Simple Groom's Checklist

Here is a simple (though thorough) checklist to take you through the typical duties a groom needs to pay special attention to. This is not an absolute list, it is a typical one. Feel free to change items from the bride's checklist to the Groom's and vice versa as needed to plan your 2008 wedding.

6 Months Prior (or sooner)

Start and Complete guest list with fiancee.
Select your best man. Decide how many groomsmen you need and select them.
Arrange visit with minister to discuss ceremony.
Discuss wedding expenses with fiancee.
Discuss honeymoon plans.
Visit wedding gift registry with fiancee.

3 Months

Consult with fianceé and order wedding attire for self, best man, ushers and fathers.
Arrange transportation (limousines, etc.) for wedding party to ceremony and reception.
Complete honeymoon plans: buy tickets, arrange for hotel, Passports should be in hand before this point.
Order wedding rings and engraving.
See your doctor for exams and blood test.

6-8 Weeks

Plan rehearsal dinner.
Consult with fianceé and arrange lodging for relatives and ushers from out of town.
Select gifts for best man and ushers, to be given at the bachelor dinner or wedding rehearsal.
Choose bride's wedding present.
Make sure necessary documents - legal, insurance, financial, medical, and religious - are in order.
Attend bachelor party.
Pick up wedding rings, check engraving before you leave store.
Help fiancee with thank-you notes.

2 Weeks

Make a date with your fianceé to get the marriage license.
Arrange with the best man for transportation from the reception to the airport or train.
Double check honeymoon reservations and hotel for wedding night.

1 Week

Explain any special seating arrangements to head usher.
Put the clergy member's or judge's fee in a sealed envelope and give it to the best man, to be delivered after the ceremony.
Purchase traveler's checks.
Get your going-away clothes ready so you can change after the reception.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Remind best man and ushers of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner details. Present gifts to attendants at rehearsal dinner.
Arrange for rental returns.
Be sure you and your bride sign the wedding certificate and see that it is safely put away before leaving on your honeymoon.
Have best man send a thank-you note to your bride's parents the next day saying how lovely both the wedding and reception were, and thanking them for all they did.

Day of Wedding

Breathe
Relax
Breathe
Say I do
Enjoy
Remember to keep Breathing, even if you don't want to

--Mickey

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