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The Groom's Traditional Duties Hero Label

The Groom's Traditional Duties

photo of a groom in a grey suit standing in a field buttoning his jacket


Grooms have plenty to do between popping the question and saying, "I do."

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. Here is the traditional list of the groom's duties, with a few notes on any modern adaptations:

Groom's Duties

  • Select the engagement ring—although nowadays brides may also be involved in choosing the engagement ring
  • Choosing his wedding party: best man, groomsmen, and any ushers (if needed)
  • Choosing the attire for the groom’s wedding party—in keeping with the style and colors 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