The day before your wedding can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a bit of stress. After all, the months of planning, decision-making, and preparation are about to be set in motion for your big day. It’s easy to feel like you’ve done all you can, and now the big day is out of your hands. But there are still steps you can take to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you feel as calm and prepared as possible.

Here are some valuable tips from Kobi Cummings, Venue Founder and Artistic Director of The Valley Venues in Wildwood, Georgia, to help you navigate the final 24 hours before your wedding.

Embrace the Final Countdown

“So your big day is finally (almost) here! All of the planning, stressing, and organizing have led to this moment, and that honestly may leave you feeling both antsy and excited,” says Kobi. “That close to the wedding, it’s easy to feel like the outcome is out of your control at this point. But if you are a planner like me, know there are plenty of things you can still do to feel better prepared for the wedding, even with just 24 hours left to go.”

Here are some expert tips from Kobi to make the most of your final 24 hours before you say "I do."

1. Finalize and Print Your Vendor List

One of the most crucial things you can do the day before your wedding is to ensure everyone involved knows what’s going on and when. According to Kobi, "One thing I always suggest doing on the day before your wedding is to go ahead and print out a list of all your vendor details with their names, phone numbers, expertise, and arrival time. I would print at least five copies of this so that anyone who has questions throughout the day can refer to the list instead of adding stress to you."

Having a clear and concise vendor list ready for your bridal party and close family can alleviate a lot of last-minute confusion. If your caterer runs late or someone needs to coordinate with the florist, they’ll know exactly who to contact, sparing you from having to troubleshoot.

Photo Credit: Sara Kristen Photography

2. Pack a Personal Prep Bag

While you’re checking to make sure that all your vendors are in line, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Kobi’s next tip focuses on personal preparation. "Another tip that I think is so important the day before your wedding is to take the time to pack a personal prep bag. Once it’s the morning of and you arrive at your venue, the day starts to go by really fast, and the last thing you want is to add stress because you forgot something."

What should you pack in your prep bag? Here are some ideas from Kobi:

• Your getting-ready outfit; something comfortable and easy to change out of.
• Comfy slippers to keep your feet happy while you’re getting your hair and makeup done.
• Extra hair and makeup items in case you need any last-minute touch-ups and accessories.
• Your favorite snack—the day can be long, and having a small treat handy can help keep your energy up.
• A blanket if you want to cozy up while getting ready.
• A speaker to play your favorite tunes and keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed.

"Honestly, the list goes on and on," adds Kobi. "Be like Santa Claus: pack your bag and check it twice. It’s so easy to forget something!" This prep bag is your lifeline for the morning of the wedding, ensuring you have all the little things that can make a big difference.

Photo Credit: Sarah Larae Photography

3. Rehearse, But Don’t Overdo It

Many couples schedule their wedding rehearsal the day before the ceremony, which is an excellent opportunity to ensure everyone knows where to be and when. However, it’s important not to let the rehearsal add unnecessary stress. Keep it light, fun, and relatively brief. You want everyone to feel comfortable with the flow of events, but this is not the time to worry about perfection.

Make sure that you, your partner, and your bridal party know the order of the ceremony, the timing of any readings, and how you’ll enter and exit the venue. Then, let it go—trust that everything will come together beautifully on the big day.

4. Delegate Tasks to Your Wedding Party

One of the best things you can do 24 hours before your wedding is to start delegating tasks. As tempting as it might be to take on everything yourself, that’s a surefire way to increase your stress. Instead, assign specific responsibilities to your bridal party and close family members.

For example:

• Have someone in charge of keeping track of the wedding rings.
• Delegate someone to oversee transportation for the bridal party.
• Assign a friend to handle any last-minute guest concerns.

By sharing the workload, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the lead-up to your wedding instead of micromanaging every detail.

5. Focus on Hydration and Sleep

The day before your wedding is not the time to skimp on self-care. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to drink water or prioritize rest, but both are essential for looking and feeling your best on the big day. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and try to get to bed early.

A good night’s sleep can work wonders for your mood and energy levels. Set a bedtime that allows you to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and try to wind down with a relaxing activity, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.

6. Confirm Final Details

As the day winds down, it’s a good idea to double-check a few last-minute details. Confirm your transportation arrangements, check the weather forecast, and communicate with your wedding planner or venue coordinator to ensure everyone is on the same page. If you’ve hired a photographer or videographer, make sure they’re clear on your expectations for capturing the day’s events.

Kobi also recommends touching base with key family members to ensure they know where to be and when.

Don’t Forget to Just Breathe

The 24 hours before your wedding can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, but with proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy the lead-up to your big day without unnecessary stress. As Kobi Cummings advises, “The most important thing is to take a deep breath and trust that everything will fall into place. You’ve done the work, and now it’s time to embrace the moment.”

By following these tips, you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle feeling calm, prepared, and excited for the next chapter of your life.