grooms Archives | Wedding ETC

In Guys

Groom showers: What, why, and how

November 21, 2019 No Comments

We can’t claim that groom showers are a new trend. We can, however, say that it is a trend that has seemingly slipped under the radar. Now, you may be wondering what a groom shower is, why you would want a groom shower, and how you should go about planning one. Not to worry, we’re here to give you the low down. A groom shower, or BRO-dal shower as we’ve seen it called, may be something you want to consider.

A groom shower, much like a bridal shower, is a celebration of the upcoming nuptials. It is an occasion for the groom to bring together all of his closest male friends and family. Guests bring gifts, there is food and drinks galore, and everyone simply comes for some good conversation and quality time with the groom-to-be before the wedding. This is much, much different to the bachelors party. It’s much more low-key and family friendly.

Family friendly is key here; it’s what makes this event appealing. Some of your older or more conservative relatives may want to have pre-wedding celebrations with you, but you probably don’t want to invite them to the bachelor party. You may also have younger relatives like nephews or young cousins who probably would love to celebrate with you too but for obvious reasons, they wouldn’t be allowed at the bachelor party. A groom shower is how you accommodate everybody and make sure that you’re celebrating with everyone who is important to you.

So, how do you plan this type of event?

It’s probably best to keep it simple. You’ll have a wide variety of guests, so anything too specific or outlandish might be difficult to pull off. Fill the table with some snacks, put some decorations up, and perhaps plan some party games. Just don’t forget to invite all the relevant people.

If you want something a bit more interactive or activity-based, here are some ideas:

– Sports

You could plan a sports match of some kind. Separate your guests into teams and have a soccer (or your preferred sport) tournament.

– A cookout

A beer and a conversation around a fire. A classic way to spend a relaxing day.

– Mini fishing trip

Well known for its facilitation of bonding, we think a day trip to catch some fish is a great option. This one may be a bit tougher to co-ordinate.

How ever you decide to spend the day, groom showers are a great way to include everybody in your celebrations. You may want to drop some hints to your groomsmen so they can get to organising.

Images: Unsplash

In Advice

Simple tips for writing great wedding vows

November 19, 2019 No Comments

Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to attempt to sum up all the things that you want to say to your partner. The vows, which at the end of it only add up to a few minutes of talking, are a summary of the love you have for your partner, the promises you are making to them, and the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.

What makes this more difficult for many, is that it has to be done not only in front of your partner but also in front of all your guests.

We’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure that you’re writing the best wedding vows you can.

Things to say in your vows

– First, mention your own name and your partner’s name. There are probably many people in the audience staring at you; this could take away some of the intimacy of your vows. Emphasise the intimacy by adding something like, “I, Harry, take you, Sally.”

– Second, add some anecdotes and personal stories. The guests will enjoy listening to this, and your partner will enjoy the trip down memory lane.

– Third, make sure you’re saying meaningful things. Cute and funny stories will only get you so far. Say things that also show how serious you are about this commitment.

– This final one should be a no-brainer, but we know that the stress of vow writing can cause some forgetfulness so we’ll mention it just incase. Always say “I love you”.

Writing tips

– Do not, we repeat, do NOT write them at the last minute.

– Read through some samples of vows before you start writing. This may help you to work out what your tone should be and could give you some inspiration.

– Actually write your vows down. “I will remember them”, never works out.

– Cut out clichés and things that might embarrass your partner.

– Make sure your vows are not too long. Your audience may get fidgety.

– Get somebody to proofread it. An outside opinion always ensures improvements.

-Preparation tips

– Practice your vows. Say them out loud. Say them in the mirror. You’ll be nervous on the big day and the practice will ensure you’re familiar with what you want to say.

– Carry a written or typed copy of your vows with you. If you do end up stumbling on your words, this will be a great help.

– With all of these tips in mind, remember to also get creative and take into account the finer details and context of your relationship like Jimmy Gisondi, who wrote a set of vows not only for his bride, Kelsea, but also for his new step-daughter, Olivia.

In his separate vows to Olivia, he said “I promise to never treat you [like] anything less than my own child”. This thoughtful additional set of vows brought the crowd to tears.

Last but not least, don’t forget to add your personality. Your partner-to-be loves you for who you are, so staying true to yourself will make the vows unforgettable for them.

Image: Pexels

In Fashion And Grooming

Grooms, put your best footwear forward

July 26, 2019 No Comments

By Keenan Martin

It’s become an unspoken rule for the groom to take a peripheral role at weddings. So while you may not steal the attention of those attending your wedding, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put a little effort into looking your best on the big day.

Shoe vs Suit

Probably the most important factor when it comes to selecting a shoe is how it will complement your suit style and colour. Traditional black suits should always be paired with black shoes, and stay away from lengthy white socks if your pants are going to be cropped above the ankle. Brown shoes tend to pair well with darker colours such as midnight blue, navy or maroon.

Suit styles are often overlooked, so knowing more about your suit will help make choosing a shoe so much easier. Brogues tend to be the best choice for tuxedos, while Oxfords are more suited to your formal suits. Loafers are a popular stylistic choice these days but should be used with caution, these shoes are best worn when the pants have been cropped above the ankle.

Comfort is key

Comfort should always be of the utmost importance since weddings are long and you’ll most likely be on your feet for most of the day. Do not compromise on comfort! Your bride-to-be will not appreciate blistered feet on the honeymoon, and neither will you. Make sure you have the appropriate socks, preferably with non-slip grips to avoid them sliding down your foot. If your shoes are brand new, wear them around the house for a few days before to see if you’ll need any additional support, like heel grips or insoles.

Consider where you’re getting married

Another thing to consider is location – if you’re planning to be wed on a beach in the sand, perhaps the shiny brogues aren’t the best choice. Consider your environment, and particularly, the surface you’ll be strutting your stuff on for the ceremony all the way through pictures, then onto the dancefloor.

A last thought…

Of course not every couple prefers the traditional wedding with the traditional attire, every couple is unique and should allow for self expression. One thing is for sure, sneakers are trendy and more men are incorporating them for a touch of ‘cool’. If you are going to opt for the more casual footwear, nothing is more regal or clean than an all white Nike Air Force 1, just saying.

Picture: Unsplash