Top 5 Ways for Grooms to be Involved

"Just tell me when to show up."

I've heard this line from grooms-to-be on more occasions than I can count. Let me tell you, this is not a line brides love to hear. While you think you are doing her a favor by giving her free reign of the wedding planning, you're really saying, "I don't care."

Sure, wedding favors, flowers, and linens aren't your thing. I get it. However, I find time and time again that the further along in the process you get, the more you find you do care. Since you've already given her the go-ahead to make any and all decisions sans your opinion, how do you get back in the game? I'm going to give you a few tips on how to take some pressure off your bride (because let's face it brides really don't like all the responsibility of planning) and get involved in ways that you may actually enjoy.


Here are the Top 5 Ways for Grooms to be Involved.

The Wedding Band
You're going to be a married man which mean you'll be donning a wedding band (at least in modern American culture). Since this is something you'll be wearing on a daily basis, you'll probably want a say in what it looks like. You may also care how much it costs and how it feels on your finger. I definitely advise you be a part of this purchase.

The Music
Whether you spring for a band or a DJ, you'll probably want a say-so in what music gets pumped through those speakers at the reception. If you get in on the ground level and do the research for the bride, you'll be in an even better position to choose someone who suits your style and budget alike.

The Food
I'm sure your bride knows you well enough to nix the broccoli you hate or steer clear of the meat if you're vegetarian, but what about everything else? There are loads of options out there and your bride welcomes your opinion. Don't be shy in giving it either. Some opinions actually make decisions easier to make, especially for caterers.
Sidenote: Go to the tasting too. Not only will you get to taste the delicious food before your big day (making you more likely to sit down and enjoy it at your wedding reception) but it's usually free! Who can resist (really good) free food?

Attire
This falls in the same category as the wedding band. You're wearing it (as are your groomsmen) so you should speak up on what you want to wear. Go one step further and make all the arrangements for the tux rentals to take one more thing off your bride's "to-do" list.

Alcohol
If you are choosing to serve alcohol at your reception, you'll probably want a say in what's served as well. Are you a microbrew kind of groom or do you prefer a premium bourbon? You can usually make room in the budget for a small amount of premium purchases for yourself and your buddies. Don't be afraid to get a barrel of Bud Light for your guests and a case of a local microbrew for your bridal party. Most guests won't know that you're drinking something different. If they do, just remember what I said about free food. Same rule applies to alcohol.

Did I miss something? Do you thing grooms would enjoy being a part of something else?