Involve Your Groom in Wedding Planning at The Lake at Willow Oaks

Nunn Photography

Planning a wedding is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience, and it's no surprise that many brides end up taking the lead in most aspects of the event. But what if you want your groom to be more involved in the wedding planning process? Whether you're getting married in Knoxville, Maryville, or planning a lakeside celebration at Willow Oaks, there are plenty of ways to encourage your groom to dive in and share the load. Engaging your partner in the wedding planning process not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also helps to strengthen your relationship as you work together toward your big day. Here are ways to get your groom excited and involved in planning your wedding, ensuring it's a special day for both of you.

Negotiate with Vendors and Secure Discounts

One of the most practical ways your groom can contribute is by taking on the task of negotiating with wedding vendors. Whether it's florists in Knoxville, caterers in Maryville, or photographers at Willow Oaks, grooms often excel at securing deals. If your groom is comfortable with negotiating, let him take the reins when it comes to discussing prices, services, and any additional perks that might be added to the wedding package. You’d be surprised at how much money he can save by leveraging his skills. Having him handle vendor negotiations will not only reduce your stress but also give him a sense of accomplishment in helping to keep your wedding budget in check.

Involve Him in DIY Projects

If your groom has a creative side, involve him in DIY wedding projects. Whether it's making wedding favors, assembling centerpieces, or even creating unique décor pieces, there are endless ways for him to contribute. For example, he could design and build a wooden welcome sign for your wedding at Willow Oaks, create personalized wedding favors for your guests, or help with assembling gift bags. DIY projects can be a fun and relaxing way to bond as a couple, and it will give your groom a sense of ownership in the process.

Delegate the Management of His Guest List

A wedding guest list can be a daunting task, but your groom can handle his side of the family and friends with ease. Not only can he provide the names and addresses of his guests, but he can also take on the responsibility of addressing invitations, stamping envelopes, and even managing RSVPs for his side of the family. By delegating this responsibility to your groom, you'll lighten your load and give him a task that's directly related to his side of the wedding. This can also serve as a wonderful icebreaker when you are planning to host your reception in a venue such as Willow Oaks, where there might be a mix of guests from both sides.

Collaborate on Wedding Attire Selection

Wedding attire is a big part of the planning process, and while the bride’s gown often takes center stage, the groom’s outfit should not be overlooked. Encourage your groom to explore options for his wedding suit or tuxedo, as well as any attire for the groomsmen. If you're open to it, consider having a collaborative approach to choosing your wedding attire. You can even go shopping together in Knoxville or Maryville for his attire, or research online boutiques that offer custom suits. For brides who want to keep their look a surprise, you could still involve him in other aspects of attire selection, such as choosing accessories for the bridal party or even coordinating the color scheme with the wedding's overall theme.

Research and Select Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, your groom is likely to have strong opinions on the music played at the reception or ceremony. This is an area where many grooms thrive, and it can be an excellent way for him to get involved. Ask him to research local DJs or bands that could perform at your wedding. In Knoxville and Maryville, there are numerous talented bands and DJs who specialize in weddings. Your groom can also create a playlist of his favorite songs that he wants to be played during the reception. Once he’s compiled a list, you can review the options together and make the final decision as a couple.

Choose Personalized Thank-You Gifts for His Groomsmen and Parents

At many weddings, the groom takes on the responsibility of choosing thank-you gifts for his groomsmen and parents. After all, who knows his loved ones better than he does? This is a meaningful and personal way for him to show appreciation to those who have supported him. Gifts don't need to be extravagant—simple, heartfelt gestures like a bottle of his favorite wine, personalized cufflinks, or a monogrammed handkerchief can be just as impactful. Involving your groom in this process will help him feel more connected to the wedding and provide a chance to express his gratitude in a truly special way.

Personalize the Bar Menu

If your groom is a fan of craft cocktails or enjoys selecting wines, giving him control over the bar menu can be a fun way to get him involved. Many couples now choose to offer unique drink options that reflect their personalities or preferences. Whether it's choosing local craft beers from Knoxville or selecting signature cocktails for the reception, your groom can bring his expertise to the table. He might even want to work with the venue or caterer to craft a special drink menu. This could include a drink that’s meaningful to both of you or even a family recipe that could be served at the wedding at Willow Oaks. Personalizing the drink offerings will make the event feel more intimate and unique.

Help Choose Wedding Transportation

Wedding transportation is often an area that many grooms enjoy, especially if they have a passion for cars. Whether it's a sleek limo, a vintage car, or a unique vehicle like a classic truck or motorcycle, your groom is likely to enjoy picking out the wedding transportation. Many couples choose to rent a car for the bride and groom, while others may prefer a fun group ride with the bridal party. If you’re getting married at a venue like The Lake at Willow Oaks, which offers beautiful lakeside views and scenic drives, you may even want to consider a special car for a photo opportunity. Your groom will love making this choice, and it will add a special touch to your wedding day.

Plan the Honeymoon

One of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning is selecting the honeymoon destination. While you may have ideas about where you'd like to go, letting your groom take the lead in planning the trip can be an exciting and meaningful way for him to contribute. Start by creating a list of destinations, and allow him to research accommodations, activities, and excursions. This task will make him feel more involved and allow you to focus on other aspects of the wedding. Whether you decide on a tropical beach, an adventurous trip, or a quiet lakeside retreat in Maryville, planning the honeymoon is something you’ll both look forward to.

Set Up Accommodations for Out-of-Town Guests

For weddings where family and friends are traveling from out of town, your groom can help with accommodation arrangements. He can research hotels near the wedding venue, such as places near Willow Oaks or in downtown Knoxville, and secure group rates or room blocks. Helping with guest accommodations is a practical way for your groom to support the wedding planning process and ensure that your out-of-town guests are taken care of. Plus, it will be a great way for him to reconnect with friends and family members he may not have seen in a while.

Write Vows and Plan Speeches

Encourage your groom to actively participate in writing his wedding vows and preparing any speeches for the big day. Writing personal vows allows him to reflect on his love for you, and this heartfelt moment can add a deeply personal touch to your ceremony. Similarly, he can write a speech to thank your guests and acknowledge the importance of the day. If you're planning a wedding in Knoxville or Maryville, it can be meaningful to incorporate local traditions or references that connect you both to the area. Additionally, he may want to help choose special readings for the ceremony, ensuring it’s a reflection of your shared values and experiences.

A More Collaborative Wedding Planning Experience

Getting your groom more involved in wedding planning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By delegating specific responsibilities, you’ll help him feel more invested in the process, making the journey toward your wedding day a shared experience. Whether you're tying the knot in Knoxville, Maryville, or at a lakeside venue like Willow Oaks, each of these tasks provides an opportunity for your groom to showcase his skills, interests, and creativity. By working together, you’ll not only make the planning process smoother but also create a wedding that truly represents both of you.

By allowing your groom to be actively involved in key elements like selecting vendors, creating DIY projects, curating the entertainment, and planning your honeymoon, you'll build lasting memories and enjoy a wedding that’s personal and meaningful for both of you. A wedding is a celebration of your love, and involving your groom in the planning will make it even more special and memorable.