It is a common mis-conception that weddings are organised solely by the bride and her mother. The Groom who feels his responsibility ends with accepting congratulatory drinks in the pub and buying his ushers small gifts is missing the greater part he is to play in planning and executing a successful wedding day...
The groom starts the whole ball rolling with the purchase of the engagement ring and it is in the first few months after this that some of the biggest decisions need to be reached as a couple. Major decisions such as wedding and reception venues as well as the choice of photographer, videographer and caterer are key to making it the day you have always dreamed of.
Next comes the guest list; decisions on who is to be invited to the ceremony and who to the evening festivities are for both parties to make? The groom should co-ordinate this with that of his parents and present a finalised list to the bride's mother.
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The bridegroom and the best man should arrive at the wedding venue about twenty to thirty minutes before the service is due to start. The groom would generally not engage in much conversation during this time but would wait quietly, seated on the right front pew or row of seats. As the Bride usually arrives late this gives the groom some well needed time for thought!
After the ceremony and signing of the registry the groom walks back up the aisle with his new wife on his left. Although a celebratory drink is well deserved the next stop is usually to the professional photographer for the posed pictures.
At the reception the meal is followed by the speeches. The Father of the bride goes first followed by the groom and then the best man. The Groom's speech should thank everyone who helped organise and who contributed to the wedding as well as the bride's parents for allowing him to marry their daughter. It should always end with a thank you and a toast to the bridesmaids.
Following the meal and the speeches comes the cutting of the cake, and then shortly afterwards the first dance. Traditionally, the bride's father cuts in and the groom invites the bride's mother to dance. The bride's father cuts in again and the groom resumes the dance with his new wife.
After this, the bride and groom have no more duties as such, and can spend the rest of the evening mingling, dancing and chatting.
