Sometimes inviting your “best friend” to be in the wedding means stocking up on jerky treats and squeak toys. No, we’re not talking about your college roommate (even though he has been known to drink out of the toilet bowl), but about that fearless and faithful friend, Fido. Because many guys consider their dog to be part of the family, it only makes logical sense to make them part of your joyous celebration.

Even though the wedding day is billed as “the bride’s day,” it doesn’t mean that the groom’s role is unimportant. In fact, the groom’s role is very important – he’s one-half of the union that is about to take place. Without the groom, the bride would be marrying an imagined husband – and that’s called crazy-makings in our book. So, if you take the point of view that it is also “the groom’s day” (which you should), you need to be aware of the responsibilities of your role. Brush up on the traditional responsibilities of a bridegroom below. However, if wedding planning appeals to you and want to break with tradition, talk to the bride about other tasks you can take on other than those listed below. Sharing the wedding workload a great way to start your marriage!

It’s pretty obvious the wedding is about the bride; that is, if you listen to most people. Phrases like “it’s the bride’s day” and “all eyes on the bride” make it seem like the groom is quite expendable and should take a backseat in the decision-making process. It seems like all guys get to do are order the tuxedos and pick out the groomsmen gifts. Women get bridal showers (although couple and groom showers are catching on), get to wear something out of the ordinary, and basically get treated like queens through the whole wedding process. If you are a guy getting married stand up and make a statement that your opinions count to, and that it is “the groom’s day” too. The rehearsal dinner is one event that you can plan and execute how you see fit. Especially considering that it’s the groom’s parents and/or the groom who pays for and hosts the event.

While getting married is a serious matter, thereÍs no reason not to add a little fun to the festivities, especially on and around April FoolÍs Day. Or, if you have a reputation for pranks and practical jokes, you could get away with a shenanigan or two at a celebration any time of the year. While it probably isnÍt in good taste to pull off a prank at the actual ceremony, the other wedding events are fair game _ such as the bachelor party, wedding showers, bridal events, family lunches, and so on.

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications.

Grooms, even if you didnÍt have an ounce of worry or anxiety during the engagement process, things may feel much different at the wedding ceremony. I speak from experience when I say that the enormity of the actual wedding day will give even the most laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy heart palpitations . . . and this heart skipping is not caused by love for your betrothed (but, of course you adore her in every way) but is instead a by-product of the nerves, anxiety and worry that you may not have even realized were building up.

Looking to say “I do” again with the same woman? The trend for vow renewal ceremonies is has been on the rise in the last 10 years with some wedding vendors reporting that these recommitment ceremonies represent between five and 10 percent of their total business. A vow renewal is a great way to honor a landmark anniversary (such as 5, 10, 25 or 50), as a reaffirmation after a rocky road, or just a good excuse to celebrate your spouse and a healthy relationship.

If you are reading this, you may be thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend. Or, perhaps you are newly engaged and just chomping at the bits to find the perfect groomsmen gifts and gear for your bachelor party. Asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is a big deal on any day of the year. But, according to some, there is an “official” time when it is best. Apparently a guy named John Michael O'Loughlin came up with this designated day to “seal the deal” after his cousin's boyfriend repeatedly failed to ask that life-changing question for more than a decade of dating.

While being the Best Man isn’t necessarily a hard job by any means, there are a few responsibilities a guy needs to follow through with in order to keep the title bestowed upon him after the wedding. No groom wants in the hard position of having to demote his Best Man for failing to live up to the minimal “must-dos.”

Your best buddy has confirmed the feeling is mutual in the most ultimate way. HeÍs asked you to serve as his wingman on the most important day of his life, his wedding day. Even though this is the same friend who has run interference with your ex-girlfriend, bailed you out of so many mishaps and would even share his last swig in a flask with you, you still have your concerns about saying ñyesî to this best man proposition. But donÍt worry; being a best man isnÍt hard, definitely not as stressful as being the groom! If you know what the job entails and the subtleties of getting each task done with finesse, youÍll probably be the ñbestî best man ever! How could you not?! Make sure you do a top-notch job so you donÍt get one of those awesome groomsmen gifts revoked.

Allow kids to come to your wedding, or not. That is a sensitive topic for many grooms and brides planning the most special day of their lives. It’s your wedding and your party, you have the right to have it play out anyway you see fit – even if that playing is in a kid-free zone. Think of it as a wedding present to yourself. While many children can be quite well-behaved, it seems that at a wedding all bets are off. Often this is because the pint-sized partiers actually do have a reason to fuss, if you think about it. They are constrained in uncomfortable and fussy clothing, they are up way past their bedtimes (missing naps, too) and they are not being served the chicken nuggets and peanut butter they are accustomed to munching on. But, if you have pressure from the bride or friends and siblings who all want to bring their kids, don’t worry, there are tactful ways to say “no” and also creative alternatives to allow a few rugrats in.