Brides & Weddings Magazine
Image Courtesy of Amy’s Bridal Boutique
As the cost of weddings rise, as well as the age of today’s bride and groom, many couples find themselves sharing the cost of their wedding, with little to no help from their parents. Although there are benefits in being able to make the wedding completely unique, along with showcasing the couple’s styles and personalities, the groom’s financial obligation has opened the door to the vast world of weddings.
The groom now has an opinion on something he has never thought of before, while the bride has been following her favorite wedding blogs for over two years now. In preparing to go on the wedding planning
journey together, it is very important that the couple find an effective communication tool to make the experience one that brings them closer. And both parties must compromise in order to have key elements that are important to each of them.
A great way to start the process is to sit down with a list of all the vendors that need to be hired and decide on who will be in charge of paying for, booking and communicating with each one. For example, if the groom is really into music, then he should be in charge of hiring the DJ or band; if the bride is an avid
photographer, she should choose their wedding photographer. The couple should find their three favorite vendors, and then research the pros and cons of each so they can make the final decision together.
HERE IS A HELPFUL CHECKLIST, REVISED FOR TODAY’S GROOM.
TWELVE MONTHS OR LESS
• Decide on the division of financial obligations and vendor communication.
• Set budget for the entire wedding.
• Ask parents or relatives if they plan on contributing and how much.
• Prepare a guest list with addresses and titles by asking family and relatives on groom’s side.
• Research designated vendors, set up appointments and book.
• Choose best man, groomsmen and ushers.
• Decide on where you are going for your honeymoon, and get passports if necessary.
• Decide on where the rehearsal dinner is going to be held and send deposit.
• Select bride’s engagement ring.
SIX MONTHS OR LESS
• Select the style tuxedo and vest colors for all men in the wedding party and register at a formalwear store.
• Confirm reservations for the honeymoon.
• Buy wedding rings.
• Decide on rehearsal dinner menu and order invitations.
• Let all attendants know the time and location of the rehearsal practice.
• Turn in necessary form at work to take time off for the wedding and honeymoon.
ONE MONTH AHEAD
• Set up final meetings with designated vendors.
• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations.
• Purchase gifts for your attendants.
• Purchase any items needed for the honeymoon.
• Confirm honeymoon details and reservations.
• Confirm all attendants ordered tuxes.
• Make arrangements for lunch with groomsmen the day of the wedding.
THE WEEK OF THE WEDDING
• Confirm all attendants have a timeline.
• Confirm all vendors have a timeline.
• Get a haircut (early in the week).
• Give final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner.
• Pick up the wedding rings from the jeweler or have them cleaned.
• Pick up tuxes and have all groomsmen try them on two days before the wedding.
• Pack for honeymoon.
