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Today, our article is focused on the groom to be. I’ll be covering the duties of the groom and how they can help ease a lot of stress on their brides. As you already know, planning a wedding is not an easy task. It requires a combination of patience, hard work, calm, perseverance, dedication and perhaps, a few pills of  Aspirin. Yes, it can be that nerve racking.

Most guys are completely clueless when it comes to wedding planning. The good thing however is that some of them are willing to learn and relieve the stress off their ladies.  To help clarify and set things right, I have compiled a list of tasks (in no particular order) for the groom!

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and we might be missing some items. However, this should get things started!

1. Choose your best man and groomsmen.

2. Pick out the wedding attire for the men on your “train”. Given the way women are, chances are wired, your bride-to-be will want to be involved in this as well. So let her make one or two suggestions.

3. Setup a schedule for the men on your “train”. This schedule should include suit measurements and pickup. If you have out of town men on your “train”, make sure you consider them as well when it comes to place of purchase or rental of tuxedos. You don't want any last minute disappointment, do you?

4. Setup the accommodation for out of town guests. This task might include calling hotels close to your wedding reception or church venue and seeking discounted rates for your guests.

5. Arrange transportation to and fro the ceremony

      i.For the bride, her parents and bridesmaids

      ii. For yourself, your parents, and groomsmen

6. Arrange transportation from the ceremony to the reception for the entire wedding party, that is your wife, groomsmen and bridal train.

Despite the fact that you arrived at the ceremony in different vehicles, you’ll be leaving the ceremony as a couple.

7. Prepare and write your vows as deemed necessary

8. Prepare your speech for the reception if need be or you can just say whatever comes to mind, if you are good at free-styling.

9. Obtain a marriage license

10. Purchase thoughtful gifts for your groomsmen and best man

11.  Arrange for entertainment and music at your reception

By now, you are wondering why tasks such as setting up a budget, picking a date and venue amongst others are not on the list. They aren’t there for an obvious reason. They fall under task that both the bride-to-be and her groom need to work on together, for the wedding to be near perfect.

So here is the list of tasks to do together!

1. Set the wedding budget and size (approximating number of guests will really help here)

2. Choose a ceremony and reception venue, finalize a date and time and book the venue. You should be warned that this is not as easy as it sounds. You’ll quickly find out that your wedding date will be determined by the venue and date they have available. Don’t forget to ask about catering, alcohol policy, time when you can use the hall and time when you must leave etc

3. Choose a wedding theme and style

4. Work on a guest list and seating arrangement(if there is need for that)

5. Select, order and mail out your invitations. Tell as many people as you want to be there.

6. Plan the reception program or agenda alongside your wedding emcee.

7. Create and add items to your wedding registries.

8. Create and add content to the wedding program (if need be)

9. Visit some cake bakers and decorators, choose and book your favorite cake that goes along with the mood, theme and style of your wedding.

10. Hire a professional photographer and/or videographer

11. Research honeymoon ideas, make a selection and book your trip

Hope this helps! Did I leave anything out of am I missing tasks from the lists above? Please leave a comment and let me know.