10 Days

It's official - the countdown has begun! There's only 10 days between now and my wedding and soooo much still to do! Hopefully it all gets done on time and everything goes okay. Even though the wedding's still a ways off, I've become addicted to checking out the weather to see what it will be like. Two days ago: rain and high of 60. Today: sunny and high of 78. Let's hope that forecast holds!

So here's my list of tasks from the Knot, and hopefully I'll be getting them done as we go.

1-2 WEEKS
September 13, 2009 through October 01, 2009

Make sure your maid of honor and best man are aware of what you expect of them -- providing a list of their duties will help. (pretty much done - need to make sure best man knows what he's doing)

Finalize menu and service details with caterer. (pretty much done - need to make sure all the timing details are set)

Consider specific ceremony and reception decoration needs like a huppah, aisle runner, etc. (don't think we're having any decorations for ceremony...)

Make or buy favors. Allow extra time for custom-made favors (i.e., chocolates in a preprinted box). (still working on finishing these)

Start taking better care of yourself (eat right, exercise) so you look and feel great on your wedding day. (didn't do this...)

Arrange for all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowner's, and life insurance. (this will probably wait until after honeymoon)

Order liquor, wine and/or champagne if they're not included in the catering contract. (still need to get some drinks, but most drinks are being provided by my parents and Seth's grandparents)

Brides: Decide on and purchase major accessories (veil and shoes) prior to final fittings. (have shoes but need something for hair still)

Brides: Attend final wedding-gown fitting. (don't think I'm having a final fitting - just need to pick up dress on Wednesday)

Brides: Buy gifts for your maid of honor and bridesmaids. Knot Hint: Check out our selection of gifts for girls. (have most of the gift received, waiting on one item)

Work on a list of "must-play" (and "must-not play") songs for your DJ or band. (URGENT - must finish this!!!!)

Discuss music with ceremony musicians and agree on final choices. (same as above!)

Make sure your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers your rings and gifts. (going to do this after wedding)

Wrap all gifts for the wedding party and write each attendant a nice note. (still waiting on one item...)

Have a follow-up meeting or phone call with the officiant to go over ceremony timing and details. (will do this if necessary after rehearsal)

Confirm wedding-night and honeymoon reservations. (still need to do this, will do it next week)

Do paperwork for official documents if you are changing your name. (after wedding item)

Get a head start on those thank-you notes (it will feel great to get a batch out before the wedding). (haven't received any gifts yet)

Work out wedding day timing and details (who will get the bride there, where the wedding party will dress, etc) and draw up a schedule. (have a schedule but still need to discuss items with people at rehearsal dinner first)

Brides: Get final prewedding haircut, if necessary. (need to schedule this soon)

Brides: Make sure you have your garter and "something old, new, borrowed, and blue" if you want to include these customs in your wedding. (don't think I'm doing this)

Call or email wedding party to relay critical info related to rehearsal and wedding (dates, times, directions, duties). (still need to do this - all set for rehearsal dinner but need to do for wedding)

Finalize any special preferences, readings, or other ceremony details (in writing) with your officiant. (pretty much finalized - will know for sure after rehearsal)

Brides: Pick up your gown. (Wednesday, Sept. 30th)

Give final head count to the caterer. Confirm set-up instructions and menu items. (don't think this is essential)

Plan a party or go out for cocktails to thank your attendants for all their help. (probably won't be doing this)

Confirm head count, delivery time, and location with the cakemaker. (still need to check on this)

Call guests who haven't RSVP'd for the wedding and rehearsal dinner. It’s okay to do this, you need a final head count! (didn't ask people to RSVP, not concerned)

Determine any wedding day assignments for members of the wedding party, and make lists/info sheets as needed. (probably need to do this...)

Brides: Pick up the veil and/or headpiece. (need to make a headpiece I think...)

Finalize seating chart. Buy materials for and make place cards (give typed names to the calligrapher if you're using one). (need to do this!!!)

Prepare your toasts or thanks to friends and family. (Grooms: Need a hand?) (probably not doing formal toasts...)

Plan any additional night-before activities with friends and/or attendants. (like I'll have time to do any night-before activities...)

Fax transportation providers a schedule and addresses for pickups on wedding day. (don't think I need to do this)

Grooms: Get your final haircut. (verdict's still out on whether he needs one or not)

Touch base with your officiant and give him/her rehearsal details and wedding day schedule. (will do this after rehearsal dinner)

Grooms: Pick up your tux and try it on. (Don't wait until the day of to do this!) (picked up the suit but need him to try it on still)

Confirm delivery locations, times, and final arrangement count with florist. (just need to confirm delivery time)

Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors. (probably need to do this...)

Shop and pack for honeymoon. (will need to pack...)

Distribute wedding-day directions, schedule, and contact list to all parents, attendants, and vendors. (need to do this still)

Designate who will meet, greet, and handle each vendor on the wedding day. (probably my Mom gets to do this fun part)

Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts (and any cash) brought to the party. (need to designate... probably Mom)

Brides: Get a manicure and pedicure and confirm big-day beauty appointments. (need to schedule this, planning on the Thursday before)

Leave a copy of your honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency. (need to do this once everything's finalized)

Put final payments and cash tips in marked envelopes and give to a designated family or friend to distribute on the wedding day. (still need to do this...)

Confirm date, location, time, and playlist with band/DJ and/or ceremony or cocktail hour musicians. (still need to finish playlist)

DAY BEFORE
October 02, 2009

	Confirm all specific honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to airport, etc.).
	Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party.
	Brides: Pull together wedding gown, veil, shoes, stockings, and a last-minute emergency kit (aspirin, makeup, safety pins, mints, etc.).
	Get some much-needed sleep -- if you can!
	If your wedding is in the a.m., set your alarm and arrange for a backup.
	Have fun and relax at your rehearsal dinner.
	Drop off guest book and pen at the reception site.