Getting married is not the same as it was when our dads walked down the aisle. Back then, the bridegroom's responsibilities were pretty much limited to picking out a ring, slapping on a tux, and carrying his bride across the threshold of a newlywed suite. These days, over 2.5 million grooms each year are expected to have a much more active role in wedding planning. They're supposed to have opinions, even convictions, about everything from china patterns and invitation designs to reception halls and color schemes, then slowly and convincingly come to the conclusion that their fiancees' ideas on the matter were actually right after all. The Clueless Groom's Guide is a distinctly male take on the entire process of planning and executing a traditional wedding. While the primary purpose of the book is to offer light-hearted commiseration with grooms-to-be, a great deal of useful information is provided on everything from buying the ring and setting the budget to dealing with soon-to-be in-laws and making the guest list. The idea is not only to help guys understand what they're in for at each step of the proceedings, but also to give them a sorely needed chuckle.
These gems of wedding wisdom and humor will be delivered in 20 short chapters organized by each stage of the wedding. Van Dijk steps grooms through budget planning, logistical matters like getting a marriage license and reserving reception space, paring down the guest list, planning the actual ceremony, and of course the all important bachelor party.