by chris easter of themanregistry.com

It’s no secret that grooms are becoming more and more involved in the planning of the big day. The emergence of many popular groom blogs as well as wedding retailers beginning to specifically target men is evidence that grooms are here to stay. I’ve put together five ways that grooms can take wedding planning to the next level (and earn major points from the bride-to-be).

Exceed expectations – We all know the standard groom duties of planning the rehearsal dinner, paying for the honeymoon, booking transportation etc. Surprise her by getting involved in areas that maybe aren’t traditionally “manly.” Help design the invitation or coordinate colors. It will probably surprise you just how much you enjoy it!

De-stress – You’re surely familiar with the concept of “Bridezilla.” While the TV shows may embellish a bit, it’s a fact that the stress from planning can take a toll on the bride. One way that the groom can help out is getting her mind off of wedding planning (even if for just a night). Take her out to dinner or surprise her with a home cooked meal. The only rule: no wedding talk.

Talk – This may seem basic, but it’s amazing how many guys refuse to discuss wedding planning with their fiance. I know the stuff isn’t always mind-blowing, but the simple fact is that you need to be prepared for the biggest day of your life. My recommendation is to set aside 2-3 nights per week where wedding planning status is discussed for an hour. That doesn’t sound too painful, does it?

Take charge with vendors – If you’re lucky, you won’t have any issues when dealing with your vendors. However, this portion of planning doesn’t always go perfectly. If you notice your bride becoming exceedingly frustrated or angry with a specific vendor, step in and see if cooler heads can’t prevail.

Surprise her – Do something completely unexpected. Tell her that you’re saving money and can only afford to stay at a so-so hotel on the wedding night… and then surprise her with reservations at a 5-star luxury destination. Get the picture?  That’s just one idea. You know your bride better than anyone. Give her a wedding memory that she won’t ever forget!

…speaking of Ultimate Grooms, we’re running a major contest over at The Man Registry searching for America’s Top Groom. The contest is open to engaged men and woman in the US and offers an insane prize pack. We’ll even let you enter simply by leaving a comment at the bottom of this blog post!

Brides – tell us why your grooms is a step above the rest and deserves to be named the Ultimate Groom

Grooms – tell us how you’ve gotten involved and are leaving a personalized mark on the planning of your wedding

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Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com  – the leading online resource for engaged men. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, unique groomsmen gifts and a wealth of content aimed at helping men make it through the wedding planning process in one piece. You can check out The Man Registry on Twitter and Facebook.