Because writing your wedding speech is not your only responsibility
There are things on the wedding to-do list that you, as the groom, can take on right now.
Image by Swinky Photography
Wedding planning is a job designed to be done by two. While many grooms are eager to be hands-on, many brides also find it hard to let go and share the load… Then there are the grooms who are less interested in all the details and happy to let their partner take on all the work (we all know one!). But one partner shouldn't have to do it all. Whatever kind of couple you are and roles you take, a wedding is about two people coming together. Therefore, it's important both of you are involved from the beginning. Which is where our to-do list of duties for the groom comes in!
Trust us, the whole experience will be even more fulfilling and exciting if you have planned everything together.
Whether you're more interested in practicalities than aesthetics, or you're investigating how to show your reluctant-to-let-go other half you can muck-in, these are wedding to-do list tasks that any groom can take on right now.
Don’t fall into wedding stereotypes, by seeing your share of the wedding planning as 'helping out'. Expecting to be delegated to or micromanaged is just putting another job on your other half's plate. A grooms these days should feel motivated to take jobs on themselves (without waiting to be asked!) You want the day to reflect the both of you, right?
1. Collect Invitation Addresses
In our world of email and social media, it's rare to actually have all your friends' postal addresses. But when planning a wedding, you’ll certainly need them.
Gather addresses by texting around, asking your parents and married friends for their lists the old-fashioned way, or use an app like Postable to do the hard work for you. This app is fantastic as you can just copy and paste all the email addresses into the platform, and they then email everyone on your behalf.
2. Book The Honeymoon
The honeymoon is something you can plan together, with one of you taking care of the booking and logistics. There may also be grooms out there who want to plan the lot and surprise their other half at the airport! If you're currently trying to figure out what amazing honeymoon destinations to book in 2022 or how it all works, talk to our experts at Fred Olsen Travel and they’ll share exactly how to plan the trip of a lifetime.
3. Guest's Accommodation Options
Even if your wedding venue offers accommodation, it's good to give guests other options at varying price points. Your venue should be able to give you good suggestions, but it’s also good to do your own research.
Visit the nearby hotels, B&B’s and search for suitable Airbnb’s. If you have a large group staying in one location (hotel or B&B) you may be able to get a significant discount when booking all of them together. Do some investigating!
4. Pick & Book Wedding Music
This one should be made a priority! The most popular wedding bands get booked up early, so we recommend locking in your date with your band as soon as you sign on the dotted line with your venue. Same goes for your ceremony music and DJs if you intend to have them.
Music is a very personal thing. It’s a matter of taste – so find a good shortlist of bands that you like, and you believe your future bride will also like, then narrow it down together.
5. Organise the Groomsmen's Suits
This could be as easy as checking that the groomsmen already have a suitable suit – but still, it's another job that has to be done. If suits do need to be bought or rented, book the guys in for suit fittings at a time that works for everyone. You may need to coordinate dads and brothers too. Just don't forget to organise your own wedding day attire while you're at it!
It goes without saying that our grooms suit department is one of the most experienced & best in the area, so please do book an appointment with them today and get this one ticked off!
6. Organise Wedding Day Cash Payments
Lots of suppliers will need to be fully or partially paid on the wedding day. If you're paying in cash, have each payment organised in labelled envelopes, ready to hand out. This is one to delegate to your groomsmen for the big day – the one less likely to be legless before 9pm!
7. Research Photographers & Videographers
There is so much choice out there when it comes to documenting your big day. Therefore, it's worth spending a decent amount of time browsing the websites and real weddings of wedding photographers and videographers. Sussing out what kind of style is the best fit for you. You can even organise trial photoshoots with the photographers to get a real feel for their work before you book.
Take a look at our talented photographers and videographers at The Kent Wedding Centre.
8. Plan the Bar
Whether it's ordering the wine (and booking in a tasting!), selecting some craft beers, or coming up with signature cocktails, adding some alternatives to the standard bar offering is a nice way to add some personality to your day. We have the amazing Pretty Little Tea Company at the centre who can bring their mobile prosecco bar along to your reception, giving your guests the chance to ‘pimp their own prosecco’!
9. Write the Thank-You Cards
Writing thank-you cards is a bit of an arduous job after the wedding. It’s a time when you're ready to leave all the admin of getting married behind you, and move on. But, it needs to be done.
This is often one thing partners often end up doing alone, but there’s no reason why it should be like that. so start married life as you mean to go on, and sort this one yourself! Make a start by checking out ByBlossom Wedding Stationery, as they have a massive range of unique cards that will certainly suit any couple’s taste.