I'm the groom, what's my role in the wedding planning?

Grooms, it’s time to divide and conquer! Self-imposed deadlines work well, especially when you eat this elephant one bite at a time. Without a doubt, things will pop up every once in a while to add to your list. Let this just serve as your first foray into Marriage 101: Shared Responsibilities.

 

 

For the Engagement:

• Choosing the perfect engagement ring and offering a memorable proposal of marriage
• Helping to establish a budget, especially if the couple will be hosting events
• Helping to choose the date and the location for the ceremony and reception
• Compiling his guest list, including his parents’ list

For the Wedding Party:

• Selecting the best man and the groomsmen
• Picking out wedding day attire for himself and his attendants
• Arranging and paying for out-of-town groomsmen’s accommodations
• Setting expectations and delegating upcoming responsibilities of the groomsmen
• Purchasing thank-you gifts for his side of the wedding party
• Choosing and paying for boutonnieres for himself, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, ring bearers

For the Bride:

• Getting a special gift to be presented to the bride before the wedding
• Arranging for the bouquet and corsages for the bride, the mothers, and grandmothers
• Purchasing the bride’s wedding ring and remembering to bring it to the wedding

For Related Events:

• Planning and expenses for the rehearsal dinner (sometimes his parents will host)
• Planning and expenses for the honeymoon

For Wedding Vendors:

• Arranging transportation from the ceremony to the reception (if necessary), and for after the reception
• Assisting with the selection of entertainment and other wedding vendors
• Reading and understanding all agreements and contracts with vendors
• Volunteering to confirm all vendors and services two weeks out

Logistics and Thinking Ahead:

• Helping decide on a first dance song and possibly taking a few dance lessons
• Reviewing seating arrangements for the reception
• Finding or generating city maps and airport information to assist guests

For the Ceremony:

• Arranging and paying for the marriage license
• Handling the fee or donation for the ceremony officiant
• Writing vows if not using traditional ones

At the Reception:

• Greeting all the guests, together with the bride
• Making toasts and publicly thanking everyone
• Sharing the first dance with the bride; followed by dances with the mothers of the bride and groom; and with the maid of honor
• Helping the bride cut the cake
• Willingly and patiently posing for pictures ~AW