When it comes to the responsibilities at a wedding we hear a lot about the bride, but what about the groom? Are you saying to yourself “I just got engaged. What do I do now?” Aren’t there certain responsibilities that belong to you too? The answer is YES. Here’s a quick checklist of some of the things that the groom should be prepared to handle or be highly involved in. (Do you need tips for the bride? This article is for you – For the Bride: I Just Got Engaged, Now What?)
I Just Got Engaged, What Do I Do Now?
The groom’s responsibilities include:
- Selecting and purchasing an engagement ring for your bride. This can be done with or without her input, depending on whether or not you want it to be a surprise.
- Selecting and purchasing wedding bands. This should be done with her input.
- Choosing your wedding party. The two of you need to decide on the amount of people to have in the wedding party. Usually the bride will decide on her maid of honor and bridesmaids. You will choose the best man and groomsmen. Generally your brothers, cousins, and good friends are who you will choose from. Choose wisely, and make sure they are responsible. You don’t want to take any good vibes away from your day.
- Deciding on your best man. His job is to help you through the wedding process. He will have a fair share of responsibility so make sure he can handle everything that is thrown his way.
- Creating the guest list. This could be a somewhat lengthy process and will need to be made with your bride. Don’t feel obligated to invite everyone you know. Simply invite those who you can’t imagine getting married without them there.
- Choosing the entertainment. You will want to celebrate and party at your wedding reception, so you have to make sure you pick the right entertainment. Whether you choose a wedding band or wedding DJ, it is important to attend a wedding band showcase with your fiancee.
- Deciding on what you, your best man, and your groomsmen will wear. Check out the different trends in grooms and groomsmen clothing. As long as you and your bride agree, you can be as trendy, formal, or informal as you want to be.
- Helping with hotel stays. If you have a destination wedding or if your groomsmen are traveling for your wedding, you should help them coordinate their hotel stays.
- Picking out a gift for the bride. This gift can be presented whenever you see fit. You can present it before the wedding if you want it to be a private and intimate moment or during the wedding reception if you want to make a grand presentation. It is up to you.
- Planning the honeymoon. The groom should have a big role in booking the honeymoon. Some brides may want to have input in this decision and that is okay, just make sure you take the lead in planning the honeymoon to help to relieve some of her stress and make her feel special.
- Purchasing the marriage licenses. This is super important. You cannot be legally married without a license. Make sure you take care of this well in advance of your wedding day and don’t forget to bring it to the ceremony. Your officiant will and two witnesses will need to sign it.
- Planning the rehearsal dinner. The groom and his family are usually in charge of planning and paying for the rehearsal dinner. Invite your wedding party and whoever else you want to attend. It should be an intimate dinner with people who are close to you.
- Sending thank you notes. After you return from the honeymoon, you and your new wife should send thank you notes to your family, wedding party, guests, and vendors that helped to make your day special. There could be a lot of people to thank so make sure you are fully involved so your new wife won’t have to do it alone.
So when you say “I just got engaged, what do I do now?”, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should enjoy the entire wedding process. If you keep these things in mind, you will be prepared, you can stay organized, and you can look back and say you had the most wonderful day of your life.
Kurt Titchenell
Guided by his experience as the bandleader of Philadelphia’s top band, Jellyroll, and President of BVTLive!, Kurt Titchenell has kept dance floors packed and created unforgettable memories for thousands of events nationwide! Widely acclaimed as an entertainment expert, Kurt and BVTLive! have earned the most prestigious accolades in the industry. Most notably were two Jellyroll performances at The White House. Kurt's dedication to the success of every event is evident through his passion for creating the ultimate party experience. As President of BVTLive!, Kurt is committed to making your event a success.