The week before your wedding

Try on your outfit

Make sure you try your whole outfit on, including accessories like cufflinks and your watch, to help you determine whether any modifications are required. Ensure that these accessories, and your ring, are spotless, and fit perfectly. In the week before the wedding, it’s also essential that you wear your wedding shoes for at least 30 minutes a day around the house, allowing you to break them in so that they’re more comfortable on the day. However, to prevent them from getting dirty, we would advise you not to wear your wedding shoes outside.

Tidy up your look

If you’re going to sport the same hairstyle as usual, get a trim a few days before the wedding. However, if you’re switching things up, we’d recommend doing so about a week in advance, giving you enough time to get used to your new do, and allowing you to make any adjustments. Even if you wear your hair long, it’s still recommended that you get it spruced up. You should also think about how you want your facial hair to look. If you’re looking to grow out a beard, start roughly 10 days before the ceremony, to give it enough time to come through. For those with beards already, keep it conditioned and trimmed in the run-up. If you’re clean-shaven, buy the best quality razor and shaving cream to avoid having irritated skin on the big day.

Practice your vows and speeches

Don’t forget to practice saying your vows out loud, regardless of whether they’re traditional or your own, as this will boost your confidence on the day. The same applies to your groom’s speech for the reception— don’t leave either until the last minute, as this will only add to the overall stress. It’s also essential that you organise an allocated time to actually give your speech on the day, as this lets you know how long you have to speak.

Confirm everything with your vendors

You’ll probably be dealing with quite a few suppliers and vendors for your wedding, from photographers and caterers, to the venue and florists. Don’t forget to confirm all the details with them in the week running up to the wedding so that you know who you have and haven’t paid. This helps to prevent any vendor-related hiccups on the day.

Finalise the seating plan

By this point, you should have received the majority of your guests’ RSVPs, enabling you to finalise the seating plan. Send this on to those who may need it, like your photographer, florist or best man, and chase up any invitees who haven’t responded.

Organise your bride’s wedding day gift

It’s traditional for grooms to buy their brides a gift to open on the morning of the wedding, so do this now if you haven’t already. From organising a surprise breakfast in bed to stashing a hamper in their room, it doesn’t need to be anything lavish — as long as the present is heartfelt it’s sure to be a winner. Alternatively, many men write their bride-to-be a love letter for the big day, so if this sounds like something you’d like to do, be sure to pen it in advance.

Pack for your honeymoon

If you’re going away shortly after your wedding, pack beforehand. This gives you the opportunity to get any last-minute items you may need, such as plug adaptors or phrasebooks. Make sure to exchange spending money into foreign currency if you’re going abroad, and check you have all the relevant travel documents to hand.

Gather all the required documents

To get legally married, you will need to present certain documents to the registrar, including two forms of ID. Admissible types include:

• – Passport
• – Driving licence
• – National identity card
• – Birth certificate
• – Immigration status document (if applicable)

Proof of address, such as a utility bill issued within the last three months or a driving licence, is also required. Gathering these early will give you sufficient time to order any replacements if required.

The day before your wedding

Drop off items to the venue

It’s a good idea to take as many items as possible to the venue the day before the wedding. This ensures you won’t have to carry items like the guestbook, decorations or menus around on the day.

Brief your best man

It’s imperative that your best man is aware of all his duties, and knows exactly what he’s doing. As well as briefing him on his role, be sure to hand over the rings, if he’s going to be the one holding them, and give him a list of all your wedding suppliers, plus their contact details and when they’re meant to arrive. This ensures that you and your bride won’t the ones who have to deal with them on the day, should any issues arise.

Go through everything with your wedding planner

Should you have one, contact your wedding planner or coordinator the day before the ceremony for a final run-through of proceedings. Professional planners will have plenty of experience, and be perfectly placed to give you last-minute guidance.

Sort out your outfit

Take your suit out of its carrying bag and hang it up to get rid of any creases. It’s highly recommended that you iron an extra shirt, just in case you spill anything on your main one before the ceremony.

Relax and get an early night

After everything is sorted, take some time to chill out. It’s going to be a long day, so giving yourself some downtime in advance will stand you in good stead. It’s also imperative that you get a good night’s sleep to help you feel revitalised, and help to prevent bags and dark circles under your eyes, ensuring you look fresh for the day ahead.

The morning of your wedding day

Eat a nutritious breakfast

While the pre-wedding nerves may curb your appetite somewhat, it’s important to eat a hearty breakfast to give you enough energy for the day. Good options include eggs and avocado on toast, almond and honey muesli, or porridge with berries, banana and seeds, all of which provide slow-releasing energy for maximum stamina.

Check the traffic

If you’re not staying at, or close to, the venue, find out the traffic situation so that you’re prepared for any possible delays. Being aware of any issues from the get-go means you can alert your groomsmen and guests, and rejig your schedule if necessary to ensure you’re not late.

Don’t drink too much

It’s common for grooms to have a pint or two with their groomsmen to toast the occasion and calm their nerves while getting ready for the ceremony. However, don’t get carried away — turning up to the ceremony a few sheets to the wind certainly isn’t ideal. This applies to your intake over rest of the day too, as you will surely want to be able to remember it.

Leave yourself plenty of time

We advise arriving at the venue at least an hour before the ceremony begins. This prevents you from having to rush around at the last minute, and helps to calm any nerves you may have, while also giving you the opportunity to take photos, and spend time with your parents and groomsmen.

The most important tip, however, is simply to enjoy yourself. All the excitement can make everything feel like a blur, so give yourself enough time to take everything in, and treasure this day with your loved ones.