This blog article is to discuss the traditional and non-traditional roles for the groom. It goes without saying that all weddings can become extremely expensive and any help from either side of the family is welcome as the groom takes on his traditional duties for the wedding day. In our modern society today we find that some roles are interchanged based upon the ability to pay. Families today work together to share the overall wedding expenses and the groom’s parents may step in to help him.
Developing a wedding budget (Who pays for what?)
To keep costs down it is so important to spend time developing a wedding budget and sticking to it. Some of the duties below may be given to the bride’s family if the groom’s family is not able to shoulder some of these costs. However, we have put together for the sake of tradition a list of duties which over time have been designated as duties for the groom and his family. ”
The cut, color, clarity and carat weight: The 4Cs:
One of the first duties of the groom is to provide a ring for the bride. But when the time comes to select a ring it is important to remember a few tips:
Understanding the 4Cs as they are referred to is necessary for those who are discerning and wanting to buy the best. The cut of a diamond refers to how well it shines in different lighting situations. The color of a diamond will determine its value. Diamonds with less color are rare and more expensive. The diamond clarity describes the absence of inclusions and blemishes on the face of the diamond. The weight of the diamond is what most brides are concerned with most because this standard determines the size of the ring. The bride is wanting the largest diamond the fiancee can afford in most instances.
These four standards will help you in your search for the perfect diamond. This shopping search is a favorite for any bride to be. Some brides may prefer to search with the groom, while others are happy to provide her fiancee with a few pictures of rings she likes. This offers the groom the ability to surprise the bride with the perfect diamond and time to plan a unique engagement experience.
Selecting wedding party members and planning their attire, gifts and lodging:
The groom will be choosing his best man, groomsmen and those assigned to walk the parents and guests at the wedding. Choosing a small “thank you” gift for the groomsmen and best man is also a duty to consider. For the wedding attire, the groom will coordinate with the bride on wedding colors and make sure all of the wedding party members get measured and have the items ordered early. He will arrange for someone to pick up the tuxes on the wedding day and distribute them to the others well before the wedding begins.
Additionally, the groom normally arranges for a dressing place for all of his groomsmen to meet and get dressed for the day. His responsibility includes making sure he will be well-groomed by scheduling grooming services close to the wedding day. The groomsmen as well should be scheduled for hair cuts, etc.
Compiling a family guest list and deciding on whether to serve liquor:
This duty becomes very important since it will impact the cost for the reception meal and other amenities for the wedding. The champagne toast and serving liquor at the wedding is normally decided by the groom. If a reception DJ is hired and the wedding is longer than one hour it is nice to have a champagne toast for the dinner as well as liquor for the guests. If the budget is tight the couple may decide to offer only beer and wine at dinner or go with a “cash” bar.
Other duties of the groom:
- Planning the honeymoon
- Choosing wedding bands with the bride
- Arranging and purchasing the marriage license
- Planning a bachelor party (the best man may handle this for him)
- Paying the ceremony officiant fee and leaving a tip
- Making a toast at the reception
- Dancing the first dance with the bride
- Dancing with the bride’s mother and with his own mother
- Cutting the wedding cake with the bride
- Participating in the garter toss
Conclusion for the duties of the groom:
Today the traditional roles for the groom may change to allow other family members to help. Unlike what most people think, the groom has more to do than just to “show up on time.” Hurry back next time for more from Events by Jaclyn. Contact our staff to arrange for us to be a part of your special day.
Staff writer.
