I’ve seen it countless times… Every last detail of the wedding day has been planned down to the minute. There’s just one thing that’s been overlooked… grooms needs to be in the know, too!
So often I find that one half of the wedding couple gets left out of the most important part of the wedding day planning… the schedule!
So for all the grooms out there… Your responsibilities don’t end with the proposal! Here are my top 5 ways to help you (and your groomsmen!) understand what to expect from the wedding day schedule.
1. Get Ready Earlier Than You Think
This isn’t a normal day… it’s your wedding day! Everything is going to take longer than you think. A 5:00 wedding doesn’t mean that you start getting ready at 4:30. Here’s why.
- Getting Dressed: Sure… under normal circumstances, you’re in and out of the shower and ready to go in under 15 minutes. Today you’ll want to take your time… you’ll have some of your favorite people with you for some bonding time before the wedding ceremony.
- The Photographs: You might have a photographer with you to capture some special photos in the final stages of getting ready… You’re looking your best… why not make the most of it!… You may even get a first look of your bride before the ceremony… and that takes time, too.
- Wedding Attire: As the groom you may be in a tux and dress shoes… which means that getting from place to place is going to take a bit longer. Speaking of which…
- Transportation: Whether you’re getting ready at the wedding venue or somewhere else… you have to account for how long it will take you… and your groomsmen… to reach your spots on the altar.
2. Keep Your Wedding Day Schedule Light
Your wedding day will be incredible and amazing and memorable… and it will also be LONG!
- Tee Time: It needs to be before 9a.m. You and your groomsmen are going to want a chance to eat… to nap… and to have plenty of time to get ready (see tip #1) before the ceremony. While 5:00 may technically be the evening… you have a lot to take care of before then.
- Eat! Plan for lunch for you and everyone who’ll be with you that day. Have a substantial spread out when you’re getting ready… or schedule a late breakfast to fill you up before you roll into wedding preparations.
- Transportation: You need to allow for plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B. That means that the more you have planned… the more transportation time you’ll need. For a Mackinac Island wedding, you can only travel by foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage… so keep your schedule light on the day of your wedding.
3. Know that you will take A LOT of Wedding Photos
Your wedding photos are one of the most important parts of your wedding day. Here’s what you need to know.
- You’ll Take Thousands of Wedding Photos: Yep… for an 8 hour wedding, I usually take 5,000 – 6,000 wedding photos… and grooms are in most of them!
- The Cocktail Reception: The purpose of this event after the ceremony is to keep your guests entertained while you take your wedding photos. That means you’ll miss most… if not all of it.
- I’ve Got You Covered: My assistant can grab you a cocktail and some hors d’oeuvres… or we can pop into a favorite bar (Mackinac has plenty) for a quick drink… so make sure that you’ve eaten enough that day to keep you happy and smiling in your pictures after the wedding ceremony!
4. Communicate with your Groomsmen
Be sure to communicate fully with your groomsmen… because no one else will!
- The Schedule: Make sure that they go over it and understand it. Give specific times so that everyone knows where they need to be, when they need to be there, and how long it’s going to (realistically) take.
- The Expectations: Your wedding planner and your photographer will be asking some specific things of you and your wedding party. If they’re cooperative and good sports… it will be much more fun… and go a lot faster!
- The Seating Arrangements: Let them know if they will be sitting with their SO’s or at the head table. Remind them to let their dates in on this info as well!
- Be Sensitive: Your wedding party is there to celebrate you and support you… and they often have their own families or dates who are there with them. Be accommodating and thoughtful about the needs of your wedding party (and who is with them) when you’re planning your wedding day schedule.
5. Say Thank You to Your Groomsmen
Your wedding party is your support system on your wedding day. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them!
- Give Grooms Gifts for the Wedding Day: Jewelry, spa treatments, matching robes, monogrammed tumblers, special socks… There are lots of large and small ways to show your gratitude.
- Provide Food + Drink: Be sure everyone is hydrated and well fed. It’s a long day… so pace yourself and plan ahead to have plenty of food and drink on hand at the different locations.
- Recognize their Needs: Chances are that the people in your wedding party are important people to others on your guest list. If they’re juggling families and SO’s, be sensitive to their time and financial needs.
A Great Wedding Day for Grooms
Communicating every step of the way will help your wedding day be memorable in all of the best ways! Keep your groomsmen in the know… allow plenty of time to get ready… and be sensitive to the needs of your wedding party. It’s going to be a great day!
If you want to know more about my fun, carefree & relaxed wedding photography, contact me here!
