Groom’s Blog - A blog for the groom by Groom Groove

A wedding without the presence of alcohol might sound to some grooms like a circus without animals, but the reality is, it’s far cheaper and more memorable than the average wedding. A wedding earlier in the day is easier to pull off sanz booze because you typically only reach the “boozing hour” toward the end of the reception, at which point particularly thirsty guests are welcome to jet for the nearest dive to get their drink on. If you want to save money without abandoning tradition entirely, you could simply opt to keep the champagne toast and nix the open bar. If a certain someone gets the shakes by the Father-daughter dance, it may be good practice to refrain; you may have saved them from blurting out something inappropriate about your awkward adolescence anyhow.

In today’s digital world, time is money and there’s no fear of dark room mishaps. Wedding photographers can make quite a living if they’ve built a good reputation for themselves, and if they’ve managed to do this, here are some of the factors that come into play: 1. Timeliness with appearances and with getting images back to you. 2. Not straying (being clear on) the overall price tag and alerting you to any extras before your Big Day. 3. Quality and style of the photos themselves. Ask to see as many examples as you can 4. Testimonials. Other happy customers who’ve been through the wedding photog experience from front to back. 5. Flexibility. Will the photographer work with you and does he/she have a set style? Your wedding photos should last you you lifetime and beyond, so be sure to ask all the right questions

Is it cool to give your groomsmen the “gift of liquor” to thank them for being your right and left hand men? Well, a six pack of Rolling Rock isn’t going to suffice, but an aged liquor of the right caliber and price point for a good gift can make an excellent choice. (And yes, it can last many years, just like that cheesy beer stein you were thinking of thinking of giving these guys.) Fine Rums, Bourbons, and Scotch/Whiskeys can be found from private distilleries around the globe. Of course, you won’t want to extend a giant bottle of alcohol to anyone who has a drinking problem or who’s non too fond; this is a great gift for a recipient who can truly appreciate it.

Save a tree; invite guests via dvd? Groom Groove says, heck yeah. This option is not only for film buffs and the environmentally uber-conscious. The dvd wedding invite alternative offers up a cool way to get all you wedding guests on the same page with wedding day transportation, directions, and itinerary. You can also include testimonials and other stimulating features that will get guests amped up for the event.

If you’re concerned about your great-grandfather or your swamped advertising exec, former frat brother making it out to your destination wedding in Bora Bora, take a breath and remember that this is the 21st century! Technology, while invading our lives and consciousness to the point of “whoa Nellie!” is still there to do good. (Most of the time.) Companies such as WebCastMyWedding.net are making it possible to webcast your nuptials from even the remotest reaches of the globe for friends and family back home to view. Okay, maybe it’s not exactly like being there but it sure beats a slideshow three weeks after you’ve caught up from your honeymoon.

Diamonds are diamonds, as we know, because of the genius of DeBeers. But diamonds are also the most durable gem found in nature and their ability to last (not to mention match anything your future wife can find in her closet) make it the classic choice of engagement ring bling. But because many brides-to-be are now looking at alternative gemstones, it’s important to be up on the trend. Your bride realizes that she can get a bigger stone for your dollar with an alternative, but instead of just picking up the prettiest (or her favorite) color, consider the value and worth of the stone as well as its durability. Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds make the shortlist in terms of worth and durability, and aquamarines and amethysts also become popular alternatives. Most stones can be found in lighter shades, which are closer to a diamond in clarity and typically less expensive.

1. The tux: In the 21st century, a dapper suit is classy, wearable, and has the potential to be re-worn for other occasions.
2. Male-only groomsmen: These days you can allow a sister, cousin, or female friend into the clubhouse!
3. Two month’s salary: Spend what you can afford and educate yourself; there are great engagement rings to be had for less than you might think. Remember, you can always add on to a ring with a more intricate band or upgrade the stone in the years to come.
4. It has to be a diamond: Many women now prefer alternative gemstones. Find out if your lady is one.
5. The wild bachelor party: If strippers and stumbling home drunk the next morning isn’t your speed, plenty of grooms are opting for slightly more tame bachelor parties nowadays. A good time can still be had, believe it or not.

You may have been to Thanksgiving dinner at your future in-laws’ house five consecutive years, and entertained them more than once in your own home, but working side-by-side with your future mother-in-law on your wedding will be a bonding experience unlike any other. Let’s call it “bonding bootcamp.” This is not for the faint of heart. A few words to the wise: make yourself available to help your in-laws with anything they might need, but always check in with your bride before making any major plans or changes to the wedding itself. Remember, your future mom-in-law is there to help/dive your bride crazy. At the end of the day, it’s just you and your missus. Always be respectful and supportive of your bride and her mother will take note. Finally, there will be long wind-up to the wedding and the “w” word will dominate many conversations over the course of up to a year and a half, so try to check in with

One of the guys at Groom Groove recently dropped some coin on a good friends’ wedding registry. The wedding registry was well done, with a mix of things that one guy wouldn’t mind buying for another. Think Henckels knives, barbecue kits and other manly items. Now, you might be thinking - “smart bride!” But you’d be wrong. It was a smart groom who loaded the registry with groom-friendly items. Make sure you do the same, groom!

Nothing’s worse than the microphone being handed off to a groomsmen who is terrified of public speaking and can’t remember the bride’s name in a moment of pure panic; equally awkward is when the wedding emcee opens up the floor to “anyone who’d like to say a word” and suddenly the sounds of crickets pervades. Basically, if you’re the father-of-the-bride, groom or best man, you’re pretty much on the hook to make a wedding toast or speech, so go forth and practice. Other close friends and family members are typically invited to speak as well, whether this is planned out ahead of time (this is what the guys at Groom Groove recommend) or impromptu on the Big Day. The wedding emcee and the marrying couple should have a meeting of the minds to discuss exactly how this will go. If you’re a guest at the wedding and a close friend or family, and you’d like to make a toast, feel free to contact the groom or bride and confirm that this is a-ok.