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Planning a wedding in the New Year Making a list and checking it twice-- and three times-- and four times .... RONDA ADDY Special to The IFP Whenever there is a lot to do, it's always a good idea to make a list. It's pretty much taken for granted that the bride or someone helping the bride will make a to-do list, but what about the groom? Believe it or not, the groom also has a lot to do. Here is a brief list. 12 months or more · Buy the engagement ring. · Find an officiate. · Book the reception. · Sit down with the parents and discuss financial obligations. Seven to 12 months · Begin putting together the guest list. · Choose the best man, groomsmen and ushers (one usher for every 50 guests). · Register for gifts. · Arrange to pay for the bridal bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres. · Decide on a menu. · Schedule the engagement photo session. · Select and order the male attendants' clothing. Four to six months · Begin shopping for wedding rings. · Find a place to live and shop for furniture. · Review passports and visas. · Finalize honeymoon plans. · Book wedding transportation for the wedding party and any out-of-town guests. · Go over the guest list. · Plan the rehearsal dinner. Two to three months · Finalize the guest list. · Reserve rooms for any out-of-town guests and for the wedding night. · Shop for a gift for the bride and gifts for the groomsmen. · Get any additional clothing needed for the honeymoon and wedding events. · Consider getting a physical and making a will. · Confirm arrangements for the rehearsal dinner. Eight weeks to one month · Pick up the wedding rings. · Make arrangements for any final payments. · Make sure all the fittings for the groomsmen and any others are done. · Get the marriage license. Two to three weeks · Confirm all transportation. · Confirm the honeymoon details. · Begin moving into new home or apartment. · Go to the bachelor party. · Schedule a haircut. · Send out change-of-address forms. One week · Pack for the honeymoon. · Reconfirm rehearsal dinner plans. · Get traveler's checks. · Go over the wedding day schedule with the bride. · Remind those in the wedding party to pick up their suits. · Make sure shoes are shined. One day · Attend the rehearsal dinner. · Give the gifts to the groomsmen. · Confirm transportation pick-up times. · Pick up tuxedo. · Explain any special seating arrangements to the head usher. Wedding Day · Make sure the best man has the rings and licence. · Give the best man money for any fees for the officiate, DJ, limo, etc., in sealed envelopes. · Sign the marriage certificate and make sure it is safely put away. Some of these items will also be on the bride's todo list, so the groom should consult her on the really important things. By making a list and checking it many times, the groom will be well prepared for the big day and won't be embarrassed by forgetting something.