Groom To Dos

Guys: Your bride-to-be loves you. And she needs you. Sometimes it's going to look like a hug and other times, you need to show up with support. Those are things you do anyway. 
Then there is the practical stuff! So take note, as these are items you can do and be a hero.

Help with the guest list.

This can be a blast, if done correctly. Creating the list is not just about who you "should" invite, but about the day and who you want to surround you. Talk about it, laugh about it, make your lists, chat and make the "party" and size of the party, match your dreams.

Mind the Budget

If you and your wife-to-be are paying for your wedding, help with managing the budget. Be kind. Consider what you both want for the day and can afford. If the bride is paying for the wedding, be helpful with anything that isn't being hired out. 

The Best Man

Choosing your best man is an important To Do. He's probably your very best friend, your brother, your father or someone you've been through thick and thin with. It's not just your job to choose the guy, but to ask for his council, his wisdom, his support when there are touchy decisions, and this guy needs to be front and center not just in a tux but he needs to have your back. Choose well! He's called The Best Man for a reason.

Get Your Wardrobe in order

Select the attire for yourself and for your groomsmen. Based on what you and the bride have in mind for your day, you'll need to head up getting the tuxes or suits ordered, rented and managed. You'll need to be measured, as will your guys. Start well in advance with discussions not only with your bride, but with your vendor and your groomsmen.

The Honeymoon Plan

Get the honeymoon plan sorted and ready, including the details. If you are throwing hammocks, camp chairs and a tent into your wagon and heading to the coast to car camp, then you'll have a fairly simple list. If you're heading to Greece to "take the sun" on Mykonos and gaze at the Aegean Sea, then you'll need to coordinate passports, plane tickets, accommodations and help with packing. Regardless of destination, this is in YOUR bucket of responsibilities, fellas. Take an interest, make lists and create the happy energy that will help your bride.

Plan the Rehearsal Dinner

We suspect that your bride will help with this, especially because you'll work within your own tastes and favorite things. BUT, don't put this on her. Work with friends, research online for ideas, pick the spot (restaurant or picnic or boat cruise or whatever), mind your budget and make it special. This is the night before the Big Deal. It really is a party. Toasts, great food, laughter and anticipation should all be on the menu. 

Plan a Toast at the Reception

Write a poem, list your favorite memories, pull in your anecdotes from friends and family, ... whatever it is you choose to say in your toast: make it matter. Make it count. Do your best and be authentic. 

Help with the Thank You Notes

All you need is a couple of good pens, the cards that came with your gifts (OR a list made by the maid or matron of honor), a lovely stack of Thank You cards and a sense of gratitude. Don't forget to write cards to your vendors too. Even though the money was their compensation, they worked hard too and saying you appreciate it is worth so much.

You've got this! Correction: you and your partner have it. Be the stand up guy and be present.