Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments in your life, filled with love, joy, and the excitement of embarking on a new journey. While the bride often has a dedicated team to ensure everything runs smoothly, the groom’s experience can sometimes be overlooked. Enter the Groom's Coordinator – the unsung hero who ensures that the groom and his party have a seamless, stress-free day.
A Groom's Coordinator is a professional who focuses on the needs and logistics of the groom and his party on the wedding day. Much like a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator for the bride, the Groom's Coordinator ensures that everything related to the groom’s side is organized, timely, and executed flawlessly.
We love hearing from professionals about wedding tips and tricks, so we contacted Side Kick: Oyebande Michael Durodola (him), a Lagos-based groom assistant role, to get the gist. Read on for his top advice, including how to enjoy your big day as a Groom.
How long have you been working as a groom's assistant?
More than 7 years. Worked for event planners for many years before I fully started a brand out of this service I have a great passion for.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a groom’s assistant?
My love for helping others, paying attention to details and problem-solving
How do you typically assist grooms on their wedding day?
Preparation, coordination, emotional support, communication, the goal is to help the groom have a seamless day.
How do you tailor your services to match the groom's personal style and preferences?
Communication, flexibility, and adaptability, paying attention to details.
What steps do you take to help calm any nerves the groom may be experiencing?
Reassurance about the day, open communication, handling any issues that arise, positive affirmation, and distracting him sometimes
How do you handle it when a groom is convinced he's suddenly developed cold feet?§
If possible I suggest taking a short break, to help him stay calm. I reassure the groom that it's normal to feel nervous and that many people experience pre-wedding jitters.
Have you encountered any unexpected challenges while assisting grooms on their wedding day, and how did you handle them?
A groom did not have a second outfit for his wedding. He planned on just wearing his durag, a black shirt with his Aso-oke trousers paired with his sandals. I did not approve of his outfit choice so I called a tailor and got a second outfit for him that same day and it was perfect on him.
What's the wildest request you've ever received from a groom regarding their grooming for the big day?
A groom requested that I do not share any information I hear from him with anyone including the wedding planner.
Do you have any secret tips for handling groomzilla moments when they're overly particular?
No secret tips in particular. I try my best to relate to and work with my grooms according to their personalities.
What advice do you typically give grooms to help them look and feel their best on their wedding day?
No matter the challenges on their wedding day, they should just try to enjoy their day because it’s once in a lifetime.
As your business expands, where do you see yourself in a few years?
I see myself as the biggest groom’s assistant in Nigeria.
