Believe it or not, there’s more to being a groom than just showing up on time, dressed in the right attire. When it comes to the modern groom and his leading lads, traditions have changed in recent years, with brides calling on their other halves to play a more active role in planning the wedding. Well, it is your wedding too after all! Not sure what typically being a groom involves? No sweat! We’ve put together a handy check-list, so you’ve no excuse for not getting hands on!

• Choosing the wedding party: This includes the best man, groomsmen and ushers (if necessary). While traditionally this is the role of the groom, it’s always a good idea to run your selection by your bride. After all, she will be spending a large proportion of her wedding day with them, so it helps if everyone gets along.

• Choosing attire: This is often a joint venture with the bride attending appointments to ensure the chosen attire is in keeping with the chosen theme. If your bride-to-be fully entrusts this responsibility to you, discuss styles, colours etc, as there is a great difference in a traditional morning suit and a slim fitted suit.

• Attending necessary appointments with the bride: Decisions such as the venue, cake and photographer are often made together.

• Guest list: The groom is responsible for obtaining names and addresses of his family and friends for the guest list so that invites can be sent out.

• Wedding ring shopping: This is often a highlight of couples in their wedding planning experience and should be carried out approximately six months before the big day.

• Choosing thank-you gifts: When it comes to choosing gifts for your groomsmen, there are so many great options out there, including tonnes of personalised gifts. Need a hand? Check out our post on top 10 gifts for grooms, as many of these are ideal for groomsmen too!

• Choose a gift for your bride: A long-standing tradition, the groom purchases a gift for the bride to open on the morning of the wedding, with jewellery proving a popular choice.

• Planning the honeymoon: Traditionally, this was the sole responsibility of the groom but modern times sees couples carrying this out together. Need a little inspiration? Check out our top 10 honeymoon destinations here.

• Marriage license: This includes both arranging for and purchasing the marriage license for the wedding.

• Transportation: If necessary, organising transportation from the ceremony to the reception for guests.

• Payments on the day: The groom should ensure he’s organised to make any necessary payments on the day or arrange with the best man to take care of this.

• Arrive early: On the day, you should arrive at the ceremony with the rest of your party, ahead of guests to greet them.

• Receiving line: Following the ceremony, you should stand with your bride in the receiving line to receive congratulations from guests.

• Cutting the cake: The cutting of the cake between the bride and groom is a favourite photo opportunity with guests.

• First dance: Traditionally, the first dance at the wedding is between the bride and groom.

• And… relax!