The Groom's Checklist

By The Celebration Team 14 Jan, 2011

Although the wedding day is usually deemed to be more about the bride than the groom, it is, in fact, his special day too. In order for it to be successful and memorable, the groom has several tasks. The following checklist will ensure that you, as the groom-to-be, are prepared and able to enjoy your wedding day to the full:

One Year to Ten Months Prior

Speak to her parents about marrying their daughter (if appropriate)
Purchase the engagement ring
Ask her to marry you
Announce your engagement to friends and family
Decide on the type of ceremony you want and discuss this with both sets of parents to confirm who will be able to contribute what
Accompany your fiancé to various ceremony and wedding venues and help to decide on one of each
Approach those that you would like to have as your best man and groomsmen

Nine Months Prior

Start to attend pre-marriage classes, if appropriate or desired
Visit the official presiding over the wedding and discuss any issues or concerns with him
Sit down with your fiancé and decide on your guest list
Visit a travel agent with your fiancé and start planning possible honeymoon destinations
Go along with your fiancé to choose wedding gifts for your registry

Six Months Prior

Start making all of the bookings for your honeymoon, whether your fiancé knows about it or it is a surprise
Organise your passports, if necessary

Three Months Prior

Decide on who you definitely would like to invite and present this list to your partner
Starting making enquiries regarding the legal requirements of issuing a wedding licence, if necessary in your country
Start arranging for the transport for the big day and inform your groomsmen or best man so that they can take over the responsibility of this aspect
Choose the clothing for you, your entourage and your father, as well as your fiancé’s father. Ensure that everyone arranges a fitting for themselves
Get your birth certificate, if this is required for a marriage licence

Two Months Prior

Choose and purchase gifts for your groomsmen, best man and, most importantly, your beautiful bride
Collect the rings from the jeweller
Book accommodation for guests coming from out-of-town
Help your fiancé to make the final plans for the rehearsal dinner
Organise your VISAS if you will be leaving the country for your honeymoon

Two to Three Weeks Prior

As a couple, get your marriage licence (which will likely require your birth certificate and may need you to have certain blood tests), if applicable
Finalise transport to and from the ceremony and reception venues.
Confirm all honeymoon accommodation, activities and transport. Have a meeting with all of your attendants and make sure everyone is clear on times and places, including the rehearsal dinner details
Help your partner in organising the seating of your guests for the reception

One Week Prior

Reconfirm all times, dates and places with your groomsmen, ring bearer, best man and father
Sort out any payments that will be due on or before the big day, setting the cash aside or writing out the cheques
Start packing for your honeymoon
Purchase traveller’s cheques or exchange money for the correct currency if you will be leaving the country
Discuss the reception seating with your groomsmen so that they can assist guests in finding their tables

The Day Before