To-Do List For the Groom

The Groom

So much to think of, right? It’s WOL to the rescue! In wedding planning – as in life – the best thing to avoid going bonkers is delegate. With this in mind, we’ve prepared this simple yet immensely handy to-do list for grooms. Forward it, print it or share it – and job done!

This to-do list for the groom is printable! Click here to get your copy!

Hello groom – here’s where you pay attention:

• Ask the bride for a copy of the wedding checklist. Be amazed at how much there is to do.
• Browse the list carefully to choose things you’d like to contribute to, or to handle yourself – for example, transport, band, honeymoon, insurance, alcohol, etc.
• Actually do those things.
• Start saving money, because the things above are more expensive than you think.
• Choose your best man and your ushers.
• Even if you’re not in charge of general transport, arrange your ride to the church and reception venue – and that includes your guys too.
• Ask the bride about her attire ideas for you, and discuss accordingly.
• Discuss attire with the best man, then involve the ushers. Traditionally, the groom pays to kit out his groomsmen.
• Book your own appointments for suit fittings, and do it as quickly as possible – someone else probably already has an eye on the suit you’d look best in.
• Arrange everything else that goes with your suit – shoes, socks, shirt, cufflinks, cravat or tie, etc.
• Start taking care of your skin – for example, if your daily shave always leaves you with a rash, try a few new products, a new razor, or book an appointment with a dermatologist. You don’t want to look like a radish next to your radiant bride.
• If you want to jazz up your look for the wedding day, book a haircut appointment with the best barber in town to try something new – just not the day before your wedding.
• Start drinking water every day – at least four glasses.
• Ask the bride ‘can I help with anything?’ on a regular basis. Some brides get so overwhelmed, they forget to ask themselves.
• Think of something special to do for the bride on the wedding day. Believe us, she’s already thinking of the same for you, if she’s not bought it already. It can be a gift, a letter, or a piece of jewellery – whatever comes from the heart.
• In fact, amp up that lovin’ feeling so your bride really feels supported and appreciated. It’s especially important now – she’s most likely feeling terribly overwhelmed.
• If you’re writing your own vows, don’t leave it until the last minute – start making notes now.
• Take on the responsibility of organising the rehearsal – make sure everyone is informed, Priest/Celebrant notified, dinner venue booked (if you’re having one), etc.
• For the stag do, while it’s your own partay, don’t go completely missing – she’ll worry about you. Tell her where you’re going and how long you’re staying. You can spare her the fine details.
• Make sure the ushers know the bridesmaids and vice versa.
• Present your half of the guest list without delays – including everyone’s addresses. Wedding invitations wait for no-one. If you slack off in this department, don’t be surprised when your whole side of the church is empty, except for your parents.
• Arrange accommodations for any out-of-town guests.
• Participate in the discussions about the gift list and honeymoon. These things are for both of you, not just for the bride.
• If you don’t yet live together, you should take on the task of looking for a new place to live.
• Order wedding rings.
• Start writing your speech, if you’re giving one. You may be glad to know, today’s rules about wedding speeches are very relaxed, and nobody’s surprised if the groom just says thank you and how happy he is.
• Tell the best man and groomsmen exactly where and when they need to be on the wedding day. (You might want to think about buying good presents for them too – they’ll be providing support and making you look good all the way until the end of reception.)
• Book your final grooming session a few days before the wedding – never the day before.
• Get luggage ready for the honeymoon, even if you’re leaving a few days after the wedding. Set aside the items you’re taking, if you can.
• Find your passport and make sure it isn’t expired, or very close to the expiry date. Some countries have travel restrictions for passports nearing the expiry date – best check that before you fly.
• If the suppliers and the Priest/Celebrant haven’t been paid in advance, organise the payment envelopes and task the groomsmen or best man with giving them to the right people on the day, hopefully at a most appropriate time (like, not in the loo).
• Wedding day hangovers really and truly are the worst. Even if you’re having lots of pre-wedding drinkies with the guys, do it in moderation. Also, because – bloat. Not a good look in wedding photos.
• Get a good night’s sleep, at least the day before the wedding, and that whole week if possible. You’ll be glad you did.
• On the morning of the day itself set your alarm so you don’t have to rush. Arrive at the ceremony at least 30 minutes beforehand, and be ready to have the best day of your life.
• And sometime during the day, make sure to take some time out with your bride – it’s all going to be a blur, but those moments alone will be the most precious minutes of the day.
• Congratulate yourself – you did good, now where are those plane tickets?

Main image from Linda & Cormac’s real wedding by Julie Cummins