What Do Parents of The Groom Do: A Guide

We've covered the responsibilities and etiquette for the bride and her bridesmaids at the wedding. However, today we wanted to run through some of the groom's parents' duties and things they may be expected to carry out at their sons' wedding! 

What are the responsibilities of the parents of the groom?

There can be a whole range of expectations for the groom's parents at the wedding. While they will be up to the individuals involved in each wedding, the groom's parents are traditionally expected to do things, such as hosting the rehearsal dinner. It's often likely that the groom's parents will plan and cover the rehearsal dinner costs. Suppose the bride will have a wedding planner helping organize the special day. In that case, the planner will often work alongside the groom's parents to manage the rehearsal dinner, especially if it has a theme matching the wedding.

Traditionally, the groom's mother is also expected to share a dance with her son during the dancing portion of the wedding reception. A mother/son dance is generally considered an excellent way for a groom to honor his mother.

Who walks the groom down the aisle?

Several factors play into this when it comes to who will walk down the aisle next to the groom. Aside from the personal preference of the groom, there may be cultural or religious expectations. For example, traditionally, in a Christian wedding, the groom's parents are seated second (after the grandparents) and before the officiant, the best man, the groomsmen, and the groom making their way down the aisle. However, at a Jewish wedding, the groom walks down the aisle with both his mother and father.

What should the mother of the groom wear to the wedding?

One thing the mother of the groom should NEVER wear, according to tradition, is anything white, pearl, off-white, or in a similar neutral color shading to the bride's wedding gown. However, when it comes to what the groom's mother will wear, there are many options. Firstly, it's considered traditional etiquette for the bride's mother to pick her dress and then co-ordinate with the groom's mother so that they can have their gowns compliment each other's. In terms of colors and style, it's often considered correct etiquette to have something similar (but not matching!).

Ultimately, the vibe of the wedding will dictate what type of garment will be worn. For example, a super formal wedding ceremony will not require the same kind of gown as a beach wedding. Climate will also likely dictate the style of the dress worn too.

What should the father of the groom wear to the wedding?

This one is quite simple, traditionally. The groom's father generally wears a tuxedo, or suit, that is quite similar to his son's suit, but not the same. 

What does the groom's family pay for at a wedding?

This is a question that comes up a lot, and the answer to it can vary. Traditionally speaking, the groom's family can be expected to cover the cost of the engagement ring and the wedding bands. If the soon-to-be-married couple has an engagement party, the groom's family traditionally pays for that too.

There is also a range of 'minor expenses' that the groom's family are traditionally expected to pay for, including the bride's bouquet, the rehearsal dinner, the groom's suit, the entertainment for the reception, and also the honeymoon among other things.

It's important to remember that these are just an outline for how things were handled traditionally - however, it's common today for the bride and groom to cover all of their expenses for the wedding. Therefore, I'd suggest having an open and honest conversation (regardless of which side of this you fall into: parents of the groom or the bride and groom) and go over what financial assistance you may get in wedding costs.

We hope this blog helps any parents-of-the-groom wondering where they fit in with the wedding and what may be expected of them!