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Grooms Take an Active Role in Planning
Weddings are full of references to the bride. From the
traditional Bridal Chorus, played during the ceremony, to friends and
family members making up the bridal party to the holding of a bridal
shower where the bride-to-be is doted upon and presented with a myriad
of wonderful gifts, one might wonder just how the groom fits into the
grand scheme of things. After all, it seems he doesn't share equal
wedding-day billing.
In the past, grooms did take a backseat when it came to weddings,
preferring to have their fianc`ees do the "majority" of the planning.
However, these days men are becoming involved in more activities that
were traditionally thought of as womanly tasks --- caring for children,
helping with housework, and taking an active role in wedding planning.
The trouble is, the majority of wedding resources are still skewed
toward the female audience, leaving men searching for advice catering
to the masculine ear.
The groom has wedding responsibilities and wants to help with wedding
planning, but he's often in the dark about what to do, says Mark
Walerstein, founder of GroomsOnline (www.groomsonline.com), an
informational Web site offering tips, pointers and timesaving hints
designed to make the planning process more fun, relaxing and rewarding
for the man.
The groom, best man or groomsmen can check out the site for wedding-day
checklists, attire pointers and bachelor party planning ideas. In
addition, there's even a full-service online gift shop so that gifts
can be purchased for wedding party members, parents ... and the ladies,
too.
When planning your upcoming wedding, keep these top tips in mind,
courtesy of GroomsOnline.com.
- Gather paperwork --- Make it your responsibility to apply for the
wedding license, research blood-test requirements, and coordinate
passport applications if needed for international travel. In addition,
add the bride's name to financial accounts, wills or insurance policies
if you have mutually decided this will be in your best interests.
- Arrange transportation --- Interview limousine companies or other
transportation arrangements and finalize the details. Make sure you
provide accurate directions to and from the ceremony and to your
reception location as well. Present the company with a schedule or
timeline so that the limo will be on time.
- Plan the honeymoon --- Once your locale is decided upon, go about
booking the trip and securing transportation to and from the airport,
which could be provided by your best man.
- Coordinate groomsmen's attire --- In addition to your own attire, set
up fittings for tuxedo rental or purchase for your wedding party. Make
sure everyone is provided with the necessary components (i.e. tie,
vest, cummerbund and shoes) prior to the wedding day. Also arrange to
have the tuxedos returned after the wedding by a groomsman so you can
dash off on your honeymoon.
- Pick up the rings --- After selecting your wedding bands, make sure
they are sized correctly and pick them up from the jeweler. Be sure
they are brought to the ceremony and in safekeeping with the best man.
- Reward the woman in your life --- Pick up a heartfelt gift for your
bride-to-be so she knows how much the wedding means to you, too.
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