Groom's Timetable
The groom will help the bride and her family with much of the wedding planning. However, the timetable below lists some of the traditional things a groom needs to do in preparing for the wedding.
Twelve or more months ahead
* Buy the engagement ring. Choosing one together is a good idea. However, if you would like to have one to propose with please ensure that is returnable, just in case she doesn't like it.
Six or more months ahead
* Put together a guest list and check with your family that you have not left anyone out.
* With the assistance of your fiancé work out what you would like in terms of wedding gifts for your home.
* Select outfits for the groom and his party.
* Discuss honeymoon destination and make bookings. Organise an MC for the reception
* Start applying for passports if they are going to be required for your honeymoon,.
* Choose your bridal party.
* Book florist.
four to six months ahead
* Purchase wedding rings.
* Finalise your honeymoon arrangements and pay deposits involved.
* Book a room for wedding night.
* Check with the florist, and make final arrangements for the bouquets and corsages.
* Sign up for dance lessons.
* Start buying any clothes you will need for the honeymoon.
two to four months ahead
* Check that the appropriate legal and religious paper work has been completed and submitted as necessary.
* Update your various insurance policies to cover your bride, such as health, cars, home and contents (remember to include the weddings rings in the policy).
* Start discussing changes to wills.
* If you are giving the bride a wedding gift now is the time to choose and order it.
* Write or choose your wedding vows.
* Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
* Reconfirm travel arrangements
one to two months ahead
* Help write thank-you notes as gifts arrive.
* Send change of address details to the post office.
* Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding announcements.
* If you have people travelling from out of town, confirm their travel arrangements and collection fro arrival point.
* Hold bachelor party
* Choose gifts the best man and groomsmen.
Two weeks ahead
* Double check the arrangements for leaving the reception. If you've hired a car confirm it.
* Check the bridal party outfits are in order.
* Help with seating plan.
* Hold rehearsal dinner.
* Reconfirm honeymoon reservations .
* Write toasts and speeches for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
One week ahead
* Finalize seating plan.
* Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages, to members of your wedding party.
* Give any fees that have to be paid by you after the wedding to your best man in an envelope.
* Confirm details with caterer.
* Confirm honeymoon arrangements, and give your itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency.
* Pack for honeymoon.
* Give your gifts to the bridal party. The rehearsal dinner is the appropriate time if you are having one.
* Buy any travellers cheques you may need.
* If you are not living together, now is the time to start moving.
One day ahead
* Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception.
On the day
* Relax and enjoy yourselves!
Groom
