GROOM CALENDAR COUNTDOWN
(Continued)                                                            

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

• You and your fiancée should start planning the details of your ceremony. If you are going to write your own vows, start.

• Your fiancée will start addressing the wedding invitations. You may need two lists. If any people on the first list are not available, she will send out invitations from your second list (but not less than three weeks before your wedding).

• Assist your fiancée in preparing a preliminary "shot" list for the photographer and videographer.

• Look for gifts for parents and the wedding party.

• Assist your fiancée in selecting music for your ceremony, first dance and reception.

• Book the limousines.

• Select and book the entertainment for your reception.

• Shop for your wedding night lounge wear.

TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

• If you are planning to have your wedding announced in the newspapers, obtain guideless and deadlines by calling the lifestyle, society or classified desks of the newspapers you are going to use.

• Mark all the important dates in your calendar, such as the Bridal luncheons, bachelor parties, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, etc.

• Assist your fiancée with follow-ups for any out of town guest hotel or motel bookings.

• Check on the wedding party clothes, particularly rented ones.

• Ask your Best man to schedule your bachelor party at least one week before the wedding. It saves the wear and tear of having it too close to the event.

• Book an appointment with your hair stylist or barber for a few days before your wedding and not the day before. Don't try anything new. If you want something different, try it out two months before your wedding to give it plenty of time to grow out in case it doesn't work.

• Buy your fiancée a wedding gift.

• Your fiancée will give you a preliminary timetable for your wedding which will include the ceremony, reception and honeymoon.

• Your fiancée will start developing the seating plan and writing out place cards where they are need, i.e. help her with decisions on guests from your side of the family . . . etc.

• Confirm the payment arrangements with all the suppliers to your wedding event. Keep a record of who is paying for what. Have cheques prepared and/or cash put aside in the proper envelopes. If you are paying by cheque, some suppliers may ask that the cheques be certified.

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING

* Apply for the marriage licence.

• Take blood tests if it is necessary to do so in order to obtain your marriage licence. It is also a good idea to have a complete medical and dental check-up at this time.

• Have your final clothing fitting.

• Attend the final meetings at the florist, reception venue, etc. with your fiancée.

• If your fiancée asks, go shopping for your wedding cake and help decide what you want on top of your cake.

• Choose the Groom's Cake - you even get your own cake! Traditionally this is the cake that is cut into little pieces for your guests to take home in little boxes. It is usually fruit cake or deep chocolate whatever your choice.

• Don't  rely only on your photographer's and videographer's photos; ask your relatives to pick out the best shots they are going to take and send them to you. (Official photographers can't be everywhere).

• Make sure all the outfits for your wedding party are fitted and finished for the Best Man, Groomsmen and Ring Bearer and your parents.

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