Good Groom Guide

Rule number one, chaps, don't leave the wedding arrangements entirely to your bride-to-be. You are one of the two key players! She's got a lot on her mind, so be a gent and play your part.

The first thing to get right is her ring size, after you've proposed in a suitably romantic fashion. Just borrow a ring she already owns and have the engagement ring made to the same size. Next, turn your attention to choosing your best man and ushers. Make sure they're happy to take on the role, and also that they're dependable and reliable types who won't let you down on the day.

Let them all know what their roles entail - the best man will have the most responsibility on the day, but the ushers are very important in getting the guests correctly guided and seated. Appoint someone to be MC, to fill in the gaps and ensure that the day goes smoothly. And get them kitted out well in advance - if you're hiring morning suits, assemble your friends together to go along and be measured together, which will encourage them to bond before the wedding. One other little thing - you need to arrange their floral buttonholes on the day of the wedding. They don't have to be roses, either!

During the run-up to the wedding, get involved as much as you can. Ask your fiancée what you can do to help, and discuss which tasks you'll both perform on the day itself. Make a detailed list if it helps. You'll probably decide on the honeymoon between you, but if it's left up to you, plan well in advance, and don't arrange things so that you visit Egypt during the hottest part of the year or roll up to Kashmir in time for the monsoon season.

Now how about that dreaded speech? Luckily, it won't matter much what you say as long as you say it, because everyone will be misty-eyed and totally on your side. Just remember to thank all the key people - the in-laws, the bridesmaids, the best man, the ushers, and so on. Oh, and your bride... And it's a nice touch to present bouquets to the mums at this point.

Last job of all - enjoy it. It's your special day, and your bride's, so don't let it be spoiled by nerves. You're the star of the show - bask in that!

For more hints and tips on how to make your big day go smoothly, check out our wedding information pages. They're an indispensable source of wedding planning tips and style advice for any bride to be (and groom to be!) and we're adding to them all the time so make sure you visit us again.

And don't forget to tell your fiancée to take a look at Henry Kaye's complete range of of stunning wedding shoes (for brides, bridesmaids and pageboys alike), stylish pageboy outfits, gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding bags and beautiful wedding accessories. Just don't go having a sneaky peak in all those parcels when they start arriving! After all, some things should be left secret 'til the big day itself!

Bridal necklace with silver and gold heart and freshwater pearls

Wedding Silver Heart Cufflinks

Belle bridesmaid dresses