The Groomsmen’s Organized Checklist

Despite some possible financial constraint, the role of groomsman is a worthy honor given out to only a few individuals at most weddings. Groomsmen come from all walks of life and reflect the many stages of the groom’s life: childhood, college, and more.

The role of groomsman is much more involved than simply renting a tux and making a toast at the rehearsal dinner. You’ll be much like the groom’s fixer and troubleshooter from the night of the bachelor party to the wedding reception. You’ll get a cool gift as an honorarium, too.

Here’s a timeline to get you prepared for all your groomsman duties:

Six months before the wedding

• Start browsing tuxedos catalogs and retailers, keeping the groom’s specifications in mind.
• Begin an exercise routine if necessary, to get yourself in shape for the tuxedo.
  

Five months before

• Have a tailor measure you for the tuxedo. Make final reservations to keep the tux for the whole of the wedding festivities.
• Begin browsing hotel and airfare bargains if you’re traveling out of town.

Four months before

• Finalize travel plans.
• Request time off work, if necessary.  The ideal trip is four days one day to fly in, two days for rehearsal and ceremony & reception, and then to fly out on the fourth day.

Three months before

• Make arrangements for care of pets, housestitters, et cetera for the time you’ll be away.
• Begin browsing for a wedding gift.

Two months before

• Purchase the wedding gift. If you’re traveling via air, don’t select a gift with heavy metal or lead crystal content. You’ll likely get jammed up at the security checkpoints.

One month before

• Double check travel arrangements.
• Enjoy the bachelor party.
• Draft the toast you’ll give during the rehearsal party.
• Arrange for transportation to and from your hometown airport; finalize transportation details in the destination city.
  

The week before the ceremony

• Pack everything you’ll need for the trip (Don’t forget to bring a suit for the rehearsal dinner.)
• Call the groom and check for any last-minute details.

Day of arrival

• Check into hotel and join in on the wedding festivities.
• Coordinate details and tasks with the best man and/or wedding planner.

Upon returning home

• Return tuxedo to rental store.
• Send thank you note for the groomsman gift.

Author:  Michael Kabel is the senior writer for My Wedding Favors.  My Wedding Favors proudly features a complete selection of groomsman gifts and bridesmaids gifts, as well as unique wedding favors, elegant and personalized wedding favors, and wedding favors to fit many styles and themes. Visit us online at www.myweddingfavors.com.