The Groom's Guide

Today's grooms are more involved than ever in planning for their special day.  Not all grooms will find it easy to settle into the role of the organizer when it comes to planning his part of the celebrations. There are plenty of tasks that you as a couple can share, but there are also details that your fiance must complete alone, or at least with the help of his best man.  

While some men want to take part in visiting venues and interviewing wedding professionals, helping with the photography, the music or the food, others are less interested in the details.  You should assess your fiance's level of interest, act accordingly and keep him informed as major arrangements fall into place,

• Most grooms will know who they want to be their best man.  Firstly, how good are his organizational skills?  Secondly, can he be trusted not toe embarrass you in his wedding day speech or at the stag night? Don't be forced into making this decision by those around you- the groom will know how to choose the best man...just like he chose his bride.  
• It's the groom who selects the formal wear shop and chooses the styles for the men of the wedding party and the fathers.  What he wears at the altar is determined by the time and formality of the wedding celebration.
• He'll need to supply addresses for his friends on the invitations list, as well as pitch in writing thank-you-notes for gifts from his family and friends.
• One job that he must start on early is the plan for the honeymoon, including reservations for the wedding night.  
• He will co-ordinate the transportation details on the wedding day, culminating with the honeymoon getaway.
• The groom should play an active role in helping to coordinate the attendants at the rehearsal so that he knows what will take place at each point in the ceremony.
• As the wedding day draws closer, he'll need to help with the legal paperwork, choose gifts for his attendants and pick up the wedding rings from the jeweller.
• Do not leave writing the speech until the last minute- write down ideas as they come because you cannot rely on spontaneity to carry you through- especially if you've had champagne or two.  
• Of course, he also needs to take time for his bride throughout the engagement, and try to keep stress to a minimum

Cheers! 

MCB xo

How to Keep your Cool on Your Wedding Day

A wedding day is like no other day of your life.  You are going to be the center of attention and will probably be feeling charged with energy and emotion. Most brides say their wedding day goes by in a flash, but it is a long day so you need to be prepared for it.

v  An empty stomach, or one filled with junk food, can play havoc on your nerves.  Avoid anything fatty, or high in sugar, and pass on the carbonated drinks.  Drink plenty of water and have a light meal before leaving for the ceremony.

v  Take it easy the night before the big Day.  Too much alcohol will leave you feeling groggy.  Limit your caffeine intake during your morning preparations, and if champagne is flowing- go easy on it – you’ll get plenty during your wedding reception. 

v  Make sure you leave enough time to pamper yourself.  Take a long bath first thing and have the hair stylist and make-up artist arrive with plenty of time to work in a relaxed manner.  You don’t want to leave for the ceremony feeling stressed out. 

v  If you have a blemish on the day – whatever you do – don’t make it worse.  Use a medicated ointment to dry it out (also toothpaste) and have your make-up artist deal with it for you. 

v  Try to steal quiet moments to yourself as you prepare, even if this means closing the door to your bedroom for 5 minutes of deep breathing. 

v  Repeat a mantra as a quick and effective form of mind control.  “Love, peace and happiness will surround me today.”  Remember to try and take it all in - notice the flowers, taste the cake, hug your family, dance with your friends and look into the eyes of the "love of your life"!

Congratulations and have a beautiful day!

MCB xo