Watching Don't Tell The Bride can strike fear into the heart of even the calmest brides. Leaving the groom to plan the entire wedding can leave you a little disappointed, while taking it all upon yourself is overwhelming. Strike a compromise and allow him to have his say in some of the decisions, because let's face it, it's his day too.
Let him pick the location
Any time you both visit there, the place will bring back memories of your wedding day. Why not let him visit a few places and take a top three, which you can then whittle down together. The ceremony will likely be held somewhere close to your childhood home place, so let him have a say on the reception.
Book the honeymoon
Whether he's been all over the world, or the most exotic place he's been is Cavan, he's bound to have some ideas for where to whisk you away after the wedding madness has died down. Give him free reign in the travel agents. But if you feel more comfortable, make a list of all the practical things he needs to think about when booking (i.e. travel insurance, passport expiry dates, etc).
Take charge of his side
There'll be plenty of people coming from your side between family and friends, so let him look after his own. Tell him to invite everyone he needs to, and let him and his parents put the seating plan together for them, then work it around your own if possible. Let him pick his ushers and their suits, as well.
Booking the transport
It's possible he's going to know more about cars than you will, so give him the task of booking the cars to the ceremony. As long as enough car space comes to collect you and your family, you won't care what shows up.
Set the playlist
Let him look into wedding bands to keep the party going well into the small hours, or give him a list of songs to choose from for potential first dance music.
Deciding the menu
If there's one thing about the wedding guaranteed to get him excited, it's the food. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so let him take the lead when you're trying to set the menu for the night, or looking at which baker will be tasked with making the cake.
Handling the budget
If he was a whizz at maths in school, put his skills to use and let him handle the financial side of preparations. He may even be able to haggle a good deal from some vendors for their services.
Manage the guests leading up to the day
Is he and his family coming from out of town? Why not have him arrange an evening for himself, both of your Dads, brothers and his groomsmen to bond in the days immediately leading up to the wedding?
Image credits: Groom: Pal Zileri Cerimonia | Groom kissing bride: Sparrow Makeup | Holding hands: Wedding Dash | Bride with groom: One Wed | Swing: Bridal Guide