Grooms Playing At Their Wedding: Is It A Good Idea?

The groom's role in a wedding is a significant one, and while traditions may vary, there are certain expectations and responsibilities that are typically associated with the groom. From a financial perspective, the groom or his family are traditionally expected to cover specific expenses, including the bride's rings, the groom's attire, the rehearsal dinner, and the honeymoon. The groom also plays a crucial role in the wedding processional, often entering with his parents or being escorted by his mother and father to the altar. In addition, the groom's party, including the best man and groomsmen, provides essential support to the groom during the wedding events and the couple's marriage.

With the big day approaching, grooms may also feel the pressure to impress, whether it's through their choice of outfit or by serenading their bride with a romantic guitar performance. While the latter may be a bit unconventional, it showcases the groom's desire to create a memorable moment for their special day.

Playing a song for the bride

Playing a song for your bride on your wedding day is a great way to make the occasion even more memorable and meaningful. Here are some tips and suggestions to make it a success:

Choosing the Right Song:

• Select a song that is meaningful to both of you. Opt for a tune that holds a special memory or reflects your journey as a couple.
• Consider the lyrics and how they relate to your relationship. "You Are So High" by Tal Bachman, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, and "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele are popular choices.
• If you're feeling creative, you can even write your own song or hire someone to write one for you.

Planning and Preparation:

• Discuss your plan with your bride-to-be. While you may want to keep the performance a surprise, choosing the song together ensures that it aligns with her taste and expectations.
• Practice, practice, practice! Rehearse the song beforehand to ensure that you are confident and comfortable with your performance.
• Consider your setup. Will you need a sound system, or will you perform acoustically? Plan this in advance with your wedding planner or venue coordinator.

Performance Tips:

• Time your performance right. Many grooms choose to play during the ceremony as their bride walks down the aisle, but you can also opt for a more relaxed setting during the reception.
• Involve your groomsmen. If your best man or groomsmen can play an instrument, consider making it a collaborative performance to take some pressure off yourself.
• Remember, it's not a concert. Keep the focus on your bride and the sentiment of the moment, rather than trying to steal the spotlight.

Sample Songs:

• "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler
• "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
• "Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach
• "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" by Bryan Adams
• "Everything I Do" by Bryan Adams
• "You Say It Best When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Krauss
• "True Companion" by Marc Cohn
• "Chapel Of Love" by The Dixie Cups
• "Lover" by Taylor Swift
• "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
• "Annie's Song" by John Denver
• "I Want to Know Your Plans"
• "Gravity" or "Edge of Desire" by John Mayer
• "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran
• "Overwhelmed" by Tim McMorris
• "She's So High" by Tal Bachman

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a song that resonates with you and your bride and reflects your unique love story. With thoughtful planning and preparation, your musical performance will be a cherished part of your wedding day.

Groom's attire

So, you're getting married—congratulations! One of the most important aspects of your wedding day is what you'll be wearing. While it's easy to get caught up in the stress of wedding planning, deciding on your wedding attire should be a fun opportunity to express your personal style. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for your special day.

Dress Code

The dress code of your wedding is an important factor in determining your attire. If you and your fiancé(e) have chosen a specific dress code, such as black-tie or semi-formal, this will guide your sartorial choices. Remember, as the groom, you and your fiancé(e) set the tone for the rest of the guests. So, make sure you look the part!

Season and Location

In addition to the dress code, the season and location of your wedding will influence your outfit. If you're having a summer wedding on a beach, you'll want to opt for breathable fabrics like linen. On the other hand, a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to rock a thick wool suit or a tuxedo with a heavier fabric. The venue and setting of your wedding can also guide your choices—a barn wedding might call for denim, while a traditional indoor venue may be more suited to a classic suit.

Cultural Traditions

If you or your fiancé(e) come from a specific cultural background, incorporating traditional attire into your wedding wardrobe can be a wonderful way to honour your heritage. For example, at Malaysian weddings, grooms typically wear a baju melayu, while in Vietnamese ceremonies, the groom wears an áo dài.

Cost

Groom attire can vary widely in cost, depending on your choices. Off-the-rack suits can be relatively inexpensive, while custom-made or designer options can reach four figures. On average, grooms spend between $200 and $499 on their wedding day outfit.

Groomsmen

Don't forget to coordinate with your groomsmen! While it's not necessary for everyone to match perfectly, you'll want to make sure your groomsmen's attire complements your own. Whether you're renting or buying, make sure to give your groomsmen plenty of notice so they can secure their outfits in time for the big day.

Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love and commitment. So, choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Happy planning, and best wishes for your special day!

The best man's speech

So, the big question: can the groom play at his own wedding? Well, if he's got the skills, why not? It's a fun way to impress his partner and serenade them with a song that's meaningful to both of them. But it's important that the groom doesn't try to steal the spotlight—remember, it's not just his day.

Now, for the best man's speech. As the groom's closest friend or family member, it's your job to arrange the bachelor party and be there for the groom throughout the wedding planning process. Your speech should be heartfelt and maybe even a little comical. It's a chance to share a few inside jokes and stories about the groom, but remember to keep it appropriate and not go overboard.

Start by welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. You can thank the couple's parents for hosting, and the bridesmaids for their support. Then, share a few kind words about the groom and how happy you are for him. You might want to talk about how you met and became friends, and include a funny anecdote or two. Just make sure to keep it light and not too embarrassing!

You can also share a story or two about the couple and how they met. Talk about what makes them perfect for each other and wish them a happy future together. Finally, propose a toast to the newlyweds and their life ahead.

Remember, the best man's speech is a privilege and a chance to show your support for the groom. Keep it classy, funny, and heartfelt, and you'll do a great job. Cheers!

Groom's entrance

The groom's entrance is an important part of the wedding ceremony and there are many ways to make it memorable. Here are some ideas for a groom's grand entrance:

The Processional

In a Christian wedding, the groom is usually led to the altar by the officiant, alongside the best man and groomsmen. Alternatively, the groom can be escorted by both his parents, as is traditional in a Jewish ceremony. In a Hindu wedding, the groom makes a grand entrance on a highly decorated horse, accompanied by family and musicians.

Creative Transport

Grooms can make a statement by arriving in a vintage or futuristic car, on a tractor, or even a tuk-tuk! For a bolder entrance, consider a horse or a dance troupe.

Pyrotechnics

For a real wow factor, some grooms choose to incorporate fireworks or cold fireworks into their entrance.

The Grand Staircase

Arriving at the venue by descending a grand staircase with your initials lit up is a glamorous and memorable entrance.

The High-Five Line

For a fun and unique entrance, the groom can enter the reception to a high-energy song and a high-five line.

The Rickshaw

A creative and alternative transport option is to arrive by rickshaw, a fun and playful choice.

The Lightsaber Arch

For a Star Wars-themed wedding, the groom can enter under a tunnel of lightsabers, or for a more general twist, use sparklers, paper lanterns, or flashlights.

The groom's entrance can be personalised to fit the couple's interests, cultural background, and the tone of the wedding. Whether it's a traditional processional or a creative entrance, there are many ways to make the groom's arrival special.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a time-honoured tradition that allows the wedding party to relax and bond before the big day. It is also an opportunity for the couple's families to connect and get to know each other better. Traditionally, the groom's family hosts and pays for the rehearsal dinner, but this is not a hard and fast rule.

The rehearsal dinner is usually held the night before the wedding and can range from a casual get-together to a more formal affair. It is typically attended by the couple, their parents, the wedding party (including the bridesmaids and groomsmen), and sometimes, the officiant. The guest list can be expanded to include out-of-town guests or kept intimate, depending on the couple's preferences and budget.

As the groom's family, you can make the rehearsal dinner your own by adding personal touches and choosing the food, music, and venue that reflect your family's style. This is your chance to shine and showcase your family's personality.

The mother of the groom can play a crucial role in planning and hosting the rehearsal dinner. She can coordinate with the mother of the bride to ensure a cohesive vision and smooth execution. It is essential to communicate with the couple about their preferences for the scale, location, and cuisine of the event.

The father of the groom also has a significant role in planning and paying for the rehearsal dinner. He is expected to give a speech at the event, toasting the happy couple and welcoming their new family.

The rehearsal dinner is an excellent opportunity to incorporate special traditions or rituals that honour the groom's family heritage and culture. Consult with the mother of the groom to see if there are any specific readings, customs, or dishes that should be included.

In addition to the rehearsal dinner, the groom's family traditionally covers other expenses, such as the marriage license, honeymoon, and officiant's fee. However, modern couples often have different arrangements, so clear communication about financial responsibilities is essential.

Frequently asked questions