The final week before your wedding: a calm checklist and an emergency kit

By the final week, most decisions are made. What is left is confirming, handing over responsibility and looking after yourselves. The aim is that on the morning itself there is nothing left for you to organise.

Seven to five days before

• Give the caterer the final guest numbers and dietary list, and confirm the time of arrival.
• Confirm every vendor by phone or message: time, place, a contact number for the day.
• Share the day timeline with the wedding party, family helpers and vendors.
• Prepare payments and tips in labelled envelopes, and decide who hands them over.

Four to two days before

1. 1Finish the seating plan and print place cards, menus and signs.
2. 2Pack for the wedding day and for the first night: attire, rings, shoes, documents, chargers.
3. 3Check the weather and finalise your plan for rain or heat.
4. 4Delegate: write who is responsible for decor, gifts, cards, rings, and getting guests to the right place.

The day before

• Rehearse the ceremony if there is one, with the people who need to know where to stand.
• Hand over everything to your helpers so that nothing depends on you on the day.
• Eat well, drink water and go to bed early.
• Charge your phones, then put them away for the evening.

A small emergency kit

• Plasters, pain relief, antacids, tissues and wet wipes.
• Sewing kit, safety pins, double-sided tape and a stain remover.
• Deodorant, hairpins, spare tights or socks, a small mirror and a comb.
• Snacks and water, phone chargers and a few cash notes.
• Copies of the schedule and key phone numbers.

When the preparation is genuinely finished, the best thing left to do is rest. A calm couple makes a calmer day for everyone.