A MONTH UNTIL THE WEDDING! HELP!

Ask a Planner

May 22

So there you are, staring down the last month before your wedding and you're thinking, "How did we get here so quickly and how will I get it all done?!" From finalizing guest seating to final dress and tux fittings, it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done in those final thirty days, but the good news is we're here to help!

Read on for some helpful tips as you prepare to say “I do!”

Sit down with your wedding planner or coordinator to begin working on your wedding day timeline – this is typically a 1-2 hour meeting where you walk through your day minute by minute while your planner takes lots of detailed notes in order to create the timeline. You may feel like you’ve already lived through your wedding day when the meeting is over!

Coordinate your final venue walk-through with your key vendors to finalize floor plans, menu and timeline.

*Photo courtesy of* *Belen Aquino Photo*

Schedule your final dress and suit fittings – don’t forget your accessories, such as your veil and shoes!

Arrange your hair and makeup trial with your hair stylist and makeup artist - be sure to share some inspiration photos with them before the trial so they can plan for it ahead of time! We wrote a great post on the importance of the hair and makeup trial - click here to read it.

Plan for your wedding day beauty appointments - any skin or hair treatments (facial and waxing/hair cut and color) should be done at least 10 days prior to the wedding to avoid any breakouts or skin reactions.

*Photo courtesy of* *Emilia Jane Photography*

Finalize music selections for the wedding day with your musicians, band or DJ – they’ll ask for songs to play during your cake cutting and wedding party introductions, in addition to your first dance. This is also a great opportunity to share those “must-plays” and “do-not-plays!”

Finalize day-of print items with your designer and printer - think ceremony programs, menu cards, escort cards and any fun signage. Signature drinks, anyone?!

Compile your photo list for your photographer - this includes family photo combinations, detail photos and wedding party photos. Your photographer will also advise you on the best locations for your photos both at your venue and off-premise.

Nail down ceremony details with your priest or officiant and write your vows!

Check in with your wedding party about dresses, suits and accessories. This is a great time to provide them with an overview timeline so they know when to arrive and depart and what important things they will need to be present for that weekend.

You’ll also want to finalize your wedding party gifts, particularly if anything is personalized or a custom order.

Apply for your marriage license – every state/county has different laws. In Illinois, a marriage license is good for 60 days and must be in the couples’ hands at least 48 hours in advance.

Get to work on those table assignments for your escort cards – yes, this may or not include tracking down those naughty family members who haven’t sent in their RSVP yet!

Pack your suitcases for your honeymoon!

Maybe the most important task it to sit back and take it all in! Remember, you're in the home stretch and rounding the bend to one of the best days of your life, surrounded by your closest friends and family!

It’s a day you’ll never forget!