Guys, you probably want some special tips on wedding planning for the groom, but you may have been led to believe that the wedding is “all about the bride” or that planning a wedding is just a “girl thing.”
Well, guess what? It’s YOUR day, too!
You’re getting married, so why shouldn’t you have a say in how your wedding day looks, feels, and unfolds? You and your fiancée are a team, and wedding planning is a great opportunity to start practicing that teamwork before you say “I do.”
You don’t have to know everything about weddings, and you certainly don’t have to become a wedding expert overnight. But you can learn about the decisions that need to be made, offer your opinions, help with research, and take responsibility for some of the planning tasks.
Wedding Planning for the Groom
Not sure where to start? Let’s look at some resources that can help!
Websites Especially for the Groom
These websites have offered wedding information and resources aimed specifically at grooms:
- The Man Registry: www.themanregistry.com
- The Groom’s List: www.thegroomslist.com
- Groom’s Day: www.groomsday.com/
Books Especially for the Groom
Prefer to get your information from a book? Here are several titles written with the groom in mind:
- The Everything Groom Book: A Survival Guide for Men! by Shelly Hagen
- Groomology: What Every (Smart) Groom Needs to Know Before the Wedding by Michael Essany
- The Engaged Groom: You’re Getting Married by Doug Gordon
- The Groom’s Guide: A Wedding Planner for Today’s Marrying Man by Sharon Naylor
Availability and editions may vary, so check the current listings before purchasing.
Wedding Planning Help for Both of You
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to resources written specifically for grooms. Most wedding planning advice applies to both partners, and you can use it to figure out what matters to you as a couple.
Here are a few areas where you can get involved:
The wedding budget. Talk about how much you can comfortably spend and which parts of the wedding matter most to each of you. Agreeing on the budget early can help you make decisions together as the planning progresses.
Choosing your wedding vendors. Whether you’re researching photographers, DJs, caterers, or other professionals, you can help compare services, ask questions, review contracts, and make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money.
The guest list. You both have people you want to celebrate with, so work together on the guest list and discuss how the number of guests affects your budget and venue choices.
The ceremony and reception. What kind of ceremony feels right for you? What music do you want to hear? Are there traditions you’d like to include, change, or skip? This is your chance to help make the celebration reflect both of you.
The details that make it yours. From food and drinks to entertainment and personal touches, there are plenty of ways to contribute ideas and make decisions. You might even discover that some of the planning is more enjoyable than you expected!
And remember, helping with the wedding doesn’t mean simply waiting for your fiancée to hand you a list of tasks. Talk about the work that needs to be done, decide who will handle what, and keep each other informed.
You’re Getting Married, So Get Involved!
Wedding planning isn’t a test of how much you know about flowers, table linens, or invitation wording. It’s about making decisions together, communicating, and preparing for a day that celebrates your relationship.
You don’t have to do everything, and neither does your fiancée. Find the parts of the planning that interest you, take responsibility for your share, and remember that your opinions and ideas matter, too.
After all, the wedding celebrates the two of you. Why shouldn’t the planning involve both of you?
Happy Planning!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
If you have questions or are looking for ideas, contact me at [email protected] or at 937-581-3647.
Photo credit: Glen Darrud [link no longer available] via photopin (license)
