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Last-Minute Wedding Checklist
Last-minute wedding jobs, from the marriage license to the final sweep of the venue.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Couples forget the marriage license more often than you'd think, Maggie Sottero says, and the rules differ by state: some places need an appointment, and some want you to apply weeks or months ahead. Settle that first. The rest of the list covers last-minute jobs, from rides home and the gown check to the final sweep of the venue. A few jobs, like breaking in your shoes or sending your DJ the do-not-play list, are best started early. It assumes the venue, vendors and guest list are already booked. It leaves out budgeting and invitations.
Why these items are on the list
- Apply for your marriage license. Rules differ by state; some need an appointment, and some want you to apply weeks or months ahead.
- Give the final guest count. Caterer and venue deadlines vary, so ask. Count yourselves and your vendors.
- Tell the venue your vendor meals. Vendor dinners are typically half price, according to New Jersey Bride.
- Check honeymoon passports. New Jersey Bride says they must be valid six months beyond the date you leave the U.S.
- Confirm details with every vendor. Check date, times, setup and take-down, and that their plans fit venue policies.
- Name a day-of point person. A friend who keeps you on schedule and runs small errands.
- Proofread every printed piece. Check names on programs, menus and place cards at least a week out, in case you need a rush order.
- Send your do-not-play list. Give the DJ songs for first dance, entrance, parent dances and the last song.
- Share the photographer's shot list. A list of must-have photos lets you enjoy the night.
- Break in your wedding shoes. Wear them at least a few weeks ahead and again a week before, to avoid blisters.
- Schedule a final gown check. Maggie Sottero suggests a fitting about five days out; final adjustments usually take under a week.
- Arrange rides home. Your bridal party and guests can celebrate without worrying about getting back.
- Write a wedding-day itinerary. Pencil in a few extra minutes. You know who runs late.
- Pack an emergency kit. Needles and thread, hemming tape, painkillers, hairspray, bobby pins and breath spray.
- Pack your honeymoon bag. Have it packed and ready two days ahead.
- Fill labeled vendor envelopes. Payments and tips together. Wedding Shoppe suggests about 15 to 20 percent for most vendors.
- Practice the bustle. Ask your mom or a bridesmaid to practice arranging it.
- Print your vows. Keep a printed copy and a backup on your phone.
- Deliver favors, decor and seating chart. Include send-off items like sparklers or bubbles.
- Assign a photo assistant. Someone to tell the photographer who's who.
- Share the timeline with your party. Include parents and key participants so everyone knows roles and arrival times.
- Give the rings to someone trusted. Choose a reliable person, such as the best man or maid of honor.
- Eat breakfast and a snack. Food before the ceremony is easy to forget. If you're feeding a group, order ahead.
- Assign the card box and gifts. Ask someone to collect them at the end of the night.
- Arrange a final venue sweep. Someone checks for anything left behind before you leave the venue.
Tick things off on your phone and share the list with whoever's helping, so each task has a name beside it.
When to use it
Use it in the last few weeks before the wedding through the day after; check the license rules sooner.