A Groom's Wedding Timeline to Support Your Bride from a Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venue
- evermoreridgewv
- Jul 12
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
After getting down on one knee and hearing the exciting "yes!", grooms often don't know how to navigate planning a wedding. Your bride may have dreamed about this day for years and may have much of her wedding already planned out via Pinterest boards, but your involvement is important. Knowing what your bride expects of you while wedding planning is a big step, so communication is crucial.
For those grooms out there feeling lost, here’s a detailed timeline specifically designed for grooms (which can easily be adjusted to fit yours and your bride's expectations). Whether you’re eager to dive in or simply want to stay informed, this guide from our locally owned Charleston, West Virginia wedding venue, will help you navigate the wedding planning process effectively.
12+ Months Before the Wedding
Talk Budget and Priorities
Start by discussing your wedding budget and what elements matter most to each of you. For example, your bride may prioritizes a stunning Charleston, West Virginia wedding venue, you may give precedence to delicious catering. Financial stress is one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning (and life!), so it is important to discuss this early on.
Research Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venues Together
Assist in finding potential wedding venues that fit your style. If you dream of a beautiful Charleston, West Virginia wedding, start browsing locations and visiting them together. Check reviews and find a venue with staff that you trust. At Evermore Ridge wedding venue, we prioritize transparency, open communication and doing everything we can to make wedding planning as stress free as possible.
Lock in the Date
Agree on a wedding date that suits you both. Consider venue availability and how it fits into seasonal events. Think about key people that are in your wedding and how the date may impact their availability too. Remember, popular months like May, June, September and October can see increased demand so you will likely need to lock in dates in these months early.
Discuss Traditions
Talk about which wedding traditions you'd like to include or modify. If one of you values traditional customs while the other prefers a modern approach, discuss how you can merge these ideas to make both bride and groom feel represented. Consider how family and friends may react to your decisions and be prepared to set boundaries. Supporting one another in these decisions during wedding planning is crucial.
Confirm Major Bookings
Once you have your budget, venue and official date booked with the venue, confirm the other vital bookings such as the caterer, DJ or band, and photographer. Major vendors can book up to a year in advance, so if you have certain vendors you prefer, make sure you book them immediately!
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
Choose Your Wedding Party
Selecting your wedding party can be a fun, yet significant decision. Think about friends or family members who bring positivity and support. Many couples aim for a balanced number of groomsmen and bridesmaids to create visual harmony in photos. You should sit down with your future spouse to discuss the size of the wedding party you both want.
Finalize Your Guest List
The dreaded guest list: This can be where some of the family and friend drama starts. Start with your overall number (the agreed upon maximum number of people you want to invite) and then list the most important people (immediate family, wedding party and so on). It will be challenging, but establishing a cut-off is necessary and acceptable. Set clear expectations and support each other throughout the rest of the wedding planning process. Pro Tip: Once your guest list is finalized, don't feel pressured to include anyone who assumes they are invited to your wedding. Stand by your decision together and kindly inform them that they couldn't be invited due to venue capacity limitations.
Start Looking at Attire
Begin exploring outfit options—one of the exciting parts of planning. Look for styles and colors that enhance the overall wedding theme. Be sure to consider your groomsmen's attire as well, so everything looks cohesive.
Discuss Honeymoon Plans
Traditionally, the groom handles honeymoon planning. Talk with your bride about whether you want to manage this by yourself or come together to explore options.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
Book Outfit Appointment
Schedule your fitting for your wedding attire. Aim to select an outfit that complements the wedding theme and makes you feel your best. Many grooms find it helpful to involve the groomsmen in this process to ensure everyone looks great.
Coordinate with Your Wedding Party
Make sure your groomsmen know what they need to do regarding their outfits. Be crystal clear on expectations, due dates for purchasing or renting, etc. Pro Tip: Start a group chat with you and your groomsmen. Send a clear and concise text explaining exactly what they need to buy or rent and the exact date they need to have this done by.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
Sort Transportation
Figure out transportation plans for your wedding party. How will everyone get to the venue? Sort these logistics early to avoid last-minute chaos. For example, you might consider providing a shuttle or know ahead of time who is willing to carpool together.
Arrange Gifts
Select thoughtful gifts for your groomsmen and bride. Personalized items—like engraved items or custom accessories—are often cherished and show your gratitude. You might opt for matching cufflinks for your groomsmen or an unexpected bouquet of flowers for your bride.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding
Practice Your Speech
If you're giving a speech at the reception, start organizing your thoughts. A well-prepared speech can resonate well with your guests, so practice it multiple times. Consider including personal anecdotes to make it special.
Touch Base with Attire Rentals
Check in with rental company to confirm details. Verify pick up date, sizes, number of outfits, shoes, etc. Staying proactive helps ensure everything goes smoothly as the big day approaches.
Confirm Honeymoon Travel Arrangements
Double-check your honeymoon plans to avoid any unexpected surprises. Confirm flights and accommodations, and ensure all documents are organized. Pro Tip: new cute luggage and travel accessories is a really nice wedding gift for your bride. Trust me, she will love it.
Final Week Before the Wedding
Try On Your Entire Outfit
Put on your complete outfit, including shoes, to ensure everything fits perfectly. Being comfortable in your attire will help you feel confident on your big day.
Get a Haircut
Book your haircut several days before the wedding rather than the day before.
Pack for the Day
Gather everything you will need for the wedding day, including attire and personal items for the night after. Being prepared will ease your mind and diminish stress.
Keep Your Wedding Party Organized
Help ensure your groomsmen stays punctual and organized. Your bride has enough to manage the week of your wedding and doesn't need to be concerned about your side of the wedding party.
Enjoy the Moment
Finally, take a moment to breathe and appreciate the journey. Staying calm and supportive will make the process smoother for you and your bride, allowing you both to enjoy the lead-up to your special day.
Wrapping It Up
Many grooms feel lost throughout wedding planning, but following this timeline can keep you engaged and supportive of your bride throughout the process. Remember, open communication with your future spouse is essential. Your involvement—big or small—can help make this momentous day truly special, and the time leading up to is less stressful, for both of you.
So, embrace this opportunity, enjoy the journey, and prepare for a memorable celebration ahead!
Shoutout from a Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venue
Evermore Ridge wedding venue is a locally owned and operated business located near Charleston, West Virginia. We include a weekly shoutout in each blog we write in hopes to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book their wedding venue & wedding vendors. We are thrilled to support other wedding venue owners from around the country. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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