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What to do 1 month before the wedding

The last month is about locking things in. Apply for the marriage license, give vendors a final headcount, and write the day-of timeline everyone will work from. Then the small things that save the day: shoes that don't hurt and a kit for when something tears.

Date these from your weddingPlan it in a free account

The 11 tasks for 1 month before

  1. Apply for marriage license

    Apply in time for any waiting period, but not so early that it expires before the day.

  2. Finalize guest count

    Chase the last replies and settle the final number.

  3. Send headcount to vendors

    Give the caterer, venue and rentals the final count and dietary needs.

  4. Create day-of timeline

    Write the day out hour by hour, from hair and makeup to the last dance.

  5. Share timeline with vendors

    Send it to every vendor and the wedding party so everyone works from the same plan.

  6. Confirm transportation schedule

    Give the drivers every pickup time and address.

  7. Final dress fitting

    The last fitting; bring the shoes and underthings you'll wear.

  8. Break in wedding shoes

    Wear them around the house so they don't hurt on the day.

  9. Prepare emergency kit

    Pack a kit with a sewing kit, stain remover, pain relief and the like.

  10. Confirm honeymoon details

    Check bookings, documents and how you're getting to the airport.

  11. Assign gift/card collector

    Ask someone to look after the cards and gifts at the reception.

These are the tasks in the “1 month before” group of the free wedding checklist. Put in your wedding date there and each one gets its own due date, with anything already late marked overdue.

What should already be done

This stage leans on these. If one is still open, do it first.

And the rest of the earlier groups: 12+ months before, 10-11 months before, 8-9 months before, 6-7 months before, 4-5 months before, 3 months before, 2 months before. Anything left over can still be caught up.

Questions

What should I do 1 month before the wedding?
The checklist has 11 tasks for this stage: apply for marriage license, finalize guest count, send headcount to vendors, create day-of timeline, share timeline with vendors, confirm transportation schedule, final dress fitting, break in wedding shoes, prepare emergency kit, confirm honeymoon details and assign gift/card collector.
What should already be done by the last month?
The tasks this stage depends on: shop wedding attire, plan honeymoon travel, book wedding transportation, schedule second dress fitting, track RSVPs, finalize ceremony & reception schedules and gather necessary documents. Anything else left from earlier groups can still be caught up.
When should we apply for the marriage license?
Around a month before, but check your local rules first: some licenses have a waiting period, and many expire after 30 to 90 days, so applying too early can mean applying twice. In Ontario a licence is valid for 3 months.