Creating a Wedding Budget

We've reached the end of guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and our final topic is one laden with controversy. Being that more and more couples are paying for part or all of their own weddings, it's likely that you, the groom-to-be, will have at least some input into the wedding budget. This is an area where many dudes shine, simply because they are less emotionally involved in the trappings of the traditional wedding. Here's how you can help:

The Reality Check
The first thing you shouldn't do is whip out the old credit card. Don't go into debt for your wedding! Newlyweds need the added pressures of money problems like they need that third crock-pot. If you see your intended getting caught up in the moment and you think she may be tempted to go overboard, put on the brakes gently. Remind her that it's about the marriage, not about the wedding, and suggest some money-saving strategies you can employ together.

Go Semi-Pro
Vendors are expensive -- and it can seem like there's no getting around that fact. The truth is, however, that there are ways to save money and get good service. Why don't more people take advantage of them? Some brides-to-be are convinced that an expensive vendor is a good vendor. If you'd rather spend less, offer to find some of your vendors. Check out local universities for qualified and inexpensive musicians, photographers, and videographers. Professors will be able to point you to the best students in the program.

Keep It Organized
If you're an organized guy, you can help out your intended by keeping track of expenses and payments. Get a notebook and write EVERYTHING down that has to do with your wedding plans. Phone numbers, cost estimates, wedding vendor information, and anything else having to do with your finances. Keep this notebook with you all the time, and use it as a reference when interviewing prospective vendors.

Know Who's Paying
If you're not paying for your entire wedding yourselves, it's important that you know who can contribute what before you start drawing up your budget. If you're uncomfortable talking to your bride-to-be's family about this, you can still approach your own family if they've hinted that they would like to pay for something. Although it may be fun to plan out the wedding first and ask for the dough later, you may find that your ideas don't quite match those with the check book. Let reality, not your expectations, guide you.

Click to learn more about creating a wedding budget or financing a wedding budget

Gifts for Groomsmen

Remember, it's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing groomsmen gifts. If your guy is stumped, we've compiled a few ideas that might inspire him. E-mail your groom-to-be this post, and tell him that the perfect gift is out there!

For Sports Fans
If you and your groomsmen are all golfers, think about gift certificates for golfing activities like 18 holes at your favorite course. You can set a date to go together before or after the wedding -- this makes a great bachelor party outing. How about engraved stainless steel golf tees or personalized golf balls?

Golf isn't your thing? You can switch it up with gift certificates to the batting cage or tickets to the big game. Too pricey? Local minor league teams play just as hard as the pros. As far as gifts go, a set of cuff links, a wall clock, a flask, or a belt with a favorite team's logo is the perfect choice for some sports enthusiasts.

For Outdoorsmen
Think about gifts related to fishing, hunting, hiking, or whatever outdoor activities your guy friends like. If you're not sure what they need, opt for a Swiss army knife, binoculars, or a monogrammed cooler. If your friends' outdoor activities tend to be practical -- home repair, etc. -- how about a cool saw, drill, electric screwdriver, or tool box? Then there are the grilling enthusiasts would love opening up a new set of barbecue tools.

For Car Enthusiasts
Car lovers are easy to shop for. Buy leather driving gloves, a navigator clock and compass set, or steering wheel cover...all gifts that will make them feel like they're driving a Bugatti while they're behind the wheel of their junkers. Or, go high end, and take your whole wedding party on a trip to racing school.

For Readers
You can't go wrong with a copy of the latest best seller...as long as you know whether your friend is into fiction or non-fiction. Write a personal note inside the cover but don't get too sappy! If you're willing to spring for it, get an autographed copy or a first edition of your pal's favorite title. For a less expensive gift, try a magazine subscription geared toward your dudes' individual interests.

Click to shop for groomsmen gifts or learn more about the groom's responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Groom

Just a reminder: It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and very few guys understand just what it is they are getting into when they propose to their sweethearts. While there are still some dudes out there who believe that all the groom has to do is show up to the wedding, the truth is that the responsibilities of the groom are many and varied. Grooms, after all, have their own responsibilities in addition to helping the bride do everything from choosing a reception site to picking a cake to writing up a guest list!

What are the groom's solo responsibilities?

• Plan the honeymoon...if the bride would like you to. Some brides would prefer to be involved in planning the honeymoon, and we recommend that their grooms let them!
• Buy a gift for your bride if you're exchanging gifts.
• Arrange transportation for the wedding party on the big day. Be sure to ask your bride how many people will need to be included.
• Write your toast or speech for the wedding reception if you fancy the idea of talking in front of a crowd. If not, let other people do the toasting.
• Choose your best man, groomsmen, and ushers.
• Decide whether you want to station yourself at the altar before the ceremony or if you'd like to be escorted down the aisle with your parents.
• Review the best man's responsibilities with him.
• Tell your best man what kind of a bachelor party you want so he can plan it accordingly.
• Select groomsmen gifts.
• Arrange for your best man to pay the celebrant and musicians and tip those who will receive gratuitites.
• Ask one of your groomsmen to take care of the wedding gifts and cards at the reception, load them into his car, and drop them at your home later.
• Select the men's formal wear. Be sure to consult with the bride because she may want to coordinate the menswear and the ladieswear.
• Arrange a time for fittings for you and your groomsmen.
• Choose boutonnières that coordinate with the ladies' bouquets.

Other than that, the groom should be involved in whatever else interests him while also helping the bride with whatever she needs help with. Good luck, grooms!


Click to learn more wedding planning tips for grooms