You bought the ring, popped the question, and now you get to kick back until your wedding day rolls around, right? Well, that’s one option, but the best way to keep her happy — and you out of the doghouse — is to get involved. Here are our top tips for being a great groom.

4. Give Her a Break

If she’s doing the majority of the planning for your wedding, she’s probably bordering on wedding overload. You need to make sure she doesn’t have an ulcer (or a grudge!) by the time she walks down the aisle. Give her a night to relax and cook her dinner, do the dishes, rent her favorite movie (yes, even a chick flick), and remind her why wedding planning is worth the stress.

5. Be a Buffer

If your mom is calling your fiance every hour to talk about the wedding, you run the risk of major family conflict, with you stuck in the middle. Your mission: Keep the peace. Call your mom and let her know that while you appreciate her interest and excitement, it’s your wedding and she needs to give you two some planning space. Take responsibility for communicating with your family so that you can filter out petty worries from legitimate concerns.

6. Get Some Help

Has your fiance really hit the wall? Suggest hiring a planner for the day of your wedding. (Use our local resources to find a great day-of wedding planner in your area.) Your consultant will handle all the little details that neither you nor your bride will want to deal with, and it’ll be a relief to have a professional on hand to fix any little mix-ups.

7. Don’t Add Insult

Your fiance may complain about her mom who’s being a control freak, or about her uncle who wants to bring his new girlfriend, or her cousin who wants to bring all four of her kids. Don’t join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her, but don’t take this opportunity to tell her the things about her family that annoys you. Her bad mood will pass, but your careless comments may stick.

8. Arrange the Attire

Send out detailed emails to all your groomsmen filling them in on the relevant info for the formalwear — let them know when and where to get fitted for their tuxes, and remind them to return the suits the day after the wedding to avoid annoying late fees. Loop your fiance in on the emails to prove that you’ve got everything under control. The more info you can share, the better. Got directions to the tux place? Include them. Don’t assume they’ll know anything about this stuff. Did you before you got engaged?

9. Manage Your Men

Know your friend who loses his car keys at least once a week? Probably better not to make him responsible for bringing your ring to the ceremony. And your buddy who tends to drink too much? Make sure one of your more reliable (or sober) groomsmen keeps him from flirting with your fiance’s mom at the rehearsal dinner. Your guys don’t have to be saints, but they will have responsibilities, and it’s your job to make sure they know what they are.

10. Get Sentimental

The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she’s getting ready. Or, at the reception, pull the videographer aside and tape a special message to her. She’ll see it later and we promise, she’ll love you all the more.

11. tbd

The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she’s getting ready. Or, at the reception, pull the videographer aside and tape a special message to her. She’ll see it later and we promise, she’ll love you all the more.

12. tbd

The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she’s getting ready. Or, at the reception, pull the videographer aside and tape a special message to her. She’ll see it later and we promise, she’ll love you all the more.

We’re only half way through 2018 and already we’re seeing some seriously stylish grooms. We saw men pushing the typical wedding-day boundaries with fashion hats, sparkly shoes, and unexpected suits. There is a fresh take for the destination groom by pairing a navy sport coat over an all-white outfit. Some grooms opt for classic tailoring in new colors, others are in denim, T-shirts, or sneakers. And for a wedding with two grooms, explore coordinating looks.

A classic black tux is the easiest way to look undeniably sharp, but we’ll always suggest a touch of personality on the big day. Below are some of our favorite groom trends to inspire you and your future husband.

The Groom in White While your guests shouldn’t be wearing any shade resembling white to your wedding, there’s no rule that says the groom can’t be in white too.