TIPS FOR GROOMS.

You have taken the bold step! You bought the ring, proposed and she has accepted. Great!

Wait, it does not end there; it’s not the time to go on with life like there isn’t a wedding to plan. It’s not just her wedding, it’s your wedding as well, but don’t get your hopes up ‘it’s still her day’, LOL.

 It takes two to walk down the aisle so you have to be involved with planning the big day. And that’s the best way to make and keep her happy, so make time and get involved with planning every bit of it.

Here are our top tips to help you be a great, caring and loving groom.

1. Have an Opinion

This is your wedding too, so get in on the planning. Give your opinion on all the planning necessities; it'll let your fiancée know she's not in this alone. Let her know what you have in mind or your choices. Don’t keep quiet or say I’m indifferent or I dunno or whatever you want. LADIES, hate those words. So always be honest and say your mind. This is supposed to be your wife to be not a girlfriend, so be honest.

If you leave her to handle the details of the day, then be ready to deal with an angry fiancée, averting this depends on your availability. The calm feel of strength by her side goes a long way in diffusing a lot of confuse and tense situations.

 2. Don't be too Manly

If she wants things that are overly feminine and you think they would drive you crazy. See if you can meet her halfway: Tell her how she can still make the difference without being pushy or insensitive. You'll make her happy and also your way.

3. Be there for her

There are times when she would get carried away with the wedding and might be so tired, frustrated or withdrawn. A shoulder massage, a rob on the back, a quick hog or bear squeeze might do the trick or better still Take her out, reminisce on old times: where you met, your first date, memorable events, why you love and want her and also remind her why planning issues are not worth the stress. So she can remember it’s all about you two.

4. Shield Her

If your mom is the bullish type and wants to have her dream wedding through you. You run the risk of major family conflict, with you stuck in the middle.

Your mission: Keep the peace. Call your mom and let her know that while you appreciate her interest and excitement, it's your wedding and she needs to give you two some planning space. Take responsibility for communicating with your end of the family. Tip: During the conversation remember to avoid your fiancée’s name as much as possible, let her know it’s about you.

5. You need Help

Is your fiancee stressed or worn out? Provide the needed moral support. If she’s upset!  Hear her out, but never ….. the people she is venting about. You can also consider getting a wedding planner. Go online or simply get referrals. Your wedding consultant will conveniently handle all the issues that neither you nor your bride want to deal with, and it is better to have a professional handling the whole event. So you can both enjoy yourselves.

 6. Attend Wedding Exhibitions.

Today, I see more and more grooms attending exhibitions like the WedExpo with their brides — which is a great thing! It's allows you to meet prospective vendors, which makes price comparison easy, it keeps you abreast of what is new in the wedding industry. Plus when you attend wedding exhibitions with your fiancee you might ask question she may not have considered. It also opens your mind to likely things you might want at your wedding.

7. Words hurt

Avoid family feuds, your fiancée may go off about her dad and mom she may condemn their character, or it may be about her sister or friend who is not standing by her. Don’t join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her where necessary, but don’t take the opportunity to voice your negative opinion or concerns about her family members.  Her bad mood will pass, but your careless comments may stick, remember she was born and bred in that family so whatever is negative about them soils her too and this goes vice versa.

8. Pick reliable and dependable guys.

Don’t pick a friend who’s known for being late or who drinks too much or can’t control his mouth or temper. Make sure you pick guys that won’t get you worried during the event. Your guys might not be saints, but they should be responsible and respect that it is your day and you won’t enjoy being embarrassed before your family and co-workers, and it's your job to make sure they know who they are and also decide their outfits

 9. Outfit

Inform your friends about their formal wear -- let them know when and where to get fitted for their tuxedos or suits. Let your fiancee in on the details so she would know you have everything under control and she should also do the same with her bridesmaids.

10. Plan the Honeymoon

Now as the guy, you have the lead on this. Unlike wedding planning, there’s no protocol, no formalities, no parents and no family members. Book way in advance and consider a where you would both have loads of fun.

11. Show how you feel

Trust me; women can’t get enough of this! The wedding day is another perfect opportunity to show your bride how you feel by sending her flowers, her dream gift, a love note or something she just won’t expect you to do. Ensure she gets this while she’s dressing up. Or plan a surprise at the reception just for her she'll love you the more and would never forget it.

Any thoughts or more tips, please share.........................