Preparations for the Ceremony
If only getting married were as uncomplicated as many grooms wish it were: Two people would show up at the Justice of the Peace and say, “I do.” There wouldn't be much fuss beyond that. However, weddings in this day and age — as you well know by this point — are far more involved, and it's every groom for himself. Make sure you're not the guy who shows up at the altar in a T-shirt because you didn't check your tux bag to make sure your wing-tipped-collared shirt was in there.
The LegalitiesHave you applied for the marriage license? If not, get your tail in gear and get down to your county clerk's office, pronto. Some states require that both of you apply in person for the license; other states require one of you. Remember to bring cash (many localities will not accept checks or credit cards) and if you live in one of the few states that still require a blood test (the vast majority have done away with it), be prepared for that, also. Don't lose the license once it's in your possession.
Don't forget to bring the license to the rehearsal or the wedding. (Whichever event your officiant prefers.) This is your proof that both of you are legally willing and able to be married, and without it … you're up a creek. After it's been signed by the officiant and your witnesses, it will be sent back to the county clerk to be recorded. You are now officially husband and wife, in the eyes of your state.
You must have the license in hand for your officiant to sign (along with a witness or two in most states); though the officiant is supposed to sign it after the ceremony, ask him if he'd like you to bring the license to the rehearsal (when there's less chance of it being lost in the shuffle).
The week before your wedding, pop into the tux shop and double-check that they have the right information on file. Don't take an employee's word for it; ask him or her to point out to
When you arrive for the tux pickup, try on the entire outfit — accessories and all. If you have no idea how to wear something (or how to tie your bow tie), ask. This is part of the service.
If you're planning on having six guys wear tuxedos and the shop only has five in their computer, something's amiss. They've either misplaced someone's measurements or one of your pals hasn't been measured yet. (What he's waiting for is anyone's guess.) Don't fret — yet. This is exactly the reason why you're doing this last-minute check.
Unfortunately, you'll probably be instructed to pick up your tux the night before the wedding — or possibly two nights before. This doesn't do much for alleviating your stress; a groom's gotta do what a groom's gotta do.
Even though the tux shop might be in a total frenzy (especially if you're getting married in the summer months — you'll be competing for space with a bevy of other grooms), remember that the tux shop employees are there for you — even if they don't seem particularly happy about it at the moment.
In summary:
Don't wait until the last minute. If you can pick up your tux two days before the wedding, do it. If there are any problems (missing accessories, alterations), you're giving the shop ample time to fix them.
Try on the tux, the tie, the vest, the shoes. When you leave, make sure you have everything.
Encourage your groomsmen to follow your lead in trying on their ensembles. Make sure your linebacker brother isn't trying to squeeze himself into a pair of high-water pants.
If alterations are necessary, don't sweat it too much. Hopefully you've chosen a shop with a tailor on duty, and minor repairs are a snap for these professionals.
If something feels (or looks) too loose or too tight, speak up. You don't want your pants falling down when you're dancing with your new mother-in-law.
Make sure you know when the tuxes must be returned. The fee for renting them an extra day is something you and your men want to avoid.
This is also a good time to touch base with your best man (or your brother, or whomever you trust with the task) and arrange to have him return your tux for you, as you will be busy doing other things the morning after your wedding.
This isn't the time to try out a new cut or color. Go with the old tried-and-true or else you regret the decision for the rest of your life — or at least every time you look at your wedding pictures.
Everyone knows that you shouldn't get a haircut the day before a big event — and especially not on the day before your wedding. You know how long it takes your hair to settle down before it gets in its groove — for most men, it's about two weeks between the cut and the
If you want to go all-out and try a manicure or pedicure, this is as good a time as any to treat yourself to one or both. Beware trying out a new facial scrub or mask-type treatment in the days before the wedding, though; a bad reaction could leave you swollen and embarrassed.
