The Engaged Groom: You're Getting Married. Read this Book. – Modern Wedding Planning for Actively Involved Grooms, from Menus to Websites

by Doug Gordon

Today's groom expects and is expected to take on a large and often times equal role in the planning of the big event. The days of the husband–to–be just showing up with a nice suit on and having no idea of what went into the planning are long gone. This is not to say that the groom's interests need to be the same as the bride's. This book will help the groom to choose what interests them and works well with their talents. If it is not picking out the table cloths to match the flowers, than it could be working on the menu or the invitations or even designing the wedding website. For the groom who wishes to be actively involved and not be limited by traditional wedding elements, the book will suggest ways to create a modern wedding. For example turning the focus to the enjoyment of the guests and thinking of the day as a big party, while still respecting the wishes of the families.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2005

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A practical guide for the groom who wants to be involved in planning his wedding instead of leaving everything to his fiancée. It’s full of useful suggestions and tips for budget-conscious do-it-yourselfers, and contains enough humor to make it mildly entertaining as well.

The author’s main point is that excluding a few religious and legal requirements, there are few things that you must do for your wedding. It should be the way you want it; don’t follow traditions for their own sakes. If you want to do away with the bouquet toss and garter toss, go ahead. Feel free to ignore customary rules about who pays for what, and don’t feel forced to have strippers at the bachelor party.

Despite its advice about freeing yourself from the shackles of tradition, the book does emphasize proper wedding etiquette. For example, you should still mail paper invitations, even though digital invitations are commonplace for other events.

In planning my wedding, this book was much more helpful than The Clueless Groom's Guide: More Than Any Man Should Ever Know About Getting Married (read my review of The Clueless Groom's Guide).

[Sarah King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, forever ago I finished reading it. Overall it’s a great book for both the groom and the bride. It’s a really light read and I finished the first half in one night- a miracle for me. The second half went a bit slower because I read it in little bits and pieces before I went to bed and I forgot about it for a while. That’s not a bad thing- it’s a good feature! It’s divided into short sections designed so you can just pick up anywhere and read what you want. Just like a bathroom book so Mr. H has that going for him. I really like Gordon’s sense of humor and writing style. He was also really good at relating how important a wedding is for the couple, not just the bride.

I think in the last ten years I’ve probably been to 5, maybe 6 weddings so I really didn’t know anything about the process. I definitely learned from this book and will probably refer back to it when the time comes.

Overall- two thumbs up!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall. I have not finished it all the way through because, as the author points out, it is more of a suggestion guide rather than a novel you need to read cover to cover.

This book gives great tips for both grooms and brides. It does a great job pointing some of the little things that people may overlook when planning a wedding. It really helps those like myself and my fiance who have zero clue when it comes to wedding stuff.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband liked this book a bit less than the other one he bought ("The Groom's Instruction Manual"). He says this had less detail about how to do things and more abstract thought. In general, there were a lot more long section of text to read when really, I think dudes want it broken down into sections and bullet points.

I'll be honest- I bought this book for him mainly because the author's name is my husband's middle and first names. He appreciated that.

[Geni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Air Guitar. This book is so fun. My fiants was a little weary but I noticed he began to think and expand on a few of the ideas the book has to offer.
I especially appreciate the 'Gender Bending' chapter.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read it. It was clear and well thought-out, but there is nothing earth-shattering here. A lot of it was common sense, but as an engaged groom, it was handy to have everything reviewed. I think it could easily have been half as long with some good editing.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

a funny, well-written, informative, useful not macho-ized, not full of male-stereotypes book for engaged dudes such as myself

[Urbaer]

Bounced around through it reading snippets at a time. Still a nice read, let me think about a few things that I might not otherwise and had a few laugh out loud moments.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much chock full of common sense.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should be more involved in planning my wedding.

[Kandise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super heteronormative (like just about all wedding books), but otherwise pretty good. Solid advice, non-annoying voice, makes some good points.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assuming you want to get married, this is your book. Wasn't bad.