For The Groom

Below are some of our favorite ideas for the groom - we'll be adding more
ideas soon.

GROOM'S DUTIES

Groomsmen
A groom should choose his best man and groomsmen as soon as possible after announcing the engagement. The best man is traditionally the groom's right-hand man and is usually the groom's best friend or a brother. The best man usually organizes the bachelor party, helps the groom stay composed on the day of the wedding, briefs the groomsmen before the ceremony, holds the ring and payment for the officiant, and offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception. The primary job of the groomsmen is to serve as ushers at the wedding, though they can do much more. How many groomsmen needed will depend on the formality and size of the wedding. Generally speaking, one groomsmen for every fifty guests should be fine.

Groomsmen's Attire
Once the best man and groomsmen are chosen, their attire should be selected by the groom. All groomsmen should match in formality. Each groomsmen is responsible for renting or buying their own clothing.

Guest List
The groom is also responsible for compiling his side of the guest list. It is best for the groom to make a longer list first and then trim it later with the bride, to work within your budget.

Wedding Bands
Choosing the wedding bands is something the bride and groom should do together. Wedding bands can be matching or have a matching engraving. Some couples have their initials engraved with the wedding date inside the ring, while others choose a favorite quote or phrase from a favorite poem.

Marriage License, Blood Test, and Wedding Night Accommodations
The groom is responsible for making the appointment to get the marriage license, arranging for the blood test, if it's required by the state, and calling the marriage-license bureau of the local government to find out what must be done, and how far in advance. If the bride and groom are not leaving directly after the wedding for the honeymoon, the groom should arrange for accommodations for the wedding night.

Transportation
The groom is responsible for arranging for transportation to and from the reception. This search should begin at least four months before the wedding. All contracts should state the cost, whether or not gratuities are included in the stated cost, length of service, and the driver's attire.

Groomsmen's Gifts
To thank the groomsmen for their support, the groom traditionally gives each groomsmen a gift at the rehearsal dinner. If the groom & groomsmen all have a mutual hobby, a gift pertaining to that hobby is a great idea, but anything
thoughtful and personalized is always appropriate.

Toasts
The groom traditionally proposes a toast toward the end of the rehearsal
dinner. The groom should express in his toast, his good fortune at marrying his beautiful bride as well as thank his parents, in-laws, and the guests for coming.

Honeymoon
Today couples usually decide together where to go and what to do on the honeymoon, but tradition still holds the groom responsible for the bulk of the planning and booking. The groom then has the opportunity to work in some special surprises, like upgrading the flights to first-class, or the accommodations to an ocean-view room. The groom can also plan for surprise excursions he knows the bride will enjoy.

Assisting the Bride
Guys, after you have made all of the required arrangements, feel free to help your bride in her planning to whatever extent you feel comfortable. It is most important for the groom to be supportive and understanding.