Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Downloadable Wedding Checklist for Grooms

Ok guys, for your convenience I have comprised a list of the groom's responsibilities.  I got help from the pros by starting with wedding checklists from The Knot.  Keep in mind this is just a generic list, and you and your bride can use this as a head start. This list will take you from choosing  your groomsmen to confirming your honeymoon.  There are also some extra items like assisting with travel details for your out-of-town guests.

Presenting the Groom's Blog Wedding Checklist:
Download Printable Version Here
The Groom's Checklist
by Ben the Groom
Just After Engagement

  • Let friends and family know you're engaged.

  • OK the final wedding date and time with important guests (parents, siblings, and grandparents).

  • Start taking better care of yourself. Get in wedding day shape by eating right, joining a gym.

  • Begin working on your side of the the guest list. Request a "wish lists" from your parents..
After the Engagement Dust settles

  • Pick your groomsmen

  • Make sure your groomsmen are aware of what you expect of them -- especially your best man.

  • Set aside blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

  • Start planning the rehearsal dinner. Look for rehearsal dinner sites in your area.
5 Months is Waaaaay to Early to Start Planning...

  • Decide what type of formalwear (tux, suit, casual button-down and slacks) you'll wear and look through formalwear photos to get an idea of what you want.

  • Start planning your groomsmen's attire. Tuxes or suits?

  • Start looking to buy or rent your tux, suit, or other formal attire.

  • Book a hotel room for your wedding night.
4 Months Away is Apparently Crunch Time?

  • Book the rehearsal dinner site and finalize menu plans.

  • Make sure your out-of-town guests know all the details (hotel reservation and city information etc...)

  • Book your honeymoon flights and make all your other honeymoon travel reservations.

  • Decide on your groomsmen's formalwear. Let the guys know and ask them to get fitted for their tuxes.

  • Give all of the groomsmen the info they need to buy and/or reserve their attire.
2 Months... Will it ever come?

  • If you are renting a tux, visit the formalwear shop to get measured.

  • Choose and buy any accessories you will need (shoes, shirt stays, cuff links, pocket squares).

  • Arrange wedding day transportation for you, your wedding party, and guests (as needed).

  • Begin working on your ceremony vows, if you're writing your own.

  • Research local marriage license requirements.

  • Send out rehearsal dinner invitations.
Only a Month Left !?!

  • Finalize your ceremony vows.

  • Attend your bachelor party (and be sure to thank the best man afterwards).

  • Buy gifts for your best man, groomsmen, and ushers.

  • Get the marriage license and make appointments for blood tests (if necessary). Check when the license expires.
2 Weeks and Counting!

  • Work on a "must-play" wedding song list (and "do-not-play song list") for your DJ or band.

  • Confirm wedding-night and honeymoon reservations.

  • Call all your guests who haven't RSVP'd for the wedding and rehearsal dinner.

  • Prepare your wedding toasts or thanks to friends and family.

  • Pick up your tux and try it on. (Don't wait until the day of to do this!)

  • Shop and pack for the honeymoon.

  • Plan any additional night-before activities with friends and/or attendants.

  • Email transportation providers a schedule and addresses for pickups on wedding day.

  • Get your haircut.
Nights Before!

  • Put together an overnight bag for your wedding night and designate someone to deliver it to the hotel for you.

  • Leave a copy of your honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency.

  • Confirm all honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to airport, etc.).
Posted by Ben B at 11:02 AM
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7 comments:

  1. Great list! Especially perfect is the get a haircut 2 weeks before to-do. It's key to have a cleaned-up look, but not the 'just cut' look.

    One thing I would add for grooms and brides is to scuff your shoes. Un-scuffed shoes have lead to many-a-mishap on the dance floor, and some twisted ankles, so I definitely recommend it.

    I have a great must-play, do-not-play song list. If you're interested, gimme a shout :)

    A couple of other ideas:
    -Scan your passports and email them to yourself so you have them electronically handy if lost/stolen. Plus make a copy so you can keep that in your bag and leave the real thing in the safe at the hotel.
    -One thing we did was write letters to each other for the day of the wedding. They were delivered to us separately to read right before we went out for the ceremony. It was a nice way to get centered, focused and connected. Plus, it's a great keepsake.
    ReplyDelete
  2. (Stumbled via Ruffled :)

    Love the list! My fiance and I learned early on that MONTHLY lists are much more efficient than a generally long "to do" list.

    Dana -- the passport idea is genius!!!

    Another idea for the month before:
    Have a quick chat with your reverend/individual marrying you to make sure you are on the same page about how the wedding ceremony will play out. Since we're marrying out of state, we don't *personally* know ours so it was really important for us to go over the message and overall feel of the ceremony.

    Looking forward to your posts! I just did one today about our groom's men attire :) -Alejandra
    ReplyDelete
  3. Great list Ben! Definitely will be a huge help to fellow grooms!
    ReplyDelete
  4. Dana, wow great ideas! I'll be much more passport prepared now!

    Ale - Welcome to Ben the Groom and I love your blog! Lucky for me my officiant is my brother so he better know us well enough.

    BrideTide its always great to hear from you! Yea hopefully this tool can help a few guys out. I linked it to the top of my page so its easy to find.
    ReplyDelete
  5. Bookmarked for my man! Great list Ben, love how the font gets bigger as the day gets closer.
    ReplyDelete
  6. thought of one other thing...it either goes right before the proposal or falls into your first bucket of right after engagement, and here it is...Make sure the ring is ensured!
    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for sharing the link. I think this is the most exciting part for the groom. "Confirm all honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to airport, etc.)."
    ReplyDelete

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