What to do the week before your wedding

Que the inner jitters and excitement because ready or not, there is one week until you say I DO. And while that my invoke a cascade of panic, just remember that all of the planning and anticipation has led to this soon to be forever memory of you and yours tying the knot and starting your forever together; it doesn't get better than that. So while yes there will be some nerves and occasional anxiety, the hope is that you have planned well leading up to today, so you can enjoy the countdown, rather than sulk in fear of that looming to do list.

So practically speaking, what needs to be done in those final few days. I've broken down a comprehensive list for you of some of the top must do's:

1. Confirm all vendor arrival times and contact information for your coordinator to have in their back pocket.

2. Ensure all vendors and key people (maid of honor, best man, officiant, etc.) have the final wedding-day timeline, seat assignments, layout and any pertinant details related to them.

3. Attend any final beauty appointments - nails, spray tans, & facials! Schedule a massage while you're at it to feel really zen :)

4. Break in your wedding shoes - no one wants blistered toes on the dance floor, ouch!

5. Pack wedding day essentials for you and your crew. We've all seen those emergency kits with safety pins, tape, scissors, and more. Have a few of those along with your own deodorant, phone charger, snacks, water, and anything else you may need when getting ready day of.

6. Prepare letters and gifts for your partner, bridal party, and/or family. You have so many people contributing to your day and story; small, thoughtful tokens of appreciation go such a long way to show them how much you honor their influence.

7. Finalize the getting ready playlist! You're going to feel like a million bucks, trust me; might as well dance through your day with your girls by your side & mimosa in hand. Live it up sista!

8. Not a necessity, but something you'll be so happy you did! Book a house cleaner to tidy up your space so when you come home on the wedding night or after your honeymoon, you two aren't met with the stress of a messy house. Thank me later ;)

9. Get extra sleep & water! No matter how many weddings I've done, the bride, without fail, neglects hydration and quality meals the day of. Fuel your body a little extra leading up to the day with a few extra zzz's and filled Stanleys.

10. Relish in the moment! Dear friends of mine suggested I journal my thoughts and feelings in the final week, but I simply struggled to find the time to unwind and jot down anything after a long days of final planning; so, instead, I did a video diary of myself that was convenient to and from appointments, in the car, or while cooking dinner that captured, in a different way, all the emotions of that week. Do whatever will make you savor each moment. It goes by in a blink.

I could easily extend this list, but if you're reading it, chances are you may be in that final week avoiding overwhelm at all costs. No matter how the week unfolds, remember the only thing that truly matters will be the two of you at the altar committing to your forever.