A Groom's Traditional Duties

Although one mother-of-the-bride told her future son-in-law, “You only have one job: show up on time,” grooms have a few more duties on their list.

•Select the engagement ring – although now-a-days brides may also be involved in choosing the engagement ring.

•Choosing his wedding party: best man, groomsmen and ushers

•Choosing the attire for the groom’s wedding party – in keeping with the style of the wedding

•Selecting thank-you gifts for his wedding party

•Arranging – and paying for – lodging for his wedding party

•Selecting a gift for the bride

•Compiling the groom’s part of the guest list and making sure that his parents provide their guest list.

•Planning the honeymoon – Today, this, is more of a joint venture

•Choosing wedding bands together

•Arranging for and purchasing the marriage license

•Making arrangements for transportation from the ceremony to the reception site, if necessary

•Planning the bachelor party or event (if applicable)

•Giving the ceremony officiant the fee or donation, or arranging for the best man to present such fees

•Standing in the receiving line, if there is one, or - with the bride – being sure to greet all the guests at the reception

•Making toasts and responding to toasts at the rehearsal dinner and the reception

•Dancing the first dance with the bride, dancing with the couple’s respective mothers and the maid/matron of honor

•Cutting the cake with the bride

By Peggy Post