Save This Ultimate Last Minute Wedding Checklist for the Groom

Dear Groom,

We’re thrilled that you’re stepping into the next phase of your life with your partner. Congratulations on approaching your big day! We hope you breeze through this time without a worry. To help you have the best time leading up to your wedding, we spoke to some recently married men and created a detailed wedding checklist for grooms to ensure you’ve got everything covered so you can have the best time with your family and friends.

Organise Your Wedding Day Outfits and Accessories

We’re thrilled that you’re stepping into the next phase of your life with your partner. Congratulations on approaching your big day! We hope you breeze through this time without a worry. To help you have the best time leading up to your wedding, we spoke to some recently married men and created a detailed wedding checklist for grooms to ensure you’ve got everything covered so you can have the best time with your family and friends

Ideally, you should begin shopping for your wedding ensemble at least three months before the occasion, so you have enough time to look at options and get the fittings done well in advance.

• Your wedding outfit should typically include a sherwani - we suggest opting for an ethereal, pastel coloured sherwani for a spring or summer wedding and the heavier, more intense shades for winter.
• A royal safa is an essential accompaniment to the sherwani, a soft golden, beige or white safa usually pairs well with most summer sherwanis while the maroons and starker golds work better for winters. And in case you forget to buy one, these can be great for last minute pick-ups too!
• Accessories including an intricately detailed dupattas, jewellery pieces like a brooch or a mala, and a pair of well-crafted shoes (perhaps two if they’re going to get stolen!) are must-haves for your D-day.
• A week before your wedding, make sure the apparel is steam ironed and all complementing accessories, including a handkerchief, a pair of socks and perfume are packed with it. It’s these little things that disappear at the last moment!

Sort Out Your Pre and Post-Wedding Outfits and Accessories

Once you’re done shopping for the main event, it’s time to start planning for the days that precede and follow the wedding.

• Depending on the different ceremonies and rituals that are traditionally part of your culture, kurta sets in festive colours and contemporary kurta jacket combinations are good choices for intimate pre-wedding functions. An elegant Indo-western outfit works well for occasions like sangeet and the post-wedding reception.
• Buy sandals or shoes in neutral shades of brown, black and white which are versatile and can be mixed and matched with most outfits. Steam iron the clothes, create sets with the footwear, handkerchiefs, socks, sunglasses, watches or bracelets and perfume. Keep this ready at least two weeks prior to the wedding to avoid any frantic arguments later!

Check on Important Bookings

Now that all the outfits and accessories are in place, about a fortnight from the wedding is a good time to start ensuring that everything is going as per plan.

• Go over requirements like props and locations with your wedding photographer, for any planned shots to save time during the events.
• In case there has been a slight change in your size and any last-minute fittings need to be done to any of your garments, fix an appointment with your tailor at least three weeks before finally packing the outfits.
• Also, check with the venue partners to confirm the seating, decor and any special arrangements.
• Discuss the menu with the caterer to ensure all your requests have been accommodated and review the song list with the DJ to avoid any slip-ups.
• Rent a few cars if you have guests who might need help with commuting till the venue.
• Or, if you’ve hired a wedding planner, just share this list with them, so they can take care of the matters most important for you!

Pack the Emergency Groom Bag

Get a light and spacious bag that will stay with you through the wedding week.

• Keep a few envelopes of cash handy in case you need to settle any urgent payments.
• Pack a small first aid and medicine kit with band-aids, and any medicines you might need, like anti-allergy, multivitamins and paracetamol tablets.
• Prepare a grooming kit with a comb, tweezer, razor or trimmer, hair pomade or spray, hair dryer, sunscreen, moisturiser, deodorant, a cooling talc and a shoeshine.
• Keep a few snacks in case you need a quick pick-me-up. Since you will spend a lot of time around people, make sure you have a pack of breath mints, a face towel, a lip balm and a mini perfume with you always.
• Of course, force your siblings and cousins to carry the emergency and be around!

Prepare Yourself

In the midst of planning the wedding, make some time to focus on yourself.

• If you’re performing at the sangeet ceremony, rehearse your dance moves. Hire a wedding choreographer who can help you and your folks prepare well.
• Learn about the rituals you’re going to participate in. Get your documentation in order and plan for the marriage registration.
• To save time during the wedding and pre-wedding shoots, go through a few poses and angles that look good and are comfortable for you and your partner.
• Having so many guests around you can feel overwhelming. It’s important that you receive your guests well and look attentive, so keep a few greetings handy for when they come to meet you.
• Book a salon appointment and pamper yourself with a grooming session just before your wedding week.
• Hydrate yourself, exercise regularly and sleep well.
• Most importantly, don’t forget the ring!!

Being mindful of these little things can alleviate stress and make every moment enjoyable. Bookmark this wedding checklist for easy reference and we’re sure you’ll have a great time at your wedding!

P.S. In case you need help with picking any of your outfits or accessories, we’re leaving a few quick links with our special recommendations!