The days of the groom being responsible for the rehearsal dinner, planning the honeymoon and showing up on time at the wedding reception are long gone. Today’s groom is involved in every aspect of the wedding plans.
Marriage is an equal partnership where most couples feel wedding responsibilities should be shared. As men become more involved, we see traditional wedding duties change. Beginning with the engagement announcement, more and more newspapers feature photographs of the couple, instead of the traditional bride-to-be.
Many newlyweds today not only both work full-time, but they share housekeeping duties as well. Because of this, the groom is being included in many bridal showers. Theme showers include interests of both the bride and groom have become very popular. Be sure to invite his male friends and relatives, too!
Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel
The groom is also more involved in the financial aspects of the wedding. With couples marrying at an older age, many are paying for their own wedding or contribute towards the parents’ wedding expenses.
After the wedding, the groom may take on the responsibility of writing the thank you notes to his family and friends,. The bride will send thank you notes to her family and friends.
One of the oldest marriage traditions has changed dramatically in the past years. The bride is choosing not to change her name after the wedding; many retain their maiden name or use both names hyphenated. Many grooms are making changes to their names also. The last name of the bride and groom may both be used as a celebration of their life-long commitment.
The ever-changing roles of men and women are having an effect on weddings. We are seeing a “Best Woman in place of the traditional “Best Man,” female ushers and groom/male only bridal showers. This crossing of traditional barriers is allowing today’s bride and groom to share everything about their wedding, their life and their love.
