In the first part of this 3-part article you learned what needs to be accomplished during the 6-12 months prior to your wedding day. Now let’s take a look at what’s going to keep you busy as the big day draws closer.
4-3 weeks before your big day
If possible, your wedding dress should be ready for you during this time. Because you have to pack it, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. In fact, you may want to ask the dress shop for suggestions on how to protect your dress and/or your bridal party’s dresses during the flight.
One suggestion is to buy a good quality hard sided but soft suit carrier (or a soft one and put some hard cardboard around the edges), and also a couple of thick white towels but not the ones with loops, they need to be flat. Then put a layer of towel, then start the dress layer, then alternate towel, dress, towel etc. The friction of the towel stops it moving too much and protects it as well without too much bulk!
The suits can be picked up closer to the day of departure but, again, don’t wait until the last minute.
You should also arrange transportation to the airport for you and possibly your wedding party (if they are taking the same flight as you). Make sure your transportation is large enough to hold everyone’s luggage. This can also be booked with your wedding specialist.
Work closely with your wedding planner to make sure all of the plans on his or her end are finalised.
During this time, you’ll also be picking up your fitted wedding rings and buying necessities for your trip. This may seem a bit overwhelming at times because you are packing not just for a wedding but also for a holiday. Consider creating a checklist of all the items you need to pack so you don’t forget anything.
You should also contact your guests again to confirm any last minute changes and to check their travel arrangements. Use this information to start putting together the wedding favours, to finalise the menus (if you are having food provided), and to ensure adequate seating will be available for your guests at the ceremony location.
1-2 weeks before your big day
Confirm everything! Now is a good time to double check all of the reservations, appointments, and bookings. Otherwise, you’ll need to continue packing.
You should also have some currency converted so you’ll have cash to use while at the destination. Be sure to ask your wedding planner how you’ll need to pay the vendors for their services if they are not already pre-paid – not everyone may be willing to accept a credit card.
Be sure to pack all of your legal paperwork. If possible, make copies of everything and keep one set in your luggage and one set with you in a carry-on bag or your handbag. This way if your luggage gets lost you can still have the ceremony performed. On the other hand, handbags and carry-on bags can also be lost or stolen so the back-up copies protect you either way.
As the last week before the big day arrives you’ll want to pick up the suits and any other wedding accessories needed.
Before leaving for the airport
Double check that you’ve packed everything, especially your documentation. Try to get some sleep the night before you leave for your destination since you’ll probably be too excited to sleep on the plane and too busy to take a nap after you arrive.
Upon arrival at the destination
Hopefully, you’ll have transportation waiting for you so that won’t be a problem. Make your way to your accommodation, check in, and meet with your wedding planner face to face for the first time. Go over last minute details, meet with the vendors, visit the actual ceremony location, and make sure everything is perfect for enjoying an evening with your guests in paradise.
Then all that’s left is to enjoy your perfect destination wedding. Contact us to learn more!