There is more to getting married than just asking your girlfriend to be your bride. Remember that even if you do live together Fathers like to be asked for their daughters hand in marriage. Once the wedding has been announced be involved. This is an important day for you too.

She said YES

• Agree the financial plans with both sets of parents.
• Who pays can be the contentious bit so both families may like to contribute
• Choose the type of wedding, venue, reception and the date and time with your partner and both parents.
• Agree the guest list
• Choose your best man, and agree on the other supporters for the day
• Plan the ceremony
• Make any appropriate payments
• Plan and arrange the honeymoon
• Help your partner to send out the invitations
• Choose the rings with your wife to be.
• Buy your bride a special gift
• Buy gifts for the supporters
• Hire your suit, kilt or uniform for the day and arrange those for your best man etc
• Attend church with your partners to hear the calling of the banns
• Write your speech
• Liaise with your best man – make sure you are organised
• Arrange the wedding cars
• Go to the rehearsal

On the Day

• Have a relaxing breakfast and no alcohol the night before
• Get ready in plenty of time
• You can have one small drink before you set off for the ceremony but avoid beer. ( you don’t want to be caught short during the ceremony )
• Get there early with your best man.
• Be first to leave for the reception with your wife
• Join the receiving line with your wife and both sets of parents
• Eat first so your guests can start
• After your bride’s father’s speech thank both sets of parents and thank all those involved in making this a special day.
• Propose the toast to the bridesmaids and present gifts to the bridesmaids, parents and best man.
• Cut the cake with your bride
• Have the first dance with your new wife
• The second with your Mother in Law
• Talk to everyone
• Thank all those involved
• Get changed to leave on your honeymoon
• Say your farewells and go

Very important

Pack your own case, lock it and hide the key. Leave a decoy case packed and open should your friends wish to sabotage it and remind your parents to bring it home.

After the honeymoon

• Write thank you letters with your wife
• Change your will
• Amend bank accounts and beneficiary information on pension and insurance policies