During wedding planning, it’s normal for one person in the relationship to take the lead. However, this does not mean that your partner should not lend a hand with wedding coordination. There’s a misconception that brides are the ones who handle all the planning, because you may be surprised by the groom’s wedding responsibilities.
So, what does the groom do for a wedding? Here’s a friendly guide to your key responsibilities, which are tailored for modern couples.
Pre-Wedding Planning Duties
You should start strong by tackling these tasks on the groom’s wedding checklist months ahead. You can keep things balanced and exciting simply by sharing the load with your partner.
We recommend dividing tasks based on strengths. Take this recent groom at a Cotswolds venue as an example, who handled all transport, ensuring smooth arrivals for 150 guests.
- Help your partner compile the guest list, then book suit fittings for you, the best man, and the groomsmen. You should aim for 6-9 months out for this task.
- Consult with your partner to select and order the wedding bands. Another thing you can do is plan the honeymoon itinerary, including flights and, of course, surprises.
- Transport and entertainment are usually part of the groom’s wedding responsibilities. Arrange wedding cars or coaches for the party. Also, research and book photographers, videographers, or a band.
- Work with your best man to plan a fun, responsible stag event that fits everyone’s energy.
Day-of Groom’s Wedding Responsibilities
On the day of the ceremony, focus on presence and precision to make it unforgettable. At Big Day Productions, our dual-team coverage captures these moments perfectly. Photographers grab ring exchanges while videographers mic up vows for crystal-clear audio.
Below are some of the groom’s wedding duties on the day of the celebration.
- You must always arrive early and sober. Be at the venue 90 minutes before the start time, fully composed. You will certainly not want to have alcohol in your body before the legal part.
- Ensure that the best man has the rings, and by all means, don’t forget to wear a matching buttonhole on your left lapel.
- Rehearse your vows clearly and sign the marriage register promptly with witnesses.
- You will want to brief the ushers on seating family and guests, especially VIPs like grandparents.
Duties During the Reception
During one of the shoots, we captured a groom at Blenheim Palace who delivered a polished speech, toasting his bride amid laughter. Our Big Day Production team urges you to keep the party flowing post-ceremony with thoughtful oversight.
- Provide support for the best man. Confirm he has the speech ready and rings safe, and don’t forget to thank him publicly.
- You should take care of the bride’s family gift. If you are unaware of this, it’s a tradition for the groom to buy a bouquet or gift for your new in-laws.
- The groom’s speech should include a heartfelt 5-7 minute talk. What you need to do is rehearse early, share stories, and finally end with a toast.
- Final payments are the groom’s wedding responsibility. Settle supplier fees, such as florists or transport, on the day.
Post-Wedding Wrap-Up Tasks
Once the celebration is over, it’s time to tie up loose ends to start married life smoothly.
- Make sure to send thank-you notes or gifts to your best man, groomsmen, and helpers within a month.
- You should handle the rental returns, including suit and accessory returns, promptly.
- You will surely want to share highlights. So, distribute group photos and preserve mementoes like the top table plan.
Real Client Stories
At Big Day Productions, we’ve had quite a lot of successful real client stories from weddings we’ve had the honour to capture across the UK. Here is what some of the happy couples had to say about us.
Jordan Berni said, “We were really happy with the service provided by Big Day Productions. It was very reasonably priced, they were very quick to reply to any messages, and we were very happy with the photos and videos of our wedding.”
Amy and Jordan wrote: “We’re so glad we chose Big Day Productions to capture the videography for our wedding! The team were brilliant from start to finish, helping us choose the right package for us and being open to last-minute add-ons whilst staying conscious of our budget – it felt like a really personalised experience with the option for extra hours being very appealing!
Weeks after our wedding, we decided we wanted the raw footage on top of our package, and this was easily arranged. Our videos were delivered ahead of time, which was exciting! We’re so thrilled with how much Simona captured – she really understood the vibe of the day! Simona was so brilliant on the day – we couldn’t have asked for more. Simona captured our civil and main ceremonies, which included a large wedding party and kids…and she did it all effortlessly! Our highlights video and feature film are brilliant and act as beautiful reminders of our favourite day – we can’t stop watching them! We’d recommend Big Day Productions to anyone looking to capture their special day!”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the groom pay for the honeymoon?
Traditionally, yes, but most couples split or plan together now for shared input.
2. Who buys the bride’s bouquet?
The groom often covers it, along with boutonnieres and corsages for the key family members.
3. Can grooms skip the speech?
It’s expected but flexible. You can delegate it to your best man if nerves hit, or keep it short.
4. What if the best man forgets the rings?
Have backups hidden with a trusted usher and rehearse handoffs clearly.
5. Are grooms involved in cake cutting?
Of course, they are involved because it’s a tradition for them to cut together for the first time. It’s a symbol of their union.
Conclusion
Despite what people think, the groom’s wedding responsibilities are a big deal. At Big Day Productions, we can’t stress this enough to the couples who come to us. Both the bride’s and the groom’s roles are very important.
Planning your wedding? We’re here to capture it all effortlessly. At Big Day Productions, our packages highlight your key moments, from suit arrivals to speech cheers. Get in touch today to discuss how we can make your day unforgettable.