This checklist will help the groom in planning the most important day of his life. Feel free to print it out any of our checklists and give copies to those helping to plan your wedding (especially the Best Man).
7 Months Out
- Order Rental Items
These items could include linens, chairs, or the dance floor. Consider splitting the list with your bride or taking this task on to lessen her load. Your wedding planner can also be a great resource for finding a rental place for these items. - Hire Your Officiant
6 Months
- Discuss wedding expenses and budget with fiancee and all parents. Who is paying for what?
- Start making out your guest list.
- Select your best man.
- Decide how many ushers you need (1 for every 50 guests), and select them.
- Check marriage license requirements for your State
- Arrange visit with minister/wedding officiant to discuss ceremony.
- Discuss honeymoon plans.
If traveling abroad, make legal arrangements (passport, visas, inoculations etc). - Checkout wedding gift registry's with fiancee.
- Ask questions about money matters before you are married
5 Months Out
- Book Your Transportation
If you plan on a limo or special vehicle for your big day, then book it now and make sure it fits the theme and style. - Rent the Groom’s Tux
Make sure that you get the opinion of your bride and that your choice reflects the formality and theme of your wedding.
4 Months Out
- Buy Your Wedding Bands
- Select Your Groomsmen’s Attire and Schedule Fittings
3 Months
- Write Your Vows and Select any readings for your ceremony
- Complete guest list, give it to fiancee.
- 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 hotel, etc.
- Order wedding rings and engraving.
- Arrange to pay for bride's bouquet
- Order boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers
- Check marriage license requirements for your State to see if you need an exam and blood test.
2 Months Out
- Buy Wedding Party Gifts
- Give Your song list to the DJ or band
1 Month Out
- Final fitting for your tux/groomsmen’s attire
Final Week
- Pick up your tux and the groomsmen’s attire
- Write a note to your bride
- Clean your ring
- Practice your vows
- Clear your work to-do list
- Deliver final head count to your vendors
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Night Before the Wedding
- Eat a healthy meal
- Pack a small bag of personal items
- Put any boxes, bags, suitcases, or survival kits into the car for the ceremony or reception
Day of the Wedding
- Eat breakfast
- Drink plenty of water
- Get your tux out and steam if necessary
- Exchange notes with your partner
- Say thank you to those around you!
6-8 Weeks
- Plan rehearsal dinner with your parents.
- 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. Something personal, such as a watch or other piece of fine jewelry, is traditional.
- Make sure necessary documents - legal, insurance, financial, medical, and religious - are in order.
- Attend bachelor party.
- Pick up wedding rings, check engraving.
- Help fiancee with wedding invitations.
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.
- Get your money and credit cards in order for your trip. Out of the USA?
What you need to know about using your credit card in Europe. - Pack for your honeymoon.
- Arrange to move belongings to new home.
- Remind best man and ushers of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner details.
- Plan for your wedding toast
- Present gifts to attendants at rehearsal dinner.
- Arrange for rental returns.
After the Wedding
- Be sure you and your bride sign the wedding certificate and send it to the courhouse before leaving on your honeymoon.
- Send a thank-you note to your bride's parents after the wedding thanking them for all they did. Make it personal!
- Write thank you notes for gifts, and to the special people in your wedding.