Traditional Duties of the Groom

I cannot stress enough that the only limitations there is when it comes to planning a wedding are those limitations that a couple place on themselves. We always hear the term "tradition says" that this is the way that it was suppose to be done. I think that is great but tradition just does not work for everyone. When it comes to planning there are things that the couple must keep in mind, consideration, communication and compromise.

Remember the three C’s of planning. Always keep your focus on them.

• Consideration

• Communication

• Compromise

Planning a wedding together is about sharing responsibilities; not steamrolling over everyone and that includes your fiancée. It is important to know from the beginning which aspects of the wedding you each hold most dear. Compromise! Compromise! Compromise!

The groom has always had a customary set of responsibilities to carry out before during and after the wedding. 

Traditional duties typically includes

• Selecting the engagement ring (A lot more brides are getting involved in choosing the engagement ring just as more grooms are getting more involved in the wedding planning process.

• Choosing the grooms wedding party, best man, groomsmen

• Choosing the attire for the grooms wedding party

• Arranging and or paying for lodging for the grooms wedding party

• Selecting a gift for the bride

• Compiling the grooms part of the guest list and making sure that his parents make their guest list Planning the honeymoon (again more joint venture, many brides are actively participating in planning the honeymoon)

• Choosing wedding bands together

• Making arrangements for transportation from the ceremony site to the reception site if necessary Buying the marriage license

• Making toasts and responding to toasts at the rehearsal dinner and the reception

• Cutting the cake with the bride

• Dancing the first dance with the bride and dancing with the couples mothers and the maid/matron honor

On the day of the wedding the groom is responsible for ensuring the best man has the rings

It is important to note that the above list varies for couples. You may be a traditional couple or you may be non-traditional, I think it is important to do what works for you as a couple. There are couples who may want to decide as to the type and style of the brides wedding gown and the groom’s garb, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that it’s whatever work.