It's seven days (or less) before the big day. You likely have a host of last-minute details that need to be attended to. It's going to be a very busy week but do try to schedule some "me" time as well. Now is the time to enlist the help of family and friends to help you finalize your arrangements. Confirm your travel arrangements for your honeymoon, give the caterer a final head count of guests, go over your arrangements with the following: photographer, band or DJ, and limousine company. The reservations for the rehearsal dinner need to be confirmed at this point.
The time to pack your bag for your honeymoon is early in the week before the wedding. Later on, and especially the day of the ceremony, you will be far too busy to attend to this. By the same token, take the time to confirm all your travel arrangements(including accommodation and method of transportation) and get your travel documents in order (if required).
The caterer you have chosen will require a final head count in order to prepare meals for your guests. Instead of assuming that those people who have not yet responded to your invitation are not coming to the wedding, have someone contact them to clarify whether or not they will be attending. This will eliminate the awkwardness of having additional guests to feed. You might also want to ask whether the caterer prepares a certain number of "extra" meals above the head count they are given.
You will also need to go over arrangements with your photographer, DJ or band members, and the limousine company if you have hired one. Go over what your expectations are for the day of the wedding and to confirm the schedule for the day's events. If there is a balance owing for any of these services, now is a good time to arrange payment of the same. In the event that you do not feel comfortable paying the balance in full before the wedding, let the service providers know that they will be paid on the wedding day and who will be responsible for delivering the balance to them. Be sure to ask the service providers what payment methods they accept so that you can prepare a separate envelope for each of them.
As the rehearsal dinner is generally held the night before the wedding, it is important to contact the venue for the dinner to confirm the date and time, as well as to let them know the number of people attending. Many couples take this opportunity to thank their parents and the members of the wedding party for all their help and support during engagement period. Take some time to plan what you would like to convey to these very important people in your life. It's not always easy to express your appreciation to those who matter the most – write a few notes to refer to, if you think it would be helpful. The last thing you want to do is to leave someone out.
It seems like there are a million and one details that need to be attended to during this time, but do schedule some time for you to do something you feel is relaxing. Get a massage, go to a movie, or take a walk or a drive, or go the gym. The important thing is to take a step back and do something for you. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have a bridal meltdown.
In short, get organized and deal with the last-minute items that need to be confirmed before the big day. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Once you get the details confirmed, you can then step back, relax, and enjoy your special day.
