The Final Countdown: What to Do the Week Before Your Wedding

Gigi Wain
Sep 3
3 min read

The week before your wedding is a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement. Nerves. Joy. Maybe even a little stress. After months or even years of planning, the big day is almost here. It can feel like there is still so much to do and not enough time to do it. But this final stretch does not have to be chaotic.

Whether you are the bride, the groom, or both, this week is about tying up loose ends, grounding yourself, and creating space to be fully present. This is not just about checklists. It is about finding balance between preparation and celebration.

Here is how you can make the most of the final week before your wedding.

Confirm the Details

Even if everything is already planned and booked, this is the time to confirm it all one last time. That includes your vendors, your timeline, your transportation, your ceremony details, and anything that involves other people showing up and doing something important. Reach out to your planner, coordinator, or point of contact to make sure everyone is on the same page. It is much easier to fix a detail now than to scramble on the day of the wedding.

Check in With Each Other

With all the moving parts, it can be easy to forget that the wedding is not just an event. It is the beginning of your marriage. Set aside some time to check in with each other without talking about seating charts or rehearsal dinners. Go out for coffee, take a walk, or just sit together in the quiet. Remind yourselves why you are doing all this in the first place. Those moments of connection can help ground you when things feel overwhelming.

Pack Smart

If you are staying in a hotel or heading straight to your honeymoon, start packing early. Do not wait until the night before. Make a list of everything you will need, including outfits, accessories, marriage license, travel documents, and anything personal you want to have with you. Bring a separate wedding day bag with essentials like touch-up makeup, breath mints, comfortable shoes, phone chargers, and anything else you might need close by.

Practice Your Vows and Speeches

Even if you plan to speak from the heart, it helps to rehearse. Whether you have written personal vows or plan to give a short toast, say the words out loud a few times. Get used to how they feel. It can help settle your nerves and give you a boost of confidence. You do not need to memorize everything, but familiarity will make the moment feel more natural and meaningful.

Take Care of Your Body

This is not the week to start a new diet or extreme fitness routine. Focus on rest, hydration, and nourishment. You want to feel your best, not burned out or run down. Try to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and drink plenty of water. If you have any last beauty appointments, like haircuts, facials, or nail treatments, make sure they are scheduled a few days before the wedding to allow for any adjustments or unexpected reactions.

Let Go of Perfection

This might be the hardest part. By now, everything is in motion. It is natural to want every detail to be flawless, but perfection is not the point. The most beautiful weddings are the ones where people are relaxed, connected, and present. If something small goes wrong, let it go. Focus on the love in the room, the people who showed up for you, and the promise you are making.

Celebrate the Journey

Finally, allow yourself to enjoy this time. Celebrate the journey you have taken to get here. Whether it has been smooth or full of twists and turns, you have arrived at the edge of something incredible. Spend time with your closest friends and family. Take deep breaths. Laugh a lot. Dance when no one is watching. Be proud of what you have created together.

The week before your wedding is not just the final countdown. It is part of the story. It is the moment you begin to shift from planning to experiencing. From organizing to feeling. From anticipation to presence.

So breathe deeply. You are ready.