Grooms are people too

This may come as a shocker, but....it's not all about the Bride.

It's known that the Bride tends to make most if not all of the decisions for the wedding, but the Wedding Industry is saying that Grooms are going to be speaking out more in 2011 and making more decisions.Your wedding day is afterall for both you and your Groom.

With blogs and websites like Ben the Groom, The Plunge and The Man Registry - guys have a place they can go to for advice, funny stories and even some educational content concerning their title as the "Groom".

Ben the Groom offers a checklist that offers "to-do's" from your Engagement to the night before your wedding. Knowing what to do before you are told to do it will make you look like an All-Star to your Bride.

The Plunge gives you a guys perspective and tips to prepare you for taking 'the plunge' into married life. From "How to: Replace a fallen Groomsman" to "Making a good impression with the In-laws" this site is a must for Grooms.

The Man Registry is an American site so you won't find local Canadian vendors there, but you will get awesome ideas for Bachelor parties and gifts for your wedding party dudes.

In 2010, Groom cakes made a bit of a comeback and I bet you'll continue to see more of them in weddings to come so that the Groom has something special to call his own. These cakes are usually personalized for the Groom with his hobbies, favourite sports team, movie or musician.

So, let's hear it for the boys and take joy in the fact that if you have a Groom that wants to participate and make decisions concerning your wedding and festivities - let him. Just be sure he doesn't get carried away and become a Groomzilla.

Choosing your Master of Ceremonies

You've announced your engagement, you've set your wedding date, you've found your dress, you've ordered your cake, flowers and transportation, you've made your guest list, and now all you need to do is make it all come together on one day - one big day - one day that will be considered the most important day of your life.

You have the starring role on that day, you're like celebrities actually.
Your Wedding Planner is your Director, Producer, Stylist, Engineer and even your Therapist - but who is the Conductor? Who announces you and your wedding party and who ties all of the various elements of the evening together?
Who has this honour? Your MC!

Choosing an MC is sometimes an easy task, and other times it can be daunting for the couple. Who do you know that likes to talk in front of a crowd, but isn't a class clown or major attention seeker? Who knows you well enough to be able to tell stories about you individually and as a couple? Who can work well with your Wedding Planner to ensure proper timing and execution of the many event logistics? Your MC!

Suggestions for whom to pick as MC are typically the Best Man, a close friend or a family member. To learn more about choosing and or being a Wedding MC you should read the book "The Wedding MC" by Tom Haibeck, or talk to your Wedding Planner.

Your Wedding Planner should meet your MC prior to your wedding day, most likely at the rehearsal if not before. The two of them will work together during the wedding reception in regards to timing. Almost 95% of the time the set timeline/agenda for the reception changes based on food preparation, service and consumption, guests arriving late and speeches going over or under time. Your MC should be able to 'roll with the punches' and be able to maintain a sense of professionalism (a.k.a maturity) as the night unfolds.

Your MC should have fun, and aim to keep the celebration exciting, positive and memorable. They should try to engage guests in interaction, and strive to make sure everyone is having a fabulous time.




What does an MC 'typically' do?
- Requests the guests to take their seats if needed
- Announces the wedding party & the Mr & Mrs.
- Welcomes your guests and introducing him or her self
- Toasts the couple (if desired)
- Says Grace (or introduces the person saying a blessing)
- Announces the dinner (in most cases only if a buffet)
- Thanks the catering staff on behalf of the couple after dinner
- Presents the "kissing game" to your guests
- Makes jokes and announcements throughout the evening
- Introduces special guests for their speeches
- Announces other events throughout the evening (first dance, cutting of the cake, late night buffet, bouquet toss, etc)

As the Bride & Groom, you should meet with your MC throughout your planning process, keeping them involved and up to date with your plans, ideas and hopes for the evening. Feel free to give your MC guidelines in regards to the content they wish to share with your guests and feel free to ask them to read what they have prepared. Most Brides do not like surprises on the day they've taken months to plan to perfection. :)


Being an MC is an honour, and officially makes them part of the "Wedding Party".