When it comes to a truly enjoyable Wedding Day, preparation is key! Here we've gathered some helpful advice to assist you, straight from Grooms who have learned from their own experiences.

While we've provided a detailed overview of your responsibilities here, you might consider buying yourself a copy of The Groom's Survival Manual by Michael R. Perry. It's a very detailed resource—some Grooms refer to this book as their "Salvation" when it comes to Wedding Prep!

The Wedding Day is approaching. You are about to become a team, so be certain to get yourself involved in the planning stages. Your wedding day will be much more memorable when you have helped to plan it. New Brides always appreciate the sharing of responsibilities that come with Weddings. There is a lot to consider and any way that you can contribute will be warmly received. Your research on various tasks, no matter how small, is valued. And being prepared & aware pays off in many ways… your poise and assurance will put everyone involved at ease, and the Bride's parents will know that they can count on you (if they didn't already!)

Grooms don't always realize that how they plan their wedding with their Bride is crucial to starting their marriage out on the right foot! Weddings can be stressful for both the Bride and the Groom—nerves are on edge, small details suddenly become huge chores, and costs accumulate rapidly. There is a lot to consider, but remember, you're setting the stage for future communication patterns! Be sure you keep things in perspective and focus on what is important because none of the choices or details of the wedding are as valuable as the memories you will be creating! It's obviously a milestone in your life that you both deserve to enjoy, so don't lose sight of that.

Some Specific Points to Consider…

• If you don't already live together, take charge early and coordinate your move well in advance. It is easy to underestimate how important it is to start your newlywed life in a settled, organized environment. A lot of adjustments may need to be made, so think ahead.
  
  
• Your Bride is likely to get overwhelmed at some (or several) points in the planning stages. Although others will be empathetic, you may be the only person that can make any real difference. You don't need to have all the answers, just being an attentive listener can be all it takes.
  
  
  
• Help to create your engagement announcements, wedding invitations, and newspaper announcements to reflect your and your Bride's personality and values. If your Bride seems to have this comfortably covered, it's still a good idea to offer to review the results of her efforts.
  
  
• Compose your toast to your Bride sooner than later—during the months preceding the wedding, you will be able to revise and improve it. Make it memorable enough to frame…it just might end up on the wall when you get home from the Honeymoon!
  
  
• Get started on writing your marriage vows—whether you plan to surprise your fiancée or compose them with her. Ring inscriptions also require a good deal of thought, so keep that in mind. Favorite lines from a mutually admired poem, play, movie or book can frequently be the best way to caption your enduring love.
  
  
• Managing your budget is typically a major concern, and although it is traditional for the Bride's family to pay for most of the expenses, couples are usually contributing to the bills too. Unfortunately, this can be an area that may end up trying your relationship. Be certain to talk candidly and openly about your budgetary concerns and make sure that you and your Bride are on the same page before any major spending is done!
  
  
• Your Best Man and the Groomsmen selections may require some skillful negotiating—often your Bride and her family will have some valid input on the matter as well. When in doubt, take a moment to consider the long-term pros and cons of your decisions.
  
  
• Make it a point to create some private time at the reception where you can thank both your parents and the Bride's parents. Take the time to gather your thoughts—they will be remembered.
  
  
• You may want to think about enrolling in a dance class or two, or at least practice your skills. The first dance can be uncomfortably long when you are unsure of your abilities on the dance floor! And don't forget, that Wedding Video can be your best friend or your worst enemy! It will be seen by everyone again and again, including you… you want to look and feel your best!
  
  
• You might be changing your lifestyle, but you are not changing your friends. These are the folks that will always be there in time of need. Be sure to get thoughtful gifts for each of your attendants that show them just how much you appreciate their friendship and reliability.
  
  
• If you intend to stay at the reception for several hours and will be drinking, be sure you have safe transportation. Set up a late night limousine service or have a reliable designated driver on hand. And if you happen to be staying in an unfamiliar region, it's a good idea that you know the address and have at least a rough idea of how to get there when the festivities wind down.