Groom's Checklist

As the big day approaches there are many tasks that the Groom traditionally performs. These days however, it is becoming more common for the Bride and Groom to share the entire Wedding Planning. In this case the Groom should sit down with his Bride and decide on a separation of duties.

Below is a list of tasks that traditionally fall to the Groom:

Buy the engagement ring or rings.

Put together a wedding guest list and have your family make out theirs. You should note which guests you would like to have seated in the reserved pews of the church or of the wedding ceremony site. You should also note where you would like guests to be seated at the reception.

Write your speech. It is never to early to begin this task.

Depending on the kind of wedding celebration that you and your bride have chosen; decide on the type of formal wear or outfits for you and the men in your wedding party.

Make an invitation to your friend to be your best man and select and invite other friends to be groomsmen.
Organise a fitting of the suits or outfits.

Organise Wedding cars or Limos for the big day and while you're at it ask the Best Man to remember to book you a taxi for after the reception.

Select a gift for your best man and the groomsmen that can be presented at the wedding rehearsal or the buck's night.

Select a gift for your bride. This gift ideally should be something personal such as a fine piece of jewellery, a watch, a full day at the spa with the works, etc...

With your bride choose the wedding rings. You may chose to have them engraved with your initials and wedding date.

With your bride, begin planning the honeymoon; leaving time enough for making reservations, changes in the plans, arranging passports and vaccinations etc.

Organise Wedding night accommodation.

Make all the necessary arrangements for blood tests and the collection of birth certificates, baptismal certificates, etc.

Apply for the marriage license. The license should be obtained with ample time remaining before the wedding date. The license should be given to the best man prior to the wedding, he will then present after the wedding ceremony.

Change the status on all pertinent paperwork regarding your marital status. This includes insurances, licenses, legal documents etc.

If there is to be a pre-nuptial agreement, the agreement should be drawn up, reviewed and finalised long before the wedding. At this stage drawing up new wills is also a good idea.

Arrange for and throw a bachelor dinner or bucks night several days before the wedding. The best man and groomsmen will usually host this event.

Set a date for the wedding rehearsal and notify all your attendants of the place and time.

Provide the best man with the clergyman's fee and information on the logistics of the wedding, the honeymoon and travel plans.

Print out a Best Man's Checklist and provide him with a copy and any other resources he'll need.

After the wedding ceremony, you and your bride need to sign the wedding certificate and have your best man ensure it is safely put away.

At the reception make your speech and don't forget to thank/toast the bridesmaids. It is also a good idea to visit each guest table throughout the evening and thank everyone for attending.

The day after the ceremony, send to the bride's parents a telegram thanking them for the wonderful wedding and reception.