Wedding Planning FAQ for Grooms | The Groom Check-List

Here at Stag Pack, we know your wedding is a big deal and there is so much you need to remember for your special day. Below is a brief timeline outlining the numerous tasks you need to accomplish and check off your list before your wedding.

12 months before the BIG DAY:

So you're a year in. Plenty of work to do, but you're here. Don't be afraid to start small. Communication is key at every step, even the first ones. 

• Discuss the budget with your partner and all parents

• Figure out where you're going to have your ceremony and reception and pick out a wedding date

• Choose your Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers

• Get engagement photos taken

• Create a wedding website for your guests to find out details about the ceremony, reception, etc.

9 months before the BIG DAY: 

Things are getting real now it's time to start planning some of the big details. Don't worry, this is just a goal, if you haven't done these things and you're 3 months out, you've got time.

• Make your guest list

• Confirm addresses and mail out your Save the Dates

• Book all the talent (music, marriage officiant, photographer, etc)

• Choose your wedding colors to use as your color palate

6 months before the BIG DAY: 

If you've gotten this far into the checklist, you're brave, and getting closer. Are you getting nervous yet?

• Book the honeymoon

• Arrange transportation to and from the ceremony (limo, town car, bus., etc.)

• Plan rehearsal dinner

• Create a wedding website and arrange a gift registry

• Choose your menu and dessert and schedule tastings

• Select a venue for your rehearsal dinner

3 months before THE BIG DAY: 

This checklist is created for people who need a guide, but honestly, you're probably scrambling by now, and that's ok.

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests

• Send out guest invitations

• Decide if you are buying/buy groomsmen outfits and purchase them

• Measure fingers and order wedding rings

• Decide who will be doing a reading and what it will be (poem, scriptures, etc.)

• Create a chart or spreadsheet for your seating arrangements

• Finalize menu for reception (cocktails, appetizers, dinner, dessert, late night)

6 to 8 weeks before the BIG DAY:

Did YOU BUY THE WEDDING PARTY GIFTS YET!? IS YOUR AUNT COMING OR NOT?!

• Buy your bride and groomsmen wedding gifts

• Pick up your wedding rings

• Bachelor party time!

• Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d

• Lay out the wedding program and get it printed

• Make welcome baskets for your out-of-town guests

• Finalize seating arrangements

2 weeks before THE BIG DAY:

Seriously, don't forget the marriage license! Someone we know waited til the last minute to do this and realized their driver's license was expired LOL. IS YOUR AUNT COMING OR NOT?!

• Get your marriage license

• Give final count to caterer

• Adjust insurance policies, bank accounts, utilities, etc.

• Send your formal wear to a tailor for alterations

• Send playlists to DJ/band

• Break in your wedding shoes!

1 week before THE BIG DAY- you are so close!:

Make sure the rehearsal dinner is planned and everyone knows they need to be there.

• Start packing your honeymoon bags and confirm your accommodations

• Come up with a speech for the reception

• Provide your readers with their scripts and ask them to read over

• Give groomsmen the rehearsal dinner low down and make sure they get their haircut

• Write and practice your vows

• Finalize payments for vendors and bring cash to tip service

Day before:

Breathe! Enjoy this! You made it this far!

• Write an “I love you” note to your bride for her to find on the morning of your wedding day

• Deliver welcome baskets to your guests staying overnight

• Enjoy the rehearsal dinner

• Go to bed at a decent hour!

• Lay out your suit and make sure it isn’t wrinkled!

Wedding Day: Let It RIP.

• You have planned so much the past year for your wedding - have fun on your special day!

Day after and beyond: Pack the ibuprofen.

• Return the tuxedos

• Open your gifts

• Host a brunch for out-of-town family and guests

• Write thank you cards

• Enjoy being married!

At Stag Pack, we know that planning an event is hard enough, let alone having to come up with memorable gifts or prizes to hand out. Our different-sized packs can be the perfect, personalized gifts for your groomsmen. Contact us today - it couldn’t be any easier!