Congratulations! All of your hard work is about to pay off. You’ve planned and prepared, and now your wedding week is here. Every bride needs a checklist to help her stay organized during the hectic week leading up to the wedding, and even more so with a destination wedding. Remaining organized will make keeping calm and relaxed much easier. Here are some points for your week-of-wedding checklist to help you get ready for your wedding day.
Your Week-of-Wedding Checklist
Pack for Your Gatlinburg Wedding and Honeymoon
You should start packing for your wedding and honeymoon at least two weeks before you leave, or sooner if you can. Write out a list of everything you’ll need to pack, and gradually gather the items instead of packing all at once. Packing this way will be less stressful and will give you plenty of opportunities to think of forgotten items. Keep your packing list with your week-of-wedding checklist so you can be sure all items and tasks are completed before you leave for the Smokies.
In the last few days before your wedding, round up any miscellaneous items you plan to bring. Review your wedding and honeymoon itinerary and double-check that you have all the necessary documents ready to go.
Try on Your Dress
If you haven’t already had a final fitting in your wedding dress, it must be done as soon as possible! Make sure you try on your dress with all accessories and shoes to make sure you have the look and fit you want for your wedding day. Ask the person or people that will be helping you get ready on your wedding day to accompany you to your final fitting. That way, they will know how to help you and how to bustle your dress at the reception.
Once you are happy with the results, pack your dress and accessories in a way that they will be safe and ready for traveling to the Smoky Mountains. Immediately upon arriving to Gatlinburg, unpack your dress and hang it securely until your wedding.
Obtain Your Marriage License
Marriage licenses are easy to obtain in Tennessee. To be married in the state of Tennessee, couples must have a Tennessee marriage license. Simply appear in person at any Tennessee County Clerk’s office or one of the Marriage License Centers in Sevier County.
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are all located in Sevier County. No appointment is necessary. For more license information click here.
Unlike most states, there is not a waiting period after receiving your marriage license. Tennessee marriage licenses are valid for thirty days. If you are not getting married in the Smoky Mountain area, make sure you know the marriage laws of the state you are getting married in.
Gather Wedding Day Essentials
If you’re getting ready somewhere other than where you are staying, like at a cabin, hotel or the venue itself, be sure to pack everything you will need for your wedding day in a separate bag. Of course you will pack the obvious items such as dress, shoes, and accessories. However, don’t forget about other items such as a small sewing kit in case of last minute repairs. Here is a Wedding Day Checklist that can help you and your groom remember everything you need.
Finalize Wedding Gifts
If you haven’t already done so, think about gifts for your wedding party, fiancé, parents and future in-laws. It’s customary to give gifts to your loved ones on the big day. If you are creating DIY wedding favors, make sure you enlist the help of your bridal party to help. Once you have everything finished, make sure they are carefully packed for transporting them to Gatlinburg with your other wedding day essentials.
Check in with Your Vendors
If your vendors haven’t already checked in with you, contact each of them to confirm they have everything they need from you. Double check the date, time, location, and other specifics. This is also the time to inform your vendors about any last-minute details or changes, such as the final guest count and your back-up plans for inclimate weather.
If you have hired a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, they should be handling the follow-ups with your vendors. Check in with them to make sure that everything is going smoothly and that everyone is ready for your wedding celebration. Your wedding planner or coordinator should also have a week-of-wedding checklist. Compare lists to make sure everything is taken care of.
Practice Your Vows
If you and your fiance will be exchanging personal vows and you still need to write them, do not delay. Your vows are one of the most important components of your wedding, and the words will be remembered forever. Once you are happy with what you have written, practice your vows and read them out loud to yourself. Read them to your maid of honor or someone else to get comfortable with them.
If you would like to memorize your vows, have them on a piece of paper in case the butterflies catch you off guard when it comes time for the ceremony. Plus, your written vows will be a keepsake from your wedding day.
Keep your beauty routine simple
The week before your wedding is not the time to try new beauty products or treatments. Stick to the basics to avoid any unwanted results. Treatments such as facials, teeth whitening, or lash extensions, should be completed before the week of your wedding because there is always the possibility of a bad reaction. Even spray tans have been known to cause issues.
Having a manicure or pedicure one to three days before your wedding is fine but other than that, stick to your usual routine.
Finalize Any Outstanding Details
Mentally walk through your entire wedding day and make sure everything has been taken care of. If you think of anything that hasn’t been finalized, make sure you take care of it or assign it to your event planner, friends, or family members. Delegating to a trusted individual will lighten your responsibilities. Follow up with your delegations so you can cross off these tasks from your week-of-wedding checklist.
Relax
Your big day is nearly here and it is natural to feel overwhelmed, so don’t forget to relax. You’ve been busy planning the wedding for months or longer, and have earned a well-deserved break. Take a deep breath and remember that everything will be fine. It is time to relax and let go of anything causing stress
When you are well-rested and relaxed, you will look and feel your best. Make sleep a priority, and be sure to eat right. Have major projects and assignments done at work prior to your wedding week. Don’t schedule anything unnecessary, and factor in extra time in case surprises come up. Being restful and relaxed during your wedding week will set the tone for your wedding day.
Week-of-Wedding Checklist is Complete – It’s Time to Travel to Gatlinburg!
By staying organized with your checklist, the week leading up to your Smoky Mountain wedding should be an enjoyable and productive one. Travel safe and arrive to Gatlinburg with both excitement and peace. Planning a destination wedding can be difficult, but the hard work is done and now you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Hopefully we will get to celebrate with you at your wedding reception! Please contact us to discuss your wedding reception entertainment needs.
Congratulations from Smokey Mountain Sounds!
Written by Ellen Crivellone of Smokey Mountain Sounds. We would love to DJ for your celebration! 1-865-712-1854
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