Budgets, dresses, dates and guest lists are all part of the tedious process of planning a wedding.

Some couples plan their weddings for years, while some put it together in a matter of months. No matter how long it takes, there are always those last minute things saved for weeks, or even the last minute, before the big day.

Mallery Kucera, recent graduate of Grand View University, is soon to be Mallery Lovan. Ben Lovan, who also graduated from Grand View University, proposed to Kucera in April 2009. It didn’t take long for them to begin planning.

Kucera said that most of the planning took place pretty quickly after the engagement. A date was set, venues were picked out and arrangements were made. With just a few months until their wedding planned for Sept. 4, most of the big decisions have been made, along with a majority of the other decisions: invitations, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, food and, of course, the honeymoon.

Kucera began planning early, and as a result, has had a stress-free engagement.

“I advise anyone and everyone to start planning as early as possible, it is never too early,” Kucera said.

However, even for the most prepared of couples, there are always the small details and errands saved for just days before the big day.

After picking out a wedding dress and getting it tailored, it is important to try it on again, at least a few weeks before the wedding.

“Every day I think, ‘What if my dress doesn’t fit, or I put it on again after so long and I don’t like it?'” Kucera said.

Many brides feel this way, so if there is a problem, there is still time for last-minute shopping or a fitting.

Days before the wedding, it is smart to check the forecast and get an idea of what the weather will be like, whether the wedding is indoors or outside. Either way, accommodations will need to be made. Letting guests know to go to the rain location or prepare umbrellas will be handy for rainy days.

Small, do-it-yourself projects are best if saved for a week or two before the big day. Centerpieces and party favors are common at weddings, and making them a few weeks ahead of time will reserve enough time to make changes or get more supplies, but still late enough in the game that it will be easy to follow the chosen wedding theme.

After sending the invites, RSVPs will start rolling in; it is important to keep in mind things may change. People will RSVP last-minute, or even cancel.

“We have to finalize our seating chart for the reception once we get a better idea of guest count and who can attend,” Kucera said.

Because of the possibility of changes, being capable of making last minute adjustments to the reception seating chart and update caterers about the finalized number of people attending is helpful.

During the last couple of days before the wedding, it is important to remember to hit the salon. Whether for a manicure, pedicure or whatever it may be, it is best to do that right before the big day to avoid broken nails or other problems.

Last but not least, last-minute confirmations and verifications with anyone involved are vital. Kucera said she still needs to “attend some last minute meetings with the DJ, the reception coordinator and the wedding coordinator to make sure everyone is all on the same page.”

Caterers, florists and the wedding party attendees are also important to get in touch with. If everyone knows exactly what is going on, the wedding will run that much more smoothly.

“I am nervous … basically, I have an idea of what everything will be like, but not really,” Kucera said. “It is nerve racking to see if everything will come together to fulfill our vision.”

However, once the big decisions have been made and the last minute details are put together, a well-prepared wedding is sure to fulfill any couple’s visions.