8 Things Grooms MUST Do Before Heading to the Altar
As a groom, there are few important things you won’t want to forget on your wedding day. Be sure to check these things off your list before heading to the altar.
Photo: Joe Hang Photography
When the wedding day arrives, you’ll feel excited, emotional and maybe even a bit nervous all at the same time. With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook the small last-minute details, but there are few important things you won’t want to forget.
Before you make your way to the altar, be sure to check these things off your list.
Final vow read-through
If you wrote your own wedding vows, you should know what you’re going to say by this point, but even the most well-rehearsed groom can be struck with a case of the butterflies seconds before walking down the aisle. Find a quiet spot where you can do one last skim through your vows and spend a few minutes collecting your thoughts.
Grab a snack
Hopefully you’ve had a meal or two throughout the day, but it’s not a bad idea to eat something small shortly before the ceremony. Avoid foods that are messy, greasy or could risk staining your attire (that means no buffalo wings or pizza). Granola bars and nuts are two fail-safe options. While you’re at it, drink a glass of water so you stay hydrated for the ceremony.
Use the restroom
You know what your parents used to say: “Even if you don’t think you have to go, you should.” That rule applies on your wedding day, too. Take a bathroom break before the ceremony, especially since it might be a few hours before you have another free moment to yourself. Also use this as an opportunity to freshen your breath so you’re ready for the first kiss as newlyweds.
Do a mirror check
Take a final look in the mirror and fix any last-minute adjustments that need to be made. Tighten your shoelaces, check your teeth, straighten your tie, and flatten those stray hairs that are poking up from your head. Ask a groomsman or family member to do a quick once-over to catch any snags, stains, belt loops, or untucked shirttails that you might have missed.
Secure the rings
Even if you aren’t carrying the rings, you should know exactly where they are. Double-check with your best man and/or ring bearer that the rings are in their proper place. If they’re being carried in a box or tied to a pillow, make sure they’re safe and sound before being sent down the aisle.
Know your route
At the start of the ceremony, it’s tradition for the groom to escort his mother, grandmother or other relative to a reserved seat before taking his place at the altar. It’s pretty self-explanatory and you’ll get to practice during the wedding rehearsal, but it might be helpful to do a quick mental refresh so you remember where you need to go.
Turn your phone off
First, ask yourself if you actually need to have your phone with you during the ceremony (anyone who needs to get ahold of you should already know where you are). If you decide that it’s a must, be sure to put your phone on silent—even the vibrate setting could disrupt the ceremony. You might also consider handing your phone over to a trusty groomsman who can hold it for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Take a deep breath
It’s normal to be nervous, but if you feel like the wedding day jitters are getting the best of you, take a deep breath to clear your mind. Give yourself a pep talk and remember what the wedding is all about. At the end of the day, it won’t matter if you stumble over your vows or have shaky hands as you’re exchanging rings. You’re marrying the love of your life, and what could be better than that? Focus on soaking in the moment and everything will work out as it should.
