Introduction
After months of planning, the final week before your wedding can feel like a whirlwind. There are still many tasks to complete, from picking up attire to confirming vendors. To ensure everything runs smoothly, it helps to have a detailed checklist. This professional guide—written from a wedding videographer’s perspective—walks you through the essential steps for the last seven days. By staying organized and mindful of small details, you’ll maximize your enjoyment on the big day and ensure your film captures every beautifully coordinated moment.
Seven Days Out: Beauty Prep and Dress Rehearsal
Schedule Beauty Treatments
Early in the week is ideal for treatments such as manicures, pedicures or eyelash extensions. Beauty experts recommend getting these services a few days before your wedding so you have time to adjust if anything doesn’t feel right. Haircuts and colour should be done at least a week prior to allow for settling. Don’t forget to pamper yourself with facials or massages to reduce stress.
Collect Your Outfits
After months of fittings and alterations, it’s time to pick up your wedding outfits. Bring all accessories—veil, jewelry, shoes, cufflinks—and keep them together in garment bags. Do a final try‑on at home to ensure everything fits perfectly. If possible, steam or press garments now to avoid last‑minute wrinkles.
Break In Your Wedding Shoes
New shoes can cause blisters if worn for the first time on your wedding day. Wear them for a few hours around the house to break them in. You may even want to place moleskin or cushioned insoles inside. Pack a second pair of comfortable shoes for dancing later in the evening.
Test Your Complete Look
Schedule a mini rehearsal with hair, makeup and attire. Seeing the whole ensemble together gives you confidence and allows time to tweak any details. Invite your photographer or videographer to capture a few shots; these can be used for announcements or social media and will also help them plan lighting for the big day.
Five to Six Days Out: Vendor Confirmations and Logistics
Confirm All Vendors
Call or email every vendor (florist, caterer, musicians, officiant, photographer and videographer) to confirm arrival times, setup requirements and final payments. Provide them with a detailed timeline that includes addresses and contact information for key people. This proactive communication reduces miscommunication and ensures your wedding film includes every scheduled highlight.
Finalize the Guest List and Seating Chart
Print your final guest list and confirm RSVPs. If any last-minute changes occur, update the seating chart accordingly. Provide final counts to the caterer and venue.
Prepare Emergency Kits
Create kits for yourself and your wedding party with items like safety pins, stain remover pens, tissues, pain relievers, makeup touch‑ups and snacks. A well-stocked kit prevents small mishaps from escalating and keeps everyone comfortable on camera.
Pack for the Honeymoon
If you’re leaving soon after the wedding, pack suitcases now. Gather travel documents, passports, itineraries and any required visas. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
Three to Four Days Out: Rehearsal and Relaxation
Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Walk through the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant. Practice the processional, vows and recessional. This ensures everyone knows where to stand and when to move. A smooth rehearsal translates to a seamless wedding video. Follow the rehearsal with a dinner to thank participants and review any final details with the planner.
Delegate Responsibilities
Assign trusted friends or family to handle tasks on the wedding day: greeting vendors, distributing final payments, managing the gift table and collecting personal items at the end of the night. Delegating allows you to be present and reduces on‑camera stress.
Rest and Hydrate
Make sleep a priority. Aim for at least eight hours a night and stay hydrated. Limit alcohol and avoid high‑sodium foods that cause bloating. Your skin will look more radiant and you’ll feel energetic in your film.
Two Days Out: Personal Touches and Final Checks
Write Vows or Speeches
If you haven’t already, finalize your vows and speeches. Practice reading them aloud to ensure they flow. Use the tips in our Wedding Speech Guide to craft heartfelt words that sound great on video. Print copies or store them on note cards.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Draft a comprehensive schedule from morning preparations to the last dance. Include time buffers for transportation, photos and unexpected delays. Share this timeline with your videographer and photographer so they can plan their coverage and adjust for natural light.
Pack Personal Items
Gather personal items you want filmed: heirlooms, invitation suites, perfume bottles, vow books and rings. Place them in a labeled box. Videographers love capturing these details, and having them organized speeds up the shoot.
Choose Perfume or Cologne
Selecting a new scent is a fun pre‑wedding activity. Hitched suggests shopping for a special wedding perfume or aftershave during the week before your wedding. Choose a fragrance that evokes happy memories; every time you wear it later, you’ll remember your wedding day.
One Day Out: Final Preparations
Confirm Weather Contingency Plans
Check the weather forecast. If there’s a chance of rain, arrange umbrellas or a tent. Ensure your videographer knows any changes in location or schedule.
Prepare Payments and Gratuities
Place final vendor payments and tips in labeled envelopes. Give these to a trusted friend to distribute. This ensures you won’t forget gratuities when the day is hectic.
Charge All Devices
Charge your phones, cameras, speakers and any other electronic devices you’ll use. Remind your videography team to bring fully charged backup batteries and memory cards.
Spend Quality Time With Your Partner
Take a few quiet moments together to reflect on your journey. Exchange gifts or letters if you’re doing so privately. This emotional connection will shine through on camera.
Wedding Day Morning Checklist
- Eat a Light Breakfast: Fuel yourself with protein and healthy carbohydrates. Don’t skip breakfast; you’ll need energy for a long day.
- Hydrate: Continue drinking water. Avoid too much coffee or alcohol early in the day.
- Begin Hair and Makeup Early: Start earlier than you think you need. Buffer time prevents rushing.
- Wear a Button‑Down Shirt: This makes it easy to change into your dress without ruining hair or makeup.
- Give Rings to Best Man or Maid of Honour: Ensure they know their responsibility.
- Place Tip Envelopes in a Safe Spot: Remind the designated person where to find them.
- Keep Personal Items Nearby: Have your emergency kit, vows, perfume and heirlooms ready for the videographer to film.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we pick up our wedding attire? Collect outfits in the week leading up to your wedding so you can try everything on and make any last-minute adjustments.
How soon before the wedding should we break in shoes? Start wearing your wedding shoes around the house a few days ahead to prevent blisters.
What beauty treatments should be done the week of the wedding? Schedule manicures, pedicures and eyelash extensions early in the week so you have time to fix any issues.
Why is a detailed timeline important? A thorough schedule helps vendors coordinate and ensures your videographer captures every key moment. It also reduces stress by providing clear expectations.
Should we plan a first look? First looks are optional but offer a private, emotional moment that’s beautiful on film. If you choose this, include it in your timeline and inform your videographer.
Conclusion
The final week before your wedding is all about preparation and peace of mind. By following this checklist—covering beauty treatments, attire, vendor confirmations, personal touches and day‑of essentials—you’ll step into your celebration confident and organized. Your careful planning will translate into a seamless wedding film that tells your story with elegance and authenticity. Remember to stay present, breathe deeply and savour each moment, knowing that your videographer is capturing memories you’ll cherish forever.
About TDiamond Film Destination Wedding Videography
We specialize in crafting cinematic, emotionally-driven wedding films for couples planning extraordinary celebrations worldwide. Our award-winning team captures the subtle moments and grand narratives of your day, ensuring your memories are preserved with unparalleled quality and style.
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