Stress Free Friday – How can I get my Groom to help (and enjoy!) planning our wedding?

It is Friday! Today's Stress-Free Friday post is all about including your Groom in the wedding plans. I have to admit, when I got married I don't remember my hubby doing much and not because he did not want to but because I sort of just did it all. And yes we had a great time and both loved our wedding, but looking back I can think of so many more unique touches or ideas we could have included if I had given him more tasks or invitation to plan part of the wedding on his own. I guess its a good thing we are both super laid back and he just usually goes with the flow when it comes to my ideas :)

Here are some ways you can include your Groom and let him participate in the wedding planning process.

COMMUNICATE – the number one tip I can give you is to communicate BEFORE you start planning. Sit down and discuss what aspects of your wedding day are most important to both of you, what you can do without, and share the vision you each have for your perfect wedding day. Chances are they will not be exactly the same but take time to listen to one another and then compromise on differing ideas.

COMPROMISE – does your fiancé love all things hunting and army? And reeeallly wants to include that as part of your beautiful wedding? Instead of shouting “NO WAY” and cringing at the thought of having anything camo in your wedding, find a way to include his ideas into the day. If done subtly (maybe you can tie an itty bitty camo ribbon into your bouquet, or let him and his groomsmen wear some camo socks), most people may not even notice those details and he will be happy. Remember – compromise the key to the happy marriage! Being open to his ideas will make him feel heard and respected and ultimately more excited about the wedding planning.

Let him add a taste of his personality to the day

DELEGATE – let him do something! Wedding planning comes with a lot of tasks so let your guy help out with booking vendors (more than just letting him pay for them!) Not only is it fun for you to be surprised, he will feel excited that he gets to surprise you! Some examples of vendors previous Grooms have enjoyed booking are:

MUSIC –Music and entertainment can make or break your wedding. Let him have a hand in choosing your DJ or band. Because nothing is more fun when BOTH of you are out on the dance floor!

Choosing the music is a great job for your fiancé

FOOD – Is he a foodie? Bring him along to all the tastings from the venue to the cake. He has to eat it too! And most likely will eat more of it than you on your wedding day

Who says a wedding cake has to be actual cake?

VENUE – you should choose your venue together. Visit all of the possible places together and watch his vibe when you walk into the place.

REHERSAL DINNER – let him plan the entire thing – why not!? It will give you one less thing to worry about.

HONEYMOON – again – let him plan it and surprise you!

ARTS & CRAFTS – maybe your man loves to create things with wood or metal – let him create an amazing wood altar to include in your ceremony, or maybe some funky metal centerpieces. He will be thrilled to take credit when all the guests are raving over the unique touches.

Even better – work together on a project. Not only will it bring you closer together, it may even teach you a lot about your relationship J

One couple spent hours together creating and applying labels to the DIY Guest candy jars

ORGANIZING – maybe your man is a type A kind more so than a creative kind. If so, give him the task of budgeting and making sure you stick to it, or making lists of things to do. Have him plan the seating chart or book the officiate.

In the end, he IS half of the marriage equation and should be included as much as possible. Yes, some of us girls have been dreaming of our wedding since we were little kids and have a very precise vision for your big day. But, do you really want a wedding that includes no part of your Groom’s personality? I promise you, the more he is involved, the more fun you will both have on the day!