WCL's What's New: Be the Man!
The Groom's Guide to navigating the wedding minefield.
Chris Easter, Author of "Be the Man: The Man Registry Guide for Grooms", (www.themanregistry.com) stops by to help grooms get through all of the big decisions and obstacles that they'll be faced with leading up to, during, and after the Big Day.
10 THINGS THAT TODAY'S GENERATION OF GROOMS-TO-BE CAN DO TO GET INVOLVED:
1. License to Wed: Do not wait until the last minute! Familiarize yourself with your state's requirements and waiting periods so that you can be legally married by the time those wedding bells ring.
2. Best Man and Groomsmen: Grooms have often times chosen the best man before they've chosen their bride-to-be. Groomsmen also play an important role and grooms want to make sure they all have his back. It's considered courtesy to include your soon-to-be brother in laws in the wedding party as well. Depending on how many groomsmen/bridesmaids there will be, there's always room for more friends to serve as ushers. A rule of thumb is one usher per 50 guests.
3. Wedding Vow Basics: If you've de decided to upgrade the traditional vows and pen your own words, remember to include your intentions for marriage, what marriage and commitment means to you, and state the promises you intend to keep.
4. More Bling: The engagement ring has been purchased and shown off, now it's time to head back to the jeweler to select weddings bands. Do some research and decide if you want matching bands or something unique. It's recommended to have the bands picked out a minimum of three months in advance of the wedding. This leaves time for them to be ordered, shipped, and re-sized, if needed.
5. Groom Showers: Instead of place settings, bath towels, and platters, the gifts given at a groom-friendly shower are power tools, speakers, and BBQ equipment. It's become common for a couple to have at least one couples or "man" shower during their engagement. The best part: These are gifts that both the groom and bride will enjoy.
6. Party Hardy: When you hear the words bachelor party, many think of bars, beer, and more beer. Today, however adventure and destination bachelor parties are becoming more popular. Many grooms are trading in night clubs for golf outings, camping trips, and even sky-diving. Some couples are even having joint bachelor/bachelorette weekends that involve a weekend trip to wine country or a beach house.
7. Groomsmen Gifts: Thank your attendants for being part of the big day. Many grooms opt for a practical, engraved gift that can be put to use (business card holder, cuff links, or watch). However, creativity is key for men today as popular gifts have become tickets to sporting events, bottles of aged wine, and even weekend excursions (with the groom footing the bill).
8. Style Matters: What the groom and groomsmen wear on the wedding day is usually coordinated with the wedding colors and bridesmaids' dresses. Grooms who want to add their own style and flair can accessorize. A pocket square, an intriguing tie or stand-out shoes can make an impact.
9. Have Your Cake and Eat it Too: The groom's cake is a themed wedding dessert that's selected and paid for by the groom and his family. The theme is generally a major interest or hobby in the groom's life. Some examples include a favorite sports team logo or a past-time such as fishing, fixing up cars, or traveling. The groom's cake is often served at the reception along with the main wedding cake (just make sure it's smaller in stature than the main cake), but can also be served at the rehearsal dinner.
10. Class Act: Grooms see standing up in front of his family and friends to toast his new wife as one of the scariest things to do. Remember, practice makes perfect!
ABOUT CHRIS EASTER
Co-founder of The Man Registry(r), the web's leading wedding resource for groom and groomsmen, and also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the company's blog, GroomAdvice.com. Easter has been quoted in national media including Details Magazine, The Knot, Fox News and Entrepreneur Magazine, and has appeared on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, G4's Attack of the Show, The Tyra Banks Show and Playboy Radio. Easter was recently named one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 by Inc. Magazine since 2007.
For more information go to: www.themanregistry.com
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