The Groom's to Do List

You have picked the engagement ring out, asked her parent's permission, and popped the question. She said, "Yes" of course! Your first step is completed! Then, you asked your soon to be mother-in-law and your bride, "How do you want me to help out with our wedding plans?" Their reply, "Just show up!" However, it's your day too and you want to partake in the wedding planning! And, believe it or not, there is etiquette for the groom on planning his wedding. Emily post, the "Queen of Etiquette," has a full list of groom's responsibilities on www.emilypost.com/weddings/weddings.htm . Here are a few suggestions to help get you started!

The first important business is to help your mother accumulate all names, addresses, and phone numbers of your guest list. Don't forget coworkers and close friends! Enter all your family and friends into a database. Want to look like a hero? Offer to enter her side as well! This step will make ordering invitations go more smoothly! And, if you have the envelopes professionally addressed or you want to print them out yourself, all the work has all ready been done! This will help take some of that stress off of her!

Next, choose your groomsmen and best man. I suggest you discuss this with your bride. Find out who and how many women she has picked. That way your wedding pictures will look nice and balanced! If they say yes to being in your wedding, next take them out or find the nearest Men's Wearhouse to pick out your and your parties' attire. To get information on the nearest store, in your or their area, go to www.menswearhouse.com. I highly recommend doing this as early as possible. You don't want a "Bridezilla," because one of your groomsmen has waited until the last minute to get measured! Finally, select a thank you gift for your friends for being in your wedding. I recommend going to www.thingsremembered.com. This store has an excellent selection of personalized gifts.

Next, you will need to purchase a wedding gift for her. Need help with what to get her? Ask someone close to her for help with suggestions. One great gift is a day at the spa. A day of getting pampered before the wedding is always a great gift!

It is your responsibility to plan and make all the travel arrangements for the honeymoon. Book the hotel, airline, entertainment, and car rentals. Pick a destination that is romantic and away from families. That way you will enjoy a peaceful vacation after the "big day. " Trust me, you're going to need it!

If you do the above steps and help out with any extra planning, you wouldn't just be the biggest hero in your brides eyes - - you will be the biggest hero in the eyes of your soon-to -be mother-in law! And, after all, isn't that a desired goal?