| Gone are the days when wedding planning was the | | | | gift registry is the way to go. |
| sole responsibility of the bride and her mother. If your | | | | 5. Entertainment. Choosing the entertainment for your |
| fiancé is happily going about his life while you | | | | reception may be just the ticket for getting your |
| are out alone talking to the florist, caterer, baker, | | | | fiancé involved. Chances are he has very |
| stationer, DJ, etc., it's time to get him involved in the | | | | definite opinions in this area. Put those tastes to good |
| planning of what will be the most special day of your | | | | use. Have him "audition" the various bands or DJ's your |
| lives together--your wedding day! After all, planning this | | | | considering. Spending a few evenings together going |
| day will probably be the first major project of your life | | | | to clubs listening to music is a date not wedding |
| together. It's important for both of you to feel | | | | planning! |
| connected to this process. | | | | 6. Invitations. Chances are you haven't met everyone |
| Browse these 10 tips to include your man in planning | | | | in your fiancé's family or group of friends, yet it |
| for the big day. | | | | is important that they be included in the guest list. Ask |
| 1. Request His Help. This may sound like a "no-brainer," | | | | him to make a list of people he wants to invite. Better |
| but often the groom doesn't get involved because he | | | | yet, ask him to address the envelopes of his guest list. |
| has been under the mistaken impression that his help | | | | Don't worry if his handwriting is illegible, there are many |
| wasn't desired. Sit down with your fiancé and | | | | computer programs available for printing labels. |
| ask him what he would like to have at the wedding | | | | 7. Keeping Track. If your fiancé is a natural |
| reception. Tell him what you would like and develop a | | | | organizer, ask him to keep track of receipts, schedules, |
| plan together. | | | | contracts, and appointments. Not only will this lighten |
| 2. Give Him The Knowledge. The fact that almost | | | | your load, but also he'll be involved in the planning |
| every bridal magazine is directed at brides is not lost | | | | process. |
| on your fiancé. He may be hesitant to help with | | | | 8. Accommodations. Asking your fiancé to |
| planning because he simply doesn't know what's | | | | arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests |
| expected of him. Give him a checklist with dates that | | | | can be a good way for him to stay involved. Just give |
| tasks need to be accomplished. Offer suggestions for | | | | him a list of acceptable hotels, and let him do the |
| each area. | | | | arranging. |
| 3. Enticements. Finding the most delicious wedding | | | | 9. Rehearsal Dinner. Your fiancé probably |
| cake or most bubbly champagne can be a good way | | | | knows that this dinner has traditionally been the groom |
| to have your fiancé have input into the | | | | (or groom's family's) responsibility. If he doesn't already |
| wedding plans. Spending a few afternoons or evenings | | | | have ideas for this event, give him a few suggestions, |
| eating delicious desserts and sipping on champagne | | | | and let him have at it. Don't worry if his ideas of fun for |
| isn't work; it's fun! | | | | all differ from yours. It's his wedding, too! |
| 4. Gift Registry. Remind your man that the gift registry | | | | 10. Honeymoon Planning. If your guy doesn't already |
| isn't just for china and crystal. While he may genuinely | | | | have a plan for your honeymoon, give him a few |
| care about those types of gifts, today's gift registries | | | | suggestions. Let him know the type of hotel you would |
| are much more diverse. If he's had his eye on a great | | | | find acceptable and be prepared to be pleasantly |
| barbecue set or barware, remind him that the wedding | | | | surprised. |