Parents of the Groom

When you are the parent of the groom you're sometimes left out of most of
the major decisions made regarding the wedding. The role of the grooms
parents traditionally has been to support the groom and the bride's parents by
planning around the bride's decisions. Traditionally the grooms parents are
responsible for some of the financial responsibilities. Today more and more
parents are taking on a more involved and active role in this area. Below are
some guidelines to keep in mind when you find yourself about to become an
in-law.

The parents of the groom should make an effort to meet the bride's family
before the engagement is officially announced. Send a note to the bride
welcoming her into your family as well as a note the the bride's mother
expressing happiness about the couples engagement.

It's recommended to establish who is paying for what early in the planning
process. Tradition tells us that the groom's family expenses are compiled
from their wedding attire, travel expenses, rehersal dinner, lodging, and the
couple's gift. As tradition meets with modern times more and more financially
able families of the groom are contributing to additional cost of the wedding
such as flowers, beverages, or splitting the cost for the reception dinner. This
is more common when the number of guest continues to grow past the
couples budget.

It is extremely helpful to the bride and those involved in the planning process
when you compile your guest list promptly and completely. Traditionally the
bride or her mother will keep you updated as to responces or wedding gifts
received from your family or friends If the father of the groom is also the best
man, he should arrange to be fitted for his formalwear as soon as the bride
and groom have decided on the style and fashion for the men in the wedding
party.

When planning the rehersal dinner remember that each member of the
wedding party should be included along with their spouses. It is also
recommended to invite grand parents and out of town guest if space permits
it.

Traditionally the grooms mother is escorted and seated before the bride's
mother and sits in the first pew on the right side of the aisle. If her husband in
not part of the wedding party he sits in the same pew.

At the end of the ceremony or during the reception the grooms parents may
be asked to participate in the formal receiving line with the bride's parents.