Etsy Lovin'

More Etsy Lovin'.  These oh-so-perfect accessories will give your photographer terrific little accents to shoot on your Groom.

 I Do Cufflinks

$19.00 from dabbledesigns 

Custom Tags to sew onto the Groom's Tie or into his suit jacket

$13.00 from InitialImpressions 

Monogrammed Handkerchief

$15.00 for set of 3 from HipHandbags 

Rings Around

Shopping for Your Wedding Ring

In the midst of your wedding plans, don’t forget to buy one of the most important elements of your big day – your wedding band. As fun as it is to buy new jewelry, your wedding ring is going to stay with you until death do you part. So, make sure you pick something you love. Here are a few things to consider before you make the big purchase.

Considering Cost

Although wedding rings tend to be less expensive than engagement rings, the price can skyrocket depending on what you are looking for. Two things will determine the cost of your wedding band: the type of metal you choose and whether or not you want any stones. Platinum is a heavier and more durable metal so it will be more expensive than gold. Also, if you want to have diamonds or other gemstones on the ring, it will add to the cost. Some brides prefer a simple wedding band without any stones, while others may love the sparkly look of the eternity band, with small diamonds all around. If you can’t buy exactly what you want now, remember there will be plenty of anniversaries ahead for upgrades.  

Ring Compatibility

Before you go shopping for your wedding band, consider your engagement ring. Do you want something that will match? Are you going to wear them together or separate? Does the wedding band style sit comfortably next to your engagement ring? Depending on whether or not you are going to wear both rings together, make sure they are a compatible fit. Some jewelry designers can make bands that are curved in shape to fit snuggly next to your engagement ring. Or perhaps you don’t want to wear both of them together, which gives you the freedom to choose any style your heart desires.

Suit Your Style

Odds are you’re going to wear your wedding ring every day, so make sure to pick something that suits your day to day style. Do you normally dress trendy, casual, or conservative? Choose a ring that matches your wardrobe. A conservative dresser may pick the classic gold or white gold band, while a trendy dresser may choose a set of stackable rings in different shades of gold such as yellow, white and rose. There is also the difference between brushed or polished wedding bands. A brushed ring gives a more modern look while a polished ring looks classic. Just remember, this piece of jewelry is going to be part of your everyday wardrobe, so choose a style that reflects your personality.

To Match or Not to Match?

If you and your fiancé can’t agree on a ring style, don’t fret. There is no rule that says a couple must have matching wedding rings. With so many different styles out there, it’s only natural to like different things. For a unifying element, choose bands in the same kind of metal like platinum or gold. Or have your rings engraved with a message that is special to both of you. Be as creative or traditional as you’d like. Whether you choose identical bands or completely different styles, it will be a symbol of your love and that means more than anything.

image and text from thebrideandbloom.com

Ties for All

Esty seller toybreaker has sets of matching ties for your Groomsmen.  They are all hand screened in a range of really neat patterns.

The ties come in sets for your number of Groomsmen and range according to how many you need.  A set of 6 is $162.00 and a set of 12 is $288.00.  The more you buy the more you save!  They can even make one to match for your little ringbearer.

Tux Questions: Answered.

GQ has all of your tux questions answered.

Question: I wore my white dinner jacket when I got married in June, and now my boss’s daughter is having a black-tie wedding. Is it appropriate for a guest to wear a white jacket?

Answer: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is considered proper by the authoritarians to wear a white dinner jacket or mess jacket in place of a black dinner jacket. So if you feel the need to stand out, this is a good way to do it—far better than with the folly of “creative black tie.” I find white more joyous.

Question: I've received an invitation for a wedding starting at 1:30 p.m. Dress is black-tie, but given the timing, I would prefer to wear a morning suit. Would this be seen as a faux pas by the bride's and groom's families?

Answer: You would be dressed properly by traditional standards, but such standards are superseded by the wishes of the celebrants. Rule number one is never to show up the bride and groom. Wear a tux and dark glasses and pretend it's after six.

Question: What color socks are considered appropriate to wear with a white tux? White, black—does it matter?

Answer: Everything matters. If you mean a white tux jacket with black trousers, then you should wear black socks. If you have one of those showbizzy all-white ensembles in the manner of the great Cab Calloway, then wear white shoes and socks.

image from men.style.com

Tie One On

We love Vineyard Vines ties - a wonderful gift for your groomsmen and a great preppy touch.

Shop now for your summer wedding and get 25% off!

www.vineyardvines.com 

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to our Blog!  We're one year old today!  In celebration here's one of our earlier posts that we happen to love.

Top Ten Things to Remember for your Wedding Day.

image from Amy Deputy

Things tend to get a little bit hectic around your wedding day. Here is my Top Ten List of Reminders. Print them out or jot them down - you are going to need them.

1. Don't forget about the marriage license. You have to actually give it to your officiant. It doesn't count if you leave it at home.

2. Remember a hankie. It does not matter if you rarely cry. It is just like the umbrella theory - if you have a hankie you will not cry. And if you do, well, then you have a hankie.

3. Scuff your shoes, please. Do a shimmy in your front yard in your wedding shoes. Actually, wear them around the house for a few hours too. Break those puppies in.

4. Leave your cell phone at the hotel. You do not need your phone. You will not be taking calls. I am certain someone will have a phone if you need one.

5. Eat. Please. Before the ceremony AND during the reception. There is plenty of time to visit the tables.

6. Pre-pack. Start the packing process a few weeks ahead. Pack everything separately for different events, especially if you will be moving around. Pack for the honeymoon at least two weeks before the wedding. It will save you a trip to Rite-Aid on the way home from the Rehearsal Dinner for sunscreen.

7. Your camera. Remember to bring it or have someone else bring it for you.

8. Hold hands with your Groom. Look him in the eye when you say your vows. Try your very best to feel comfortable in front of all of your guests during the ceremony.

9. Take a minute if you need it. Have your wedding planner schedule in some time for you to be alone with your brand new husband after the ceremony. It will give you two a chance to chat and breathe.

10. Have fun. This is an amazing time. Enjoy yourself. Try not to let the little things annoy you. Remove yourself from people that are causing problems.

Groom's Cake?

Wondering where the Groom's cake came from?  The folks at GetMarried.com tell us how it came to be.

cake from Charm City Cakes

"Certainly not a new concept, the groom’s cake is making a comeback.  The idea dates back to the 19th century when the newlywed couple served up a dense fruit cake with or without icing.  Some say that the white icing was meant to mimic the bride’s dress, while other accounts claim that no icing was used and the cake was kept fresher longer.  Either way, legend has it that if the single women in attendance were to take a slice home and place it underneath their pillows they would dream of the future husbands.   

In today’s era, the groom’s cake tradition is routed in the South.  Frequently a chocolate or red velvet cake, it was first served to offer up an alternative flavor to the vanilla wedding cake that had to look a certain way.  Meant to be a gift from the bride to groom (often a surprise), the cake can come in any shape, theme, or form.  Liquor flavored or chocolate flavored, you won’t find flowers on these cakes, but perhaps mascots of sports teams or colleges.  

While it’s not a required element of a wedding, it makes for a personal touch served up at either the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception.  If you opt to serve it at the reception, display it next to the traditional wedding cake or roll it out along side when you’re ready to share his surprise.  The cake should later be cut and put in to-go boxes for guests to take home.  If the cake is large enough, this sweet take out treat can even serve as your wedding favor.  Regardless of when or how you serve it, make sure you select a cake that reflects his masculine style, his wants, and of course his personality."

De-Stress

Bride and Bloom Magazine 's latest issue includes an article with

25 Ways to De-Stress with your Fiance

1.  Go on a weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast

2.  Play hooky and spend the whole day in your pajamas

3.  Practice team work by taking a tandem bike ride

4.  Go horseback riding on a beautiful beach or scenic trail

5.  Take a hot air balloon ride

6.  Head for the hills for a wine tasting adventure and tour of the vineyards

7.  Heat things up by taking a cooking class

8.  Take turns pampering each other with manicures, pedicures, and massages

9.  Or, go to a couples spa and let someone else pamper you

10.  Get out to the great outdoors and go rock climbing

11.  Have a foreign movie night

12.  Visit a local orchard and pick apples, peaches, strawberries, or other seasonal goodies

13.  Get dressed up and have a romantic night out on the town with dinner and dancing

14.  Get dressed down and pitch a tent and roast marshmallows in your own backyard

15.  Pack a lunch and a blanket and head to the park for a picnic for two

16.  Go sky diving

17.  Go on a walk and never let go of each others hands

18.  Have a fondue night and feed each other gooey treats, from savory cheeses for dinner to indulgent chocolate for dessert

19.  Find a open field and stargaze for hours

20.  Have a game night and play anything from Twister to charades

21.  Grab a cup of coffee and spend the morning exploring a local flea market

22.  Act like a kid again and visit a local amusement park

23.  Put on your dancing shoes and learn a sexy new dance such as the tango

24.  Spend the afternoon at a museum you have always wanted to visit

25.  Be a tourist in your own city

Great for the Guys

Get the guys something unique and fun for the groomsmen gifts.  Custom cufflinks are a fun option - and something they will use in the future.

There are tons of fun options on Etsy

$18.25 per set from seller BellaModaArtist

$15.00 per set from seller CrimsonKing

$15.00 per set from seller Luv4Sams

Honey, Do This...

The Emily Post Institute - to go-to source for all things etiquette - posted this list for all of the Groom's-To-Be wondering what their role is in this wedding thing.

"Weddings for the Groom

The "Honey Do" List

1.  Send her flowers - for no reason.

2.  Send her flowers for a reason - the 6 month anniversary of your engagement, her birthday, because it's one week until the wedding.

3.  Take her younger siblings to a movie, ball game, or the circus.

4.  Take her Mom and Dad to lunch.

5.  Giver her a half hour foot massage - once a week.

(Graduate to pedicure and she'll never ask you to take out the garbage.)

6.  Be her personal chauffeur for a day of wedding errands.

7.  Leave little love notes on her fridge.

8.  Plan one evening a week just for the two of you - no wedding talk allowed - just romance.

On a more practical level, here are some great ways for the groom to contribute his expertise to the wedding planning.

If you are:

A techno guy, create and manage the wedding web site.

If spreadsheets are your thing, you can help manage guest lists, gift lists, and to do lists.

A wine lover, you can help select the wines and liquors for the reception.

Into music, research and help the select the band or music.

A car lover, take charge of all the transportation needs for the wedding.

A foodie, help with the menu planning and /or selection of the caterer.

Another enormous help to your fiancee is to write the thank you notes to your relatives and close friends.  Sharing this responsibility goes a long way to reduce what can, at times, seem an overwhelming task.

And one of the best ways a groom can lend a hand is by working with his parents to get a head start on planning the rehearsal dinner.  With all the planning needs intrinsic to a wedding, don't feel shy about putting your expertise to good use."

thank you Emily Post Institute

image from thebestweddingreceptionever

Custom Casual Comfort

Is your guy a Converse guy?  Well, you're in luck.  Converse is doing custom shoes for your handsome Groom.  Have a pair made for your Groom and gift them to all of the groomsmen.  Pick your colors and even have them embroidered with the wedding date.

Perfect gift for your Converse guy.

$60.00 for a pair from Converse.com.  They have a variety of shapes and are adding all the time.

Dress Your Man

JCrew is a terrific resource for attire for your Groom and Groomsmen.  They have an array of tuxes, suits, and jackets perfect for this very special occasion.

Classic tuxedo pant ($195) and jacket ($450)

Seersucker pant ($98) and jacket ($198)

Linen pant ($128) and jacket ($250)

A great deal for pieces they can wear for years.

Pass This Along To Your GQ Man

Finally the answer to the often asked question: "Should a man's socks match his shoes?" According to a recent column in the WSJ, "Traditionally, socks should match the color of your pants and not your shoes. You want an unbroken line from your pants to your shoes. So when you are in navy pinstripes, go for navy socks and black shoes. For charcoal pants, choose charcoal socks. With khaki trousers, choose socks with a slightly darker khaki tone which happens to look better with brown shoes. Make sure your socks are long enough - mid-calf at least- that you won't flash hairy legs. Bare ankles, however are just fine if you are sockless in loafers during the spring and summer. This is a Continental look that is fast becoming popular among big city men. If you are worried about sweaty feet, wear ultra low rise "no show" socks."