Wedding Planning - Last Minute Wedding Details: A Checklist

Your engagement period has been a whirlwind of planning and pre-wedding festivities, all in preparation and celebration for the big day. You've scoured through countless bridal magazines and visited numerous bridal salons in search of the perfect gown. And you've interviewed more caterers, photographers and videographers than you ever imagined. So, what could you possibly be leaving out? It's amazing how any other wedding detail could have possibly been overlooked during such a hectic time.

Just in case, we've covered a few of the extras. You may or may not have completed every wedding detail. If not- relax. We'll go over a few with you.

1. Keep writing and sending out thank you notes for every gift you receive. Go ahead and enlist the help from your soon-to-be fiancé. Though this is understandably a very busy and somewhat stressful time, it is still very important to acknowledge the gifts that you are both receiving. Your guests will not only feel delighted that you will enjoy the new set of crystal stemware they sent, but it will also give them peace of mind knowing that the gift was received and not lost in the mail.

2. Don't forget about your honeymoon details-- passports, airline tickets, hotel reservations, etc-- be sure to go over any last minute details with your travel agent. Also, begin shopping for the items you plan on purchasing and packing before the trip. It's a good idea to start packing at least a week before your departure. Consider what the climate will be like and the sorts of activities you have planned for the trip and pack accordingly. Don't forget to bring along plenty of one-dollar bills for tipping cab drivers, baggage handlers, etc.

3. Have you purchased all the needed accessories for the wedding? This list may include: toasting glasses, guest book and pen, unity candle, ring pillow, flower girl basket(s), cake knife and server, favors, etc.

4. Remember to choose and purchase gifts for your wedding attendants. Have them wrapped and ready before they are given out at either the rehearsal dinner or bridesmaids luncheon. You can also begin writing thank you notes for any other individuals that have, or will be, contributing their time and/or talent to the wedding (i.e. a friend who will be doing a solo during the ceremony). You may also wish to purchase small gifts for these individuals. Sending a small bouquet of flowers or inviting them out for a lunch date is a kind gesture of your appreciation.

5. Any final payments and/or tips that will be paid to any wedding professionals on the day of the wedding should be marked and ready in individual envelopes for the Best Man (or any trusted individual) to hand out on that day. Be sure to have these envelopes prepared in advace to ensure that you won't forget any payments and to eliminate the need to worry about it on the wedding day.

6. Have your wedding day jewelry, hosiery, shoes, etc, ready in one place so that getting dressed on the big day will be a simpler task. Also make sure you've had your going-away outfit pressed and ready for someone to bring to the reception.

7. Put together the following items to make a "Wedding Day Emergency Kit". Make sure your Maid of Honor or another bridesmaid gets it to the ceremony and reception location for you.

- Brush, hair spray, curling iron and dryer
- Makeup (Don't forget to purchase a matching tube of lipstick from your makeup professional if you are having your makeup done for you.)
- Extra pair of nylons
- Breath mints
- Safety pins
- Mini sewing kit (with matching thread)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Tape
- Matching finger nail polish
- Small pack of tissues
- Aspirin and antacid
- Eye drops
- Bobby pins
- List of important names and phone numbers
- Portable iron
- Extra cash and change
- Pair of comfortable shoes to change into
- Camera and plenty of film

8. Go over all final wedding details with your wedding attendants and family members. Be sure to ask one of your attendants to have ready your honeymoon luggage in your getaway vehicle. If you have any pets or plants that need tending to, be sure to ask someone to take care of them while you are both away on your honeymoon. Make sure you have a couple of your attendants (or family members) take care of the wedding gifts that you receive at the reception. Don't forget to have the Best Man or another groomsman return the groom's tux after the wedding day. You may also want your Maid of Honor or another bridesmaid bring your wedding dress to the dry cleaner that you've chosen to have your dress cleaned and preserved at.

9. Don't forget about your marriage license! Check our Marriage License Guide for requirements in your area.

10. Of course- don't forget Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.