A Few Good Grooms

If you're looking for inspiration for being a better groom, you may not have to look further then your DVD collection.  Some of the best grooms of all time are in some of the best movies for guys.  This weekend, when you and your special lady sit down for a movie at home, tell her you'll choose something romantic, something that will remind you of why you're getting married. Something like...

So I Married an Axe Murderer

Charlie Mackenzie - Mike Myers
Are you feeling a case of 'the cold feet'? After watching this movie you can tell your bride "at least I don't think you're going to kill me." This movie has heartbreak, poetry, and a butcher of a bride.

Saving Silverman

Darren - Jason Biggs
Often a groom is only as good as his supporting cast--Wayne (Steve Zahn) and JD (Jack Black) are the best best men a groom could ask for.  It's not often you'll find friends who will kidnap Neil Diamond and force him to make a guest appearance in order to sabotage your wedding.

Young Frankenstein 

Dr. Frankenstein - Gene Wilder
Sometimes, before getting married you feel the need to accomplish something great... like bringing dead tissue back to life. This is one of my favorite movies of all time and one of the first movies Hannah and I watched together. 

The Ghostbusters 

Gozer the Gozerian

If you're ever feeling down on yourself, or that you aren't the groom you should be, watch Ghostbusters.  Gozer is forcing his special lady to be his forever so he can release unlimted evil on the world. At least you're not doing that, right?

What Movies am I missing? Who are your favorite grooms?

Gift Ideas for your Fiancé - The Gym Bag of all Gym Bags [Part 4 of 4]

More than likely, your significant other is spending more time in the gym than ever. She's waited her whole life to look perfect on her wedding day, which means, on top of everything else she's trying to fit in a rigorous workout schedule. With this in mind, and my current obsession with Lock and Mane is today's gift idea for your fiancé:

Lock & Mane's Gym Bag Gift Set available for $125

Lock & Mane has created the perfect ensemble of products to make it easy to freshen up after a rigorous workout!  Everything is travel-sized and hand-selected to make a clean escape from the locker room. Wireless iron? No Rinse Shampoo? This package is as interesting as it sounds and will make your girl fall even more in love with you! If you're looking for a serious boost to your engagement adventure, this gift idea is for you.

Visit www.lockandmane.com
Enter ISW2010 at Checkout to get 20% off!

Check out the rest of February's gift ideas here.

Should Grooms Care About their Hair

Lock & Mane Says Yes!

Compared to many grooms, I'm pretty involved in the wedding process, but as a guy, I'm typical, with a low concern for my hair. So from an average guy looking to be an above average groom, here is 3 steps to hair care for your wedding.

 

1. Doing Good

First, ask you fiancé what she thinks. Ask for her preference of how you should fix your hair for the wedding. Tell her you're thinking about getting some new products to spruce things up.  She will be excited you are even thinking to ask her, and more excited to share her opinion.

 

2. Feeling Good

Confidence is key to feeling great on your wedding day and buying new, fun hair products will go a long way.  A well chosen men's line will give you the extra boost of confidence and excitement. Something different in the shower besides your average Suave will help set that day apart.

 

3. Looking Good

Most important, you want to look your best. As much guys don't want to admit it, good hair products DO make a difference.  Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, and you need to find one that will make you look better. While you may think it’s ridiculous to spend more than $5 on soap, it’s far worse to spend thousands of dollars on a photographer…and letting your hair hang like it’s your high school yearbook shoot. 

 

Next Step - Check out www.lockandmane.com

After receiving a few products from this website I can guarantee you'll love them! They showcase an excellent men's line, making it simple to find what you're looking for.  While there are thousands of different products out there, Lock and Mane does all the work narrowing down your options to products that are truly worth your wedding day!

Check back next week for full reviews of each product below, including my shaving game plan!  

[Pictured: John Allan's travel kit available for $24]

[Pictured: NICKLE'S starter kit available for $28]

[Pictured: Klorane's Gentle Dry shampoo available for $18.]

Groom Going Green

I reuse the same disposable Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts Coffee cup until its falling apart, but who really wants to incorporate that into the wedding?

Today, Bride Tide called all wedding bloggers to features Eco-friendly wedding posts.  As the editor of a groom's blog I discuss a lot of different subjects, but I can't even pretend to discuss anything eco-friendly. I reuse the same disposable Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts Coffee cup until its falling apart, but who really wants to incorporate that into the wedding?

As going green is not my expertise, I offer some some great links that will give you plenty of excellent tips.
Earthy Affair / Recycle Bride / Eco-Beautiful

I am, however, going green by way of color choices. This weekend, Hannah decided on light green as an accent for our wedding.  We are currently brainstorming with After Yes Weddings who is helping us turn our color pallet into something tangible and inspiring.

She has put together two beautiful inspiration boards using a few of our ceremony and receptions details as her driving force.  Check out her beautiful blog and website here! This is your first look of what’s to come this June. 

Groom's Blog Pictures This: A Groom's Inspiration Board

Pictures From a few of my favorite blogs.  Enjoy gentlemen.  

Email or comment if you'd like to learn more about certain pictures.

Croquet Style

Tie One On for Nicer Days

L.L. Bean Signature Footwear

Crangi

And the Winner is...

In the Lab

Tie One On for Nicer Days

Switch Your Watch Strap

S/S Footwear Primer

Summer Suiting

Urban Foot Soldier

Redford -'stache It

Slip on Sneaker with Suit

Beauty Tested Beast Approved

Obsession of the Day

The Anti-Starbucks

Pass The Bar

Ben the Groom - Wedding Cake Topper

[Pictured: Ben & Helena Resin Bride and Groom]

Everyone Google’s their own name right? Well, that’s precisely how I came across these beautiful cake toppers.

Meet "Ben the Groom" and "Helena the bride.” I know the female cake topper isn't named Hannah, like my bride, but it’s close enough and the red hair is a scary coincidence.  As a groom/blogger what are my responsibilities after finding such gems?

-Should I purchase the happy couple?
-Do I try to convince Hannah to let me use them on our wedding cake?
-Should I use them as inspiration for a groom cake?
-Should I be concerned there is a creepier miniature doll version of Hannah and me?

Thanks to Dali's Dollhouse for today's post inspiration.

Grooms Confused: Wedding Photography

[Picture from Awkward Family Photos]

Maybe it's because I'm a groom, but some wedding photo trends are just plain confusing.

-Pictures of Tables - I know I'm not the center of attention, but please tell me I'm more interesting then a decorated table.

-Pictures of Tables in the Forest - OK, so the table looks better then me, but I'm  NOT carrying it into the forest!  Sand-spurs and tuxes can't end well.

-Weird Props - I like taking funny pictures, but when did funny pictures get so serious? Fake mustaches are just weird.

-Unnatural Positions - I don't sit like that, she doesn't sit like that, so why do we want to save the memories that don't exist?

Elizabeth Ann Designs published an excellent post describing the overemphasis of making weddings 'blog-worthy.'

I'd rather my wedding-photo's focus be capturing memories for me, my bride and the guest, not for publishing.

Our Photographer
We were lucky enough to book Alex Gibbs.  Check out his latest engagement shoot and let me know what you think!

Gift Ideas for your Fiancé - The Gift of Commonly Lost Items [Part 3 of 4]

As a groom I know that both time and money are hard to come by. However, small gestures during this hectic time can give the wedding planning a boost.  That’s why each Thursday this month I'm offering gift ideas for your fiancé.

Generally, I'm a fairly organized guy, but lately I'm losing everything. My car is always a mess, my laundry is always out of control, and my camera always seems to be lost. If I'm feeling more frazzled lately, I can assure you my fiancé is as well, which is the inspiration for this week’s gift idea.

Give the gift you know she’ll lose.

Give your bride a bag full of items she’s always losing. Give her an assortment of things she probably already left somewhere, like chap-stick or iPhone ear buds . She'll flip over the the gift, and love you for your thoughtfulness, though she'll probably leave half of it in the hotel room before the wedding.

[Pictured: Beeswax Lip Balm available for $3.00]

[Pictured: Apple Earphones available for $29.00]

[Pictured: Color Spectrum Umbrella available for $40.00]

[Pictured: Betsey Johnson Cherry Smoke Sun Glasses available for $56.00]

What Items are you always losing?  Comment below.

Also read  part 1 and part 2

Grooms Gone Vintage - Go Tasteful, Not Tacky

Vintage weddings always capture my attention.  I'll flip through blogs or wedding magazines and think to myself, "I could never be THAT guy".  Couples that go vintage are often the ones who look great in everything. Anything they pick up is instantly hip, and everything they put on you immediately want.  Sadly when I make the purchase myself suddenly the suspender / bow tie look is much frumpier then I remembered.

Grooms, if you and your bride decide to go vintage on the wedding day, this is no time to lean on your own intuition.  Going vintage doesn't always mean going thrift store or consignment shopping.  When wearing clothes from days past, there is a very fine line between looking great and looking confused. My advice is to find resources that will promise a successful outfit.

One reader referred to the Fine and Dandy Shop, an excellent option for dressing up your vintage wedding.

[From the site] "FineAndDandyShop.com caters to the guy who enjoys dressing up....He has an appreciation for the well dressed gentlemen of yesteryear and is inspired by their unabashed use of accessories. This shop is for that modern man looking for the finishing details to truly be fine and dandy."

Fine and Dandy takes the intimidation out of finding the right vintage hat and suspenders.  You're not overwhelmed with pages of endless options, clicking through 1 of 15 pages of pocket squares.  There are enough color options to find the right look and plenty of accessories to bring the detail your bride will love.

The site is clearly categorized by accessories and has clean images of all their products.  If you're looking to take the guess work out of vintage accessories this site is perfect for you.

[Pictured: 100% silk orange and forest green striped bow tie available for $35.00]

[Pictured: 100% silk plaid pocket square available for $25.00]

[Pictured:  brown prince of Wales ivy with ear flaps available for $39.00]

Groom's Home Furnishing Dilemma

Is one of my groom's responsibilities finding the furniture for the future apartment? 

I've always lived in a dorm or shared a place with roommates, but have never had to fully furnish a home. As my good friend asked after our engagement, "All I want to know is...who gets the top bunk?"  He was referring to my loft bed—and yes, I sleep on the top bunk. I'm now in the market for a queen bed, because while my loft bed was built by my father, a twin bunk bed just isn't going to cut it.

The problem is, I don't have the apartment yet.  We're looking to rent a restored 1920's bungalow home and we want to furnish it to match the style.  The project is turning into a lot of searching and little buying.  I plan to be in the apartment by May, but until then I have many furniture needs, but little direction.

I'm tempted to go to yard sales and vintage furniture shops to start stocking up for the new place, but until we’ve settled on the place I'm holding off on making any purchases.  I'm spending more time learning about what we’ll need when we finally move into our new home, but it’s hard to know exactly what we’ll need. Yes, the apartment may not be fully prepared on move-in day, but I won’t risk ending up with furniture we decide we don't want.

Help Me Find My Ceremony Socks - Reader's Choice

Earlier this month I posted I'm searching for the perfect ceremony socks. Though I haven't been told what color to choose yet, my readers sent me some great ideas and I wanted to pass on the inspiration.

[Pictured: Etsy Mustard Yellow Retro Socks Available for $1.50]

[Pictured: Happy Socks Available for $10.00]

[Pictured: Fine & Dandy socks Available from $17.00]

Also read: Help Me Find My Ceremony Socks and On One Knee, Buy New Socks

Groom Clues: 3 Simple Steps to Being a Better Fiancé (Part 3)

Guest Post for Grooms Advice

Part 3 of ben the groom’s 3-part guest series on being a better fiancé.

Today we wrap up my three part series, Groom Clues: Three Simple Steps to Becoming a Better Fiancé.  As the groom, it’s not your job to do all the work, however, having less responsibility creates higher expectations. First, I discussed using food to calm and perfect any wedding planning night. Next, I encouraged grooms to quickly volunteer for the jobs they will excel at.  Today, I raise a topic I’m still trying to perfect: Giving your Opinion.

Step 3: Know when and how to give your opinion.
Read Step 1 and Step 2 
When it comes to the groom’s opinion, the bride either needs it, is curious about it, or doesn’t want it at all.  Stating your opinion is walking on dangerous grounds for any groom, but keeping your mouth shut can be just as risky. Grooms, we’ve all made these mistakes, and it’s not one you want to make again. My advice is: wait until she asks, state your real opinion once, and support all of her suggestions.

-If you wait until she asks, you will save yourself from saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.  Forcing your opinion on your bride is never a good idea. When she’s ready, she’ll ask.

-When she asks, provide your input carefully. Whether she’s just curious, or needs your thoughts, giving your opinion one time is sufficient. No matter how strongly you feel about your opinion, giving it more than once is dangerous territory.  Your bride heard you, and knows how you feel.  And be honest—she can see right through a fake, canned answer, and giving one will be just as insulting as ignoring her. Use common sense, but try to tell the truth.

-Finally, remind her that you’ll be happy either way. With all of the decisions and ideas to go over, forcing one on her will only add stress for both of you.  After you tell her what you think, let her know that you like her ideas too, and that you’ll be happy with either.

Grooms, don’t get me wrong, this is your wedding too. I’m not suggesting you sit down and watch your wedding go by, but remember, your fiancé is carrying most of the work on her shoulders. Perfecting the art of tactfully giving your opinion will go a long way with your bride!

About Ben The Groom

As a recent proposer, I’m diving head first into the world of weddings. When searching for advice, I quickly learned that online help for grooms is hard to find.  Looking for more than just bachelor parties and honeymoon ideas, I created www.benthegroom.com, the groom’s guide to fiancés and formal wear. While I’m busy planning my own real wedding, I search out inspiration for style, ways to appease your fiancé, and tips to ensure smooth wedding planning. Ben the Groom is the place for grooms and brides to collect ideas and share their thoughts about the groom's perspective of weddings. Join me on the guy’s path to the big day. 

Gift Ideas for your Fiancé - Valentines Day [Part 2 of 4]

Dinner + Flowers + Future Gift
Naturally, this week’s Gift Ideas for Your Fiancé revolves around Valentine’s Day.  Valentine’s Day, though perhaps the most cliché holiday, is no day to fight against tradition.  Every girl expects flowers and dinner in some form, and should be the foundation each Valentine’s evening.  For a groom’s spin on a valentine’s-gift-for-her, why not get her something for the the big day?

Dinner, flowers on Sunday, and a gift redeemed near the wedding is a great way to give her the holiday she deserves, but also stretch your gift giving (this is extremely helpful for those on a tight budget or saving for the honeymoon).  Take some time to think about what she’ll be wanting closer to her wedding: a 30 minute massage, the perfume she’s been wanting, a new shirt for her 'going away' outfit.  If you don't plan to give her actual the gift this Sunday, at least create your own gift card or something to open. You want present yourself as thoughtful, not cheap and lazy. Remember this may not be a great idea if your wedding is a year away.

Its your turn to comment ladies and brides to be.  What would be a good gift from your groom just before the wedding?

Click here for Gift Ideas' for Your Fiancé [Part One]

Officiating Ceremonies - Personal Experience

This week Ben the Groom becomes Ben the Officiant. Friday afternoon I'm performing the ceremony for my friends Dustin and Lindsey. While I'm not a professional, this is my third ceremony to perform.  After Friday night I will have officiated in California, Nevada and Florida.  Being the officiant gives you a very interesting perspective of the ceremony--standing in front of all guests can be quite intimidating.  At my first wedding, I spent hours going over my notes, pacing up and down the aisle, wanting to do my part to make their day perfect! Everything went according to plan, I said what needed to be said, they said their I-do's, and marched off set.

This June will be my fourth time at the alter, but my first time as a groom.  My older brother Daniel will be performing our ceremony and Hannah and I couldn’t be more excited.  In all of the ceremonies, what has surprised me the most has been how intimate it feels.  Behind us are hundreds of people and months of preparation, but once you're up there, it just feels like the three of you.  I can't wait till it’s my turn to be standing with my back to the crowd.

Two-Toned Wedding Bands: Tiffany's vs Crangi

[click to enlarge]

Choosing the perfect wedding band is not as easy as I thought it would be.  Since Hannah's engagement ring is yellow gold, I plan to go yellow as well, however I wear a silver watch.  Last month I asked if I could wear a gold band with a silver watch and the results were pretty even.  Here are two possibilities that would solve the gold-silver dilemma.

1: Something Classic
Hannah and I shopped at Tiffany's to brainstorm ideas, and the salesperson advised a two-toned band.  The band did match Hannah's rings, but would still allow me to wear my silver watch. However, I'm just not sure a gold/silver band is for me.

2: Something Contemporary
Philip Crangi’s railroad spike ring is unique, however that might be a little too unique for a wedding band.  Instead, I started looking for a toned down two toned option in Crangi's work and found a stainless steel with 14k gold center spiraled band.

What do you think is better option, a traditional two-toned or something a little different?