A Complete Guide to Traditional Groom Responsibilities

A Complete Guide to Traditional Groom Responsibilities

In order to build a solid foundation for your marriage, treat your engagement as a practice round for lifelong partnership, and make everything involving your wedding a joint effort. Although the process will ultimately be a collaboration, there are certain tasks that traditionally fall to the groom. We spoke with industry experts Katy Eriks and Jerod Walburn to dive deeper into these groom duties.

During Wedding Planning

Congrats! You’re engaged. No matter your level of interest in wedding planning, these early stages are when you should be the most involved. The most important aspects of the wedding should be joint decisions that accommodate both of your needs and desires. The four major things you’ll want to settle together are:

  1. Budget: How much do you have to spend, and where are the funds coming from? 
  2. Guest List: Who are your must-haves on both sides, and who makes second-tier? Knowing your starting number determines your venue, which determines so many other aspects of your wedding, so it’s crucial to start a solid figure in mind.
  3. Venue: Your venue impacts so many other aspects of your wedding (your date, maximum guest count, catering, ambiance, etc.) so it’s crucial to pick the one you both like.
  4. Overall Vibes: Out in the country, or smack dab in the city? Casual and relaxed, or formal and fancy? Selecting a wedding style that reflects aspects of both of your personalities will ensure you’ll both be excited to plan it. 

From there, have an honest conversation about what details matter most to each of you. If you won’t be working with a wedding planner, divide and conquer along those lines. Tradition typically has the groom take point on the bar and the music, but you are by no means confined to those categories. More spiritual than your significant other? Take charge of finding your officiant. Really into food? Offer to schedule tastings with caterers.

When it comes to who pays for what, the bride’s family has traditionally covered the wedding, while the groom’s family has covered the rehearsal dinner. However, anything goes in modern times. As couples marry later, they may opt to take on a bulk of the costs themselves, or they may receive contributions from their parents that can be spent however they choose: on the wedding, or, perhaps, on the down payment on a house. Regardless of if you’re a bride or groom, it’s your job to handle communications regarding any contributions received from your side of the family.

It is always a groom’s responsibility to work with his groomsmen. The first step, of course, is selecting them. “Pick people you’re still in close contact with,” says Eriks. “If you haven’t seen each other in a while, there’s no rule they have to be in your wedding just because you were in theirs.” Your final group should also include people you’ll be close with in the future, like your spouse’s siblings.

No matter who you ask, you’ll want to do the asking thoughtfully. “This is a big commitment,” says Eriks. “And there are costs involved. Do something nice to kick things off.” A card and bottle of whiskey are great, but, at the bare minimum, a phone call will do. When you ask is also important, especially if they’re going to need to travel, adds Walburn. “Asking six to eight months before your wedding is the sweet spot.”

The Morning of the Wedding

Finally, the big day has arrived! If you’re planning a morning-of activity like golf or brunch, it’s a nice gesture to include your spouse’s father or close family members. The groom can also use this time to pass out tips to vendors. Your biggest responsibility that morning, though, is making sure your guys are ready on time.

If you’ll be doling out groomsmen gifts, that can be done the morning of or the night before—whichever makes it easiest for them to get the gifts back to their rooms. “Gifts don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to be thoughtful,” says Walburn. “Think of your relationship and the moments that have really made it unique. If you and your best man grew up watching Boy Meets World every afternoon, find an autographed headshot of Ben Savage.”

The morning of your wedding is also the time to send over a thoughtful card and a gift for your partner. Jewelry is always a great choice, and another classic idea is something for your home, like a vase or a framed picture from your proposal or engagement session.

The Wedding Night

The vows have been said—now it’s time to play host! Your only responsibility for the rest of the night is to let your guests know how grateful you are they’ve come to celebrate. That’s traditionally handled in two ways:

  1. Going from table-to-table during dinner to personally greet attendees. 
  2. Giving a short toast at the end of the speeches. Thank guests for coming, and also those who contributed to the wedding—especially your spouse.

If you’d rather spend dinner actually, you know, eating, and the thought of public speaking fills you with dread, Eriks has a solution: “Split up with your partner, and try to say hello to as many people as possible during cocktail hour.”

Don’t forget your role on the dance floor! The mother-son dance will be when you take center stage but make sure to dance with the bridesmaids, maid or matron of honor, and your new mother-in-law, too.

After the Wedding

Though some traditionalists might say it’s the groom’s responsibility to handle the honeymoon, that’s definitely no longer the case. Tackle the trip like you tackled wedding planning: decide the big things (destination, budget, time of year) together, then divide the rest of the to-dos according to what you’re each passionate about. If your partner handled most of the wedding planning, it’s a nice gesture to coordinate the travel.

Writing thank-you notes is yet another part of the wedding process you’ll divide and conquer. “Split them between your guest list—you do your half, your spouse can do theirs—and work on them together at the coffee table over a bottle of wine,” suggests Eriks. Plan something fun for when you finish (hello, date night!) to keep you motivated and to help ward off post-wedding blues. “There can be a letdown after the big day is done, so it’s nice to have something to shift your focus to,” says Walburn. 

7,160 thoughts on “A Complete Guide to Traditional Groom Responsibilities”

  1. certainly like your web site however you need to take a look at
    the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the reality then again I’ll definitely come again again.

  2. That is really fascinating, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of extra
    of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website
    in my social networks

  3. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will
    bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.

    I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  4. Ꭰo yoս mind iif I quote a feԝ of yoս posts ass lⲟng аs Ι provide
    credit ɑnd sources ƅack tօ yоur website? Mʏ website is in the exact same
    niche as yoսrs and my visitors wߋuld really benefit frokm a lot οf thе
    information you presеnt һere. Ρlease let mе knoѡ if this alright ᴡith you.
    Ꭲhank уou!

    Mу blog post – online casino

  5. Admiring the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you offer.
    It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Great read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  6. I believe this is one of the such a lot vital info for me.
    And i am satisfied studying your article. However should observation on few common issues, The web site taste
    is ideal, the articles is in reality great : D. Good activity, cheers

  7. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
    on. Any suggestions?

  8. I am really loving the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
    A couple of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?

  9. When you want to purchase an EOtech sight, the most effective place to begin is the internet site
    of the company. This web site provides a vast variety of
    EOtech sights for sale. Many of these products may also be offered
    at discounted prices through Amazon. This is often a
    great way to find the best sight for your needs. Listed guidelines a
    few of why you should buy an EOtech sight. The main thing to consider is that you
    ought to only buy a product if you want it.

  10. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I’m hoping you
    write once more very soon!

  11. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However
    I am having troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why
    I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical RSS issues?

    Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  12. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this
    topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.

    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I
    will try to get the hang of it!

  13. Lots of people in Atlanta are asking: Can you purchase my house in Atlanta
    GA? In this economy, selling your house is not always
    easy. Your house you intend to sell needs to be in good
    condition and sell fast. Real-estate agents in Atlanta may promise to offer your home for a great price but you’ll end
    up making some repairs to repair problems after a few showings.
    You can find companies who will buy your house in Atlanta
    GA and will close in your schedule.

  14. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the
    same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done
    a marvellous job!

  15. Many people see themselves in situations where they should sell my Atlanta
    house fast, for any reason. Whether it’s as a result of liens or the rising cost of a mortgage, there are several reasons why someone might find themselves needing
    to market their house fast. It’s also possible to be tired of
    working with tenants and a vacant rental property. If you’re willing to remove
    your unwanted property, consider contacting an Atlanta house buyer.

  16. In regards to air conditioning repair and maintenance, 1st Choice is the best option. Their technicians are fully licensed
    and insured, and they provide flat rate pricing on all repairs.
    What this means is there are no surprises by the end of the bill.
    They’ll diagnose the situation and provide affordable solutions.
    They’ll come to your residence as quickly that you can to solve the problem.
    When you choose them, you’ll like a smooth experience and a good service.

  17. Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff prior to and
    you are simply too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve bought right here,
    certainly like what you are saying and the best way by which you assert it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it
    smart. I cant wait to learn far more from
    you. This is actually a great site.

  18. wonderful points altogether, you just won a new reader. What would you suggest in regards to
    your submit that you made a few days ago? Any certain?

  19. Good day! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right
    here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for
    more soon.

  20. Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it
    and in my view suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this
    web site.

  21. It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am happy that you just shared this useful information with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  22. I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  23. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would really like to have
    you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  24. I do consider all of the concepts you’ve introduced on your post.

    They are really convincing and will definitely work.

    Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for starters.
    May you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time?
    Thanks for the post.

  25. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several
    e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that
    service? Bless you!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.