Archive for the ‘Groom’ Category

Wedding Timeline Countdown

December 21st, 2011 | Rss Feed

There is a timeline tradition for any wedding.  This is a suggestion of when you should have particular details of your wedding completed (or at least started) by month.  Here is a guideline for your consideration:

wedding timeline

12 Months – Announce your engagement, choose a wedding theme, work out a budget, research wedding professionals (caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer) and venues.  You can also set appointments with the wedding pros at this time.

11 Months – Select a wedding consultant (if you are using one), meet with caterers and arrange tastings, select and book the caterer, select and book the music entertainment (band/DJ), decide on music selections, select and reserve your venue, (ceremony and reception), start thinking about your wedding dress.  If you are choosing a destination wedding, now would be the best time to send save the date cards.

10 Months – Choose and purchase your wedding dress and veil.  Choose attendants and discuss with them their duties and what you expect of them.  If choosing a park or recreational area for the venue, secure the proper permits.

9 Months – Register for your wedding gifts, decide on food for the reception, choose whether you will have an open bar, limited bar or no alcohol at your reception, make a playlist for your music, research places for guests to stay, reserve blocks of rooms at a local hotel for guests.

8 Months – Go to your first gown fitting, order bridesmaid dresses and accessories, look at wedding rings, confirm florist and discuss wedding theme and flower arrangements, start making a decision regarding invitations (style, color, font, etc),

7 Months – Review and finalize your wedding details with your consultant, set fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses, choose tux styles for groomsmen,  select a flower girl and ring bearer, choose and purchase wedding rings, finalize invitations.

6 Months – Review invitation proofs and make changes if needed, finalize invitations, discuss honeymoon ideas, meet with travel agent, work on wedding decorations (table decorations, favors, etc).

5 Months – Order place cards and programs, finalize honeymoon arrangements, make reservations for rehearsal dinner and menu.

4 Months – Get groom to try on tuxedos and purchase accessories, work on vow’s, make appoint with stylist regarding hair and makeup, address wedding invitations.

3 Months – Approve anything that is being printed for the wedding (programs, place cards, etc), decide about rehearsal dinner, next day brunch and reserve restaurants, discuss bachelorette party, review registry and make any adjustments.

2 Months – Mail invitations, purchase wedding gifts for wedding party members, go to second (possibly final) gown fitting, have groom make final decision regarding tux and reserve, arrange transportation for bride and groom to reception from ceremony site, purchase ceremony accessories (unity candle, wine glasses, etc).

6 Weeks – Send rehearsal dinner invitations, write thank you notes as you receive gifts, confirm music playlist with music entertainment, purchase any remaining wedding favors or table decorations, purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be, meet with stylist again for a practice run (take veil with you).

4 Weeks – Confirm with florist and arrange delivery times, meet with officiant to discuss details, determine any seating arrangements and reception layout, placement of cake table, placement of DJ or band, schedule an appointment for a mani/pedi  just before the wedding, schedule pick up of grooms tux, finalize photographer and videographer.

3 Weeks – Go over RSVP’s and finalize head count with caterer, call anyone who has not responded to get accurate count.

1 Week – Confirm honeymoon arrangements and start packing, pick up wedding dress and tux.

WEDDING DAY – Eat a good breakfast, attend hairstyle appointment and make up appointment.  RELAX and ENJOY  yourself!!

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Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Attire, Beauty, Bride, Ceremony, Entertainment, Groom, Honeymoon, Invitations, Jewelry, Photography, Planners, Planning, Reception, Venue, Videography, Vows | No Comments »
 

Groom’s Personal Checklist

January 18th, 2011 | Rss Feed

Grooms are typically forgotten about the day of the wedding. The main focus is and should be on the bride. However, there is more for the groom than just showing up. The day of the wedding is very stressful and full of to-dos. We suggest that grooms put together an overnight bag and stuff it in the car that will be at the wedding (if the scenario permits). This way, all of the groom’s personal items will be at the wedding and reception.

  • Wedding rings
  • Vows – What the groom says to the bride during the ceremony if the bridal couple will say your own. This is more than saying ‘I Do’ or ‘I Will’
  • Toasts – If the groom wants to offer a toast to his bride or to the bridal couple’s guests at the wedding reception.
  • Wallet (Driver’s license, Credit Cards)
  • Cologne
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints
  • Tuxedo or suit (with all components such as tie, jacket, vest, shirt, pants, cumberbun, belt, etc)
  • Shoes, socks, underwear (with extra pairs)
  • Deotorant
  • Razor (or electric shaver) and shaving cream
  • Medications (Tums is also nice to have as a back-up)
  • contact lenses or glasses (spare sets also recommended)
  • Cash (don’t forget about tipping wedding services)
  • Hair products such as gel, comb, hair spray

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A Groom’s Boutonniere — From Classic Styles to Modern Trends

November 1st, 2010 | Rss Feed

A Groom’s Boutonniere — From Classic Styles to Modern Trends

Nothing completes a groom’s outfit quite like a stunning boutonniere on the lapel of his tuxedo jacket. It brings a touch of style and a pop of color to his attire. For the most part, boutonnieres are reserved for weddings, proms and special occasions. They can also be worn at weddings by the best man, the groomsmen, the ring bearers and the couple’s respective fathers.

Boutonniere comes from the French word for buttonhole. In the olden days, gentlemen used to wear a single flower — usually a carnation — in the buttonhole on their lapels on a regular basis. Nowadays, most buttonholes are stitched close; so boutonnieres must be pinned to the lapel instead.

While single flower boutonnieres are still in style, the types of flowers used to create these little masterpieces has grown by leaps and bounds. Long gone is the idea that only carnations and roses are the only suitable choices for a wedding. You can now find a huge selection of flowers, from orchids to hydrangeas to lily of the valley arrangements, and so much more.

Keep in mind that a specific boutonniere style can be selected for various reasons: the type of wedding, the theme, the location, the groom‘s personality, the groom’s attire, the floral selection or the wedding color palette.

Floral boutonnieres are usually created by your florist and he/she can easily help you select a style that suits your wedding. If your budget is tight, you can find a lot of how-to articles and step-by-step videos on how to create one yourself online.

On a side note, there’s a new and fun trend for boutonnieres that steers away from flowers towards non-traditional elements like feathers, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, paper, miniature toys and trinkets. A new crop of boutonniere designers is starting to emerge — selling their handmade products on websites like Etsy.com. We found one particular designer, Fritts Rosenow, that created some fabulously quirky ones. Here’s a picture of some of his designs. http://bit.ly/do6wtw

In the end, it’s a good idea to make your groom’s boutonniere stand out from the rest of the wedding party’s boutonnieres. You wouldn’t want to carry the exact same bouquet as your bridesmaids. For that simple reason, it would probably be nice for your groom’s boutonniere to reflect his own style and be uniquely his. After all, it’s his big day too!

About the Author: Nadine Elliott, freelance writer for WeddingMuseum.com.

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Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Flowers, Groom | 5 Comments »
 

Popping the Question – A Guide to Wedding Proposals

June 24th, 2010 | Rss Feed

The time has come — you’re ready to ask your best girl to marry you and make it official. Unfortunately, Hollywood has brainwashed us all into thinking that popping the question has to be over-the-top and perhaps even expensive. Yes, it would seem that most of us girls want elaborate wedding proposals, just so we can race home and tell our girlfriends all about it.

In reality, popping the question should be an intimate moment that is special to both of you. Whether you decide to ask her during a quiet dinner for two or propose in front of thousands of baseball fans, choosing the right spot and ambiance is important when you ask for her hand.

Unless you know your girlfriend will appreciate a flashy proposal, keeping it romantic between just the two of you is the best approach, one she will remember long after a public proposition. Before asking her to marry you, use this list of tips and hints to dream up fabulous wedding proposals that leave her speechless.

The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Proposal Ideas

Personalized wedding proposals: No girl wants a canned version of a tired, old proposal. Above all, don’t do anything you’ve seen in the movies no matter how much she swooned. This is your opportunity to make it special for her and show her that you know and love her! When the time comes for popping the question, choose her favorite spot, as long as it’s quiet, uncrowded, and romantic. She wants a magical day/night that she can share again and again, so it should be memorable. And never just say, “Will you marry me?” Tell her why you want her to marry you; personalize your proposal and let her know why she is so special to you!

Make the ambiance romantic: Most guidelines on wedding proposals agree that no matter how big a sports fan your girlfriend is, asking her to marry you at a game is probably not the ideal way to go about things. After popping the question, there is no time to reflect or even whisper sweet nothings to her. Keep the chaos to a minimum, so that the two of you can properly discuss this momentous occasion. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t ask her at a sports game – maybe she’s the type of girl who would enjoy a thousand sets of eyes on her when you ask.

Furthermore, this doesn’t mean you have to focus on popping the question over candlelight, but the locale should be – at least – semi-secluded, away from loud restaurant music, gawking crowds, and family. (Always remember that asking her in front of her family or yours adds unneeded stress when popping the question.)

Show a little respect: When discussing potential wedding proposals, you’ll probably meet countless people who think asking her parents for her hand is lame and outmoded. Maybe, but it shows you’re responsible and respectful of her parents and family. Sure, it’s not easy to discuss such a big step, but her parents will remember that you approached them long after. Plus, you don’t have to ask for her hand per se – use it as a way to encourage communication between the two newly merging families. It’s a great way to start working on your in-law relationships!

Make it a surprise: You’ve undoubtedly discussed marriage prior to popping the question. The only thing that should come as a surprise is when you actually ask her to marry you. Previous discussions of merging your lives, including evaluating what’s important to both of you in life and love, is vital to the success of your marriage. If you haven’t talked about marriage prior to the proposal, you may want to brace yourself for a quizzical look followed by a hesitant maybe.

Choosing the ring: Please don’t come unprepared to the proposal. Many women expect to have a ring on this night. It’s not that we need something flashy and expensive to make it real; it’s just that it helps cement your commitment and lets us know you’re ready to take the plunge.

However, if your girl is the type who wants to pick and/or design her own ring, you should have discussed marriage well in advance. She knows it’s coming, and is happy to say yes without hardware in hand. But just take her ring shopping as soon as possible after popping the question!

Wedding Proposals from the Heart

Asking your girlfriend to marry you is an exciting time! Sure, you may get nervous, but practicing those all important words in advance will help to alleviate some of those jitters. Don’t worry if things go awry — remember what you’re there to do – ask the love of your life to commemorate your commitment to each other!

Wedding proposals are a great way to incorporate what your love means to the both of you and should be as unique as the two of you. Cherish the time and make it special!

About the Author

In 2006, Cherie Johnson blended her love of weddings with a business model to start Creative Wedding Favors, the premier site for customizable anniversary, baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Her wedding ideas have also benefited readers of many websites, including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before establishing Creative Wedding Favors, Cherie worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing all the special moments of the nuptials and ceremony. Visit www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com to find fun, festive favors for any event.

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Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Groom | 2 Comments »
 

Grooms preparing for the Big Day

January 21st, 2010 | Rss Feed

Are You a Groom-to-Be? What You Should Know When Preparing For your Big Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life. When planning your proposal to your soon-to-be wife, you no doubt will have thought long and hard about how exactly you should execute it in a way which will not only be memorable to the both of you in the future, but also so that it will remain a surprise to her (unless of course she’s been hinting for an engagement!).The same thought and planning must also go into your wedding day as to your wife; this is likely to be all more important than the engagement was. Planning a wedding can take a very long time with many different factors to consider. Regardless of whether you are looking to plan every aspect of your wedding day together or allow your partner to plan the wedding of her dreams, it is a good idea to be aware of what goes into planning a wedding.

One of the key things which should be taken into account before you plan any aspect of your wedding is your finances. Weddings are known for being expensive, so planning out an initial budget before hand is always a good idea. Some couples may find that either set of parents will offer to pay for parts of your overall costs, which is also something to remember when planning the different elements of your wedding. Once you are aware of your financial situation, you can begin with the important planning and details of the wedding. For some, the perfect location can make or break their wedding. Some may have already thought long and hard about a dream location, but it is important to ensure that you visit each potential location with each other to ensure both are happy with the end choice. Depending on the location of your wedding, also think about where you plan to spend your first night as man and wife, and if you are looking to book rooms to spend the night in, think about whether you will be booking for any of your guests also. Once you have decided on the scene for your wedding, book a date which will not only give you enough time to plan the rest of the day, but also so that your guests are well informed of the date they need to save. ‘Save the date’ invitations are a great way to not only announce your wedding celebration, but also to provide your guests with a formal invitation. Invitations can potentially take up a substantial amount of your budget depending on the style and design you are looking for, but this can also help you think of an initial theme for your wedding as a whole. Many women look to having a color theme throughout their wedding whether it be the color of the bridesmaids dresses, lapels on the men and even down to the ways in which the tables at the reception are decorated-all of which adds cost. If your partner is looking to theme your wedding, this may also carry through to your invitations. Before ordering any invitation, ensure you have decided on your guest list as to not risk ordering too many or too little; this will also help you determine who would require a room to be booked for the big day.

Next, you should think about the menu which will be provided at the reception. Depending on the budget you have will heavily determine what you can afford in terms of food, but you may have already discussed this with your partner. Traditionally, guests will be provided with a delicious, traditional meal, but as times have evolved, many couples opt for buffet style food which not only lowers the costs, but also gives the guests more variety as they may not enjoy a set meal. The final part of your big day will be the reception. This is a very important part of the day, as this is the time for everyone to enjoy the day together in a less formal manner, whilst also having some fun in the process. Think about what kind of entertainment you wish to have which not only your guests will enjoy, but you and your new wife also. You may enquire about hiring a DJ, or karaoke facilities or even something a little out of the norm. Your entertainment can sometimes take up a large chunk of your budget, so ensure that the choice you make is one you are completely sure about. Once you have made your decision, enquire about what your first song of the night will be. To many in your family, this will be a great moment as you and your wife take to the dance floor for your first dance. This is a decision you should make together as something which is a little cheesy may make you feel embarrassed as your guests watch you.

A good way to keep track of every aspect of your planning is to keep a check list so you can keep tabs on what you’ve planned, any ideas you’re deciding on, and also the totals of what you’ve spent so far. Typically, a wedding is seen about being all about the bride, but remember, it is your big day too. By putting your input into certain aspects of the wedding, it will not only help make things go smoother, but will ensure you enjoy your day as much as she does.

About the Author: Matt Campbell is the owner of WeddingMuseum.com.  WeddingMuseum.com offers online wedding planning and wedding website museum.

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