As the bride it's understandable that you're interested in every detail of your wedding. But don't be surprised if there are aspects of planning that don't appeal to your groom. Want to get your groom more involved in the wedding details? Here are four areas of wedding planning that your groom is guaranteed to enjoy:
1. The Food
Probably nothing benefits more from a groom's touch than the food selection. Here's a chance to literally impart some of your own taste on the festivities -- and have a little fun while you're at it. Go on a sampling tour of catering kitchens and taste-test the goods. If you're a serious carnivore, insist on a tasty meat entree to compliment the "safer" chicken and fish selections. You might also want to consider a roast-beef slicing bar during the cocktail hours, and -- for you surf 'n' turf aficionados -- a jumbo shrimp-cocktail setup. Your fraternity brothers will thank you. And don't forget -- food includes the cake. They have tastings for that, too.
2. The Bar
While you're at it, you might also want to help select the liquid consumables. Schedule a few post-work sipping sessions at a local wine bar, or arrange for an in-house taste-off with a couple of friends, and go crazy. It's a great way to bone up on your wine and champagne knowledge and have fun at the same time. If you're the adventurous type, consider brewing up a batch of your own beer for the reception (make sure your site will let you BYOB), complete with labels featuring a picture of you and your bride. It's easier than you think. (Just remember to sample the batch before you serve it to your guests!)
3. The Tunes
Next on the list of highly groomable tasks is music selection. This should be the easiest task to have bestowed upon you, if you posture enough about your musical knowledge. Pick a band that not only knows your favorite songs but will be open to you and your buddies stepping in to jam for a song or two. The same goes for a DJ. Check out his collection and provide him with a list of essential tracks (be sure to consult with your fiancee on this one). Remember, the night's music selection will provide your mental memory soundtrack for years. Can you really handle the sound of Hall & Oates ringing in your head for decades to come? (That Do Not Play list is important, too). The choice is yours.
4. The Decorations
A more unlikely cool groom task is lending a helping hand with the decorations. Believe it or not, there's no law requiring your tables to look exceedingly girly. Consider the non-floral options. Large bowls with pairs of live goldfish performing a nuptial synchronized swimming routine? Very romantic -- and an excellent take-home souvenir to boot! If you can swing it, ice sculptures are tons of fun to have around. You probably won't get away with a frozen Stanley Cup trophy, but you can certainly try.
The thing to remember here is that this wedding is half yours, and the ceremony and party should reflect that fact as much as possible. Don't let laziness or a pushy wedding planner relegate you to the sidelines. Get involved and make your mark. After all, who would want to wear purple Underoos on their wedding night?
-- Robert Moritz
Photo: Betsey Holley Photography/The Knot
RELATED LINK: Choose Your Groomsmen
