The Groom’s Countdown                                             printable version: Groom's Calendar

The groom will be included in many aspects of the wedding planning. If you are feeling a little lost as to what the exact duties of a groom are, below is a list of things you can do, with or without your bride, to ensure that the wedding goes smoothly.

Twelve Months Before Your Wedding

____ Pick out engagement ring.
____ Select your attendants (at least one usher per 50 guests)
____ Meet with both sets of parents to discuss the budget and style of the wedding.
____ Go with your fiancée and book the reception site. The earlier you pick a spot, the better!
____ Reserve your ceremony location.

Nine Months Before  

____ Decide on and arrange meeting with the Officiant to discuss the ceremony.
____ Write out a preliminary guest list. Be sure to get input from your parents.
____ Register at one or several locations with your fiancée.
____ Before selecting a caterer, go to a tasting.
____ Start discussing honeymoon destinations.
 

Six Months Before The Wedding  

____ Plan and book your honeymoon. Contact a travel agent for help.
____ If traveling abroad, check passports.
____ Arrange to pay for the bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres & corsages for the attendants & mothers.
____ Arrange transportation to the ceremony and reception for the wedding party.
____ Consult your fiancée about, and reserve, a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
____ Reserve a hotel room for your wedding night

Three Months Before  

____ Finalize the guest list.
____ Order your wedding bands and decide on inscriptions.
____ Check state requirements concerning marriage license
____ Decide on living arrangements and order furnishings.
____ Plan the rehearsal dinner with your parents.
____ Choose and order your and your groomsmen’s attire.

Two Months Before The Big Day
 
____ Buy wedding gifts for your bride and groomsmen.
____ Help fiancée with thank you notes.
____ Pick up your wedding rings, make sure they fit properly and check the inscription for accuracy.

Two Weeks Remaining!  

____ Pick up your marriage license (you must both be present and they only accept cash)
____ Practice your toast to the bride’s family.
____ Arrange for someone to bring the gifts from the reception to your home.
____ If applicable, arrange for transportation from the reception to the airport.
____ Confirm the honeymoon reservations and pick up tickets
____ Get a haircut.


One Week To GO!  

____ Pick up your rental attire and remind your groomsmen to do the same.
____ Give ushers instructions for seating the guests at the ceremony
____ Put the officiant’s fee in a sealed envelope and give it to the best man to deliver
____ Pack for the honeymoon.
____ Purchase traveler’s check.
____ Get going away clothes ready.
____ Remind the ushers of the rehearsal-dinner details.
 

One Day Before  

____ Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Give gifts to groomsmen.
____ Do something sweet for your bride
 

Your Wedding Day! It is finally here...

____ Make sure you make it to the ceremony on time
____ Your primary goal today is to get married! Have fun!
____ Take a deep breath, don't worry, be HAPPY and SMILE!