Delegating Small Tasks for Your Big Weekend | Wedding Planning Tips

When it comes to the week of your wedding, you should feel relaxed. The last thing you need before the most special day, is to add stress by adding things to your plate that others are happy to take care of. Most of our couples have friends and family who genuinely want to help make the day extra special. .Pre-plan who will do what (and when) to ensure a seamless week leading up to your wedding day with our tips below. You will thank yourself later for coasting into your day with as little stress overhead as possible.

Wedding Detail Photos — Chloe Luka Photography | Custom Crafted

The items below are "if applicable". Every wedding is different so utilize the items that apply to you and your day.

Pre Wedding

Dress Pick Up & Storage > After you attend your final alteration and have the dress steamed, you likely won't take it home for your fiancé to see. Who will store it for you? It should be someone who can hang it wrinkle free (not mushing it into a closet), a non-smoking and possibly pet free household.
Why pet free? Claws, paws, teeth and hair can damage your pristine gown!
Prepare Guest Welcome Bags (guide on those here) > Prepare the assembly line! Invite over a few friends or turn them over to a group of aunts to assemble
Guest favor assembly > These could be done in tandem with the Welcome Bags
Pick up of out of town guests from the airport > If you are providing transport for some guests, like Grandma, have another family member pick up VIPs for a personal touch
Specialty Item Pick up/Drop Off > Did you have something special constructed or delivered (champagne wall, giant escort wall, neon sign, etc...). Who will transport this for you?
Signage/paper pick up > Last minute printing pick ups are a pretty regular occurrence
Pack Coolers & Day of Snacks > Don't let your day dampen due to 'hanger' or thirst. Pack plenty of water, especially if you are celebrating pre-reception with alcohol. It's a long day!
Organize your Day of Wedding Items (BDE couples, see our "Wedding Checklist" under the "Tools" folder)

Bella Belle Wedding Shoes — Chris J Evans

Day Prior

Ceremony Drop > Programs & ceremony items like unity candle to ceremony venue (if allowed)
Deliver Marriage License > to officiant/ ceremony venue (at rehearsal)
Reception Personals Drop> Deliver items such as place cards, guest book, and signage to wedding reception and/or wedding planners (#BDE couples see "Wedding Checklist")
Dress & Details Drop off to Bridal Suite> Your dress will need hung upon arrival in suite. Place your details to the side in an area where they won't be disturbed. Your photographer will be able to dive into details upon arrival if everything is in one tidy place (photo details are listed on the "Wedding Checklist").

California Wedding Dress — Danielle Harris Photography

Day Of

Pick up/Drop off Meals> You must eat! If you don't pre-plan this, it won't happen. Assign someone to deliver breakfast / lunch to both getting ready rooms. If you aren't providing a meal for everyone that is being asked to arrive early, let them know they should eat before arriving.
Coolers & Snack Boxes> Delivery, loading and unloading on to transport is a great task for groomsmen, college friends or uncles. Don't forget to include icing coolers in their assignment. If you're staying at a hotel, using the onsite ice machine is a great way to save time (and a few $$).
Transportation of Loved Ones > Is there someone special attending who can't drive or has special needs? Plan in advance who will take charge of their care for the day. Additionally, let our team know if you have any guests with mobility issues so we can work with the vendor team to ensure they are accommodated.
Pick Up of Gifts & Personals> Who will be in charge of taking your gifts, signage, guest book and other personal items at the conclusion of the event? They should agree to arriving with a cleaned out car and space for 1 additional passenger at the end of the evening.

South Florida Wedding — Stoffer Wedding Photography

Post Nuptials

Pick up your bags/dress from hotel > If you are leaving straight from the wedding night suite to your honeymoon, have someone pick up your wedding attire and overnight bags from the hotel. Most couples have family or friends staying nearby, that are happy to oblige.
Return vases to florist > We recommend having your florist return for pick up. It's affordable and far less of a headache. Most florists will expect the vases to be returned on a specific day, and they will need to be packed properly to ensure they don't break. This is, however, a great option if you plan to have a day after brunch and want to reuse your centerpieces.
Return Cake Stand > If your cake is coming from an outside bakery, it will likely come with a rental cake stand that needs returned.
Send in your Marriage License > You'll want to double check if your officiant is sending your marriage license in or not, If not, who can you trust to get that in the mail right away? Pro Tip: Send your marriage license certified mail. You'll rest easier with a receipt of delivery.