The Groom’s Guide

The much awaited and anticipated Groom’s Guide. Look, I know, there is a A LOT of focus on the Bride on Wedding Days, as there should be! But, Groom, you are important too!

I’m going to try to answer all of my most common questions I get about the Grooms, details, all the things.

Let’s start with some FAQ’s:

Q: What is the best color suit for the Groom?
A: Photogenically? Light grey. Hands down. But, if you are wanting to go with a darker grey, black, or navy blue- I support you! It’s your day.
Q: Should the grooms tie match my bridesmaids dresses?
A: Typically it does. But, it isn’t a hard set rule. Highly recommend his tie coordinating with your wedding colors though for a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look
Q: What details does the Groom typically have photographed?
A: Shoes, cuff links, boutonnière, belt, cologne, handkerchief, ring, tie, and watch are the most typical
Q: When should the Groom be dressed and ready?
A: When we are about 2 hours – 90 minutes from the first look time slot. Same with the groomsmen
Q: Should he button his jacket the whole time?
A: Short answer: No. Open for some casual shots, off for a few, when buttoned- only button, one button
Q: How many groomsmen should he have?
A: As many as he wants! Typically, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids
Q: My groom is hesitant to do a first look, how can I convince him?
A: Definitely not uncommon, and a decision you two should make together 100%. Read, Why I recommend a First Look, for a full answer. But, in short- explain to him, why you want to do a first look. Make sure you tell him that this time together is sweet, short, and intimate and allows you to share something private on your wedding day, when for the majority of it, you will be surrounded by your guests- which can be overwhelming and over stimulating.
Q: My groom is hesitant to miss any of the cocktail hour while we do Sunset Portraits, what can I do?
A: Cocktail hour is important to my couples, I understand and respect that. Rest assured, even though we get tons of portraits during sunset, I do not keep you there for ages. We will set a time and make sure you are back then, so you don’t miss a thing!

The Groom’s Guide part 2

Groom Tips:

Boutonnières: Assign someone to help with these. If no one is available, my assistant and I are pros at pinning these on and can help. PRO TIP: Ask your florist for card boutonnières- they are a new option many florists are offering! They simply attach the boutonnière to a small rectangle of card stock and it slides right into the jacket pocket. Genius!
Groomsmen: They want to help, and thrive when they each have a small specific job on Wedding days. Delegate prior to. (i.e- one can be in charge of groom details, another keeping on-lookers away from the first look are, etc . . .)
Plan Ahead: Wedding days are full of surprises. Sometimes, unforeseen events can lead to timing delays. Plan cushions of 15-20 min. This way if anything pops up, you won’t be late for anything. Worse case scenerio here- you have more time to chill with your boys.
Parents: Make sure parents/grandparents anyone extra special to you- knows where you are getting ready, so they can get in on some photos of this time with you.
Be involved: Yes, the bride has dreamt of this day since she was a little girl, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a role. Think of ways you can contribute that you would enjoy and grow together as a couple: think- cake testing, registry shopping, curating a music play list, etc . . .

What else do you want answered in The Groom’s Guide? Looking for some detailed information on something specific? Leave a comment and let me know and we will get it answered for you!

Check out some of my fave Groom shots!