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Weddings

The Top 5 Grooms' Questions - Answered!

You asked, we answered! Today we field five common questions from grooms-to-be, from wedding planning to attire.

groom holding drink

If you're a recently engaged groom-to-be, you probably have a lot of questions. You want to be helpful, but also want to make sure your voice is heard. You want to look your best, but also be comfortable. There are so many factors to planning a wedding, so it can be a bit tricky from a groom's perspective—but we're here to help. 

Here are the five most common questions from grooms-to-be.

In which planning areas can I be most helpful?

Every couple is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this one. However, grooms are generally expected to step up their game with the following tasks in particular: compiling (and narrowing down) the guest list; choosing the music; helping with menu and beverage selection; writing vows; coordinating your portion of the wedding party; fielding any and all questions, concerns, and complaints from your side of the family. And don’t forget rehearsal dinner logistics and honeymoon planning—you should definitely be in the driver’s seat for those two!

How do I decide what to wear?

Aside from your budget and personal style preferences, the season, formality, color palette, and overall aesthetic of your wedding are all important factors to consider when choosing your attire. Be sure to refer to our FallBook 2014 Groom’s Guide for helpful tips on renting versus buying as well as outfit inspiration for all different wedding styles. There’s no rule that says you have to wear the same thing as your groomsmen; on the contrary, you should be a bit more polished and consider incorporating a little something extra to stand out. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a classic suit or tux. Add a little personality with custom cufflinks, a colorful pocket square, a patterned tie, or even a fun pair of socks and you’re good to go!

How do I handle it if I disagree with my future spouse?

Wedding planning will likely involve quite a bit of compromise on both ends, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see eye to eye on every detail. Know that disagreements are normal (dare we say inevitable?) and choose your battles wisely. If you do feel strongly about something, present your case calmly and diplomatically to your fiance(e). He or she should be the first to know about it (i.e. complaining about the issue to others is not productive). Organize your thoughts before starting the conversation so you can effectively articulate your points. Once you’ve laid your cards on the table, be prepared to sit back and listen as open-mindedly as possible to the rebuttal. In some cases you might be surprised by your future spouse’s flexibility; maybe she just had no idea you weren’t on board with that particular item and is more than willing to adjust. In other cases, you might be met with an equally strong and valid argument. Regardless of the outcome, it’s important to (graciously) voice your opinion on any issues that truly matter to you. Here are five common wedding-related arguments to look out for.

How can I help keep stress to a minimum?

Even the most laid-back couples will experience stressful moments at some point during the planning process, and curtailing that stress is really just a matter of keeping things in perspective. Keep the focus on love and celebration. Prioritize date nights and consider making a pact to keep planning out of the conversation while you’re out enjoying each other’s company. Maintain a lighthearted tone during overwhelming moments and offer gentle reminders that your love for each other is far more important than a coordinating color palette or a cocktail napkin motif. PS—don’t miss our tips for how to be a supportive groom.

What is expected of me in terms of gifts and thank yous?

Traditionally, the groom gives a wedding day gift to his future spouse and a thank you gift to each of his groomsmen, his own parents, and his new parents-in-law. You and your fiance(e) will go in on the latter two together, and the two of you may also choose to give gifts to other VIPs such as your officiant, ceremony readers, or children who participated in your wedding. As far as thank yous go, you and your fiance(e) are expected to thank your parents and anyone else who hosted or contributed to your wedding day or ancillary events (engagement party, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, recap brunch) both in person and with a handwritten note. You should also thank each of your vendors and consider writing a review on their WeddingWire storefront. Of course, you are expected to help your spouse write thank you notes for any wedding gifts received and co-sign your name on each note. Additionally, some grooms choose to make a brief speech at the wedding reception to thank the hosts for throwing the celebration and thank the guests for attending. While not required, this is always a nice gesture and will certainly be appreciated by all parties.