A Groom’s List of Wedding Essentials

Okay guys, come clean.  Who knows the first thing about weddings?  Raise your hand.  Admit it, we know nothing.  Zilch.  Nada.  I for one let my ex-fiance (my wife) do all the specifics — and look where it got me?  I had to wear that itchy suit.  Oh yeah.  I forgot she told me to get it to the cleaners.

No seriously guys.  Your fiancé already has a lot on her plate.  You don’t want to start the first day of your marriage talking about what had gone wrong in your wedding because in the end, she’ll find a way to blame it all on you.  So BE the supportive groom so you can enjoy your wedding night the way it should be enjoyed.

1.    A Deep Pocket.  Let’s get this out of the way.  I know you have a budget.  Maybe you and your girl share the finances for the wedding bash but believe you me there will be MISCELLANEOUS expense you cannot begin to imagine.  Every wedding has its must have and nice to have items.  I don’t know about your bride but mine went a little bit crazy overboard.  I can’t really fathom why we needed so many flowers and that personalized champagne glasses (which I’ll insist on using everyday just to get my money’s worth) —- but I’ve got to admit it all looked great.

2.    The Perfect Suit.  Look, dude.  This is your wedding too.  You absolutely have to go to your fitting sessions or at least hunt for the best suit that will fit you.  You do not want people to say that “Hey!  The bride’s gown is stunning.  What is the groom wearing?!” 

3.    Shoes.  A perfect suit needs to be complemented with a good pair of shoes.  Are you wearing a slip-on type or the one that has shoestrings?  The stringed one looks more formal but maybe you can ask your buddies.  If you’re having a beach wedding, by all means, wear slippers.  Keep in mind that you’ll be mingling with the guest for a minimum of two hours, so best keep your feet comfy.

4.    Buddies.  I suggest two buddies — your best man and a close girl friend.  Your best man will give you a fun stag party but your close girl friend or your sister can give you advice on the wedding preparations.  Keep both close at hand.

5.    Accessories.  On a daily basis, I do not accessorize.  A watch is enough.  But if you’re wearing a suit, you need cufflinks.  Raid your dad’s stuff or borrow from a friend.  This is easy — don’t bother the bride. 

6.    Haircut.  Unless you’re hell bent on the grunge look, better get yourself a haircut.  Your bride will be going to a trial hair and make-up session, why not do the same?  Minus the make-up of course.  While you’re at it, schedule a facial before the wedding day.   

7.    Handkerchief.  So who’s the hanky for?  You tell me. 

8.    Legal Documents.  Even at shotgun weddings, you’d need a marriage license and other required documents.  Find out from the city hall or your church what documents you need to file.

With that dude, I wish you happy wedding preps.  And remember, you can still change your mind.