Groom Etiquette

Bridal Registry / Wedding Party & Groomsmen Gifts /Groomsmen Protocol 101

You are not alone if you find yourself thinking that most wedding services are focused on the Bride! We're here to help. There is almost too much information available for the Bride, so much so that it's gotten to be confusing for both! To honor the Groom (whom we believe is a fairly important member of the wedding party), we've developed a page or two that should offer some assistance. You'll note a fairly complete checklist below as well as some Words of Wisdom From other Grooms who no doubt learned the information they're sharing the hard way!

Choose your Best Man wisely! Preferably one who has great organizational skills. He'll be assisting you in a number of ways, such as:

1. Organizing your bachelor party.
2. Managing your Groomsmen, their responsibilities and lodging.
3. Picking up boutonnieres and running other miscellaneous last minute errands.
4. Assisting with the rehearsal dinner, including preparing a toast to the Bride and Groom.
5. Assuming the roles of chauffeur, toastmaster and friend & advisor.
6. Ensuring that all parties know how to get to the church.
7. Making sure that everyone looks great in their tuxes.
8. Helping with your honeymoon travel arrangements.
9. Assisting you in finding the perfect gift for your Bride from the Groomsmen.
10. Storing your marriage license in a safe place until the wedding day.
11. Delivering payment to your minister, priest, rabbi, or other officiator, as well as the band, chauffeur, photographer, etc.
12. And don't forget, handing you your wedding rings at the right time!

Select your formalwear merchant. Be sure to set up an appointment to choose the style and colors of your formalwear. You should probably make sure that your future Bride is there with you before you OK the sky-blue, 70's style tuxes. Although most Brides keep with tradition, wanting their wedding gown to be a surprise to you, it generally doesn't work the other way around!

Make your boutonniere selection. It is the responsibility of the Groom to purchase the Bridal Bouquet and most also pay for the floral arrangements as well.

You might consider having your wedding bands engraved. If you do, here are a couple ideas: Forever in Love, Our love is eternal, Semper fidelis [Always faithful], Semper amemus [Our love is forever], Autre ne veux [I think of none other].

Don't forget to purchase a combination membership for your Bride to two or more gourmet clubs that you both enjoy! This is a great idea that lets you plan a romantic date with your wife and celebrate your marriage-every month! Some of our members have told us that they composed a poem to accompany their first delivery, making the experience truly unique. Others have included a copy of their toast to the Bride. How ever you decide to usher in your first date (after the wedding, that is), your Bride will appreciate the thoughtfulness you've put in to a gift you both can enjoy together!

Don't forget to get started early on applications for passports and visas. This important pre-Honeymoon step takes a lot of grooms by surprise. Be sure to take the lead on managing your honeymoon arrangements-your Bride has got enough to do! And of course, remember to schedule your blood tests when required, and the all important marriage license!

Carefully consider the details of your first evening as man and wife. Think about surprising your new wife with flowers—remember she had to give her bridal bouquet away—and Champaign or wine in your hotel suite. This very special day doesn't end when the reception lights go off—come up with ways to honor your new wife after the wedding. Remember, this will probably be the first time that the two of you have been alone together as a married couple—make it special!
Reception Gifts: Make arrangements to have the many gifts brought to your reception delivered to the appropriate location afterwards.

Call us toll free and place orders for your Best Man and Groomsmen gifts early. We will gladly help you write special messages and create customized Gift Announcements for each attendant. Take the time to compose your thoughts, for they will be remembered.

The rehearsal dinner is traditionally the responsibility of the Groom's family. Therefore, you will be directly involved this event's planning.

Beverages: Check with your caterer, as you may need to delegate providing beer, wine and other drinks at the rehearsal dinner and/or reception if your caterer is not providing them.

Give all checks for the officiators, photographers, musicians or DJ's, caterer's fees, etc. to your trusty Best Man so he can get each to the appropriate party for you.

Confirm everything no less than once!