Grooms: What You Need to Remember on the Big Day

If your a typical Groom your probally lucky, the Bride does most of the work. She prepares the Wedding, makes sure everything is perfect & plans the entire thing. Now it's your turn to make sure everything you do runs smoothly, unless you want your new life together to start off on a bad note. You would do well to run through our Grooms Checklist, just to make sure you're there for your blushing Bride. However emphasis will be put on certian things that you might not consider important to you, but will show how much you care and make all the difference to your soon to be Wife.

• * Make sure your Best Man is reliable! You don't want to be left without a ring.
• * Make sure your Passport & Plane tickets are prepared Ahead of Time!If you've never gotten a Passport before, make sure you get one at least 8-12 months in advance of your trip.
• * Order Wedding Attire Ahead of time for you and other men in your party!Some people might need special sizes and this will take time to order.
• * Go to the Doctor! Some states still require men about to Marry to take a blood test to ensure they are without any diseases. It's also good to make sure your in tip-top shape before traveling.
• * Choose a Present for your Bride! Make sure it's something personal or beautiful. It could be something as simple as a homemade scrapbook tracking your lives together up until now. If your stumped, jewelry almost always works.
• * Make sure you've done the Marriage License!
• * Pack ahead of time for the Honeymoon! Don't make your Bride-to-be do it for you. She's got enough on her plate
• * Make sure your Tux is ready to go for the big day! This means it's physically with you & no wrinkes.
• * Take Care of your Grooming! You may want to consult with a Hairdresser/Spa to make sure you're looking your best. Look through men's hair magazines for Classic Hairstyles. Get a professional shave & men's manicure. You may think it's girly, but you'll feel relaxed and look great for your Bride!
• * Show up! Ensure you give yourself PLENTY of time in the morning, especially if you have a hard time getting up. Set 3 alarms if you must!
• * After the Ceremony: Make sure you sign the Wedding Certificate
• *Enjoy your Honeymoon & your New life Together!

Groom Traditions: The Garter Toss

Tossing the garter may seem like a no-brainer, but it can be tricky when your bride is wrapped in that cream puff of a gown. Luckily, we're here to help with our easy guide to slipping off that garter and whipping it to your buds.

History

It's believed that the tradition of tossing the garter dates back to fourteenth-century France. Medieval French revelers considered pieces of the bride's attire lucky, and guests would literally rip off pieces of her gown. To defend herself, she began to throw them her garter! In modern times, her bashful groom does it for her to fend off those hordes of luck-hungry reception guests.

Legend holds that the lucky bachelor who gets the garter will be next to get hitched.

Significance

Historically, it was said that a man who gave his sweetheart another bride's garter could guarantee her faithfulness. Now it's thrown to single men for good luck, and legend holds that the lucky bachelor who gets the garter will be next to get hitched.

Timing

The garter and bouquet tosses generally take place near the end of the reception, either before the cake is cut or just before the couple makes their getaway. The garter is often thrown after the bouquet is tossed, but tradition dictates that the garter toss should come first.

Doing it Right

All the single guys should gather around the bride as she sits on a chair. You (the groom) will then lift up her skirt (just a bit) to remove the garter. Tip: The garter is usually placed on the bride's right leg, just above the knee. Don't grope aimlessly under 20 layers of tulle; if you can't find it right away, ask her to help (don't worry, it's easier than unclasping a bra).

Once you've located the slippery little critter, ease it off her leg with your hands (not your teeth) and whip it at the men standing behind you. If your bride is of the more modest variety, she may choose to remove the garter herself and demurely hand it to you -- then, whip away! The lucky garter-catcher poses for a photo and either dances with the winner of the bouquet toss or slips the garter onto her leg.

Article: www.theknot.com Photo:wedding-garters.com

Useful Links

The Wedding Attire Directory

The Health & Beauty Directory

Useful Articles

Savvy Couples Marry in Style-- Without Breaking Their Budget

The Bachelor Party Guide

Groom Attire Costs

The Groom Checklist

Help for the Groom

The Traditon of the Grooms Cake

Tips for Toasting

Grooming the Groomsmen

Don't forget the Father of the Bride

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