Man Monday

[note- this was supposed to be posted yesterday, and the title is too fun to change]

Buzzfeed is impressing me with the amount of wedding related articles they post (and on a regular basis). I’m always looking for articles that could catch the eyes of men since my audience is 98.5% female- thanks ladies so here you have it- a great article on how to be a Better Best Man. 

1. Make a list of duties.

In addition to the obvious ones, there’s delivering the fee to the wedding officiant, signing the marriage license and much more. Check out this Real Simple checklist for a comprehensive list.

Source: blog.bicycletheory.com

2. Make sure your suit actually fits.

The groom may choose the suit style and tie color, but not looking like a baggy mess is on you.

Source: blog.next.co.uk  /  via: infographichub.com

3. Get the shoes right.

Source: pinterest.com

4. Clip-ons need not apply.

Source: jaredpurrington.com  /  via: pinterest.com

5. Wear the best boutineer ever.  For you truly are The Hand. Get it here.

Source: reddit.com

6. If you’re booking hotel rooms for the bachelor party, haggle.

Saving all the groomsmen cash with a group rate or wrangling some upgrades is a good look. Here are some booking tips.

Source: hotelmanagementtutorial.com

7. Or, just use Airbnb or HomeAway.

It’ll usually be cheaper and it’s a nice antidote to the cliche “suite at the Palms” style bro blowout.

Via: airbnb.com

8. On the wedding day, come prepared.

Everyone else will either be too nervous or too wasted to think about maybe needing sewing supplies or Advil. Instant stain remover also essential.

Source: etsy.com

9. Don’t trust the ring bearer.

Cute? Sure. To be trusted with 2398723 carats? Nope. Give ‘em a knockoff and keep the real rock in your pocket.

Source: bridesofadelaide.com.au

10. Do not prance, cartwheel or moonwalk down the aisle.

This day isn’t about you, buddy.

Via: florosdimitris.com

11. Keep your toast to a few short remarks and drop the mic.

There’s nothing worse than a long rambling speech. Also important: don’t try to be funny if you’re not. IT WILL NOT END WELL.

Source: leodirac

12. Don’t read from prepared remarks.

It’s better to just speak from your heart if you get lost. People respond to realness, even if you flounder a bit.

Source: rock.rapgenius.com

13. For more speech advice, try Reddit.

Yes, really. There are a lot of surprisingly helpful tips in this thread. And only one finger bang reference.

Via: reddit.com

14. Once the real party starts, have taxi service information ready.

For… overly enthusiastic guests.

Source: joshbousel

15. Don’t forget to dance with moms.

You should be the party glue.

Source: marybethtyson.com  /

16. If you’re going to decorate the wedding car, keep it simple.

Source: josevillablog.com  via: pinterest.com

17. Above all, stick to your groom.

Whenever you catch yourself having a great time, stop and make sure your best friend is having an even better time.

Source: pinterest.com

Hooray for Dads!

Wishing everyone a very happy Friday and start to their weekend.  Sunday is Fathers Day, so take some extra time to thank, hug, kiss, and be thankful for the man who thinks you are sugar and spice, and everything nice.

Happy Father's Day dads!

Source: Buzzfeed

Tiny Bubbles

Two of my friends got engaged to each other a week ago and I'm completely thrilled for them.  I haven't asked or received permission to announce an offical CL congratulations, but was inspired by a side conversation I had with the bride.  Nothing official but she expressed how nice it would be to just have a really small wedding somewhere else.... like Hawaii.  My friends are extremely hip and laid back so this would be totally up their alley.  Keeping them and Hawaii in mind, this is what came to be.

Photo Sources:  Dress, Bella Figura "Spinnerette", Sunset wedding, Flowers, garland, Radiant sandal, JCrew three link bracelet, JCrew golden twist bracelet, votive holders, scenery, postcard, don't forget to be awesome

Diamonds Are a Mans Best Friend.

Ooh whaaaaat? There’s been some debate as to how much involvement a woman should have when picking out her engagement ring. Men, lets be honest this is something that we’ve been thinking about for a LONG time.  Its something that we are going to brag about, show off, and presumably look down at every 5 minutes and gitty smile over for a while.  It’s a bright sparkly thing that we get to keep- what’s not to love?

How much involvement do you want your woman to have? Do you mind subtle hints? Pictures? Detailed-descriptions or an all-out trip to the jewelry store.

I do think an element of surprise should still exist- if a girl knows exactly what she’s receiving it takes away some of the excitement and mystery. Just a little though- you asking her is the biggest surprise, honor and joy she is going to experience. The ring is just the icing on the cake.

Obviously discussing marriage before popping the question should be something that is mutual known and agreed upon before ring shopping occurs. But when it comes up she’ll let you know. Typically a picture or a description will come your way. Then there’s a more involved process- we’re going shopping together. Ladies- trust your man to know what you want. Trust that post-it note you gave him that says “Solitaire, pave band, raised basket”.  When you are clear in your description the jeweler will know exactly what he is looking for.

I was at work last week and a fellow colleague was congratulating another girl who had recently gotten engaged and she said “This isn’t the setting, but the stone”. I didn’t get that at all. It looked like a great ring, but are you that unhappy with the setting?  She could’ve meant that the band needed to be readjusted??  I wonder as a man how you would feel if the woman you presented a ring with said, I love you, and I love the stone, but I’d like to change the setting- slippery slope! Eeek. The flip side of that is men, do your research. Know what tastes your woman has an what she’d like. It’ll help muchos.

Regarding familial rings there is a deep sentimental value attached to rings and the importance of them being passed through the family is clear.  Already-there rings should be discussed, and their importance taken into consideration. Antique rings are hard to come by- appreciate them for what they are, unique and timeless. 

Sometimes it’s the woman who has a ring. Either passed down from their parents or grandparents and this is something she will want to keep and use. This is not a sham on your man-hood or ability to provide her with the ring she wants. It’s a testament to the long standing sentimental value the ring has AND besides there are plenty of other things you can provide for and purchase- i.e. your actual wedding bands. 

Photo Source: Bride Wars

Photo Op!

Leave it to the pros (BHLDN) to show us how it's done.  I love visuals, so take it away!