The Last 30 Days: Final Wedding Planning Checklist

Call or text every non-responder. People do not mean to ignore you — they get distracted. Set a hard deadline 3 weeks out for the caterer.

Email each vendor: arrival time, setup needs, contact details, payment status, any special requests. Get written confirmation back. Saves so much chaos in the final week.

Bring shoes, undergarments, and any accessories. Practise sitting, walking, and bending. Adjustments take 1-2 weeks so do not leave this any later.

Take photos in different lighting. Bring your veil or accessories. Confirm timing with the artist for the wedding morning.

Best man, maid of honour, parent, and your own (if doing). Practise out loud. Time yourselves. 4-7 minutes max.

Walk through the ceremony with the wedding party. Rehearsal dinner is optional but helps everyone meet. Usually 1-2 nights before the wedding.

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies. Confirm meal selections per guest if doing plated.

This is usually the last possible date for headcount changes. Reconfirm dietary requirements at the same time.

Group by social circle. Keep exes apart. Mix chatty people with shy ones. Print escort cards or a chart for the venue.

In Australia, your NOIM must be lodged 1+ month before — check it is in. UK couples need banns or notice 28+ days ahead. US varies by state.

One document with arrival times, contact numbers, and the running order. Email + printed copy at the rehearsal.

Confirm engraving and sizing. Most jewellers need 1-2 weeks lead time.

Sewing kit, pain relief, stain remover, tissues, breath mints, deodorant, phone charger, snacks, plasters, tampons, lipstick.

Flights, accommodation, transport. Print everything in case your phone dies.

Wear them around the house for an hour each day. Add gel inserts in advance, not on the day.

Cash tips in labelled envelopes. Final balances ready in agreed payment method. Hand to a designated person to distribute on the day.

Gift table, guest book, vendor liaison, timeline keeper, emergency-kit holder, getaway driver. Write names against tasks.

Pickup times, addresses, drivers. Group chat with everyone involved.

Wedding-night bag (hotel essentials, change of clothes, toiletries). Honeymoon luggage if travelling next day. Pre-pack so you are not scrambling.

Massage, manicure, an early night. Skip alcohol the two nights before — face puffiness and dehydration are real.

Walk the processional. Practise vow placement. Test sound. The wedding party should know exactly where to stand and when to move.

Whatever needs to be at the venue when guests arrive — drop it off the day before so you are not running errands on the day.

Print them clearly. Practise once out loud. Then put them away and trust yourself.

Not the rehearsal canapes. A proper meal. Bed by 10pm. Phones off.

Dress, shoes, jewellery, rings, vows, ID, marriage licence, phone charger, breakfast plan. Future-you will be grateful.