Last-Minute Brainerd Wedding Planning Checklist

1 Month Out

You’re a month away, and excitement is building! Now is the perfect time to tie up loose ends.

1. Finalize your guest list
   

   Double-check RSVPs and confirm headcounts with your venue and caterer to avoid any day-of surprises. If you have an extensive guest list, consider platforms like Text My Wedding or TextMyGuests to mass text everyone.

2. Confirm vendor details and final payments
   

   Touch base with your photographer, DJ, florist, and any other vendors and confirm final payments. Consider printing out all your vendors’ contact information and having the sheets in both get ready suites just in case. 

3. Obtain your marriage license
   

   Make sure you apply for and get your marriage license. This step may be done sooner or farther out from your wedding day depending on your state’s laws. Do your research as this is something you don’t want to overlook!

4. Create a detailed wedding day timeline
   

   Work with your planner or coordinator to set clear times for everything – from hair and makeup to photos. If you don’t have either, then the timeline creation is typically something your photography can assist with. 

5. Arrange transportation
   

   If you’re using any special transportation (limo, shuttles), confirm all the details. Check arrival times and routes for the day. Don’t forget to think about how you and your spouse will get to your final destination for the night.

2 Weeks Before

With two weeks to go, you’re in the home stretch. Here’s what you don’t want to miss.

1. Pack your wedding day essentials
   

   Put together an emergency kit with things like safety pins, stain remover, tissues, and bobby pins. Also consider practical extras like scissors, bandaids, or extra phone chargers. This may be a task you can delegate to a family member or personal attendant.

2. Break in your wedding shoes
   

   You don’t want sore feet on your wedding day! Wear your shoes around the house to break them in and pack a backup comfy shoe for the dance floor.

3. Check-in with your wedding party
   

   Make sure your bridesmaids and groomsmen have their outfits, and know when and where to show up. Confirm any day-of tasks as well with them like picking up coffee or pre-ordered lunch. Again, this can be something printed out and displayed in your getting ready spaces to minimize direct questions to you as you get glammed.

4. Practice your vows
   

   If you’re writing your own vows, now’s the time to rehearse. You want them to sound natural and heartfelt. If you have handwritten them in a vow book, consider typing an extra copy of them in your phone just in case. 

5. Confirm final payments and final timeline.
   

   Double-check with vendors and venues to ensure all payments are taken care of, so you don’t worry later. Triple-check your wedding timeline and send a final version to all vendors, family, and wedding parties. Consider writing down a shot list with titles and first names (Grandma Nancy, Uncle Tim, Cousin Vinny) to help your photographer execute family portraits smoothly.

Week of the Wedding

The big week is here! Take a deep breath and focus on these last-minute details.

1. Pick up your dress or suit
   

   Collect your attire from the tailor and give it a final try-on to ensure it’s perfect. Consider inviting a bridal party member or family member to join you so they can learn how to bustle your dress if necessary.

2. Pack for your honeymoon
   

   If you’re jetting off after the wedding, pack your bags in advance. This way, you’re not rushing later. If traveling internationally, make sure your passports, visas and any other required documents are packed. Confirm any travel arrangements if you’re leaving right after the wedding.

3. Create a tip envelope for vendors
   

   Prepare tip envelopes for vendors who go above and beyond. Hand them off to a trusted friend or family member to distribute at the end of the night.

4. Organize your seating chart
   

   Ensure that your seating chart is finalized and sent to the venue. Print place cards if you haven’t already.

5. Confirm hair and makeup schedules
   

   Reach out to your beauty team to double-check the schedule and order for your hair, makeup, and anyone else getting styled. Also ask if there are certain products you might have to provide like fake eyelashes or hair pieces. 

Night Before the Wedding

It’s almost time! The night before your wedding is all about relaxing and preparing for the big day.

1. Lay out everything you need
   

   From your dress to your shoes, have everything ready to go for the next morning. Don’t forget accessories! If you are having your photographer take detail photos, consider putting all of those in a separate bag or box. Pack your car with anything you can the night before, it will save you some time in the morning! Also don’t forget any daily medications. 

2. Eat a good dinner and hydrate
   

   You’ll want to be well-nourished for your wedding day. Eat something satisfying but not too heavy. Hopefully you are doing this by this point, but make sure you are drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration the day of.

3. Get a good night’s sleep
   

   Try to relax and get plenty of sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big (and amazing) day!

4. Set an alarm (or two!)
   

   Make sure you set an alarm to wake up with plenty of time to enjoy a stress-free morning.

By following this checklist, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve taken care of all the little details. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your big day!

Complete Weddings + Events – Wedding Day-of Coordinators

You can rest assured that your wedding day will be executed flawlessly with Complete Weddings + Events wedding coordinators by your side. Our expertise and dedication ensure that you can enjoy your big day, while we sweat the small stuff.

Contact us today to learn more about our “book more, save more” service bundle so you and your fiancé can focus on making memories that last! For more wedding tips and tricks, visit our blog page.