An African proverb says “it takes a village to raise a child,” and this quote holds true for a wedding. You can’t plan your wedding, or any major event for that matter, without the mentorship, guidance, community support, patience and bridging of those you love and who love you. Know that the final weeks before the wedding you may need to call on the helps of others, and don’t be afraid to do so.

The final wedding weeks can be exceptionally busy, because the RSVP lists, table assignments, programs, and other pertinent items are being finalized and produced.  As a result, it makes for a busy last month and lots of things to check off your checklist.  Make sure to budget extra time the month before your big day, and here is a list of items for which we had to set aside time:

• Finalizing RSVP and hotel information (including making sure our guests are set and utilizing the discounted hotel rates)
• Printing and assembling programs for the ceremony, reception, and for our particular case, a description of our traditional Korean wedding ceremony
• Organizing the seating charts for the different events
• Printing table tents and escort cards
• Printing and gathering information for welcome packets (welcome letters, schedules, local maps and brochures)
• Ordering and/or making the guest books
• Purchasing wedding gifts for the wedding party and key people
• Finalizing the dress and tux tailoring and cleaning
• Confirming all appointments
• Sending final RSVP numbers
• Meeting with key individuals (event planners, vendors etc.)
• Finalizing all outfits for the various events you have planned
• Making sure your wedding party and/or events coordinator knows the wedding festivities plans
• Setting up the makeup and/or hair trial appointment
• Packing for the honeymoon

This is a big list, but it’s certainly manageable if you plan. Working ahead and having a draft of all your printable documents helps the final details come together quickly.  If you’re a newly engaged couple looking at this list, don’t be scared.  Just know that you’ll have to appropriately plan so you and everyone can have more fun enjoying the wedding festivities.

Something also to think about is that you should work from the assumption that details and elements will change—either as a matter of your selections or something that your guests may need.  Be flexible in your planning, and while you can get many items ready in advance, some items simply take time to complete.

At the end of the day, our goal was to spend adequate time putting together all the final elements so that we would enjoy ourselves completely—and not have to worry about planning while partying!