15 Things to Do the Week of Your Wedding

The week leading up to your wedding is one of the most exciting and emotional times of your life. With all the final touches coming together, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right preparation can turn that pre-wedding chaos into calm confidence.

Here’s a list of 15 essential tasks to check off during the week of your wedding so you can walk down the aisle stress-free and fully present for your big day.

1. Confirm Final Details with Vendors

Reach out to your vendors to confirm all the logistics, such as:

Arrival and setup times.
Contact information for the day-of coordinator or point person.
Any last-minute changes or special requests.

Having these details squared away ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids last-minute surprises.

2. Pack an Emergency Kit

Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with essentials to handle any unexpected hiccups. Include items like:

Safety pins, fashion tape, and a sewing kit.
Stain remover wipes and a Tide pen.
Band-Aids, pain relievers, and tissues.
Snacks and water to stay fueled.
Extra deodorant

This kit can be a lifesaver on your wedding day!

3. Finalize Your Wedding Timeline

Ensure your wedding day timeline is finalized and distributed to everyone involved, including:

Your bridal party.
Family members who need to know when and where to be.
Vendors, including your Sarasota wedding photographer and wedding planner, to ensure a seamless flow of events.

A detailed timeline keeps everyone organized and minimizes stress.

4. Break in Your Shoes

Avoid painful blisters by breaking in your wedding shoes during the week of your wedding. Wear them around the house for a few hours each day, and consider using gel inserts for added comfort.

5. Practice Your Vows

If you’re writing your own vows, take time to rehearse them. Speak them aloud to get comfortable with the flow and pace. This will help you feel confident and connected when the moment comes.

6. Prepare Tips and Final Payments

Organize any remaining vendor payments and tips ahead of time. Place them in labeled envelopes and give them to a trusted friend, family member, or your wedding planner to distribute on the day.

7. Confirm Guest Count with Caterer

Provide your caterer with the final headcount, including vendors who will need meals. Double-check any dietary restrictions or special accommodations for guests.

8. Pack for Your Honeymoon

If you’re leaving for your honeymoon shortly after the wedding, pack your suitcase now. Don’t forget essentials like:

Travel documents (passport, ID, and tickets).
Outfits for your destination.
Chargers and any other must-have items.

This will save you from last-minute packing stress after the wedding.

9. Delegate Tasks

You don’t have to do everything yourself! Delegate tasks like:

Picking up décor or rentals.
Coordinating with vendors on the day of.
Handling post-wedding cleanup or returning rentals.

Having a trusted team to support you will make the week much smoother.

10. Take Time for Yourself

Amid all the excitement, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Consider:

Booking a massage or facial to relax.
Get a mani and pedi
Get exercise to release anixety and stress
Go to bed at a reasonable time each night
Spending quality time with your fiancé to reconnect before the big day.

This week is as much about mental preparation as it is about logistics.

11. Rehearse and Attend the Rehearsal Dinner

Your wedding rehearsal is the perfect opportunity to go over the ceremony logistics and ensure everyone knows their role. Afterward, enjoy your rehearsal dinner as a time to relax, celebrate, and thank your loved ones for their support.

12. Get Plenty of Sleep

It might feel impossible with all the excitement, but prioritize a good night’s sleep in the days leading up to your wedding. Feeling well-rested will help you stay energized and enjoy every moment.

13. Get Your Details Ready

You will need all your detail stuff ready in one box for your Sarasota wedding photographer to photograph the morning of your wedding while you and bridesmaids are getting ready. For example;

The whole invitation suite
Both sets of rings
Jewelry
Shoes
Bouquet

14. Trust Your Photographer

The week of your wedding is a great time to check in with your Sarasota wedding photographer. Confirm key photo moments, provide a list of must-have shots, and a family shot list with groupings and names, and trust their expertise to capture your wedding day beautifully.

15. Enjoy the Moment

Finally, take a moment to soak it all in. This is your wedding week—a time filled with love, joy, and anticipation. Don’t let stress overshadow the excitement.

Let’s Capture Every Detail

As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I’m here to ensure your wedding day is preserved with timeless, stunning photos. From the big moments to the little details, I’ll be by your side to capture it all. CONTACT ME to discuss how we can make your wedding photography unforgettable!