Groom’s Guide: Wedding Planning Calendar

Groom’s Guide: Wedding Planning Calendar
Courtesy of Jim's Formalwear

Arranging a ceremony and a reception that both of you will remember for the rest of your lives requires planning, attention to details, and cooperation among all the people involved in your affair.


6-12 months before:

Announce your engagement.

Pick a style for your wedding.

Plan a budget.

Meet with your officiant to set a date.

Choose a reception location.

Draw up a guest list.

Select your best man, groomsmen, ushers, and a ring bearer.

Decide on color scheme for apparel, flowers, and reception.

Register with a formalwear specialist and get fitted for your tuxedo.

Send out-of-town men in the wedding party mail measurement forms.

Interview caterers and bakers.

Visit with photographers and videographers.

See florists; decide on boutonnieres for all the men in your wedding party.

Draw up and sign contracts.


4 months before:

Order invitations.

Plan the rehearsal dinner.

Look for your new home or apartment, if moving.

Sign up at bridal registries.

Check out and hire transportation for your wedding day.

Make your honeymoon plans.


2 months before:

Book a hotel room or bridal suite for your wedding night.

Help address and mail wedding invitations.

Get a physical exam and blood tests, if necessary.

Shop for your rings.

Choose gifts for your bride and the men in your wedding party.

Help write thank-you notes for gifts that arrive.

Take time out for a romantic evening with your bride-to-be.


1 month before:

Get your marriage license.

Have the men in your wedding party go for fittings, including both of the fathers.

Make sure your out-of-town attendants have sent in their mail measurement forms.

Double-check all contract details with wedding vendors.

Adjust insurance policies, bank accounts utilities, etc.

Get change-of-address card from your post office.


1 week before:

Pack for your honeymoon.

Get cash for gratuities and issue checks to pay vendors.

Enjoy your bachelor party and rehearsal dinner.

Visit your formalwear specialist with the other men in the party for a final fitting and pick up the formal attire.

Give caterer final head count.

Present your bride-to-be with her special gift.

Give the men their gifts at the rehearsal dinner.


The Big Day:

Double-check details: ring, ring bearer’s pillow, and garter.

Make sure your formal attire looks perfect-tie straight, cummerbund pleats up and shoes polished.

Get to the church on time.

Relax and enjoy your wedding day.

Prom Hair Styles

The perfect hairstyle completes your perfect look for prom. Look at our website, or through magazines to find styles that would work with your hair and your dress. Practice your hairstyle several times before the special event to see how long it will take and to ensure you have all the right supplies and equipment to make it work. Make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful in your selected hairstyle. If you are having it done for you, be sure to take along the photo so the stylist knows what your vision is of your total look. On your special night, you’ll look terrific, so don’t forget to smile pretty for all those photos!

Dressing Your Maids

The first step to choosing a bridesmaid gown is to determine the formality, style and fabric of the wedding gown so that the maids gowns do not overpower the bride. Choose the color first to narrow choices. You might want to begin choosing a gown style with the larger maids in mind. In recent years, prices have declined making the average maid's dress only $140. With careful selection, your bridesmaids will be happy with the final results and spend the wedding day celebrating with the bride and her groom.

How to Shop for Your Dress

Many dresses sell out during prom season so for best selection – shop early! Try on different styles to discover your favorite look. Or if you are ordering online, take accurate measurements to get the best fit as formal dresses usually run small. Alterations are important for a perfect fit so don’t be discouraged if your dress doesn’t fit you perfectly but purchase your dress as early as possible to allow time for alterations and fittings. Buy your jewelry, shoes and other accessories at the same time to make things easier. After you are all done with shopping you can relax and dream of your big night! Have a great time!