The Groom's Traditional Duties

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