…so take some time now to wear them in.
Prepare wedding favors
If you’re giving gifts to the wedding party or wedding favors to your guests, prep them now. Organize them, add custom ribbons or tags and have them ready to go.
Get your marriage license
If you haven’t gotten your marriage license yet, now is the time.
Pack for your honeymoon
If you’re leaving for your honeymoon directly from the wedding venue, pack your bags now. Add Mr & Mrs personalized luggage tags and have your bags sent to where you’ll be staying.
Check in with the wedding party
Make sure your wedding party knows when to get to the venue and anything else they need to know before the big day, like who will look after the rings and who will be on guest book duty.
Set vendor payments aside
Make sure any outstanding vendor payments are in envelopes and ready to be handed over after the wedding.
Practice vows and speeches
Finally, practice your vows and any speeches you’ll be giving. This is your chance to make last-minute changes and learn it off by heart, making sure there’s not a dry eye in the house! Encourage anyone else who’ll be giving speeches to practice too — you could even offer to practice together.
The day before your wedding checklist
The day before your wedding, plan to be putting the finishing touches on the reception and wedding ceremony essentials.
You’ll need:
- Day-of stationery and signage
- Guest book
- Wedding day bag
- Emergency bag (see contents below)
- Overnight bag
- Spare clothes for wedding party
- Handheld steamer
- Legal documents
Drop off stationery and signage at the venue
Bring all ceremony and reception day-of essentials and signage, like programs, welcome signs and menu cards to the venue.
Source: Welcome sign via VistaPrint
Pack a wedding day bag
Pack your wedding day bag with day-of essentials like a phone charger and breath mints. Don’t forget your regular bag items either, like your phone and wallet.
Pack an emergency bag
Stray hairs, loose threads and dry mouths can be a big deal on the big day. Pack a bag that’s got anything you might need in these emergencies, like:
- Deodorants
- Hair pins and ties
- Tweezers
- Phone charger
- Water bottles
- Emergency repair kit
- Fashion tape
Pack an overnight bag
If you’re not going home after your wedding, pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need like your toothbrush, eye mask and pajamas.
Pack spare clothes
It’s wise to bring backup clothes for bridesmaids and groomsmen, like underwear, shirts and socks.
Position signage
Walk through the venue and double-check that all your wedding signage is where you’d like it to be.
Set up the guest book
Have a member of the wedding party set up a guest book at the reception in a spot that guests can find easily.
Source: Wedding guest book via VistaPrint
Have documents ready
Gather all your legal documents, like your marriage license, and passports if you’re heading straight to your honeymoon, and keep them handy.
Deliver the cake to the venue
Get in touch with your reception venue or catering company to make sure the cake has been delivered.
Iron/steam clothing
Iron or steam any clothing that needs it. Don’t forget to bring a handheld steamer to the venue where you’ll be getting ready…items like this can be last-minute lifesavers!
Wedding rehearsal
Rehearse your wedding with members of the wedding party. Tomorrow is the big day!
Source: Wedding programs via VistaPrint
The day of your wedding checklist
Your wedding day is finally here! There are a few final tasks to complete, but remember, your top priority is to enjoy this special day.
You’ll need:
- Day-of stationery
- Emergency and overnight bags
- Vendor tips in envelopes
- Rings
- Wedding license
Put out wedding stationery
Before the ceremony begins, ask a member of the wedding party to put out all the day-of stationery like ceremony programs, place cards and programs.
Source: Wedding place cards via VistaPrint
Give rings to the best man or maid of honor
Before the ceremony, give your rings to the best man, maid of honor or whoever will present them at the ceremony.
Protect the marriage license
Put a member of the wedding party in charge of your wedding license. It’s their job to keep it safe and have it ready to submit after your wedding.
Give cash payments and tips to vendors
Pay and tip your vendors! You might want to have a member of the wedding party take care of this, especially if you think you might be too busy partying at the reception.
Ensure the shot list is taken
Ask a member of the wedding party to chat with the photographer and make sure they get the shot lists. Don’t stress about the photos while you’re enjoying your wedding — delegate!
Enjoy your special day
The final and most important task is to have a blast at your wedding. We hope this last-minute wedding checklist makes those few days before a bit easier, so you can relax and get excited for what’s to come!
Stay organized with our last-minute wedding checklist
It’s almost your wedding day! Stay on track as you count down the days with this handy, last-minute wedding checklist.
