Groom’s Parents: What are their Responsibilities in a Wedding?
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Wedding planning is a full-time job, and the groom’s parents have a lot of responsibilities. While you may think that their involvement starts and ends with a check, there is much more to consider. Traditionally, the groom’s parents have been responsible for certain financial contributions as well as hosting duties. However, times have changed and they now play an even more significant role in weddings than ever before. Let’s take a closer look at what the groom’s parents’ responsibilities are when it comes to weddings.
Financial Contributions
In terms of finances, traditionally the groom’s family was responsible for paying for the rehearsal dinner, honeymoon expenses, and the wedding rings. Nowadays, couples usually pay for most of these items themselves or split them between both families. Additionally, some couples prefer to forego traditional wedding gifts by asking guests to contribute towards their honeymoon fund or donate to charity in lieu of presents. The amount each family contributes can vary depending on their personal budget and what they are comfortable with spending. Before making any financial contributions it is important to discuss expectations with both families so that everyone is aware of who will be paying for what.
Planning and Hosting Duties
The groom’s parents should also be involved in helping plan the wedding weekend events such as pre-wedding activities like golf outings or spa trips. They can also help research vendors according to the couple’s needs by attending vendor meetings with them or providing referrals if necessary. If applicable, they should also host an engagement party or bridal shower where they can help create a guest list of family and friends from both sides of the aisle who would like to attend the festivities. Read on for a helpful parents of the groom’s checklist.
Parents of the Groom Checklist:
Contact the bride’s parents to get a better understanding of their expectations and plans for the wedding
Help research vendors, such as caterers, DJ’s and florists, who fit within the budget and desired aesthetic of the couple. Attend vendor meetings with them if possible.
Offer to host an engagement party or bridal shower for the couple.
Create a guest list of family and friends from both sides of the aisle who would like to attend the festivities.
Make sure to provide your address when sending out invitations for any events that you are hosting.
Help with transportation and lodging arrangements for out-of-town guests.
Offer any advice or guidance throughout the planning process if needed.
Make a financial contribution towards the wedding expenses that you are comfortable with.
Attend all pre-wedding festivities such as rehearsal dinners, spa trips, etc.
Be available to help with setup and decorations before the wedding day.
Host a post-wedding brunch or send off party for guests if applicable.
Greet and welcome guests upon arrival to any wedding related events.
Offer refreshments or snacks as needed during the wedding day.
Provide any necessary assistance to ensure that the wedding runs smoothly.
Give a toast at either the rehearsal dinner or reception, if desired.
Congratulate and offer words of wisdom to the newlyweds after they have exchanged their vows.
Help with cleanup once the reception has ended and all of the guests have departed.
Collect cards and gifts from family members who have been unable to attend in person throughout all festivities associated with the wedding.
Send a thank you note to all guests who attended the wedding and gifted you with presents.
Spread the news of the couple’s engagement and where they’re registered
Invite the in-laws to dinner
Ask friends and relatives for venue and vendor recommendations
The father of the groom should complement his son’s wedding-day look
Research family, cultural, and religious traditions
The groom’s parents have many important responsibilities when it comes to weddings—both traditional ones as well as new ones that reflect today’s changing landscape of marriage traditions. From contributing financially in ways that make sense for both families to helping plan wedding weekend events and hosting an engagement party or bridal shower – the groom’s parents play an integral role in making sure everything goes smoothly leading up to the big day itself! With this information in mind, couples should make sure to include them when discussing expectations about participation in any aspect of wedding planning so that everyone has a clear understanding of what roles each person will play throughout the process.