0 Preparing your groomsmen

Considering the little things for your wedding really can make all of the difference when it comes to a smooth and stress-free day. Those friends and family who have taken on special roles and responsibilities (bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially) want to be prepared to perform their very best. While it’s fun to fuss over the girls, make sure that you take time to prepare the best man and groomsmen for their part in your wedding.

Chances are, your bridesmaids could get dressed, accessorized, and attend to their hair and makeup needs in the dark with one hand tied behind their backs. You know, since us ladies do practically the same getting-ready-routine everyday. However, you should be mindful that the groom or groomsmen may not be accustomed to getting dressed to the nines on a regular basis, and may require a little extra instruction when it comes to the putting on the finishing touches. Here are some more groomsmen-related preparations to consider:

• Ensure that someone knows how to tie the neckwear that the groomsmen will be wearing: a bow tie, neck tie, ascot or cravat. In this day and age, with the popularity of casual dress even in the workplace, it is not unheard of for a man not to know how to tie a bow tie. A good idea would be to have them practice ahead of time, using an online tutorial, such as the ones found at websites like Tie-A-Tie.net (www.tie-a-tie.net). Other accessories to consider are pocket square folds and how to put on a boutonniere.
• Rings, rings– who’s got the rings? If you are not having a ring bearer, or your ring bearer is perhaps alittle bit too young and unpredictable to trust with the actual rings, make sure that your best man is prepared for this role. Your maid of honor will typically be cued by the officiant as to when to take the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony, as will your best man be instructed when to hand over the rings.



• Raise your glass! When it comes time to toast, make sure that if you are expecting a few special words from your best man, he knows it. Not everyone can perform under pressure when they’re put on the spot, so having the chance to prepare something ahead of time can turn a potentially awkward wedding moment into the touching tribute they intended.

0 Outfitting the groom

While many brides will spend hours searching for the perfect gown, many do not pay as strict attention to the details of their groom’s attire. Wedding attire ranges from casual to super-formal, giving the groom a wide variety of tuxedos – ensuring that he looks his best for the special day.

The tuxedo is often the traditional men’s attire for weddings and other formal occasions. Besides the groom, the groomsmen, father of the bride, father of the groom, and other important male figures in the wedding may also choose to wear a tuxedo.  Depending on your wedding style, the groom’s tuxedo may match the attendants or stand out.  If wearing matching tuxedos, a detail often distinguishes the groom – such as a special handkerchief or boutonnière. Many couple also choose to coordinate the colors of the bridesmaids’ and bride’s dresses to the men’s tuxedos.

The Rainbow of Tuxedo Colors

traditionally the tuxedo is black, but there are more and more couples choosing to spice up the attire and go with a white or a colored tuxedo.

For an outdoor setting, a white tuxedo is completely appropriate. Spring, summer, informal, morning, and afternoon weddings are also socially acceptable occasions to wear a white tuxedo.

Some grooms like to take it a step further and go with a colored tuxedo. For instance, you could choose a color that compliments the bridesmaids’ dresses or the bride’s dress if she is going with something other than white or with a colored accent on her dress. If you are choosing a themed wedding, the groom and the bride may choose a colored tuxedo that goes along with the theme they have chosen.

For the most part, black tuxedos are still the norm for formal and evening weddings.

Sporting the Special Jacket Style

Beyond the color, there are other decisions that must be made on the tuxedo.  First of all, you must choose the jacket style. There are three basic styles to choose from: the single breasted, the double breasted, and the full dress or tail coat. Unless you are having a highly formal wedding, the single or double breasted is usually appropriate.

Also to be considered in the jacket style is the lapel. Here the choice is up to you and the style that you prefer. The most common styles are notch lapels, which make a V shape, peak lapels, and shawl lapels, which are rounded.

The Perfect Shirt

Beneath the jacket is your tuxedo shirt. It is customary for the tuxedo shirt to match the bride’s gown – for instance, if she chooses a white dress, the shirt should be white, and if she goes with ivory, the shirt should be ivory. Most tuxedo shirts feature a wing or a lay down collar. Wing collars are most often worn with a bow tie, while a lay down collar can be worn with a standard necktie.

Cummerbunds and Vests

The other crucial piece to your tuxedo is the vest or cummerbund. Most often these will be chosen to coordinate with the bridesmaids’ dresses to give your wedding party a uniform look.

Other Attire Considerations

When choosing your tuxedo you will need to decide whether to rent or to buy. If you normally attend formal functions where a tuxedo is appropriate, then buying may be the most affordable option. If your wedding is the one and only time that you will wear a tuxedo, then renting is usually preferred.

While you do not need to register for the tuxedo immediately, you should still do so at least three months prior to the wedding date. This allows the retailer to order your choices and make any alterations necessary.

If you hate shopping, consider checking out tuxedo styles before heading off to the store. That way, you and your bride can decide ahead of time the style you are looking for, minimizing the time needed to try on and consider different styles.

Some formal wear locations will offer special discounts if the entire bridal party orders their tuxedos at the same time. This will not only make the process more affordable for you, but allow you to ensure that the entire party is coordinated and fitted properly.

0 Grooms Gifts

Many brides like to do a little something special for their future husbands on their wedding day. Here are a few suggestions;

Personalize a shaving kit with names/ initials & your wedding date :)

For your cigar lover ;) 

Every man loves some JD! (Jack Daniels Decanter, great for a home bar!)

Personalize cuff links with names/initials, wedding date or a sweet message

My personal favorite: Get a pocket watch and set the time for the start of your Ceremony and include a note that says “Our life begins when the clock strikes  __:__”