The Ultimate 30-Day Wedding Countdown

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."

Four Weeks Out: Send Rehearsal-Dinner Invites

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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). 

And provide directions to any transportation you've booked.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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