The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding: FINAL Pieces to Confirm 1 Month Before Your Big Day

In terms of wedding planning, 30 days out is a huge milestone. This is the date that, usually, your final guest count, menu selection(s), timeline, and other fine details are due to your venue and caterer. With this in mind, this is a massive date on your calendar when it comes to planning, and one that you must ensure that you adhere to in order to stay on track. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything that you will need to finalize approximately one month before you walk down the aisle.

Finalize Your Guest List

By now, all of your RSVPs should have come in, and you’ll have a concrete idea on who is attending your wedding. Review this list, and make any final adjustments prior to 30 days before your wedding date. Having an accurate headcount will help with finalizing seating arrangements and catering.

Confirm Wedding Day Timeline & Final Vendor Services

Draft your final, detailed, timeline for the wedding day, including the ceremony, reception, and any special events. Share this timeline with your wedding coordinator, bridal party, vendors, and key family members to ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. With this information, you can also reconfirm all necessary information with your vendors, such as their arrival times, and any special requests. This will include your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, musicians/DJ, and transportation. With a concrete and finalized timeline, it will ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows the order of events.

Finalize Menu Selection

With your RSVPs, ensure to communicate all final menu selections to your caterer, along with any food aversions/allergies.

Finalize Seating Arrangements

Create a seating chart that accommodates your guests comfortably. Be sure to consider relationships, dynamics, and any special accommodations needed. Share the seating chart with your venue and caterer to ensure smooth service.

Arrange for Marriage License

If you haven’t done so yet, make sure you have obtained your marriage license and know the requirements and timeline for submission. Keep it in a safe place and bring it to the wedding for signing.

Confirm Travel & Accommodation

Double-check travel arrangements and accommodation for out-of-town guests, if providing. Make sure that they have all necessary information, including directions and check-in times. Additionally, ensure that your own transportation is arranged - including from the ceremony to reception if they are at different venues, as well as at the end of the night.

Finalize Your Rehearsal Dinner

Finalize any details surrounding your rehearsal dinner. Ensure that menu selection has gone forward to the venue/caterer.

Organize Wedding Favours & Gifts

Prepare and package any wedding favours and gifts for guests, bridal party, and family members. Ensure they are ready to be shared on your wedding day, and that you have a plan on how they will be distributed.

Write Your Vows & Speeches

Take the time to write and practice your vows and any speeches. In addition, if you haven’t done so yet, ensure you know who has requested to make a speech during the reception. If there is anyone in particular who you hope to speak, make sure to put forward your request now so they have time to prepare.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Put together an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, a sewing kit, band-aids, pain relievers, snacks, dry shampoo, bobby-pins, and anything else that you might need on your wedding day. It’s always better to be prepared for any unexpected hiccups.

With this final checklist in hand, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and joyous wedding day. Stay organized, communicate with your team, and most importantly, enjoy your journey to your happily ever after.

Meg