You may have popped the question recently to your bride-to-be and are now in the early stages of planning your wedding. In order to curate the day of your dreams, take the opportunity to work together as a couple, adding your thoughts, efforts, and input to making your wedding day an occasion you both will cherish for the rest of your lives.
While the common cliche may be for the bride to plan the lion’s share of the wedding and obsess over every detail, the numbers show that men are playing an increasingly larger role when it comes to planning their wedding. Though brides take care of 54% of their wedding planning, grooms now account for 25% of the work.
If you are keen to have more involvement in your big day, this article has outlined some of the responsibilities you can take charge of as the groom.
Select Your Wedding Band
While you may have picked out a beautiful diamond engagement ring for your future bride, you’ll also need to pick out your own wedding ring in advance of your day.
From knife-edged and beveled to flat and domed, men’s wedding bands come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Deciding on the style of ring, type of metal, and finish are all matters to be considered in good time. Perhaps you would like to design your own ring or have a particular inscription engraved into it to truly personalize it. If you would like a custom wedding band take into account the design and approval time through to production and delivery.
Giving thought to such factors can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Arrange Transport and Accommodation
From a Bentley to a horse-drawn carriage and a vintage Rolls Royce to a stretch limo, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your choice of wedding day transport. This is more than just a mode of transport to get you to and from your wedding venue. Whether you want to inject some humor into the day or express a more romantic side to your personality, use this as an opportunity to reflect your style and make a statement.
If you have guests traveling from far afield to celebrate your wedding day you can make things easier for them by researching places for them to stay. Perhaps your wedding venue already includes accommodation or there is a convenient hotel or a charming bed and breakfast located nearby. When you find somewhere suitable for your guests to rest their heads, it is also a good idea to try and negotiate a discount for them. As you are arranging a large booking most places are likely to agree to such a deal and your guests will appreciate the gesture.
Organize the Groomsmen’s Suits
Aside from organizing your own attire for your wedding day, you will also need to coordinate your groomsmen’s outfits. Depending on your dress code and style of wedding this may be something as simple as ensuring they all have something suitable to wear or kitting them out in something more custom-made.
Whether you decide to go bespoke, off the peg, or hire your groomsmen’s suits, you will also need to factor in fabrics, colors, and suit-fitting appointments.
When ordering outfits for your wedding party, bear in mind some suit makers may offer incentives such as a free waistcoat for orders over three suits or a discount on the overall price. You may also want to customize your groomsmen’s suits by adding certain details. This could be embroidering the date of your wedding or your and your bride’s initials into each jacket or choosing a lining or pocket squares that accord with the bridesmaid’s dresses.
To ensure you and your groomsmen are all suited and booted for the big day it is best to start placing any orders early as the whole process from fittings to delivery can take some time.
Write Your Speech
If there is one job that should not be rushed it is this one. Take the time to note down any thoughts, feelings, memories, and jokes that you would like to incorporate into your speech to make it as heartfelt and as engaging as possible. The more time you take to write your speech the more personal and complete it will feel when the day comes.
Aside from focusing on your partner and the love you share, remember to thank your guests, bridesmaids, and groomsmen as well as your parents and your new in-laws. Try to keep your speech brief, aiming for no more than 10 minutes, and most importantly, make sure it is appropriate for the audience.
To get you started, here are a few helpful pointers:
- What made you fall in love with your partner? How did you know they were the one for you?
- How did you feel during and after your proposal?
- What qualities do you most respect or admire in your partner?
- How does your partner enrich your life?
- Share a funny or romantic moment you had with them.
- Mention your hopes, dreams, and plans for your shared future.
Practicing your speech beforehand, either in front of the mirror or aloud to a trusted friend or family member can also help steer you in the right direction.
Book the Honeymoon
While some couples plan their honeymoon together, taking ownership of this task can be a great way to surprise your bride and inject a sense of adventure into your wedding plans.
When it comes to your dream destination, take into account the interests and preferences of your partner in order to book something you will both enjoy. Whether it’s a romantic getaway in Paris, a vineyard tour in Australia, or swimming with sharks in the Bahamas, picking somewhere that offers activities and excursions you can both enjoy will help you create your first fond memories as husband and wife.
As this is no ordinary holiday, it can pay to speak to a travel agent who can help you with your bookings as well as arrange details such as a complimentary room upgrade, champagne, and chocolates on your arrival, or a romantic dinner for two.
With all of these jobs taken care of, all that is left is for you and your loved ones to celebrate and enjoy your special day.
