The Marryin' Man

Groom's Planning List

It's traditional for the groom to buy his bride jewelry for the wedding, and since jewelry makes the best wedding gift, a beautiful necklace or bracelet that she can wear on the big day would be perfect. You may even want to buy something special for your honeymoon as well!

This checklist provides some ideas about most of the things you will do in preparation for your wedding. Remember, these are only ideas of things to consider, and many items may not be applicable to you. Some duties apply strictly to the bride and others to the groom. However, the majority of the tasks can be accomplished by BOTH the bride and groom!

10 to 12 months prior -- decide on the basics...

Discuss the style of the wedding and the budget with your fiancée and ALL parents.
Participate with your fiancée in interviewing wedding consultants, advisors and coordinators.
Speak with all your friends - pick their brains - learn who knows what and who knows who.
Take your fiancée to every wedding show you can find - ask questions - learn from the professionals.
With your fiancée speak to your clergy/officiant.

7 to 9 months prior

Select all of your attendants together including your best man, groomsmen and ushers.
Together, begin compiling your guest list. Go with fiancée to register with not less than three well known bridal registries for gifts (make sure you go along to avoid later surprises).
Begin looking at honeymoon options with your fiancée - visit a travel agency or professional specializing in leisure travel - if you plan to leave the country check on your passports.
Reach agreement with bride on wedding officiant.
Reach agreement with bride on the menus.
Reach agreement with bride on engagement photo session (this is NOT just for your fiancée - you should be included in these photos)
Select and order male attendants' apparel (with bride's consensus on choice)

4 to 6 months prior

Start shopping for wedding rings.
Finalize honeymoon plans with fiancée and book with travel agent.
Make sure you get your family's guest list and go over it with your fiancée.
Begin looking for a new place to live and start considering furnishings.
By end of Month 5 shop and order the men's formal wear.
Book wedding transportation - limousines, horse-drawn carriages, hot air balloons, boat, etc....
Have the rehearsal dinner plans in place (make sure you coordinate this with your fiancée).

2 to 3 months prior

Order the wedding rings!! (If you are having these custom-made go back to 4 to 6 months prior).
Finish guest list with your fiancée.
Shop for a wedding present for your bride.
Shop for any additional clothes you will need for the wedding events and the honeymoon (how about luggage??).
Shop for the groomsmen's keepsake.
Change beneficiaries in your will, life insurance, mutual funds, etc..
Get a physical examination.
Reserve a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests (make sure you handle this for your fiancée).

4 to 8 weeks prior

Check finances and make final arrangements for payment on the items you (and you family) are responsible for.
Confirm that all fittings (clothes) are completed by groomsmen and father.
Pick up wedding rings.

2 to 3 weeks prior

Get marriage license with fiancée.
Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and (if leaving the country go to the bank and exchange at least $100 into foreign currency).
Confirm all transportation for all events (including reconfirming the honeymoon at the end of week 2).
Arrange to move your belongings and your bride's belongings to your new residence.
Make appointment to get hair cut (a manicure probably wouldn't hurt either). Try to set the appointment for about 5 days before the wedding.

1 week prior

Remember that gift to your bride that you went shopping for? - Now is the time - give your bride the gift(and make a big deal out of it - this is important).
Remember those gifts to your groomsmen that you went shopping for? - Plan to give these during the rehearsal dinner.
Reconfirm the rehearsal dinner plans with everyone.
Give the best man (at the rehearsal dinner) an envelope with the officiant's fee (he'll pass it on after the ceremony).
Sit down and go over a wedding day schedule with your fiancée.
At least 5 days prior get those little annoying chores out of the way:
Make sure wedding clothes are ready.
Remind wedding party men to pick up their tuxedos.
Shine shoes
Arrange now for going away clothes to be taken to the reception location.
Start packing early for your honeymoon
Put marriage license and rings where you can easily find them.

1 day prior

Don't do anything you could regret at your bachelor party. If your bride says "anything goes", don't believe it! And don't drink too much because you'll want to be alert for the wedding and reception.

Wedding Day

EAT!
Allow 1-2 hours for getting dressed.
Give the best man the bride�s wedding ring.
Place the officiant's fee into an envelope and give it to the best man.
Take the license, or see that the best man has it.
Have the Maid of Honor and Best Man witness the license (witnesses not legally required in Ohio).
Dance first with your new bride.
Dance second with both moms.
Dance third with the bridesmaids.
Be sure to thank the bride�s parents and say good-bye to yours before you leave.