Just because the bride has taken control of the wedding planning - YES, it DOES matter that the table linens pick up the color in her bouquet! - does't mean that the groom just shows up on the big day. Here are ten little things for the real best man to keep in mind...

1.  Dress the part - Look into your wardrobe options 4 to 5 months before the big day. Decide whether you will rent or purchase a suit for the day and also find out which style will suit you best. Your formalwear should be purchased or reserved about 3 months before the wedding.

2.  Coordination is a good thing - Ask your bride for some details about her gown, which will help you to co-ordinate your outfits. Traditionally the morning suit was chosen for a daytime wedding and a tuxedo for an evening. For the contemporary wedding, a well-cut suit can be an alternative to the tux.

3.  It's all in the details - Make sure you have these items ready to roll before the wedding day: polished shoes, shirt studs for tuxedo shirt, tie, cufflinks, socks, tuxedo or suit, cummerbund/vest

4.  A prickly situation - Try not to shave the day before your wedding and then shave right before you plan to get dressed for the ceremony. You'll be soft and smooth for your bride. Avoid razor burns by shaving in the direction of hair growth - the last thing you want is a shaving rash.

5.  Eau de handsome - Perfume and flowers will fill the air so you don't want to overpower them with heavy cologne. The clean smell of soap should be all you need.

6.  Start off the day - On the day of your wedding eat a healthy breakfast and try to relax. Keep breath mints in your pocket and you'll have fresh breath all day long.

7.  The early bird - Be at the site of the ceremony before the bride! Never, ever be late - and make sure your half of the wedding party are on time too, including the ring bearer.

8.  Elated, not inebriated - Your friends at the wedding reception will all be eager to toast your marriage. But remember, this is your wedding, not your bachelor party, so watch your intake of alcohol. Drunk is not the condition in which to spend your first night of marital bliss.

9.  The wedding night - If you're not leaving on a honeymoon immediately, plan in advance what you will do for your first night together. If you'll be staying in a hotel, pick a nice one and take advantage of the room service.

10.  One last thing - Don't forget to return, or arrange the return of the rented tux before you depart on your honeymoon. Late charges can be exorbitant.