13 Last-Minute Tasks You Need to Add to Your Day-Of Wedding Checklist

Imagine this: It's the day before you make your union official, and you're about to go to bed early to prepare for 24 hours of beautiful mayhem until you realize there are multiple to-dos you didn't account for—yikes. This is where a wedding day checklist comes into play. To ensure that nightmare doesn't become a reality, we've outlined a few important duties to add to your day-of wedding checklist, like tipping your vendors and eating enough food (yes, not everyone remembers to do this). With the help of this wedding day list, our hope is that you'll be fully prepared when it's officially crunch time. And if you haven't already, look at our comprehensive wedding planning checklist, which tells you exactly what you need to do from start to finish.

Desireé Dent, lead planner and founder of Dejanae Events and the wedding officiant for Marry Me Ceremonies, supports couples having a wedding day-of checklist. "They're lifesavers. They help keep everyone involved on track, which reduces stress," she says. "Even the most relaxed couple can benefit from a clear plan of action so they're able to enjoy their wedding day festivities." That's why we suggest saving this list to your wedding Pinterest board now and making some of the tasks below day-of wedding coordinator duties. Don't have a coordinator yet? Then, go to The Knot Vendor Marketplace, enter your wedding location, click the "Planning services" filter and select "Day-Of Coordination" to find the pro you're looking for.

Design: Natalie Romine

1. Charge Your Phone

This probably isn't on your list of fun wedding morning ideas, but even if you're avoiding social media for the day, you'll still need a phone to keep in touch with family members, your wedding party and vendors. We hope that you've designated point people for certain things, like answering questions from guests who didn't read your wedding website FAQs. But in the event you do need to handle some wedding details yourself, it's best to have a full battery and a charged portable battery so you don't have to worry about finding an outlet at a moment's notice.

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2. Check the Weather

If you're anything like us, you'll spend the two weeks leading up to your wedding checking the daily forecast. But we all know that weather can change by the hour, so it's something that you'll definitely want to add to your last-minute wedding checklist. Having a wedding backup plan is important for an outdoor wedding, but even if you're getting married indoors, inclement weather can affect guest travel and transportation. Before the wedding, reread your vendor contracts for their unexpected weather policies and coordinate a plan B and C so you're as prepared as possible.

3. Check Your Wedding Day Essentials

You shouldn't wait until the very last second to pack your wedding emergency kit, but you should include a reminder on your day-of-the-wedding checklist to double-check that you have everything you need before heading out the door. Along with essentials like your wedding attire and toiletries, confirm that you have your marriage license (you want your wedding to be legal, after all), wedding rings, gifts for loved ones and any decor items that aren't already at the venue. Before the ceremony, give your marriage license to your officiant or another responsible person so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

4. Drop Off Your Overnight Bags

The party doesn't end after the reception, at least for the newlyweds. "Many couples forget to pack a change of clothes or comfortable shoes for after the wedding reception. Wedding attire can be restrictive, so changing into something more comfortable makes a big difference especially if there's an after-party," Dent says. Just like your day-of wedding bag, your overnight bag should be ready ahead of time, but you might need to add a final item or two that morning, like your toothbrush. If you're staying in a hotel for your wedding night, arrange for your bags to be dropped off so you don't need to keep track of them during the day.

5. Assign a Personal-Item Point Person

Dent suggests adding this task to the checklist for a wedding coordinator, or designating a trusted person to handle your personal items. "The rings, marriage license, vows and makeup touch-up kits should be handed over to someone reliable. This will prevent any last-minute scrambling and will allow you to be focused and present during the day," Dent explains. Melissa Caceres, president and creative director of Events On A Budget and a pro with 20 years of planning experience, agrees and says an honor attendant is the perfect person for this role. "From organizing a change of clothes for after the wedding to packing the honeymoon bag, they can help with these critical, but personal tasks," Caceres says.

6. Review Your Timeline

"Crafting a well-thought-out and realistic timeline ensures everyone knows exactly where they need to be and at what time, eliminating any guesswork that could lead to delays on the day," Caceres says. So before you go to sleep the night before the celebration, look over your wedding timeline with your partner and planner to confirm everyone is on the same page.

7. Double-Check That Your Wedding Rings Are Secure

Your morning of the wedding timeline should include: "Check that the wedding rings are in my bag." Once you're at the ceremony venue, you can hand them over to someone in your wedding party (the best man traditionally holds the rings) for safekeeping until it's time to exchange vows. If you're asking your ring bearer to carry them, ensure they're safely locked in a box or securely fastened to the pillow.

8. Tip Your Vendors

One of our most important wedding day tips is to tip your vendors. Between your waitstaff, your DJ and anyone else helping to set up your ceremony and reception, it's likely you'll have lots of people to give gratuity to. (Here's a wedding vendor tipping guide that'll help you determine how much to give.) Bring cash in prefilled envelopes to avoid loose bills or getting your phone out to Venmo people on the spot. We also recommend bringing some extra cash in small bills just in case someone goes above and beyond the call of duty or you need to send a wedding party member to do some errands.

9. Eat Food and Drink Water

It might seem obvious, but food and water are things you need for a wedding that you can't go without. "Many couples overlook the importance of staying hydrated," Caceres says. "Often, champagne starts flowing early in the morning, which can lead to dehydration. At one wedding, I had to call a mobile IV service to rehydrate a bride and help her feel better. Remember, hydration is key to enjoying the day to its fullest."

Dent adds: "Eat a proper meal before the wedding festivities begin. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and forget to eat something healthy. Eating at the start of the day will help keep your energy levels up and a smile on your face." If you can, take a quick break in between the ceremony and reception for a snack and some water, and make it a non-negotiable to sit down and actually enjoy a full meal once dinner is underway.

10. Show Appreciation to Your Wedding Party and VIPs

Even though it's your wedding, it doesn't mean you're the only one running around trying to ensure the day goes smoothly. Whenever you can, pull your wedding party members and other loved ones to the side and tell them how much you've appreciated their help throughout the entire wedding process. Most likely, some tears will be shed, but at least they'll be happy ones.

11. Take a Peek at the Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Sure, you'll get to see the venue while the wedding is taking place, but try to squeeze in a quick peek of the space before everyone arrives. The venue will look totally different (in a good way) when it's empty, and you'll have a few distraction-free minutes to really take in the moment. Years down the road, you'll remember what it felt like to walk into your wedding venue and see the room decorated with all the details you picked out. Plan to do this wedding checklist last-minute task with your partner and your photographer right before the reception kicks off—we promise you'll treasure the photos forever.

12. Take a Moment Alone After the Ceremony

"Consider taking a moment to be alone with your partner after the wedding ceremony," says Dent. "The day goes by so quickly, so scheduling a private moment can help couples absorb the importance of what just took place." Also, don't feel pressured to capture this much-needed break on camera. Whether it's just 5 minutes or 20, spend some time one-on-one with your partner and check-in with each other before diving into the next wedding activity.

13. Enjoy Yourself

Even though this to-do is last on our wedding day checklist, it doesn't mean it's the least important. "Couples get so caught up worrying about their guests and ensuring everyone is happy, they forget to truly savor the moment," says Caceres. "Remember, this is your day. Everyone will have the best time when they see you having fun."