Groom’s Playbook

, GROOM'S GUIDE TO Wedding Planning THE #GroomsPlaybook So you were drafted by the love of your life to join the team the career move you'd been waiting for. Pre-Season 12 Looking back at your constant hours of training hard in the pre-season, there's been a mix of BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS, the learning of valuable lessons and overall, some of the best times of your life. You're ready for the big game. The crowd is on your side roaring, getting you amped for your next move - the big move. 61% of guys consult with their girlfriend before buying the ring Go Team Go! POP QUESTION COIN TOSS There's no turning back now! WHEN IS THE BEST TIME? 24% of men think 22% 24% Christmas Eve is the best day, while only 15% of women do 22% of women think that Valentine's Day is best day YES NO She said yes! -or- The season with the most proposals is WINTER Now, let the games begin In the wedding game, your beautiful bride is the starting Quarterback, ready to take your team to victory. However, as an integral part of this winning team, you, the groom (Offensive Tackle) need to keep the bride on track on her way to a flawless, game-winning touchdown. (your bride) 14 1st Quarter: Planning/Rehearsal Dinner May The first quarter is action packed and lengthy, but seems to fly by. In fact, the average American engagement lasts 14 months. MONTHS Be on the Offense Traditional Financial Choose your Team of Groomsmen: Responsibilities for the Groom Include: Who? Siblings, family, friends and coworkers. • Engagement Ring & Wedding Band • The Rehearsal Dinner • The Honeymoon • The Bride's Bouquet • Marriage License & Officiant's Fees • Gifts & Boutonnières (for your Characteristics? Responsible, trustworthy, and loyal actually want to be in your wedding and are an important part of your life. teammates) • Transportation source How many? Typically, three or four - but it is ultimately your call Play Defense (momzilla) Take on the role of damage control. Alleviate your bride's stress when she feels like she can't carry the team. The Day of - Deal with any Momzillas or wedding party control freaks Pre-Wedding - Get or give her a DINNER massage - Take her to dinner Communicate with planners and vendors - Ensure that everything is running smoothly PENALTY Forgetting Your Bride's Wedding Day Gift - don't do it! Gift Ideas: Traditional: Diamond earrings that accompany her engagement ring for her to wear during the ceremony. Sentimental: A CD of a song written for her, a heartfelt note written for her explaining your feelings toward her and this step in your relationship. Functional: Something useful for the honeymoon (snorkeling gear, digital camera etc.) Earn an Extra Point Going above and beyond during the planning phase becomes completely worth it when you see your bride-to-be's smile. 04:23 GUEST 13 14 НОME For the ceremony: Agree to write your vows (if she prefers) - and kill it. For the reception: Write a fantastic toast that makes her tear up (with joy). For the first dance: Take dance lessons and QTR 01 enjoy it. For the honeymoon: Make her dreams come true - and yours, too! 2nd Quarter: Ceremony OFFENSE: Know Your Responsibilities Be at the venue, DRESSED Confirm that the Best Man has the ring and is prepared your best and on-time Dress Your WEDDING PARTY for his duties Three Great Ways for Grooms & Groomsmen to Accessorize Write or rehearse wedding vows with the Wedding – cufflinks, ties, and cummerbunds 3 Great Love Quotes to Include in Your Vows "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." hurt, only more love." - Mother Teresa - Nature Boy/David Bowie While the bride gets ready Work with the wedding planner or day-of coordinator Give your bride a wedding gift before the ceremony Be on the Defense POPULAR GIFTS FOR THE BRIDE Be prepared with a strong defense in the case of any wedding planning hiccups. - Love Letter - 100 Things I love About You (handmade in a notebook, flip through pages) - Personalized Jewelry Spa Days PLAN EB Have backup plans in case the venue your bride loved isn't available, and be ready if your side of the family creates too much stress for PENALTY Fumbling during your Vows! your bride. - Think of all great speeches and talks, you don’t see someone stuttering or reading from a card. - Be sure to practice your lines at great length. D FENCE Most brides don’t want to Consider writing your own wedding vows. stand up to their future in-laws before they're even married, so if mom starts Earn an Extra Point - Traditional vows are beautiful, but nothing says. - "I Love You", like saying it in your own words in front of everyone you both know. getting pushy, this is where you need to jump in. 3rd Quarter: Reception The first half jitters are gone and it's time to really get down on the field QUICK 28.3% STATS The reception accounts for roughly 28.3% of the total wedding cost 18% of couples have a groom's cake You can squeeze 70 songs into an average four-hour-long reception Source: Association of Bridal Consultants Source: The Knot Source: The Knot Be on the Offense Defense: Damage Control Emergency Items: Have a groomsman pack a kit for you with items like Aspirin, deodorant, antacid etc. What's expected of you: First Dance Mother-Son Dance The Speech: Talk to your Best Man and draw a line on what's appropriate and what isn't for his toast. - Cake Cutting - Garter Toss - Thank You Toast Tip the Vendors (If Necessary) Make Sure You Eat: Guest will be want to congratulate you all night; eat something right away or else you may not eat at all, in which case alcohol will get the best of you. Exta Point SURPRISE THE BRIDE Fun-Loving Movie Worthy If you have two left feet, take dance lessons before the Sentimental Arrange to have a slideshow play that features photos of the two of you over the years. Plan a fun choreographed dance with your wedding and sweep groomsmen to perform for her in front of all your her off her feet during your first guests. dance. PENALTY Not Being A Team Player To Your Bride - Even if you say you can't dance, don't refuse to do so with your bride at your wedding; it's important to her. To Your Guests – No formal speech is necessary, but don't forget to make a toast to thank your guests for celebrating you, and to thank each of your parents if they helped pay for the wedding. THE SPEECH 4th Quarter: Honeymoon Time for one last TOUCHDOWN $4,000 Be on the Offense: Choosing a destination QUICK STATS Today, choosing a honeymoon spot is a joint decision. Discuss whether you want to try a Couples spend an average of $4,000 on their honeymoon new place or somewhere that is memorable to you both. Source: National Mail Order Association The most popular destinations are: - Las Vegas - Hawaii - The Caribbean - Jamaica. Honeymoons usually last 7 to 9 days Source: Sound Vision Defense: Damage Control 37% Confirm Reservations Use her Maiden Name The name on her ticket must match her driver's license and/or From airlines and hotels to dinner reservations, it 37% of honeymoon trips are to domestic locations; 63% are foreign doesn't hurt to double check. passport. Source: National Mail Order Association Extra Point: Surprise your new wife Call ahead to the hotel and arrange for a few special items to be waiting for you on arrival i.e. champagne, strawberries and rose petals on the bed. Don't forget to pack a few essentials, as well: massage oils, an iPod with romantic music, etc. PENALTY Over-Planning It's important to make your honeymoon extra special, but don't overthink and over-plan. The best moments in life merely happen; just relax and enjoy this time alone with your brand new wife. Post-Wedding: Induction into the Wedding Hall of Fame! HALL of FAME #GroomsPlaybook