Top Tips For Grooms

Fancy Duds

OK, Groom. You're probably going to do the tuxedo thang. Terrific (although a nice new suit is acceptable for many less formal modern weddings but you'd better OK it with the bride, first). Arrange for the tux well in advance (at least three months). Take your best man along if you think you'll be overwhelmed by the choices. Better yet, bring the maid of honor. And there actually are a lot of choices. Styles, cuts, colors, accessories. Even if you go basic black, try to coordinate the cummerbund with the bridesmaids' dresses.

Are your groomsmen a little on the irresponsible or forgetful side? Remind then where to go, when to show for a fitting, and when to pick up the tux. On the day of the pickup, try on the pants and jacket and make sure all the accessories are acounted for (shoes, shirt, cummerbund, tie, and cufflinks). Assign the most responsible groomsman to return your tux with his on the day after the wedding. Late charges can get out of hand, fast.

Fancy Dude

Get a clean shave for the wedding, but not too clean. Shave with the grain to get the job done, but don't shave against the grain. At best you'll risk razor burn, at worst nicks. Use a good deodorant but little to no cologne. There will be plenty enough good smelling flowers, girls, and foods to cover all the bases. Just be clean and ready. If a teeth-whitening regimen is in motion, leave it alone the day of the wedding. The whitening agent is often hydrogen peroxide and you don't want to get any of that near your fancy duds. A good brushing will do the trick.

Stag Night

If you make sure that the stag party isn't the night before the wedding, you won't have to worry about a hangover. Or red, baggy eyes in your wedding photos. In fact, better plan for a good week prior in case you need the time to destroy evidence or dole out apologies. And no cameras, cameraphones, or camcorders! Even if you just go for a good meal and then to a nice ice cream social at the local church like I did.

Morning Of

Eat a healthy, but not heavy breakfast. Stay away from the hard-boiled eggs and order the omelette without onions. And not too much coffee! Have a few Altoids available throughout the day.

Get Going!

Leave for the ceremony far ahead of time. Do not allow any chance of arriving late.

Libations
Enjoy your party, but don't drink to excess. Your bride will be peeved and you'll just get tired and bleary-eyed.

Think About Your Gal

Plan ahead for a gift and a card for her to receive while she is getting ready. Strive for sweet and sentimental, maybe something about how you met or when you knew she was the one. Make sure she gets it early enough that she can re-do eye makeup if you make her cry. You'll be a prince!