Wedding planning is stressful for all parties involved, especially brides-to-be. It's common for husbands-to-be to believe they don't have the skill set to help. They often fall into the sole role of check-writer based on things they’ve learned growing up or by watching their buddies who have gone down the aisle before them. But grooms definitely have plenty to contribute besides just money. After all, it's not just the bride who's getting married.

1. Share Expectations, Don’t Just Manage Them

First and foremost, communication matters because expectations are REAL. Nothing is worse than thinking something like your wedding will go one way and then showing up and finding out it's completely different than what you thought it would be. The time to give input or provide feedback has come and gone. A man may believe he is within his right to complain, but it won't be welcome, and it has the potential to set the wrong tone for the rest of the relationship because a wedding is just the beginning of a marriage. 

TIP: Have open and honest conversations with your partner about their vision for the wedding, priorities, and any concerns they may have. And share yours also. This will help keep you both on the same page and avoid misunderstandings or disagreements as they come up. And it will teach you how to work together as misunderstanding and conflicts will inevitably occur as time goes on. 

2. Manage Vendors 

Taking on some logistical tasks is an excellent way for partners to assist with their wedding days. Researching and booking vendors, such as photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs, fall under this category. Men can also help with tasks like creating a wedding website, managing the guest list, and coordinating transportation.

3. Provide Safe Space

Another way that grooms can participate is by being a sounding board for their partners. Having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of is always helpful. By being supportive and offering input when needed, men can help their partners feel more confident and alleviate the anxiety that often occurs throughout the planning process. And once again, it's practice for the long-term relationship that begins after the wedding.

4. Get a Haircut, For You and the Crew

Looking clean and crisp on the wedding day shouldn’t be taken for granted. It’s not just about making sure the tuxes are ironed. Fresh cuts, fades, tapers, clean beards, and lineups matter. Facials do too. As a gift to themselves, their groomsmen, and both fathers, book a barber or two to come to the hotel the night before or the day of to freshen up everyone's cuts. Or make a group visit to a shop as part of your bachelor party experience. The one things grooms do control is the vibe of their side of the wedding party in the same way brides make sure dresses and hair reflect well on the day. The bride will definitely appreciate seeing everyone picture-perfect and IG-ready. And she’ll always remember the intentional effort that was made by her groom. Use theCut to find the right barber who’s going to get the job done.

5. Be The Master of THE Ceremony

Everyone loves a great MC, right? He or she is the one who get the party going but they also keep things moving — smoothly. When the Wedding Day finally arrives, the groom can help set up decorations, coordinate with and direct the vendors they've hired, and follow the plan made with their partners to ensure everyone is where they need to be at the right time while the bride is getting hair and makeup. Nothing ever goes according to plan. That's life. There’s nothing worse than being the man of the hour and being clueless as to how everything is supposed to go. There’s nothing worse than regretfully realizing what should or could have been done differently from the altar after months of not being involved.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wedding planning can and should be a team effort. Grooms-to-be have the opportunity to play a crucial role in helping to make the process successful. By communicating openly, taking on logistical tasks, being a supportive partner, and helping out on the big day, partners can create a special and memorable ceremony, together, that is the stuff of dreams that will strengthen their relationships with real-world training on how work together.