The Ultimate 30-Day Wedding Countdown

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Photo: Laura Murray

A comprehensive checklist for the last month before your wedding.

01 of 29
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Laura Murray

It's easy to feel overwhelmed the closer you get to your day. The more you want to relax, the more the responsibilities mound on. There are dresses to be fitted, shoes to break in, and rings to pick up. Welcome bags, favors, and seating lists need to be made. And before you jet off to the honeymoon, night-of bags should be packed, wedding party gifts should be delivered, and cards from guests should be collected. Don't fret! Luckily, we're here to help, with expert advice on how to push through the final stretch of wedding planning. From arranging the rehearsal dinner to keeping tabs on your vendors, we've covered everything you need to know to be fully prepared before the wedding date. So keep calm and marry on with this common-sense checklist for the last month before "I do."

You want to give your VIPS plenty of notice so they can clear their schedules.

02 of 29

Four Weeks Out: Write Vows

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Weddings by Sasha

Allow yourself time to write from the heart. Things will only get busier from here, and your ceremony isn't the moment to speak on the fly.

03 of 29

Four Weeks Out: Deliver Playlists

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Elizabeth Messina Photography

A band may need to learn your first-dance songs and any special requests. While you're at it, share any do-not-play or must-play songs with your DJ.

04 of 29

Four Weeks Out: Buy Attendant and Parent Gifts

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Christina Holmes

It's not a must, but giving your supporting cast a token of appreciation is always a good move.

05 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Nail Down Ceremony

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Discuss the details of the service with your officiant. Also, make sure the people doing the readings have a copy of the text so they can practice.

06 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Buy (or Make) Guest Book

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Jose Villa

Don't forget to pick up pens, too. (We love the color options from Marvy Uchida LePen.)

07 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Contact Outstanding RSVPs

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Elizabeth Messina Photography

Phone or email invitees who missed the deadline; you'll need this info to pass on to your caterer and to devise a seating chart for the reception.

08 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Apply for Marriage License

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BernardaSv/Getty

State laws differ, but typically a license is valid for at least 30 days; check usmarriagelaws.com to find the requirements for yours.

09 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Prepare a Day-of Shot List

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Aneta Mak

Be sure to ID who's who in your families and the wedding party so your photographer and videographer know whom to capture.

10 of 29

Three Weeks Out: Finalize Day-of Printed Pieces

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Q Weddings

Print ceremony programs, escort and place cards, menus, signature-drink signs, and the like (or commision someone else to do it).

11 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Create Seating Chart

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Pablo Béglez

Make life easier by managing seating assignments online; try allseated.com.

12 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Put Together Welcome Bags

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Jose Villa

Care packages for out-of-town guests can be simple or elaborate. Be sure to include a schedule of events.

13 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Make Favors

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Get them ready now unless you're giving edible wedding favors; those should wait until a day or two before the wedding.

14 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Attend Final Dress Fitting

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Trent Bailey Photography

Think of this as a dress rehearsal, and bring along your veil, accessories, shoes, and day-of undergarments.

15 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Break-In Shoes

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Practice wearing your kicks around the house for a few hours at a time.

16 of 29

Two Weeks Out: Get Hair Cut and Colored

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Leo Patrone Photography

Book this early enough that your hair can settle into its new shape, but not so early that roots have time to grow out.

17 of 29

One Week Out: Pick Up Your Dress

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Bryan Gardner

Keep it on a padded hanger in a breathable muslin garment bag.

18 of 29

One Week Out: Pick Up Wedding Bands

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Corbin Gurkin

And then promptly hand them off to your best man for safekeeping.

19 of 29

One Week Out: Get a Spray Tan

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Mei Tao

If you need some extra color, do this 48 hours before donning your dress to avoid stains. (We also suggest a test run a month ahead).

20 of 29

One Week Out: Confirm Day-of Timeline With Vendors

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And provide directions to any transportation you've booked.

21 of 29

One Week Out: Give Final Head Count to Caterer

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Caterers have their own guidelines, but most will need the exact number about three days out.

22 of 29

One Week Out: Drop Off Welcome Bags

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Kirsten Ellis

Leave them with the hotel's concierge. There may be a fee (around $7 per bag) to deliver them to guests' rooms; you might avoid the charge if desk clerks hand them out as guests check in.

23 of 29

One Week Out: Gather All Extras for Your Venue

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Give your coordinator any favors, place cards, cake servers, toasting glasses, and whatever else has been in your charge up to now.

24 of 29

The Day Before: Assign Someone to Collect Gifts/Cards

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Walter B. McKenzie

Designating a point person before your wedding means no present will be left behind.

25 of 29

The Day Before: Give Itineraries to Wedding Party

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Corbin Gurkin

This extra step is well worth it to ensure everyone is where they need to be at the right time.

26 of 29

The Day Before: Go for a Mani-Pedi

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Bryan Gardner

It's a smart idea to buy the polishes, too, for any last-minute fixes.

27 of 29

The Day Before: Pack a Wedding-Night Bag

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And ask a friend or attendant to make sure it gets to the right place.

28 of 29

The Day Before: Prepare Tips for Vendors

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Check contacts to see if gratuities are included; if not, place each tip in a marked envelope, and enlist your MOH or best man to deliver them.

29 of 29

The Day Before: Get Your Beauty Sleep

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A well-rested bride is a beautiful and happy bride.

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