On the day

Your wedding day has finally arrived. Here’s your essential checklist...

Be prepared

It is customary -- and very sensible -- for there to be a rehearsal of the marriage ceremony shortly before the event. The celebrant will take you through your part in the ceremony and answer any questions. If there isn’t a rehearsal scheduled, ask for one. It will calm your nerves and you’ll know exactly what to expect.

The night before

It's considered unlucky for the bridegroom to set eyes on the bride from the afternoon before the wedding ceremony, so even couples who live together often spend the night before their wedding apart! On a practical note, the bride might be at her parents’ house and you might be with your family in a hotel near the wedding venue. Whatever you choose to do, it might be an idea to give your bride-to-be a wide berth on the morning of the wedding, so she can get her look together in peace.

First things first

It's usually up to the groom and best man to get themselves to the church on time, so ask your best man to sort out reliable transport, and make sure you get to the ceremony venue with plenty of time to spare.

The details of the bride's dress are also supposed to be concealed from the groom in advance of the wedding, so - gasp - there she is, looking stunning in a fantastic outfit you've never seen before. Remember she may well have spent months -- and lots of cash -- to look beautiful on this day... for you. Have a heart: tell her how good she looks! 

Wedding morning checklist 

• Have you got your buttonhole? (The flower to go on the lapel of your suit)
• Has the best man got the ring/s?
• Has the luggage for your first night and honeymoon - including documents, tickets, passport - been delivered to your first night hotel or safely stored in a locked car boot?
• Have you got something to change into to 'go away' in? Is your best man primed to return your hired suit on your behalf, if you have one?
• Have you got some spare change in case of emergencies? Mobile phones are useful too.
• Have you got a crib sheet of the events of the day?
• Are you sure you know where the venue is and how to get there?
• Have you got notes for your speech?
• Have you got the thank-you gifts?
• Have you got your going-away car keys, if you're driving?

At the wedding venue

At a church wedding, the bridegroom and the best man should arrive about half an hour before the service begins, to await the arrival of the bride, either in the vestry, or seated in the front pew on the right hand side. At a given signal, you will take your place at the chancel step before the altar, with the best man standing to your right. Then your future wife will begin that long, long walk up the aisle.

Once you are officially husband and wife, proceed to the vestry with your bride on your left arm for the signing of the register. After receiving congratulations and greetings from both sides, give your bride your left arm once more and lead the bridal procession down the aisle.

Much the same procedure is followed in a civil wedding, but can be much simpler or just as ceremonial, depending on what you and the bride have decided.

Prepare to have your photograph taken for up to an hour (or sometimes more) after the ceremony and during the first part of the reception.

Previous 1 2 Next