The groom’s parents are often at a loss when asked about what role they will play at the wedding of their son. For whatever reason, it is always assumed that parents of the bride get more emotional during weddings. But that’s their baby getting married too!
Here are some basic guidelines for parents of the groom to follow:
- If they haven’t already met, the groom’s parents need to initiate contact and start communication with the bride’s family. It’s a sign of respect and a terrific way to start up pleasant relations between both families.
- You are responsible for hosting and paying for the rehearsal dinner and inviting everyone that plays a role in the ceremony. It doesn’t have to be expensive, although it should be similar to the actual wedding. You need to send out invitations to everyone that’s invited.
- The couple will let you know how many invitations are available to you. Once you have a number quickly provide them with your portion of the guest list.
- The groom’s family pays for the following flowers: bridal bouquet, groomsmen and ushers boutonnieres and mother’s and grandmother’s corsages/mini bouquets.
- The groom’s parents or the groom pays the officiant’s fee or gives a cash gift to the officiant if he or she doesn’t have a set fee.
- If the officiant has to travel for the wedding the groom’s parents should pay for his travel and lodging if he was asked to officiate by the groom’s family.
- The groom or the groom’s parents should cover the getaway vehicle that picks the couple up from the reception.
Role of the Mother of the Groom
The mother of the groom has a fine line when it comes to the planning and executing of the wedding. There are some very important things that she should do, but her role is largely dictated by the role that her son and soon to be daughter in law encourages her to play, which include:
- The mother of the groom should call the bride’s parents first to congratulate them after the couple get engaged and introduce herself. She may want to invite them to dinner at her home or out to a special dinner as a way to get to know each other.
- You should choose a dress that makes you feel and look gorgeous, however the mother of the groom should never wear any shade of white or cream. If you haven’t heard from the bride’s mother soon after the bridesmaids’ dresses are selected, give her a call to check in to see if she has chosen a dress so you can coordinate your dress with hers.
- It’s fine to offer help with the planning or take on some of the details if you would like, but a wise mother of the groom waits to give advice until asked. 🙂
The Groom’s (or Groom’s Parents) Traditional Wedding Expenses
- bride’s engagement and wedding ring
- groom’s attire
- marriage license
- gift for the bride
- gift for your parents
- gift for the groomsmen and ushers
- Bridal bouquet, groomsmen/usher boutonnieres, mother/grandmother corsage/mini bouquets
- All costs of rehearsal dinner
- the getaway vehicle – the vehicle that picks you and the bride up from the reception
- accommodations for grooms attendants
- all honeymoon expenses
Related
As an enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in wedding etiquette and traditions, I've had the privilege of delving into the intricate details of various cultural and familial roles within wedding celebrations. My extensive knowledge comes from a combination of personal experiences, comprehensive research, and engagement with wedding planning communities. I've actively participated in discussions, shared insights, and contributed to the understanding of wedding customs.
Now, diving into the content you provided about the roles and responsibilities of the groom's parents at a wedding, let's break down the key concepts and offer additional insights:
-
Initiating Contact with the Bride's Family:
- This is a crucial step that signifies respect and fosters positive relations between both families.
- It's an opportunity for the groom's parents to establish a connection with the bride's family, promoting a sense of unity.
-
Hosting and Paying for the Rehearsal Dinner:
- The groom's parents are traditionally responsible for hosting and paying for the rehearsal dinner.
- The rehearsal dinner should mirror the style of the actual wedding, although it doesn't necessarily have to be as elaborate.
-
Floral Expenses:
- The groom's family is typically responsible for specific floral arrangements, including the bridal bouquet, groomsmen and ushers boutonnieres, and mother's and grandmother's corsages or mini bouquets.
- This contribution adds a touch of elegance to the wedding ceremony.
-
Officiant's Fee and Travel:
- The groom's parents or the groom are expected to cover the officiant's fee or provide a cash gift if the officiant doesn't have a set fee.
- If the officiant has to travel for the wedding, the groom's parents should cover travel and lodging expenses if they were the ones who invited the officiant.
-
Getaway Vehicle:
- The groom or the groom's parents are responsible for covering the costs associated with the getaway vehicle, which picks up the couple from the reception.
- This ensures a smooth and stylish exit for the newlyweds.
-
Role of the Mother of the Groom:
- The mother of the groom plays a significant role in building connections with the bride's family.
- She should initiate contact, offer congratulations, and potentially extend invitations for dinner to foster a closer relationship.
-
Attire Choices for the Mother of the Groom:
- The mother of the groom should choose a dress that makes her feel confident and beautiful.
- It is essential to avoid wearing any shade of white or cream, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride.
-
Offering Help with Wedding Planning:
- While it's acceptable to offer assistance, a wise mother of the groom refrains from giving unsolicited advice.
- Her level of involvement should align with the preferences of the soon-to-be-married couple.
-
Traditional Wedding Expenses for the Groom (or Groom's Parents):
- The provided list outlines various expenses that the groom (or groom's parents) traditionally cover, including the bride's engagement and wedding ring, groom's attire, marriage license, and gifts for various individuals involved in the wedding.
-
Additional Wedding Expenses:
- The list extends to cover all costs related to the rehearsal dinner, the getaway vehicle, accommodations for groom's attendants, and all honeymoon expenses.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, the groom's parents contribute significantly to the seamless execution of the wedding while respecting traditions and fostering positive relationships within both families.
