Including your Groom in the Planning Process

Groomify your wedding

By Natalie Tsang

September 9, 2011

This is my personal philosophy, but I believe that there should be visible clues of your fiancé at your wedding. Not only can he take a weight off your shoulders by planning an aspect or two out of the million, but he can also offer a new insight that no bridal blog or magazine has thought of. While it doesn’t have to be fifty-fifty, choose a few aspects that you want to focus on like the wedding gown, the flowers, and the cake while he can pick the open bar and music list. Leave the rest in the hands of a capable second in command.

So sit down with your guy and talk about what’s important to each other. Hopefully, you’ve already had the conversation about the budget and your undying devotion to each other. That was the serious important conversation, but this should be the fun one. Here are some ways your guy can help. It’s a great way to spend time together, but beware of groomzillas!

Computer and Video Games

While not every bride or groom wants a World of Warcraft wedding, you might be surprised how many real world skills your honey has picked up from money-savvy to conflict resolution. If the hubby balks at wedding planning explain to him it’s a necessary part of building up his character and this is his “task” or “mission.” He can also take the reins in the technological aspects of the wedding process like the wedding website.

Cars

Whether it’s Grand Theft Auto or he dreams of fixing vintage cars, he can make himself invaluable by selecting the getaway car. Just make sure to tell him the dimensions of your wedding dress so you’re sure that you’ll fit inside if he decides to go the Smart car route.

If cars are the second love of his life, consider having your reception in a car museum or a traditional venue with a drive in movie or classic drive thru vibe. Cars can influence the choice of food (with a chic upgrade) or make an appearance on invitations, centerpieces, and decorations.

Construction

If Home Depot is his home away from home, it seems that you have struck gold. Put his construction know how to the test by screening venues together or put him to researching different architectural styles. If you choose an outdoor wedding and choose to build a temporary structure, he can ensure that it is structurally sound.

High school woodshop is also invaluable if you want to go the DIY route. He can add decorative touches like wood blocks of your initials or more complex tasks like centerpieces, favors, or even furniture. Choose rustic if you want a rough finish or go fancier to showcase his building chops.

Sports

Can a wedding palette color be inspired by his favorite sports team? While professional sports conjure ideas of sitting back on the sofa munching on sodas, chips and dip, and sloppy joes, Little League games include memories of community BBQs, and games at the stadium have their own foods and culture. You can name your tables after his favorite sports teams or let them influence your décor like flower arrangements or menu choices.