Grooms Must Do Wedding Calendar

Grooms Must Do Wedding Calendar

Grooms come in two basic types. Type A has approached wedding planning with enthusiasm, readily checking out reception venues, offering an opinion on invitation designs, and compiling well-thought-out wine lists. Type B hasn't done anything wedding-related since the proposal. Guys, if you're an A, congrats and don't stop the momentum; there's still a lot to do. If you're a B and want to upgrade, check out the calendar below, with its list of must-do and optional groom's duties.

12 Months Before

Propose. OK, hopefully you have done that already, or you wouldn't be reading (or being forced to read) this blog.

Tell your parents. They like her already, so how tough could this be?

Talk numbers. Who's going to pay for the wedding? Her parents, yours, the two of you, or some combination of the above? Discuss it with all relevant parties. Be honest, be brave, and be real.

9 Months Before


Visit the officiant with your fiancée. The officiant is the man or woman who will marry you and possibly give you premarital counseling.


Write half of the guest list. Your fiancée knows your closest friends and relatives, but what about Cousin Robert from Chicago. Write down a wish list of everyone you would like to invite; plan on whittling it down later when you compare notes.

Register for gifts. You'll be dining off the plates and drinking from the glasses for the rest of your life, too, so unless you don't mind staring at pink china for a few decades, offer an opinion if your fiancée gets too girly with her choices. Think of this as your opportunity to pick out things you both like.

Choose your best man and ushers. Pick people with whom you have a strong bond.

Go see photographers, caterers, bakers, and the rest. Do it because you love her—and because you might get some free food and cake.

6 Months Before

Arrange the honeymoon. Think about places that have always fascinated you. Consider your hobbies when look for a place.

3 Months Before


Figure out your clothes. The guys in your wedding party wear the same thing you do. If it's a tuxedo or morning coat, you all need to be fitted. E-mail everyone the details: store name and address, when to go, what to order.

Shop for wedding rings. Guys, you do get one of these.


Deal with the rehearsal dinner. If you're following tradition, this meal's on you or your parents. Ask your fiancée if she has a restaurant in mind.

Sign up for dance lessons. Get a few moves down and you'll feel okay when 200 pairs of eyes are staring at you.

1 Month Before


Write the vows. This is the ultimate way to personalize your ceremony.


2 Weeks Before

Get the marriage license. This is usually issued by your local county clerk. Call first to see what, if any, special paperwork you need, such as blood tests (log on to www.usmarriagelaws.com). Don't put this off—most states have a one- to five-day waiting period between the time the license is issued and the marriage ceremony.

Day before the Wedding


Grooming. Get your hair cut, trim your beard, or get a manicure. Do whatever you need to do to look your best that day.

Day of the Wedding


Greet your guest during the receiving line.


Perform the first dance.


Do a slow dance with each mom.

Make a toast. Grab the mike and say a brief and heartfelt thanks to your bride, her parents, your parents, and the guests.