We at Blueberry Hill believe the groom should be involved with the wedding planning as well as the bride. We are a barn wedding venue with lodging located 1 hour from Winston Salem and 1 1/2 hours from Charlotte, NC Wedding planning often gets associated with the bride making all the decisions, but in reality, a groom has a critical role in ensuring the big day comes together seamlessly. The wedding is a celebration of partnership, and it’s the ideal opportunity to show that you’re a team—not just on the wedding day, but in life.
We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
1. Find the Rings
Rings are not only the bride’s choice. The groom is expected to obtain the bride’s engagement ring (if you haven’t already) and the wedding bands. Make sure to select something meaningful and of high quality. It’s a great idea to consult your fiancée for input, especially when choosing wedding bands to ensure they match her style.
2. Pick out Your Attire (and Your Groomsmen’s Too)
You also need to pick your own wedding outfit and help guide your groomsmen with their attire. Whether it’s a classic tuxedo or a sharp suit in your wedding’s color scheme, your choice should complement the bride’s look. Don’t forget to coordinate fittings and rentals (if applicable) to prevent any last-minute crises.
3. Plan and Pay for the Welcome Party
Normally, the groom oversees the welcome party/rehearsal dinner. This can be casual gathering to welcome family and friends to your wedding weekend. You are able to have this party at Blueberry Hill with our covered firepit area and patio area which includes a charcoal grill. This is often the first event of the wedding festivities, and it sets the tone for the entire celebration. Work with your fiancée to create a guest list and then clear the bill—it’s typically the groom’s financial responsibility.
4. Manage Transportation for the Wedding Weekend
The groom takes the lead in organizing transportation for wedding guests. That may include hiring buses or shuttles to ensure everyone gets to the venue safely and on time. Make a transportation schedule to keep all the details organized, and share it with groomsmen and anyone else helping. If you plan to stay at the Bunkhouse at Blueberry Hill, it is only 0.3 miles from the wedding barn. This property will sleep 14. The Farmhouse at Blueberry Hill will sleep 8 and is usually used by the bride and her wedding party.
5. Cover the Cost of Personal Flowers
While the bride often oversees decorative florals, the groom traditionally pays for the personal flowers worn or carried during the wedding—boutonnieres for the groomsmen and bouquets for the bridesmaids. Work closely with a florist to ensure the arrangements match the wedding theme. We offer a flower package for our couples that comes with a reasonable fee.
6. Be an Active Participant
Wedding planning is not just for the bride; you’re half of the partnership, and your input matters! Be actively involved in discussions about the guest list, menu, seating arrangements, and other major plans. Your fiancée will appreciate having a teammate by her side to ease the stress and get things done. We will have a Meet and Greet the DJ once per quarter and invite you to participate in this event. You will also be able to sample decorate a table that day to help ensure that the setup of your wedding is how you envision it.
7. Plan and Pay for the Honeymoon
The groom traditionally takes the reins on planning the honeymoon. This can be a wonderful surprise for your bride, but make sure the location suits both of your preferences. Don’t forget to budget and handle the expenses for this amazing post-wedding getaway. Make this a special destination that you will remember for years to come. It may be best to wait until Monday before leaving to return home so you are able to enjoy your entire wedding weekend. If you are staying at Blueberry Hill, you will be able have a goodbye brunch on Sunday morning for family and friends, which is the perfect way to end your weekend.
8. Keep the Attendants on Track
Your groomsmen look to you for guidance throughout the wedding process. Make sure they know key details like rehearsal times, transportation plans, and where to be on the big day. It’s your job to ensure they’re all punctual and prepared so you can avoid unnecessary hiccups.
9. Pay for the Reception Alcohol
The groom traditionally pays for alcohol served at the reception and any associated costs (e.g., bartending). Work with the venue or caterer to select options your guests will enjoy while staying within your budget.
10. Take the Floor for the First Dance
The first dance is a special moment between you and your bride—one of the iconic highlights of the reception. Whether you’re gliding across the floor or showing off some fun choreographed moves, this dance is all about celebrating your new life together. Practice together to ensure you’re comfortable and confident.
11. Deliver a Speech at the Welcome Party
The welcome party is your chance to thank your guests for joining in the celebration and share your excitement for the wedding. Craft a heartfelt and personal speech that sets a warm, welcoming tone for the events to come.
12. Handle the Marriage License and Officiant Fee
Securing the marriage license is one of the most important tasks leading up to the wedding, and it typically falls on the groom. Research the requirements for obtaining a license in your jurisdiction, file the necessary paperwork on time, and cover any associated fees. When planning your wedding, you will need to remember that The Barn at Blueberry Hill is in Surry County, NC. You will have to get your marriage license in NC for it to be legal. Also, you must pay your officiant for their services and make sure that the officiant is legally allowed to conduct weddings in the state of North Carolina.
13. Provide Emotional Support
Amid the planning and decision-making, one of your greatest responsibilities is to be a source of emotional support for your bride. Wedding planning can be stressful, so lend a listening ear, be proactive in solving problems, and ensure she knows you’re fully invested in creating the special day you both envision. Being a groom isn’t just about showing up on the big day and saying “I do.” Your involvement in the planning process makes the entire wedding experience more meaningful for both you and your bride. Plus, by taking care of your responsibilities, you show your commitment to building not only a memorable wedding but also a loving foundation for your future together.
If you chose to have everything including lodging at one location then we can help you at The Barn at Blueberry Hill.
The Barn at Blueberry Hill is 50 miles west of Winston Salem and 75 miles north of Charlotte. Check out our location at http://www.blueberryhillweddingbarnelkinnc.com/location/
Thank you for stopping by our blog. If you are looking for a vintage authentic 75 year old barn to have your wedding check out our available dates at http://www.blueberryhillweddingbarnelkinnc.com/pricing Call us at 336-366-0577 or email us at bberryhill@surry.net to schedule a tour.
I would like to give a shout out to other locally owned venues across the country.