Wedding Planning For The Groom: The No-Stress Guide to Nailing Your Role!
As the groom, your role in wedding planning is more significant than you might think. When you actively participate and share some of the responsibilities that traditionally fall to the bride, you’ll find that everything together is smoother and beautiful for both of you.
By taking on tasks and being involved in the decision-making process, you not only ease the burden on your partner but also ensure that the wedding reflects your shared vision as a couple. Your contribution to the planning process will make the journey to your special day more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
In addition to dealing with your future in-laws, tasks could include working out the wedding menu with the caterer, hiring entertainment, choosing a suit, and trying not to show your stress to the bride.
It’s time to get groom-y.
Should The Groom Be Involved In Wedding Planning?
Yes, the earlier, the better. Being involved early will reduce your and your fiancee’s stress during the weeks and months leading up to your big day.
Take on responsibility as soon as possible and feel less overwhelmed by all the decisions needed before the wedding day arrives.
You should have access to and oversee all essential documents (contract, licenses) and participate in plans, including seating arrangements and other tasks, from creating a guest list to selecting flowers, hiring vendors, music choices, venue search, and final choice. It would be best if you also discussed all options with your partner.
Another reason you want to be involved in the wedding planning experience is to weave in your style, be it rustic, traditional, or something more extravagant.
As the Groom, you may be less prepared to follow through on decisions if you are not involved in planning your wedding.
You may feel your input was not requested or valued and use this as an excuse to avoid taking on some of the necessary tasks, which can stress you and your fiancee.
Not only will you feel more responsible and included when you are involved in the wedding planning, but you’ll have a better understanding of what your bride has been taking care of all this time!
Wedding Planning For The Groom Shortlist
Naturally, the Groom’s wedding planning essentials mostly cover the same topics as the other partners’, with a few exceptions.
First, divide the logistics between you and your partner and outline your steps together. Then, you’re ready to roll.
Establish a budget
Understand what you can spend on your wedding before signing up for any venue, caterer, and vendors. Sit down with your wedding planner if you have one to capture all aspects of your wedding budget.
Calculate the number of guests
Before booking a venue, you must know how many guests you want to invite.
Create an A list with all your must-have family members and friends, including the bridal party. Then, create a second-tier list with guests you could add if your budget allows. Consider Plus-Ones and children.
The number of people who will attend your wedding will have the most significant impact on your budget.
Choosing a Date and Visiting Sites
First, the date, then the location? Or rather, the location, then the date? Flexibility with your wedding date goes hand in hand.
Ensure you know what questions to ask a wedding venue during your visit.
If you are looking for the perfect venue in a competitive market, you may need to compromise on the exact date of your wedding.
Consider seasons (weather, holidays) and your wedding style. For example, will it be indoors or outdoors? How will the venue accommodate that?
Research and book your wedding vendors
Get involved in finding and hiring an officiant, florist, music for the ceremony and reception, photographer, videographer, wedding planner, etc.
Gathering prices from several vendors in each category is inevitable to compare costs and get a clear picture.
Remember, you can negotiate with wedding vendors for special discounts under certain conditions. This can apply when booking vendors on short notice or during the off-season.
Visit several venues before choosing which would work best for your dream day.
Also, consider attending wedding industry events in your area, where you can meet with many vendors in one location.
Co-Create your gift registry
As soon-to-be weds, creating a gift registry for your wedding celebration is fun since you can decide what items will be included in your new home.
Prioritize which items you would like first and enlist a gift registry website that allows guests from anywhere in the world to contribute while giving you complete control over what they buy for you!
Have fun with it!
Honeymoon planning
Another aspect of being involved in planning your wedding is organizing your honeymoon.
Start early in the wedding planning process to create a realistic honeymoon budget and determine your ideal travel dates.
Consider adjusting the timing of your trip according to when prices are lowest, allowing yourself enough time to create the best possible honeymoon experience.
Organize transportation for the big day
Ensuring you have a reliable shuttle and limo service is part of your wedding day’s responsibility.
Consider that guests and the wedding party will be arriving at different times.
Decide on your attire (i.e., suit or tuxedo)
Determine what you wear with your groomsmen, which can be easier if they are part of your inner circle or guy friends for life!
Make sure to factor in extra costs, such as renting tuxedos and suits if needed and purchasing shoes and accessories for you and everyone.
Pick your wedding rings
Picking your engagement rings and wedding bands can be a significant and personal decision.
They symbolize your unity and commitment, so it’s best to spend time researching different rings online or at local jewelers.
Consider also what kind of ring would work better for you: metal type (gold, silver), size, shape of stones (round/oval), and setting of diamond(s).
Come up with your wedding budget and create a list of desired features for both groom & bride wedding bands to ensure you don’t regret not getting it right!
Finalize your wedding menu with the caterer
Most venues and caterers offer a complimentary wedding tasting for you. Check with them on a tasting date and submit your selections on time.
Finalize the appetizers, entrees & desserts that you’d like to offer you our wedding menu and consider dietary restrictions for some guests such as vegan or vegetarian alternatives, gluten-free options, and specific allergies that some guests will let you know they may have.
Check if you require any kids and vendor meals (e.g., for the band, DJ, photographer, and videographer).
Obtain a marriage license
Once you’ve set a wedding date, hire your officiant and obtain a marriage license.
Make sure your marriage license does not expire before the wedding day. Also, check the waiting period in the state where you’re getting married.
Determine who your witnesses are required for your marriage license to be valid, and have them sign it on the day of your wedding.
After your ceremony, your officiant will file the signed marriage license at the county clerk’s office, and you will receive the official marriage certificate in the mail confirming your marriage is recorded.
Create a song list with the Band or DJ
These particular songs would include the groom’s and bridal party’s entrance music as they walk down the aisle, the bride’s entry song, possibly other highlighted music during the ceremony, and finally, a festive, upbeat tune for the recessional.
A jazz trio or classic quartet could be an elegant option for the cocktail reception or even a DJ.
The next important piece of music is for the Bride & Groom’s big entrance as you are introduced at the beginning of the dinner, just the two of you, or together with the bridal party in a predetermined sequence.
This is followed by the Bride and Groom’s first dance for 3-4 minutes, which often turns into a first dance set, including the bridal party and inviting guests to the dance floor.
If you want to include parent dances, you may also select a song for the Bride & Father of the Bride and the Mother-Son Dance.
Last but not least, the list of songs you have the band or DJ play will be a crucial element that will carry your entire wedding through the evening and significantly impact how you and your guests will remember the evening.
Get groomed for the big day
A sharp, fresh haircut, manicured nails, groomed facial hair, and eyebrows are a must for the Groom to look his best and feel fresh, groomed & confident!
Get yourself a new suit or tuxedo, a pair of Oxford shoes, a belt, and cufflinks, and you’re ready to go!
And if you are a non-traditional groom, don’t be afraid to do something different that goes with your style and complements your bride!
Handle the tips for wedding vendors
Don’t forget to thank your wedding vendors for their service with a tip on the wedding day.
Remember that tips are mostly favored in cash, but you can also offer them some other form of token. However, it’s not customary to provide physical gifts.
Be sure to check if the tip is included in your wedding package. If you are unsure, asking before deciding how much you should give them is okay.
You can leave one lump sum or separate envelopes with their names depending on your preference.
If you are working with a wedding planner, they will often take care of this for you.
Be responsible for keeping your wedding rings safe and ready
As the Groom, you are typically responsible for keeping the wedding ring safe and prepared on the big day. Keep them in a secure location that you will remember – like your wallet or jacket pocket most of the time.
Before walking down the aisle, you may put them on your left ring finger and pass them to your Best Man, the officiant, or a trusted family member or friend, so they are handy during the ceremony.
If you have little ones in your family and are recruiting one of them as a Ring Bearer, make sure you use fake rings so they won’t accidentally lose their real wedding rings!
Try on your wedding attire (dry run)
While your bride will require several fittings for her gown, you also want to ensure that your Groom’s attire fits well and looks sharp.
So it’s good to schedule a dry run with your groom’s outfit and accessories, getting measured for any necessary minor adjustments before the wedding day!
Don’t forget to learn to tie a bowtie or a necktie if you are not accustomed to it.
Break in your shoes before the wedding. You will be on your feet for a long day, and your shoes should feel comfortable and be in good shape.
Check them to ensure they don’t pinch or hurt you even a little bit so you won’t be in discomfort during all those hours standing up!
Provide Gifts
Wedding planning etiquette for the groom includes getting a gift for the bride, parents, best man, and groomsmen. While it is not customary to give physical gifts to the wedding planner, on-site catering manager, and Maitre s, most grooms provide a tip.
What Does The Groom Do On The Wedding Day
- Send your bride a love letter to tell her how much you care about your future together. It can be a poem or just a few words that will make her feel amazing and less nervous on the day of your big event!
- Confirm with your Best Man that he has the rings unless you decide to keep them.
- Next, eat light and healthy, and ensure you are well-hydrated before the wedding festivities.
- Hang out with your close friends to bridge the time until the ceremony.
- Practice your vows aloud and review them with your Best Man and Groom’s party to ensure they are perfect.
- Be ready for the big reveal if you have planned one before the ceremony, and take countless photos with your bride, friends, and family.
- Keep an eye on the timeline and ensure you arrive on time! If possible, arrive early so that you can relax before everything starts.
Final Thoughts
Last but not least, don’t forget to take care of yourself and enjoy the moment!
You will be getting married to your soulmate in a beautiful location, surrounded by family & friends. Savor every single moment of it!
