Fun Ways to Turn Your Shy Groom Into a Happy Wedding Groomzilla!
Happy groom giving the thumbs up on his wedding! © Dan Wagner 2023
Sometimes shy grooms need a little friendly persuading to bring out their best inner wedding groomzillas! And no worries if you or your spouse aren’t born wedding planners. Like learning to cook, getting involved with planning a wedding can seem formidable. Not to pick on my own gender, but I know it’s often us guys that leave most of the heavy wedding lifting to our future spouses. So, what are some fun ways for helping spouses of any gender enjoy wedding planning?
I’m so glad “you asked!” Like any other activity that requires a great deal of thought, time, and expense—why not start with some of the things that are the most fun? To get you started on the journey of turning your spouse into a happy bridezilla or groomzilla—in the best sense of the term—I’ve created a list of fun tips.
Every groom loves buying a great pair of wedding shoes! © Dan Wagner 2023
10 Surefire Tips for Turning Your Groom Into a Happy Wedding Groomzilla!
Tell them to go pick out ANY pair of wedding shoes they want! Guy or gal, everyone loves an excuse to spend big on a pair of beautiful shoes.
After getting the shoes, it won’t take much persuading to get the future groom or bride to plan a Saturday get together with the groomsmen or bridesmaids to check out suits or dresses and accessories. I want to be inclusive here and at least express the possibility that somewhere on Long Island and elsewhere there might exist a bride who doesn’t love wedding planning.
I find that grooms are especially into vests, cufflinks, and wild socks—the louder the better. After all, it’s a somewhat hidden clothing item where they can safely express their inner groomzilla.
Grooms love picking out gifts for the best man and groomsmen—anything that can be engraved with nicknames and such is always a big hit.
Having made it to tip number 5, you can now introduce your budding groomzilla to more “mundane” — should I write “mandane?” tasks such as a visit to the florist to discuss centerpieces, and bouquets. Starting with the groom’s boutonniere preferences might be a good way to keep him attentive.
One of the most important wedding planning activities you can enjoy together is going to a food tasting at your wedding venue. Making sure some of your spouse’s favorite foods are on the menu is a great way to make choosing a menu more fun.
Spouses will eagerly walk through fire to get to the fun extras such as adding a Cigar and Scotch, or Viennese Hour to the end of the reception.
If your groomzilla loves cars, and what Long Island guy or gal doesn’t? — Then scheduling a test drive in a Rolls Royce Limo or vintage muscle car for your wedding is sure to please.
If your groomzilla is an Adam Sandler fan, and what Long Island guy or gal doesn’t love Adam Sandler—then be sure to watch and rewatch The Wedding Singer whenever the stress of wedding planning becomes too overwhelming.
Naturally, the best thing you can do to make sure your Groomzilla is “Livin' La Vida Loca” is to make sure you hire a photographer like me who’s fun and shoots fast—so there’s more time for drinking with the bridal party!
A suit and boutonniere like these would make any Groomzilla drool with envy! © Dan Wagner 2023
All kidding aside, as a wedding photographer it’s always nice to see couple’s who are equally invested in every aspect of planning their wedding. Naturally, some aspects of wedding planning will appeal more or less to each spouse. That’s perfectly fine! In every group activity, be it marriage or anything else there’s an organic and inorganic division of labor. Hopefully, this division of labor is not set in stone, and always remains up for cordial discussion. Still, it’s good to take from my wedding planning tip list as you like, and create a customized tip list of your own.
Stay tuned for more wedding photography tips and advice!
“My friend recommended Dan to my husband and I, and we could not have been happier. Dan is calm, cool, and professional. I have a large Italian Family, and my husband has a large Irish Family. Dan was able to gather all of us for pictures, followed lists we had previously prepared, and did not miss one minute of our special day.”
—Christine and William
Every Bride and Groom Deserve Beautiful Wedding Photos!
Please feel free to share your own fun ways of turning a shy groom into a happy wedding groomzilla in the comment box below. Have a wonderful wedding, and many thanks for visiting my Long Island wedding photographer blog!