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You’ve been planning this for months (maybe even years), and now the countdown is officially on. You’re weeks, or days, away from your wedding, and the pressure’s kicking in. Here’s the truth: the last-minute stuff… it’s REAL. There are so many small, critical tasks that sneak up on even the most organized brides.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you. Let’s break down what needs to be done, step-by-step, so that come wedding day, you can sip your mimosa in peace.
3 Weeks Before: Final Vendor Confirmations
Let’s make sure everyone’s on the same page, because a missed email can turn into a major mishap.
Photographer / Videographer
✔ Share your finalized shot list
✔ Send addresses for all locations
✔ Confirm timeline + any must-have moments or people (they won’t know Aunt Linda matters unless you tell them!)
Hair & Makeup Team
✔ Confirm the start time + how many people are getting services
✔ Share the exact location + parking details
✔ Let them know if they'll be moving (like hotel to venue)
DJ or Band
✔ Send your “must play” and “do not play” lists
✔ Confirm songs for first dance, parent dances, etc.
✔ Share name pronunciations for the grand entrance
Caterer
✔ Submit your final guest count
✔ Double-check dietary restrictions + allergies
✔ Confirm timing, service style (buffet or plated), and who’s cutting the cake
Florist
✔ Review final quantities, bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc.
✔ Confirm delivery times and drop-off locations
Transportation
✔ Share updated addresses + how many guests per vehicle
✔ Confirm pick-up/drop-off times and driver contact info
💡 Pro tip: Make a “Master Vendor Contact List” with names, cell numbers, arrival times, and one backup contact for each vendor. Hand this off to a trusted person so you’re not the go-to on wedding day.
2 Weeks Before: Create Your Wedding Day Timeline
This isn’t just “ceremony at 3pm.” We’re talking every. little. thing.
Your timeline should include:
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Wake-up time
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Hair & makeup schedule (add buffer time!)
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Photo start time
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Who’s getting dressed when
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When + where transportation leaves
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Ceremony start
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Cocktail hour details
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Reception events (first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
📤 Send it to all vendors, your wedding party, and anyone helping with logistics. Clear communication = fewer questions day-of.
1 Week Before: Pack the Emergency Kit
This is your secret weapon. From beauty fixes to minor medical mishaps, it’s got your back.
Include:
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Fashion tape, sewing kit, scissors
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Safety pins, bobby pins, hair ties
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Clear nail polish (for snags!)
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Blotting sheets, wipes, deodorant
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Pain relievers, allergy meds, Band-Aids
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Stain remover pen
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Snacks (granola bars, crackers, mints)
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Portable phone charger
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Tissues + period products
🎒 Give this bag to someone not in photos, maybe your personal attendant or a cousin you trust.
5 Days Before: Pack All the Essentials
Avoid the night-before scramble. Organize everything ahead of time and pack in labeled bags or boxes.
Your packing list:
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👰 Dress, veil, shoes, jewelry
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🧖 Getting ready robe or outfit
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🤵 Groom’s outfit, shoes, socks
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🎁 Gifts for parents, your partner, and your bridal party
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💌 Marriage license
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💵 Tip envelopes (label each one!)
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📝 Vow books or printed vows
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📋 Copies of the timeline
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📸 Reception details: guest book, signage, toasting flutes, cake knife, table numbers
Bonus: Load things into your car a few days early if you can. You’ll feel so much more relaxed.
3 Days Before: Practice the Bustle + Break in Shoes
Blisters and bustle stress? No thank you.
👠 Walk around your house in your wedding shoes to break them in.
👗 Have someone practice bustling your dress with you, record a quick video so they don’t forget how to do it in the moment.
Your future self will thank you.
2 Days Before: Prep Details for Your Photographer
This is for those dreamy flat lay photos you’ve been saving to your Pinterest board.
Photographers love when everything is grouped in one place. Grab a small box and include:
💌 Your full invitation suite
💍 All wedding rings
📖 Vow books
💎 Jewelry, shoes, garter, perfume
👗 Heirlooms or special keepsakes
🎀 Your Bride and Bow hanger (have your dress hanging on it before they arrive!)
Bonus: Add loose flowers or petals for flat lay magic.
1–2 Days Before: Steam It All
Wrinkles are not invited. Use a handheld steamer on:
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Your dress
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Veil
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Robe or pajama set
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Bridesmaid dresses
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Groom’s shirt
💨 Hang everything in a well-ventilated space (not squished in the car).
Day Before: Confirm the Marriage License + Final Tasks
This one’s non-negotiable, you can’t technically get married without it.
✔ Make sure it’s signed by your officiant and witnesses
✔ Pack it in a bag that’s coming with you
✔ Know who’s responsible for mailing it in after
📸 Make copies before mailing if you’re changing your name.
Day Before: Assign Roles to Your People
Delegation = freedom. Share responsibilities with your trusted crew.
Give out tasks like:
📦 Bringing your overnight bag to the hotel
💌 Collecting cards and gifts
💵 Distributing tips
📷 Wrangling family for photos
📞 Being the vendor contact person (this cannot be you!)
No need to assign everything to one person, spread it out among your VIPs.
Wedding Morning: Mentally Prep Yourself
This is it. Your day. Soak it in.
🧘 Take deep breaths
🍳 Eat a real breakfast
🎧 Play your feel-good playlist
👯 Surround yourself with your hype team
Remind yourself:
✨ You’ve done everything you can.
✨ It doesn’t have to be perfect.
✨ You’re marrying your person, and that’s what matters.
Bonus Tip
If you’re using one of our Bride and Bow hangers, we’d love to see it in action on your big day! If your photographer captures a photo, tag us or send it our way, we’re always cheering you on behind the scenes.
Happy Planning – Bride and Bow
Written by Katrina Bellman, KB Digital