In one of my favorite romantic comedies, Kate Hudson as “Andie” taught girls How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. While you have mastered the art of keeping your guy, you also want to involve him in the wedding planning process. Since the wedding is considered to be all about the bride, you may not know how do to guide him. Thus, the following article will show you How to Include Your Groom in Ten Ways.
- Play to his strengths. We all have special talents and you know where your groom shines. Explore his talents for the benefit of the wedding. For example, if he is good with numbers, let him assist in budget planning or monitoring. He can participate in the planning process without being dragged through the delicate details that he really prefers to leave up to you.
- Discuss his must-haves. Just as you have envisioned your wedding day in all of its glory, your groom has also envisioned his special day. He might not have every detail down in a beautifully decorated binder organized alphabetically, but he probably has some key elements he would enjoy seeing in the wedding.
- Don’t overdo it. Let’s be honest! Anyone would grow tired of hearing about the same thing day in and day out. Your groom knows wedding planning is important, but even though you could discuss your plans 24/7, your groom needs a mental break every once in a while. Find the balance between keeping the plans a secret and TMI.
- Know when to talk about the wedding. This one is easy for our southern ladies! NOT DURING FOOTBALL! Your groom is tuned out and not interested in the wedding during his favorite sporting events or television show. When you discuss your wedding, choose times when both your minds are focused on the task at hand.
- Incorporate his faves. Consider weaving some of his favorites into the planning. Often brides use the groom’s cake to incorporate these details. Sometimes the cake may be shaped for his favorite hobby or sport or be made of a flavor that is one of his favorites. In addition to the groom’s cake, think of ways to further include his favorites by perhaps using a color from one of his favorite teams or having you to wear a garter with the team logo. Whatever you choose, your groom will be pleased you thought of him.
- Include details about the two of you. This is very important because it not only includes your groom but gives your guests a personal connection to your relationship. You want your wedding day to be about you and your love, so including elements that tell the story of your courtship is essential. For example, each table could be named after a street or moment that is important to your relationship. Your theme could encompass the culture of the city where you first met, or your catering could come from the restaurant where you had your first date.
- Be supportive of his ideas
Once you ask for your groom’s input, it is imperative that you are very sensitive and encouraging. Many ideas can be adapted to fit your theme, vision or style. Be patient and not quick to reject his ideas that are not perfect fits.
- The Honeymoon
With all the attention wedding planning needs, who has time to plan a great vacation? Here is a great task for the groom, especially those who actually want something to do. He can use the honeymoon to show off his planning talents.
- Registering for Gifts
Who doesn’t love receiving gifts?! Your wedding registry is one of the only times you can decide on the perfect gift for your guests to give. Your groom should enjoy getting in on the swag.
- Traditional Groom’s Tasks According to www.emilypost.com these are a few of the traditional things a groom is to pay for:
- Officiant’s fee or donation
- All costs of the rehearsal dinner
- Expenses of the honeymoon
- Ties and gloves for groom’s attendants, if not part of their clothing rental package
- Flowers:
- Bride’s bouquet (only in those regions where it is a local custom for the groom to pay for it)
- Boutonnieres for groom’s attendants
- Bride’s going away corsage
- Corsages for immediate family members, unless the bride has included them in her floral order
- Bachelor dinner, if the groom wishes to host one
- Bride’s engagement and wedding rings
- Groom’s gift to his bride
- Groom’s gifts to his attendants
- Marriage license fee
Ayana Kinnel has Divinely Designed Events by Ayana. As a well-known and in demand designer for weddings and other events in Jackson and central Mississippi, her blog can be found at: http://www.divinelydesignedeventsbyayana.com/#!blogger-feed/c8j3
For more tips on planning your wedding, pick up your free copy of Premier Bride of Mississippi. Go to http://www.premierbridems.com/wedding-free-copy-of-premier-bride to find where you can get your free copy.