By Guest Blogger: Whiteflash.com

Wedding planning requires the bride’s attention for most of the decisions, but one important part of the ceremony is mainly for the groom to plan. It is his responsibility to buy the engagement and wedding rings.

Often the engagement ring will be something he decides on by himself, making it a surprise when he proposes. Then he joins with the bride-to-be to decide on the wedding rings. Selecting the rings is a major decision; the groom should keep in mind that a small object like a ring can carry huge significance cost (monetarily and emotionally). He will do well to determine his preferences and desires about what kind of ring to offer his fiancée, and then listen and watch closely to take in her feelings and thoughts so that the choice fits her tastes and preferences, too.

This ring is the symbol of a couple’s love, and will remain a reminder of it all the years down the road, so it deserves a lot of thought. If she feels that family is the most important thing in her life, then the best ring might be one that comes from a grandmother. If she values delicacy and femininity, she will most appreciate a smaller diamond; if she likes bold statements, a larger diamond will suit her.

Craftsmanship and intricate detail appeal to some brides and a sleek, modern design to others. If she is not a bargain shopper, she will feel better about a smaller ring bought from a high-class jeweler than a big ring from a discount dealer. So many details, aren’t there?

Make sure and do your homework! Finding a  educated ring expert who can work with a couple can increase the pleasure of their shopping trip. Consider getting a guide book or searching online forums before you shop and brush up on your Diamond Education. The more you know about the four C’s, the grading scale and certification process, the better equipped you will be to get the best bling for your buck!

Brian from The Groom Says lays down the law on what he [and any other sane groom] won’t do.

We get a bum rap. You know, grooms. Apparently, we don’t like flowers; we don’t like colors; we don’t like to make decisions. Hard to believe, but it takes years to reverse those stereotypes, to tear down those walls. We hurt, too, ladies.

Then again, you should know that there are some things we absolutely won’t do. Yes, some stereotypes are true — that’s why they’re stereotypes. Brides, this abridged list is just a guide. Consult your groom for a complete directory.

1. Say “Fab” – No matter how “fab” something is … no matter how hard you try to drill it voodoo-style into our vocabulary … we’ll never say it. There could be a million Swarovski crystals hanging from a single centerpiece … we still won’t say it. It’s not you. It’s us.

2. Multitask At Your Level – Somewhere in our DNA we lack the chromosome that allows us to have six browser windows open while simultaneously emailing our wedding party, texting the photographer, faxing contracts, and phone conferencing with vendors. So pat us on the head and let us work at our own pace.

3. Cry Over Minor Milestones – We may tear up on the day, but don’t expect us to cry when we book the old school photo booth. We’re excited about it, too, but our lacrimal glands are limited — we need to save up our tears for the big day. We do that for you.

4. Help Plan Your Bachelorette Party - This doesn’t apply to every bride … but some do like their man’s advice when planning their last night of single womanhood. We won’t do it. It’s not that we’re uncomfortable with the idea. And we’re certainly not jealous, no matter how many police officers in tear away pants you may hire. We’re just afraid that you’ll want to reciprocate and help plan our bachelor party. And that’s just not an option.

5. Admit How Involved We Are – We know. You’re just thrilled that you are the one bride among all your bride friends who has the guy who’s involved. And, without hesitation, you’ll announce this at social gatherings, game nights, double dates, shindigs and soirees — but we won’t admit to it. We’ll laugh and deny it and quickly change the subject, especially in mixed company. So let’s keep our enthusiasm between us.

Check our more blogs on brian’s journey through the nonsensical world of wedding planning here

Groom's wedding planning duties have evolved from what we traditionally remember them to be.

Purchase engagement ring. Check.
Propose. Check.
Pick groomsmen. Check.
Purchase wedding rings.  Check.
Pick out tux and get groomsman gifts. Check.
Plan Rehearsal Dinner. Check.
Plan & book the Honeymoon. Check.

Done.

Traditionally the groom’s responsibility includes a short and easy list that covers the basics, and for the groom, that is where the “Wedding Planning” responsibilities once ended!  However, as many of you are already finding out, that isn’t the end. We have listed a few things to consider and keep in mind to make your PRE WEDDING life go a bit easier. This list may not apply to everyone, but should keep any groom out of the doghouse and more importantly, keep your fiance thrilled for even offering!

From here on out in the wedding planning process you should know that:

1)  You are happy to be involved in the planning & choosing vendors.

2)  You are expected to go with your fiance to register, and yes this is a big deal.

3)  You need to make sure someone is planning her bridal shower.  DO NOT ASSUME. (You don’t need to be involved, but keep an open ear to make sure someone has taken the lead and planning is underway.)

4)  You are expected to get the names & addresses of the guests on your list. (Facebook, email & phone numbers do not count.)

5)  YOUR mother is not in charge of planning the wedding!

6)  You’re already thinking of what songs will make a great first dance.

7)  You’re not inviting your ex girlfriend to the wedding, and it is not appropriate to even ask. (Ok, Mr. Geller?)

8)  You want to be involved, or at least offer, to stuff the invitation envelopes!

9)  You have researched plenty of honeymoon locations and have done all the homework before picking the place!

10)  You understand how stressed your fiancé is with planning the wedding. She won’t appreciate being nicknamed Bridezilla. It’s funny, but it’s also hurtful.

11)  Sex on the wedding night is most likely not going to happen, and that this isn’t a “preview” to your sex life for the rest of your life.

Thanks to Marie O’Mara of Honeymoons.com for this guest post

Guest Blogger Profile: Jennifer Napier of OneWed.com

Us men are usually very cautious around flowers..

When people divide up wedding “to-do” tasks, finding and talking to the florist doesn’t usually wind up on the groom’s side of the aisle.

But, there are two big reasons you should at least visit the florist with your fiancée.

1. Allergies – You may not think you’re allergic to anything, but you’ve probably never had a lilly pinned to your chest before. You, and your groomsmen will all be wearing boutonnieres (don’t worry, there’s no spelling test). You need to make sure that you aren’t allergic to any of the flowers going on you, in your bride’s bouquet, or in the middle of the table where you’re trying to eat.

2. Budget- Flowers are usually about 10% of your wedding budget. Because they’re so visual, and each individual flower doesn’t cost very much, it’s very easy to get carried away at the florists. Having two of you there will keep things in line.

That’s our advice. Ignore it at your own floral peril.

By convention this is the man’s job, so here are our top tips for planning the perfect honeymoon:

1.  Think about the time of year you’ll be travelling. Tropical islands are popular honeymoon destinations, but remember that virtually any location in the tropics has times of the year when the weather is terrible.  Torrential rain and hurricanes can put a real dampener on that holiday of a lifetime, so check before you book.

2.  Give yourself time to relax. Allow a day or two between the wedding day and leaving for your honeymoon.  Also, try not to cram too much in when you’re there.  Weddings can be exhausting, and by the time your honeymoon comes round you’ll be grateful for a few days’ rest.

3.  Book early. There’s a hundred and one jobs involved in planning a wedding, but there’s no reason not to get this one sorted out up to a year beforehand.  That way you can concentrate on all the other little jobs your fiancée will be giving you nearer the wedding day (and trust us, she will).

4.  Don’t book it in her married name. You may think you’re one step ahead by booking the honeymoon in your wife’s new surname, but the standard advice is for the travel arrangements to be made in the bride’s maiden name.  This is because getting passports and visas issued in your wife’s married name either before the wedding or in the gap between wedding and honeymoon is usually very difficult.

5.  Try to get an upgrade. Do we really have to remind you?  If you’re not a frequent flyer then you probably won’t get an upgrade for your flights, but a quick email to your hotel before setting out will do no harm, and might even get you a better room or a free bottle of fizz on arrival.

Thanks to Ben Parker, a first time guest blogger for the GroomsAdvice blog. Ben is the editor of GroomPower.com, The UK’s top wedding advice site for grooms.  For more tips on planning your honeymoon, check out the site.

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TMR in the News – Kansas City’s KMBC recently featured The Man Registry in a TV segment. Check it out here!