What needs to be done?

Due Date?

Cost?

Done?

6 months before

Get together with the bride, groom and maid of honour to discuss the wedding plans.

Assist the groom with picking the groomsmen and review their duties with them.

4 months before

Start to organise the bachelor party or co-plan a joint party with the maid of honour.

Rent and pay for your tuxedo.

Discuss special seating arrangements with the groomsmen (elderly, disabled guests, etc).

Accompany the bride and groom to the different venues to check distances, parking arrangements, etc.

Remind the groom to get all the documents ready for the honeymoon (flight tickets, visas, passports, foreign exchange, etc).

1 month before

Prepare your speech for the reception.

1 week before

Check that the groom has all the necessary documents for the ceremony.

Attend the pre-wedding parties, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (if any).

Finalise all arrangements with the groomsmen.

Drive to all the venues to check for roadworks that might necessitate a different route.

Ensure that transport for the groom to the church is in good condition.

Get the phone numbers of at least two emergency taxi companies in case there are any transport problems.

Finalise the speech.

Get a haircut.

1 day before

Collect any and all hired clothing and accessories.

Wash the car with which the groom will be transported to the wedding.

Organise the decorations for the going away car.

On the day

Make sure that the groomsmen know what is expected from them.

Keep the rings safe until it is required at the service.

Be ready early and assist the groom to get ready.

Make sure the groom gets to the church at least 20 minutes before the ceremony is due to start.

At the church

Make sure all the groomsmen arrive on time, well before the guests and the start of the ceremony.

Make sure all the groomsmen receive boutonnieres.

Wait in the front of the church with the groom.

Hold the bride’s wedding ring until it is required.

Sit in the right hand front pew with the groom.

Witness the signing of the wedding register (if required).

Make sure that the officiant and organist are discreetly paid.

Make sure that everyone has transportation to the reception venue.

At the reception

Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests.

Make the first toast to the bride and groom.

Read any cards and emails of people who could not be at the wedding.

Dance with the maid of honour once the bride and groom have completed their first dance.

Assist with the decoration of the going away car.

After the wedding

Assist the maid of honour in delivering the gifts the bride and groom’s house.

Return any hired clothing and accessories.

Make sure that newlywed couple gets on their way for the honeymoon.

Additional items to remember