Groom’s Guide: Essential Tips for the Month Before and the Morning of Your Wedding Day

I’ve found plenty of blogs, articles and videos that cover what the bride should be doing up to the big day but what about the Groom!? Guys, this is for you. As your wedding day approaches, the excitement and anticipation build, but so can the stress. There are lots of moving parts when it comes to planning a wedding - what needs to be done? You have an essential role in making sure everything goes smoothly. To help you prepare, here’s a comprehensive guide on what every groom should do in the month leading up to the wedding and what you should focus on the morning of the big day.

One Month Before the Wedding: Final Preparations

1. Confirm All Vendor Details With just a month to go, it’s time to ensure that all your vendors are on the same page. Reach out to your photographer (hi!), videographer, florist, DJ or band, and any other vendors to confirm details like arrival times, special requests, and payment schedules. This will help avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure everything runs smoothly. I always have a meeting with my couples roughly 1 week before the big day to review the timeline and expectations.

2. Finalize Your Attire By now, your suit or tuxedo should be ready for the final fitting. Make sure everything fits perfectly, from your jacket to your shoes. Don’t forget about the little details like cufflinks, a pocket square, and socks that complement your outfit. If you haven’t already, break in your shoes to avoid discomfort on the big day. I recommend wearing them while practising your first dance, test out how “grippy” they are. So you are ready for the big dip!

BOOM.

This also means practising how to tie your tie or bowtie. If I had a penny for every wedding I've been a part of where the guys pull up a YouTube video looking confused... well, I’d be rich, haha.

3. Get Groomed Schedule your grooming appointments—haircut, shave, or beard trim—about a week before the wedding. This allows enough time for any potential touch-ups but still ensures you look sharp on the day. If you’re considering a new hairstyle, test it out a few months in advance to avoid any surprises (cue Marshal from HIMYM on his wedding day).

Yikes...

4. Write Your Vows If you’re planning to write your own vows, now is the time to start - NOT morning of your wedding day. Take your time to reflect on what you want to say. Practice reading them aloud to make sure they flow well and fit within the ceremony’s timing. Having your vows ready ahead of time will give you peace of mind as the big day approaches.

5. Take Care of Your Health In the final month, make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. Managing stress is crucial—consider practising mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking time to relax. Avoid trying any new diets or workout routines that could leave you feeling less than your best. The better you feel, the more fun you have. :)

The Morning of Your Wedding: Focus on the Moment

1. Start with a Healthy Breakfast Your wedding day will be a long and eventful one, so start with a nutritious breakfast. Something light but satisfying—like eggs, toast, and fruit—will keep your energy levels up without weighing you down. Avoid heavy foods or anything that could cause discomfort. Stay away from too many glasses of champagne. You are signing a legal document, bad idea to have a buzz for this.

2. Take a Moment to Reflect Before the day kicks into high gear, take a few minutes to yourself. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, a short walk, or some deep breaths, grounding yourself can help calm any nerves and allow you to fully appreciate the day ahead.

3. Double-Check Your Attire Once you’re dressed, do a quick check to ensure everything is in place. Make sure your tie is straight, your boutonniere is secured, and your shoes are polished. This is also the time to gather any essentials you’ll need, like your vows, rings, and a handkerchief.

4. Spend Time with Your Groomsmen The morning of your wedding is a special time to share with your groomsmen. Enjoy some light-hearted moments together, whether it’s over coffee or a celebratory drink. This is a great way to ease any jitters and remind yourself of the support system you have around you.

5. Be Ready for Photos Your photographer (hello!) will likely want to capture some getting-ready shots, so be prepared. Relax and have fun with these moments—they’re an important part of your wedding story. Candid, natural shots often turn out to be some of the most cherished memories. This also means, please have your accessories organized - shoes, tie, cufflinks, watch, cologne, and boutonniere in one location. That way your photographer can grab those detail shots quickly.

6. Focus on the Big Picture As the day begins, remember what it’s all about: marrying the love of your life. Keep your focus on that, and don’t let small hiccups stress you out. Trust that everything will come together, and enjoy every moment of your wedding day.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you’re well-prepared, relaxed, and ready to make the most of your special day. Congratulations—you’re about to embark on an incredible journey!

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