Groom-To-Be 101

So, you emptied your bank account, bought the ring, popped the question, and now you get to kick back until your wedding day rolls around, right? That's one way to do it but the best way to keep your future wife happy and keep you from sleeping on the couch, is to get involved. In the end you'll be glad you were involved and the payoff will much more worthwhile.

1. Free Your Mind (and the rest will follow)
This is just as much your wedding as is it your bride's. Let your opinion on reception location, church, color scheme, food & music be known. It is important that this day be something that represents the two of you as a couple. She will appreciate the fact that you are getting involved. Not to mention, when Aunt Clarice asks about the planning you will have an answer... she will also be thankful to you taking some of the questions.

2. Relish Your Registry

It may seem like an awful way to spend your Saturday or Sunday; especially if it's football season, but think about it: You get to wander around a store (granted it has a lot of kitchen stuff), picking things you want that you know someone most likely will buy you -- you can’t beat that. Better yet, it’s now common to shop beyond the kitchen department. Go to the power tool department or the grill department - Hell, just go to Home Depot! Seriously. You can do that!

3. Don't Be a Pushover -- Really

She wants to register for a yellow comforter with little pink flowers. All you can see when you look at it all your friends laughing at you. Try to meet her in the middle. Tell her the color yellow is fine but you're just not too sure about the pink flowers, maybe there is another yellow with a different pattern... slowly remove the scan gun from her hand and walk her away. She most likely is on wedding overload and just needs a fresh opinion. She needs it from you. Find something you both like and you'll both be happy.

4. Give Her a Break
You need to make sure she doesn't have an ulcer by the time she walks down the aisle. Give her a night to relax and cook her dinner, do the dishes, rent her favorite movie (yes, even a chick flick), and remind her why wedding planning is worth the stress. Also, along the way, make sure you tell her what a great job she's doing.

5. Don’t Add Insult

Your fiance may complain about her mom who’s being a control freak, or about her uncle who wants to bring his new girlfriend, or her cousin who wants to bring all four of her kids. Don’t join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her, but don’t take this opportunity to tell her the things about her family that annoys you. Her bad mood will pass, but your careless comments may stick.

6. Arrange the Attire
Send out detailed emails to all your groomsmen filling them in on the info for the formal wear -- let them know when and where to get fitted for their tuxes, and remind them to return the suits the day after the wedding to avoid annoying late fees. Copy your fiance on the emails to prove that you've got everything under control. It may also be helpful to ask the guys to reply to all if they have a questions. This way you could avoid answering the same question 100 times and if you're not sure maybe your girl can help you out.

The more info you can share, the better. Got directions to the tux place? Include them. Don't assume they'll know anything about this stuff. Did you before you got engaged?

7. Manage Your Men

Know your friend who loses his car keys at least once a week? Probably better not to make him responsible for bringing your ring to the ceremony. And your buddy who tends to drink too much? Make sure one of your more reliable (or sober) groomsmen keeps him from flirting with your fiance’s mom at the rehearsal dinner. Your guys don't have to be saints, but they will have responsibilities, and it's your job to make sure they know what they are.

8. Get Sentimental

The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she's getting ready. It will remind her all her hard work has been worth it, not to mention it will remind her of why she said 'yes' in the first place.