You and the fiance have every little detail in order. The colors are picked, the cake is made, the tuxedo is ready to go, and you handed out the groomsmen gifts. Yet, one of the let downs of "the big day" is that it's only one day. You make all these wonderful plans. Have a few laughs. Poof! It's all over. Now you're stuck with a ton of one-time use wedding goods (unless you're getting married again sometime soon, but that's a different problem). GroomStand is on the scene to give you a heads-up on how to make an efficient and effective battle plan for the day following your wedding.

Wedding Keepsakes

Make a list of all the stuff you (or the future ms.) want to keep. Traditionally, this list includes:

  • Toasting Flutes
  • Top layer of the cake
  • Unopened liquor
  • Wedding favors
  • Guest book

If you're being whisked away to the honeymoon directly after the reception, it's a good idea to designate one of the groomsman to collect the items. Make sure to give that groomsman a special groomsmen gifts to show your appreciation for all the extra effort.

The Wedding Dress

When it comes to the dress, your bride is going to have a few options. Preserving the wedding dress takes some time and effort, but it is the symbol of the wedding day that she can hold onto for the rest of her life. Another trendier option is to donate the dress. This green alternative allows the dress to have new life in another wedding, and since these programs are ran by charitable organizations, your donation is tax-deductible. Look to Brides Against Breast Cancer for more information. Also, be sure to spread the word to the bridesmaids and groomsman. Those extra tuxedos and dresses are widely accepted at high schools as formal wear for low-income students.

All Your Other Stuff

Get some return on your investment. You know there is a market for all of your white napkins and tablecloths because you bought it in the first place. Instead of throwing all that stuff out, there are many wedding minded Craigslist type forums to unload all of your unwanted goods.

As for food, seek out a local food rescue program. Food banks are also an option, but you might not have as much luck because most wedding food is perishable, and food banks tend to only deal with non-perishable food (e.g. canned food). To locate your local food rescue program, visit Feeding America. If you're real savvy, set up an arrangement between the food rescue program and your caterer before the wedding to avoid any of the mess.

Flowers are always beautiful, and no one cares if they've been used. Great donation spots for your flower arraignments and centerpieces are hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living centers. Visit www.nursinghomesinfo.com or www.assistedlivinginfo.com for more information.

Your wedding vows are forever, but your wedding materials are a one-time thing. Take the effort to plan your wedding recycling program, and you will feel great about reducing waste, and you might create an opportunity to earn some of your money back. GroomStand Hint: If your groomsmen have a ton of stuff they don't use, give them tickets to a game or event as groomsmen gifts to reduce their impact.