The hard work of planning your wedding is nearly over, and the anticipation and excitement is building for the big day itself.
As you enter the last few weeks and days before the ceremony, there’s a few final etiquette points and pre-wedding traditions every groom should know about.
Cluing up on these can help make the occasion extra special, as well as helping you avoid any accidental faux pas.
Pre-Wedding Traditions and Why They Happen
Tradition can be a big deal for many couples looking forward to tying the knot. Some are romantic or nostalgic, based on a treasured family memory or even a parent or grandparent’s own wedding. Others are superstitious or just for fun.
While not every pre-wedding tradition needs to be followed to the letter or even at all, there are some that you and your spouse-to-beGet ready for your big day with our essential wedding do’s and don’ts. From planning to the ceremony, we’ve got you covered before the ‘I Do’. might want to adopt for your own wedding.
Can the Bride See the Groom’s Suit Before the Wedding?
It’s a pretty common tradition for the groom not to see the wedding dress until the big moment itself, but is it the same the other way around?
There’s no major superstition about the bride seeing the groom’s suit before the wedding. In fact, some brides enjoy helping shop for the groom’s suit, to make sure everything complements the overall style of the wedding.
However, if you want that first-look moment to be a surprise for both of you, keeping your wedding suit under wraps might be a fun twist.
Can the Groom See the Bride’s Dress?
Seeing the bride’s dress before the two of you meet at the altar is generally considered a big no-no. Tradition says that it’s bad luck, but this of course is only a superstition.
There’s definitely something to be said though for keeping the bride’s dress a secret, as that big reveal as she walks down the aisle is a moment neither of you will ever forget. Having said that, if you want to have a private reveal to each other before the ceremony, there’s no harm in choosing to do so.
Can the Bride and Groom Stay Together the Night Before the Wedding?
Traditionally, couples sleep separately the night before the wedding. This is partly for suspense, as it can ramp up the anticipation for that magical moment you see each other at the wedding ceremony.
Nowadays, though, plenty of modern couples are choosing to buck this trend and spend the night together, especially if it helps with nerves or logistics. They may simply not want to be apart on this night of all nights, or if they are staying at the venue overnight may be looking to save costs on renting a room.
What to Wear and Who to Match
There are quite a few ‘rules’ in weddings as to who should wear what, whose outfits should coordinate and whose should definitely not match (for example, any wedding guest wearing white runs the risk of upstaging the bride).
You don’t have to follow these, but many of these traditions just make sense, and add a sense of whimsy and history to the big day.
Does the Father of the Bride Match the Groom?
It is common for the father of the bride’s look to coordinate with the groom and his wedding party, but this doesn’t mean it should exactly match.
Instead, his outfit can subtly echo the groom’s style through touches like tie colors, boutonnieres, pocket squares or even suit tones. For instance, if the groom is wearing a blue suit, the father of the bride can have a blue tie and pocket square.
This is a thoughtful way to complement the overall style of the wedding party without stealing focus from the groom.
Coordinating the Wedding Party Without Going Overboard
In wedding fashion, a little coordination goes a long way. It’s easy to overdo it and match everyone’s look from head to toe, but this can be too much. Think cohesion, rather than identical looks. This can help your photos to look polished and elegant, rather than looking like everyone’s wearing the same ‘uniform’.
Matching suit styles with variations in accessories (like ties or waistcoats) gives your party a unified look while letting personalities shine through.
You’ll of course want your groomsmen to look good, but the groom’s wedding suit should always shine the brightest – with the most luxurious fabric, the best cut and the most stylish accessories. It’s your big day, after all.
Little Extras That Make a Big Impact
It’s often those tiny details that make your day special, and that make your wedding unique to you and your partner.
Does the Groom Buy the Bride a Present?
It’s not required, but a pre-wedding gift can be a really sweet gesture. There’s a lot to do on the morning of your wedding, but it could be a really romantic touch to send your bride-to-be a message before the ceremony.
It could be a single rose, a piece of jewellery or a handwritten note saying how much you love her and can’t wait to see her. It’s the perfect way to say, “I can’t wait to marry you.”
Thoughtful Touches to Make the Day Extra Special
You can also add in other thoughtful touches to make your big day even more special. For example, you can get custom cufflinks for you and your groomsmen symbolising your friendship, or include handwritten thank you notes for guests in place settings.
For your bride, you can create a custom playlist based on your life and memories together, or arrange a surprise song during the reception.
Ultimately, these extra touches are personal to you and your loved ones. It could be worth taking a little time before the wedding to think about ways you can show your love and appreciation for the most important people in your life.
