Other posts in this wedding planning series:
What to do when you get engaged
What to do 6-9 months before your wedding
What to do 4-5 months before your wedding
What to do 2-3 months before your wedding
What to do 1-2 months before your wedding
Make it legal.
Get your marriage license, typically no more than 30 days before your wedding date. Check your local county’s rules, but here is how to get a marriage license in Wayne County, Michigan. Research what you will need to do to change your name, if that is what you’ve chosen to do.
Make them shine.
Send your engagement & wedding rings off to be cleaned, if you haven’t already. Consider getting lifetime repair & cleaning services through your jeweler! It has been WELL worth it for my us.
Stationery.
These are not mandatory, but if you like paper goods like I do, consider designing rehearsal invitations, wedding programs, menus, escort cards, table numbers, signs, etc. The sky is the limit here!
Finalize & confirm.
Much of what you’ll be doing at this point is finalizing & confirming details with the wedding professionals you’ve chosen. You will want to solidify your hair & makeup plan, song list, photo list, etc. If you have a wedding planner, you should have had a final details meeting to make your final wedding day decisions.
Manage RSVPs.
Follow up with any of your guests that have not RSVP’d yet. Ask if your wedding planner offers this service if you are uncomfortable making those calls yourself. Once your guest list is confirmed, give a final count to all your wedding pros.
Pack up.
Start gathering all your wedding materials in one space in your home. Pack up the items and label each box with the contents and what it will be used for (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, etc.). Do anything you can that will save time the day of your wedding. Examples: Alphabetize your escort cards, tie ribbons on menus, take the packaging off of candles, etc. Whoever is decorating your venue will thank you for every second you save them!
You’re almost there!! Yay! This is NOT a comprehensive to-do list. Please consult your wedding planner or to-do list to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Check back for more wedding planning tips. If you’re in the Detroit or Ann Arbor areas, contact me for help!
I realized wedding planning was my passion when, after working a 12-hour wedding day, I came home and was so energized that I couldn’t go to sleep. I had just worked an entire day, on my feet, and was ready to plan the next event instead of heading to bed! In former careers, an 8-hour shift would leave me exhausted. This new-found energy around my work was very welcomed! Now I plan weddings all around the Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor areas.