By Paul Pannone

Grooms of the world unite, as more of them want to get into the thrill of their big day. No longer are the guys simply showing up and standing at the altar like dummies. That will probably come after the affair. But in planning the big day, the boys are becoming men and seizing the moment by offering their ideas and wishes, along with their money.

As the news spreads, wedding planners wanting to seize their part of the market announce new programs that exclude the women. Leading the pack is new talent that find it difficult, if not impossible to break into a business governed by politics, fairy dust and at times, meanness.

One that stands out is Diane Freeland. We discovered Diane over a year ago; struck by her charm, wit and sense of innovation, we’re watching her grow. She’s written an article to go along with her announcement this week that shines the light on the groom as an equal part of planning the biggest day of his life.

By Diane Freeland

Some wedding trends come and some wedding trends go, but there is one trend that is almost certain to stay. During the past few years, grooms have really been stepping out of the shadow of the brides and taking a more active role in the wedding planning process to ensure that their wedding day is truly a day to remember.

In the past, the bride asked three things of the groom: shower, shave and show up on time for the wedding; and he was all too happy to oblige with these simple requests. But, as times change, so have the dynamics of planning a wedding. Women have become busier with careers, family or other obligations, so they are unable to devote as much time to planning the entire wedding themselves.

Industry professionals are reporting that an increasing number of grooms are becoming more involved and are enthusiastic about the wedding planning process.  Tywana Tyler, owner of Events Simply Beautiful, a full service event planning company in Maryland, states 40 percent of grooms are very involved in the weddings that her company plans.  Shelby Tuck-Horton, owner of Exquisite Expressions, an event planning company, also in Maryland states 75 percent of grooms are involved in the wedding planning.   She cites one reason as grooms are older, ranging in age from mid 30s to 40s and are paying for the wedding along with the bride.  Bill Heaton, executive producer of the Great Bridal Expo, reports that up to 40 percent of grooms are now attending their bridal expos. As a result, they have now incorporated a “Groom Pavilion” as part of the expo.

Traditionally, the bride’s parents were responsible for financing the wedding.  That is no longer the case, so grooms are going beyond selecting groomsmen and tuxedos and only being interested in the bachelor party. They are now interested in how resources get allocated and the overall success of the event. Grooms are also assisting with selecting vendors, running errands, making decisions and more important, taking some of the stress off of the bride.

Of course, there are some decisions that grooms still do not have much interest in, such as ivory or white, satin or polyester, hydrangea or cymbidium orchid. However, they are making more decisions when it comes to entertainment, site, transportation and menu.

As grooms are becoming more involved in the wedding day festivities, more emphasis and attention focuses on their needs. To show this emphasis, websites, articles, books, seminars and other events exist to cater to grooms and cover topics such as: personalizing their wedding attire, selecting special individualized gifts for the groomsmen, choosing quality vendors, delivering a touching wedding toast, staying out of trouble with the bride, planning the perfect honeymoon and having fun!

The design of the wedding reception is also taking the groom into consideration by inventing a “groom room.” Some brides surprise the groom with his special space while some grooms help customize the space, transforming it into a “Lion’s Den,” “Man Cave,” “Tuxedo Tavern” or whatever name he selects. His playground, designed with him in mind, can include rich, dark, lounge furniture, cigar and brandy bars as well as a gaming station complete with video games, darts, even a pool table—the possibilities are endless, and let’s not forget the groom’s cake, expressing his favorite hobby or sport. The groom, his attendants, family and friends will no doubt feel like men and little boys all on the same day.

Yes, the wedding will always be the bride’s day. But, it is important for grooms to now know that “It’s Your Day Too!”

Diane Freeland is a certified wedding planner and owner of Events of Sophistication, an event planning company servicing the MD/DC/VA areas. She is also the designer of “Cigars & Cufflinks”—It’s Your Day Too!, an event designed especially for grooms and their male guests.

For more information on “Cigars & Cufflinks”—It’s Your Day Too!, please contact Diane at dfreeland@eventsofsophistication.com. Feel free to visit the website at www.eventsofsophistication.com

Diane Freeland’s involvement with charitable events, including The Magic Wand Project helped many underpriveledged kids that could not afford dresses.

eWedNewz watches, as Freeland discusses possabilities that could bring national attention to grooms becoming more involved in wedding plans. eWedNewz will release more details, as they become available.

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2011