You’ve chosen a date, booked your venue, and secured all of the suppliers who will make your big day perfect - congratulations! Now, it’s important to make sure you have exactly what you need to help your wedding day run as smoothly as possible.
Here’s our ultimate groom checklist, designed to prepare you for any scenario and keep you looking and feeling fresh all day long!
A tux or suit
It might seem obvious, but have you packed your wedding outfit? ALL of it? Don’t forget the little details like an undershirt, cufflinks, your belt, braces, buttonhole, and most importantly socks that won’t cause your shoes to rub as you’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day talking to guests.
Handkerchief
Not only can a smart handkerchief add a nice pop of contrasting colour to your suit when used as a pocket square, but it can also be useful for drying your eyes if things get emotional (which they probably will do!).
It’s a good idea to bring a spare, just in case one gets dirty before all of the photos have been taken.
THE RINGS!
There’s nothing more awkward than misplacing the rings on your big day, so be sure to give them to someone you trust and ask them to keep them safe until they are needed during the ceremony.
There’s no harm in double…or even triple-checking that you definitely have them with you.
A care kit
Having a mini care kit for touch-ups can keep you looking your best and save you from feeling uncomfortable on your big day. Pack some plasters for keeping blisters at bay, dental floss and gum for freshening up after dinner and lip balm to keep your pout perfect for the photos, along with any medication you regularly take.
Don’t forget a comb and some deodorant to tame any stray hairs and keep you smelling sweet. A pair of tweezers or a disposable razor can help tidy up any rogue facial hairs, so remember to pop these in your care kit too.
Bring some painkillers just in case you end up with a headache. Weddings can feel a little hectic and you wouldn’t want a throbbing head to ruin your day!
Lint roller
A compact lint roller will help remove any unwanted fibres that could show up in pictures - give this to a family member and ask them to help give you a brush down before the photographer calls you over to take some shots.
Shoe polish
It’s so easy to scuff your shoes and, though most photographers can photoshop blemishes out, it’s best to keep them as presentable as possible on your big day as there’ll be lots of family and friends taking their own photos that probably won’t be corrected before being uploaded to social media.
Most cobblers sell compact shoe polish tins in a whole range of colours, or if you’re in need of plain black shoe polish try your local department store.
Spare glasses
If you’re a glasses or contacts-wearer, remember to bring a spare pair just in case. Fingers crossed you won’t be doing anything crazy enough to break your glasses, but accidents do happen so it’s always best to be prepared!
Eye drops are also useful for getting rid of redness in and around the eyes if you get a little teary.
Your speech
If you’re saying a speech at your wedding, don’t forget to bring it with you and rehearse it ahead of time. Keep it somewhat punchy and engaging for your guests. It’s best to write it down on paper, just in case technology decides to let you down on the day!
Watch
We know this one isn’t as easy to forget, as you’ll probably be anxiously checking the time every few minutes leading up to your ceremony, but a watch can be a good alternative to a phone when checking the time, as you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to put it or the risk of unwanted ringtones ruining a big moment.
Keys, wallet, phone & charger
You probably already do the “where's my things?” dance on your way to work in the morning, but today is no exception!
You’ll likely want your phone to capture your own snippets of the big day and to call to check on the babysitter, so remember to keep your phone charged and somewhere safe. Don’t forget your wallet too - no doubt your guests will be buying your drinks for the evening, but it’s handy to bring just in case you have a room tab to pay in the morning.
Gifts for groomsmen
If you’ve bought your groomsmen a little thank-you gift, remember to pack them to bring with you to the wedding venue. That way, you and your best buds can have a special moment before all of the excitement begins.
That and if it’s something you want them to wear in photos, such as a pocket watch, you’ll want to give this to them before the wedding!
Quick Tips
Remember to arrive early
When should the groom arrive on the wedding day? Well, traditionally the groom is expected to be at the venue before the bride, ready and waiting for her to walk down the aisle.
If you have all of your venue prepped and ready to go and you’re not staying at the location the night prior to your wedding, be sure you and your groomsmen arrive at least one hour to 45 minutes before the ceremony is due to begin. You can never be too early for such an important event!
Bring sun cream if it’s a bright day
Remember to wear sunscreen if the weather is forecast to be hot and sunny - having sunburn on your wedding pictures isn’t a good look and you won’t feel too great in the morning either!
Stay hydrated and eat well
It can be easy to let nerves get the best of you and you might be rushing so much you forget to have breakfast, but try your best to stay hydrated and have something substantial to eat in the morning or at lunch depending on what time of day your ceremony falls. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol on the night before if possible - you don’t want to feel hungover on your big day!
Note down any emergency numbers
Write down any emergency contact details to pass on to your groomsmen or a family member in case you need to get ahold of someone, such as your child’s babysitter or dog sitter for example.
Be you
Take a deep breath, relax and smile. The next chapter of your future with your loved one awaits. Remember to be you and enjoy your big day together, as you’ll look back fondly on this day for many years to come.
Don’t forget to share this list with at least one of your groomsmen so they can go through it with you and check everything is ready to go!
Looking for the final touches for your big day? Check out our list of suppliers for some inspiration, or browse more helpful blog posts here.
Have you been to one of our wedding fayres? They’re fun and free to attend. Everyone is welcome, no matter how far along your wedding journey!
MORE GREAT WEDDING PLANNING TIPS!
Wedding Suppliers We Think You’ll Love!
Wedding Fayres We Think You’ll Love!
