Planning a wedding is no small feat — and while your betrothed will probably take the lead in many of the details, there’s plenty you can do to make the day run smoothly, look great, and most importantly, make it an unforgettable experience for both of you. As a groom, your role is more than just showing up in a suit and giving a speech. Here are my ultimate wedding tips for grooms to help you navigate the big day like a pro.
1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
One thing Peach and Pear can’t stress enough: book your vendors early. The wedding industry is massive, with over 275,000 weddings happening in the UK every year. The best suppliers get booked up months — even years — in advance. Trust us, nothing is worse than having to tell a couple that we cannot accommodate their wedding order because they waited too long to order. If you’ve got your eye on something specific — whether it’s a venue, photographer, or band — don’t procrastinate. Book it as soon as possible to take that stress off your plate.
2. Choose Your Best Man Wisely
Your best man is your right-hand guy on the big day. He’s there to support you, take care of the little details, and make sure things run smoothly when you’re busy being the star of the show. So, choose wisely. You don’t want someone who’s going to get carried away with the celebrations and forget his role or not be as invested in making your day as special as it can be. Pick someone you trust — someone who’s responsible but also knows how to keep things fun. Your wedding day will be much smoother when you have a best man who’s up for the job.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
There’s no way you can do everything yourself. Between greeting guests, handling the celebrant, chatting with the venue manager, and making sure your groomsmen are in place, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This is where your team comes in. Share your wedding schedule, contacts, and even a list of who’s doing what with your groomsmen. You’ve got a team — use them! Delegating tasks will save you tons of stress and let you enjoy the day with your new spouse.
4. Enjoy Yourself
When the day finally arrives, remember: it’s your wedding. Things might not go perfectly, and that’s okay. Let it go. You and your Bride have put in so much time and energy into making this day special — don’t let stress take away from the fun. Smile, dance, eat, drink, and enjoy the moment. You’ve earned it! And when you wake up the next morning with sore legs from dancing instead of a headache from worrying, you’ll know you did it right.
5. Invest in Professionals Where It Counts
Some things are just better left to the experts. Sure, your mate might have a fancy camera, but does he have experience shooting weddings? Do you really want to risk a DIY disaster on your big day? If you’re unsure about your attire, get advice from a tailor. If you or your Bride are having trouble with the wedding planning process, hire a professional planner to make sure everything flows smoothly. Professionals will save you time, stress, and most importantly, they’ll make sure everything is handled correctly.
6. Practice Your Speech
Okay, public speaking isn’t your thing, I get it. But when it comes time to thank your guests and talk about your bride, it’s important to be prepared. Your speech doesn’t need to be a masterpiece — just be sincere. Practice it a few times beforehand, and while you should remember to thank the people who supported you, you don’t want your speech to simply be a list of thank yous. If you get nervous, a cold drink can always help calm those pre-speech jitters!
7. Get Your Groomsmen on the Same Page
You’ve got your group of friends who’ve been by your side through thick and thin. They know you inside out, and you know who’s most likely to get a bit too wild. But remember: your wedding isn’t just another night out. It’s a bigger event with a lot of different people, and some of your mates might need a little reminder of how important it is to act accordingly. Explain how much this day means to you and your bride, and make sure they know their roles. When they understand the importance, they’ll rise to the occasion.
8. Support Your Bride
Possibly the most important task for any Groom. Wedding planning can be a lot to handle, but as a groom, you can make a huge difference by being supportive. Stay involved by helping with decisions, whether it's picking the venue or choosing colors. Be there for her emotionally by staying calm, listening to her concerns, and offering reassurance. Take on some of the smaller tasks, like dealing with vendors or handling logistics. Your support will make the whole process less stressful and help you both enjoy the lead-up to the big day!
9. Learn the Basics: Tie, Pocket Square, and Buttonhole
Trust me, knowing how to tie a tie is one of those skills every groom should have. Whether you’re going classic with a tie or styling it up with a bowtie - make sure you can tie it properly! It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference. Same goes for your pocket square and boutonnière. You don’t want to be the guy with a wrinkled pocket square or a droopy squint flower. Take the time to learn the basics — a few minutes of practice can save you a lot of hassle.
10. Be Flexible: Not Everything Will Be Perfect
Here’s the truth: something might not go according to plan on the big day. And that’s okay. Maybe your bride is a bit late (fashionably of course), or someone gets distracted and misses the family photos. Don’t sweat it. These little unexpected moments are what make weddings real and memorable. You’ve planned everything to the best of your ability, so let go and enjoy the ride. In the end, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life.
Planning your wedding is no easy task, but with these tips, you’ll be prepared to handle the big day with confidence and ease. From delegating tasks to trusting professionals, it’s all about taking some pressure off yourself so you can enjoy every moment. And remember — your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life. So, smile, dance, and make some memories.
Cheers to a fantastic wedding!