Week Before Wedding Checklist | Nashville Wedding Planning Guide
Your Week-Before-Wedding Checklist: What to Actually Do (From a Nashville Photographer Who's Seen It All)
The week before your wedding is weird. You've been planning for months (maybe a year+), and suddenly it's actually happening. I've photographed 400+ weddings since 2017, and I can always tell which couples spent their final week organized and calm versus which ones were scrambling until the last second.
This isn't a "confirm your vendors" generic checklist you'll find everywhere else. This is the real stuff couples forget, the details that matter on the day, and the things I wish every bride and groom knew to handle in their final week.
Let's get you to your wedding day prepared, organized, and actually able to enjoy it.
7 Days Before: The Big Picture Stuff
Confirm Every Single Vendor
Call or email each vendor to confirm:
Photographer: Arrival time, timeline, family photo list, special requests
Videographer: Same as above
Venue: Final guest count, timeline, setup details, any last changes
Catering: Final headcount, dietary restrictions, delivery time
Florist: Delivery time, setup location, who receives delivery
DJ/Band: Arrival time, music requests, do-not-play list, ceremony song cues
Hair/Makeup: Start time, location, who's getting services, arrival order
Planner: Final walk-through, timeline review, emergency contact
Officiant: Ceremony time, pronunciation of names, any ceremony changes
Baker: Delivery time, setup location, cake cutting timeline
Transportation: Pick-up times and locations for all vehicles
Rental company: Delivery and pick-up times, who receives items
Why This Matters: I've been at weddings where the florist showed up 2 hours late because no one confirmed. Where the DJ brought the wrong music file. Where transportation never showed up. A 5-minute confirmation call prevents disasters.
Finalize Your Timeline
Your timeline should be down to 15-minute increments:
12:00pm - Bride hair starts
2:30pm - Photographer arrives
3:00pm - Bride gets into dress
3:30pm - First look
4:00pm - Family photos
4:30pm - Wedding party photos
5:00pm - Ceremony starts
Etc.
Share this timeline with:
All vendors
Wedding party
Parents
Anyone with a role in the day
If your timeline falls apart day-of: What to do when your wedding timeline falls apart
Create Your Detail Box
Gather everything you'll want photographed:
Invitations (ceremony + reception cards)
Wedding rings (both!)
Bride's jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
Perfume bottle
Bride's shoes
Groom's accessories (cufflinks, watch, tie, pocket square)
Vow books (if using)
Any heirloom items
Marriage license (don't forget this!)
Put it all in one box or bag. Hand it to your photographer when they arrive. This saves 20 minutes of hunting for items during getting-ready time.
Break In Your Shoes
Wear your wedding shoes around the house. Seriously. For at least 30 minutes a day this week.
Blisters on your wedding day are miserable. I've seen brides in tears because their feet hurt so badly they couldn't dance. Break them in NOW.
Pro tip: If they're still uncomfortable, bring backup flats or sneakers for reception dancing. Your feet will thank you at hour 6.
6 Days Before: The Detail Work
Pack Your Emergency Kit
For the Bride:
Safety pins (at least 10)
Fashion tape
Stain remover pen
Bobby pins (20+)
Clear hair elastics
Deodorant
Blotting papers
Lipstick for touch-ups
Tissues
Band-aids
Pain reliever (ibuprofen)
Tums/antacids
Tampons/pads (even if you don't expect your period)
Breath mints
Small sewing kit
Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
Mini hairspray
Phone charger
Healthy snacks (granola bars, nuts)
Water bottle
For the Groom:
Stain remover pen
Safety pins
Deodorant
Comb
Breath mints
Pain reliever
Phone charger
Snacks
Assign someone (MOH, wedding planner, mom) to bring this kit on the wedding day. You WILL need something from it.
Prepare Your Vendor Tip Envelopes
Put cash tips in labeled envelopes now:
Photographer/Videographer: 15-20% or $100-200 each
Hair stylist: 15-20% per person
Makeup artist: 15-20% per person
DJ/Band: $50-100 per person
Caterers/Servers: Usually included, but $20-50 for exceptional service
Delivery drivers: $20 each
Officiant: $50-100
Venue coordinator: $50-100
Assign someone responsible (best man, MOH, parent, planner) to distribute these at the end of the night.
I see this forgotten constantly. Vendors appreciate tips, and you don't want to be searching for ATMs on your wedding day.
Make Your Photo Priority List
Give your photographer a WRITTEN list of:
Must-Have Family Combinations:
Bride with parents
Bride with mom only
Bride with dad only
Bride with siblings
Bride with grandparents
Groom with parents
Groom with mom only
Groom with dad only
Groom with siblings
Groom with grandparents
Both sets of parents together
Whole families together
Special Requests:
Deceased parent tribute shots
Special details you want captured
Specific locations for portraits
Any surprises happening
Do-Not-Include List:
Estranged family members
Divorced parents who refuse to be together
Anyone to specifically avoid
This prevents awkward moments and ensures we get the photos that matter to you.
Confirm the Weather (If Outdoor Elements)
Check the 7-day forecast. If rain is predicted:
Confirm backup plan with venue
Decide on rain call deadline (usually 10am day-of)
Make sure all vendors know backup location
Have someone designated to make the rain call
More on weather planning: Nashville wedding rain backup plans
5 Days Before: Logistics and Delegation
Assign Day-Of Responsibilities
Don't try to do everything yourself on your wedding day. Delegate:
Best Man Responsibilities:
Hold the rings
Manage groom's emergency kit
Coordinate groomsmen arrivals
Distribute vendor tips (if not planner's job)
Ensure groom eats and drinks water
Handle groom's phone (keep it off him)
Maid/Matron of Honor Responsibilities:
Hold bride's bouquet during ceremony
Manage bridal emergency kit
Fluff dress/veil for photos
Hold bride's phone (keep it off her)
Ensure bride eats and drinks water
Bustle dress after ceremony
Coordinate bridesmaids
Trusted Family Member/Friend:
Bring detail box to photographer
Coordinate family for photos
Manage gift table
Collect personal items at end of night
Load gifts/items into car
Someone Else:
Be designated "question answerer" for guests
Manage guest book table
Light unity candles (if using)
Write this down. Give each person their list. They can't help if they don't know what you need.
Pack Your Getting-Ready Outfits
You'll need something to wear BEFORE your dress/suit:
Bride:
Button-up shirt or robe (not pullover - can't mess up hair/makeup)
Strapless bra or wedding day undergarments
Comfortable shoes for getting ready
Regular clothes for end of night (you're not wearing your dress home)
Groom:
Undershirt
Dress socks
Comfortable clothes for getting ready
Regular clothes for end of night
Prepare Your Vows (If Writing Your Own)
If writing personal vows:
Finish them NOW (not the night before)
Write or print them in a vow book or nice card
Make a backup copy
Practice reading them out loud
Time yourself (keep under 2-3 minutes)
Give a copy to your officiant
I've seen so many grooms finish vows at 2am the night before. Don't do that to yourself.
4 Days Before: Final Vendor Details
Send Final Payments
Most vendors require final payment 3-7 days before:
Check your contracts for deadlines
Send final payments NOW
Get receipts/confirmations
Note what's paid vs. day-of balance
Don't: Wait until the wedding day to figure out who's paid.
Confirm Transportation Details
Exact times and locations for:
Who's riding in what vehicle
Pick-up times
Drop-off locations
Return trips
Guest shuttle schedules (if applicable)
Review Shot Lists One More Time
Go through your photo list:
Add anyone you forgot
Remove anyone who can't attend
Note any family sensitivities
Confirm special moment requests
3 Days Before: Personal Prep
Get Your Nails Done
Timing matters:
Manicure: 2-3 days before is ideal
Pedicure: 3-4 days before
Not the day before (you need sleep, not nail appointments)
Nail tips:
Bring inspiration photos
Keep length manageable (you're wearing rings)
Test that length doesn't snag on dress
Light colors photograph better than dark
Final Dress/Suit Try-On
Try on your complete outfit one last time:
Full dress with undergarments and shoes
Complete suit with shoes and accessories
Make sure alterations fit
Walk around, sit down, move
Ensure nothing pinches or gapes
If something's wrong: You have 3 days to fix it. After this, it's too late.
Prep Your Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
Don't forget you need an outfit for:
Rehearsal
Rehearsal dinner
These should be comfortable but nice
Coordinate with your wedding party if desired
2 Days Before: Final Prep and Rest
Rehearsal Day
What to bring to rehearsal:
Ceremony music (for sound check)
Printed timeline for wedding party
Any ceremony props
Marriage license (officiant may want to review)
Phone numbers for all wedding party members
What happens at rehearsal:
Walk through processional order
Practice ceremony blocking
Confirm who stands where
Timing for music cues
Explain any special elements
Q&A for wedding party
Keep it short: 30-45 minutes max. Everyone's tired.
Rehearsal Dinner
Things to remember:
Welcome out-of-town guests
Thank parents and wedding party
Give gifts to wedding party (if doing)
Discuss next day timeline
Confirm everyone knows their roles
Hand out emergency contact sheet
Get to bed at a reasonable hour. You need sleep more than you need to party.
Charge Everything
Put all these devices on chargers:
Your phone
Partner's phone
Camera (if taking behind-scenes photos)
Any other devices you're bringing
1 Day Before: Final 24 Hours
Do NOT:
Get a drastic haircut
Try a new skincare product
Drink excessively at rehearsal dinner
Stay up until 3am
Eat questionable food
Get into family drama
Make any major decisions
DO:
Hydrate (seriously, drink water all day)
Eat real meals
Get manicure/pedicure if you haven't
Lay out everything you need for tomorrow
Confirm wake-up time with wedding party
Set multiple alarms
Go to bed at a decent hour
Take a moment to breathe
Pack Your Wedding Day Bags
Bride's Bag:
Dress (on hanger, in garment bag)
Shoes
Undergarments and shapewear
Jewelry
Perfume
Veil/hair accessories
Detail box
Emergency kit
Getting ready outfit
Phone charger
Snacks and water
Any sentimental items
Lipstick for touch-ups
Blotting papers
Groom's Bag:
Suit (on hanger)
Shoes (polished)
Belt
Socks
Undershirt
Cufflinks, tie, pocket square
Watch
Cologne
Phone charger
Emergency kit
Snacks and water
Don't forget:
Marriage license (CRITICAL)
Rings (assign to best man/MOH)
Vows (if using)
Vendor tip envelopes
Ceremony readings
Double-Check Your Vendor Timeline
One final review:
Everyone has the timeline
Everyone confirmed
No conflicts or gaps
Meals arranged for vendors
Load-in/load-out times clear
Prep for Tomorrow Morning
Set out:
Breakfast foods (you MUST eat)
Coffee or tea
Water bottles
Comfortable clothes for morning
All bags packed and ready
Set 3 alarms. Not just one. Three.
Wedding Morning: Day-Of Essentials
Eat Breakfast (Non-Negotiable)
Why this matters: I've photographed weddings where the bride passed out during ceremony because she didn't eat. Where the groom got shaky and nauseous. Where people couldn't enjoy their day because they were starving.
Eat something substantial:
Protein (eggs, yogurt, nuts)
Complex carbs (oatmeal, whole grain toast)
Fruit
Hydration
Avoid:
Only coffee
Super heavy/greasy food
Anything that gives you heartburn
Excessive caffeine
Drink Water All Day
Real talk: You'll be talking, hugging, crying, dancing, and moving for 8+ hours. Dehydration = headaches, fatigue, and feeling terrible.
Keep a water bottle with you during:
Getting ready
Between photos
Throughout reception
Always
When Your Photographer Arrives
Have ready:
Detail box
Timeline printed
Family photo list
Any special requests written down
This saves 15 minutes of explaining when we could be shooting.
Stay Off Your Phone
Assign someone to:
Check vendor texts
Answer guest questions
Handle any issues
Post updates (if desired)
You should NOT be:
Texting vendors
Answering questions
Managing problems
On social media
You hired vendors and a coordinator for a reason. Let them work.
What I Wish Every Couple Did the Week Before
After 400+ weddings, these are the things that make the biggest difference:
1. Actually Delegate
Don't be the bride texting vendors during hair and makeup. Don't be the groom coordinating timeline changes while getting dressed. Have people assigned to handle things.
2. Build in Buffer Time
If you think hair takes 2 hours, schedule 2.5 hours. Things always run a little long. Buffer time keeps you from panicking.
3. Eat Real Meals
The couples who feel best on their wedding day are the ones who ate breakfast, had snacks during getting ready, and actually ate their dinner. Don't skip meals.
4. Make the Family Photo List Crystal Clear
Write it down. Give it to your photographer. Include names. Note who should NOT be together. This prevents chaos.
5. Let Go of Perfection
Something will go slightly wrong. A timeline will shift. Weather might not cooperate. Someone might forget something minor.
The couples who have the best weddings are the ones who roll with it instead of melting down.
Things That Don't Actually Matter
Let me save you some stress about things that WON'T ruin your wedding:
Don't stress about:
Minor timeline shifts
Small decor imperfections
One guest who can't make it
Slightly messy weather
Forgetting one tiny detail
Not everything being Pinterest-perfect
These things DON'T show up in photos or memories:
Whether napkins were perfectly folded
If programs had a typo
If centerpieces were 2 inches off-center
Whether everything matched perfectly
What DOES matter:
You're marrying someone you love
Your people are there celebrating with you
Everyone's safe and comfortable
You actually enjoy the day
Keep perspective.
The Night Before: Final Thoughts
The night before your wedding, take 10 minutes to:
Sit down with your partner and remember why you're doing this. You're getting married because you love each other. Everything else is just party planning.
Thank the people who helped - your parents, wedding party, friends who stepped up. They've invested time and energy into your day.
Breathe - You've done the work. Everything's planned. Tomorrow, you just show up and enjoy it.
Get real sleep - Not "I'll sleep when I'm dead" sleep deprivation. Actual rest. You want to remember your wedding day, not zombie through it.
Emergency Contact Sheet (Print This)
Create a sheet with:
Venue: Name, address, main contact, phone
Planner: Name, cell phone
Photographer: Name, cell phone
Videographer: Name, cell phone
Caterer: Name, cell phone
Florist: Name, cell phone
DJ/Band: Name, cell phone
Hair/Makeup: Name, cell phone
Transportation: Company, phone
Officiant: Name, cell phone
Give copies to:
Best man
Maid of honor
Both sets of parents
Wedding planner
Final Checklist: Don't Forget These
☐ Marriage license (in someone's car, not lost at home)
☐ Rings (assigned to best man/MOH)
☐ Vendor payments/tips in envelopes
☐ Detail box for photographer
☐ Emergency kits packed
☐ Phone chargers
☐ Timeline printed and distributed
☐ Family photo list to photographer
☐ Vows (if personal)
☐ Food and water for wedding day
☐ Comfortable shoes for reception
☐ Clothes for end of night
☐ All bags packed and ready
☐ Alarms set for wedding morning
☐ Vendor confirmations complete
☐ Guest count finalized with venue/caterer
You've Got This
I've photographed first-time brides who were more organized than event planners, and I've photographed couples who forgot their marriage license and had to postpone the signing.
The difference wasn't personality or experience—it was preparation in that final week.
Use this checklist. Delegate responsibilities. Build in buffer time. Take care of yourself. And remember: the wedding is one day, but the marriage is forever.
You've planned for months. This final week is about crossing t's, dotting i's, and then showing up to actually enjoy what you've created.
More Nashville Wedding Planning Resources
One week away from your Nashville wedding? We've photographed 400+ weddings and know exactly what makes the final week smooth versus stressful. Let's make sure your day goes perfectly.
About Heck Designs and Photography
We're Nashville wedding photographers who have documented 400+ weddings across Middle Tennessee since 2017. We've seen couples who were perfectly prepared and couples who were scrambling. This checklist is everything we wish every couple knew to do in their final week.