Grooms Checklist For Getting Hitched.

Groom's ChecklistCongratulations Buddy!!! You finally got up the courage to pop the question. Now, assuming she actually said "yes," it's time to start doing some heavy wedding lifting. I have taken the liberty of putting together a little checklist of your obvious to-dos. Some of this stuff you will probably do along with your bride-to-be -- and there are many tasks that are not listed here that she will ask you to get in on, too. But she may ask you to take care of some things yourself. When she says she trusts you with it, she means don't screw it up. Good Luck!12 Months Before Your WeddingPop the question. Yep, it all begins with this. Part of popping the question, of course is purchasing the ring.Figure out where you are going to do it. The ceremony and the reception, that is. Church, Synagogue, remote Hymalayan Mountaintop? The best spots fill up fast, especially for the summer and fall months, so decide on your wedding size and start looking.Organize your posse. After you ask your best man to do the honors, make up your groomsmen list. For crowd control, you will want at least one usher for every 50 guests. If your family is particularily unruly, you may want to opt for more.Get what you want. Crazy as this may seem, people start buying wedding gifts immediately, and registering may be the only way to keep your friends' and relatives' questionable tastes in check! Besides, you can now register for everything from practical electronic gifts to a BMW Z3 Roadster.9 Months Before Your WeddingBook the talent. Meet and greet suitable officiants, Priests, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace, Officially Sanctioned Elvis Personator -- once again, the choice is yours.Book the other talent. It will probably fall to you, to choose the band or disc jockey. Be sure to get references and/or hear their music beforehand -- and be sure to run this one by your bride-to-be before you sign on the dotted line.Figure out who your real friends are. More importantly, who do you think will spend the most on a present? Decide and start drawing up your guest list. This is something you will probably want to get your parents in on too.6 Months Before the WeddingWhere are you going to go on your Honeymoon? Hawaii? The Bahamas? Poughkeepsie? Plan your honeymoon. (If you are leaving the country, now would be a good time to check on or find your passports -- or get them if you and your girls do not have them -- and see what kind of shots or Visas you might need.)Who is driving? Arrange for transportation to the ceremony and the reception. Think limousine or horse and buggy. Note: The bus is not an option on this one. (While you are at it, figure out where you are going after the reception -- airport? hotel? other? -- and make plans for getting there. FYI, tradition dictates that your best man, good guy that he is, drives you. But maybe you will have seen enough of him by that time.)3 Months Before the WeddingGet ready for freeloaders. Your out-of-town guests need a place to stay, so unless you have a couple dozen spare bedrooms, decide on a hotel and reserve a block of rooms. Let them know this in your invitations. By this time, the guest list should be finished -- ie., it has bridal, groom, and parental approval. Time to send out the invitations.Get dressed. So what will it be? Tails and top hat or traditional Scottish kilt? Decide and buy (or plan to rent), then pick out your groomsmens' getups.Give the jeweler the finger. After he/she measures it, let your fiance do the same and them order your wedding rings. Decide on your inscriptions at the same time.Take it like a man. If you are going to tie the knot, you may have to get your blood drawn and tested. It is the law in some states (maybe even yours). So visit you doctor and roll up your sleeve.6 to 8 Weeks Before the WeddingGet a sparkling smile. Cut down on coffee and try whitening toothpaste. Want to really shine? Consider a professional bleaching with a dentist or use an over-the-counter whitening system.Don't be cheap, part one. This is one of the most important moments in your life, so put some real thought into the matter and then purchase your bride-to-be a wedding gift. Make sure it is personal, make sure it will be memorable, and make sure it is legal in all 50 states.Don't be cheap, part two. Search high and low for the perfect groomsmens' gifts. These guys are going to put out gee D-Day to make sure you look your best. Make sure you get them something decent to show it. No paperweights please!Don't lose it! Pick up your wedding rings and put them in a safe place. While you are at it, check the engraving carefully. A typo spells nothing but "loser."2 Weeks Before the WeddingDo something really romantic with your wife-to-be. But before you do, pick up your marriage license.Don't do anything stupid. But have a really good time. It is your bachelor party, and the last chance to go crazy without the ball-and-chain legally attached.1 Week Before the WeddingGet ready to relax. Double-check the honeymoon reservations, start packing your bags, and pick up your travelors' checks. Don't forget your toothbrush or toothpaste (or Trojans).Pay the man/woman. Wouldn't it be nice if your officiant presided over you wedding ceremony just for the sake of spreading a little more love to the world? Yeah, right. Put his or her fee in an envelope and give it to your best man for post-vow delivery.Say something. You are expected to speak to the crowd (wheter it be a toast or a speech) at your wedding reception. Sound sensitive and intelligent, start geing up with that impromptu toast or speech to her and her family now.Rally the troops. Give your groomsmen the rehearsal-dinner lowdown. and make sure everybody's got their monkey suit pressed and ready. By the way, get a haircut already.Day Before the WeddingMake her cry. Don't be mean. Write her a sweet little "I love you" note (or other touching trick) and leave it somewhere she will find it on wedding morning, especially if you will not be seeing her before the ceremony.Note: If you are going to change your clothes at the reception, arrange to have someone take care of her gown and your tuxedo.