Here is a checklist of the groom's most obvious to-do's. Some of these items will probably be done with the bride and there may be tasks not listed here that the bride is going to ask you to do. Good Luck!
12 Months Before:
Pop the question. Part of popping the question requires purchasing the
ring.
Decide where you are going to be married and where you will hold the reception.
The best spots fill up fast, especially for the summer and fall months, so decide your wedding size and start looking.
After you ask your best man, make up your groomsman list. For crowd control, you'll want to have a minimum of one usher per 50 guests. If your family is particularly unruly, you may want more.
Register. Some people start shopping early and registering is one way you get what you really want and need.
Book the entertainment. Usually your choice will come down to either a band or disc jockey. Be sure to get references and hear their music.
Start working on your guest list.
6 Months Before:
Plan the honeymoon. Where are you going to go? If you are leaving the country, don't forget about the passports, visas, and/or shots you both may need.
Arrange for transportation
to the ceremony and reception. Don't forget about the transportation to where you will be going after the reception ... hotel? airport?
3 Months Before:
Prepare for your out-of-town guests...they need a place to stay. Decide on a hotel,
inn, or
bed & breakfast and
reserve a block of rooms. Let your guests know this in your invitations.
Finalize your guest list, it's time to send out the invitations.
Decide what you and your groomsmen will be wearing and make plans if you need to rent. Have any out of town groomsmen get fitted in their area and send measurements to either the groom or best man.
Put some real thought into it and buy a wedding gift for your bride. Don't be cheap.
Make it memorable and personal.
Search for the perfect gift for your groomsmen. They have put a lot of work into making sure this is a memorable experience for you and your bride.
Pick up your wedding rings and put them in a safe place. Make sure to check the engraving.. no typos allowed!
2 Weeks Before:
Pick up your marriage license. Make a day of it and do something romantic with your wife-to-be.
Hopefully your best man and groomsmen have put together a bachelor party. This is your last chance to go crazy, but don't do anything stupid! Have a really good time!
1 Week Before:
Double-check the honeymoon reservations, start packing your bags, and pick up travelers' checks.
Put the fee for the officiant in an envelope and give it to your best man for post-vow delivery.
Get a haircut.
Make sure your groomsmen have the low-down on the rehearsal and make sure everybody has their suit pressed and ready.
Day of the Wedding:
Greet guests and thank them for coming, usually in the receiving line.
