Grooming Tips for the Groom

When you’re planning a wedding, we believe every little detail matters. You have spent hours choosing your color theme, putting together your guest list, perfecting the florals, preparing the menu, and putting together the playlist-just to name a few. With such a long list to do before the big day, often times the Groom’s preparation is the last thing on your mind. After all, he doesn’t need to worry about whether he should wear his hair up or down, getting that makeup just right, or fitting into the dress. However, it is his special day too, and there are some steps he can take to look and feel his best on his wedding day. We have compiled some grooming tips for the groom before the wedding with a little help from Harry’s.

STYLING YOUR HAIR

When it comes to how to style your hair for the big day, you don’t want to do anything drastically different. Since it’s your wedding day, you want to choose a hairstyle that best represents you.  If you choose to go for a new haircut, it’s best to do a “trial run” at least three months before the wedding date. You want to give it time to grow in if you decide it’s not the right look for you. Also, be sure to take photos of the haircut right after you get it done, so you can replicate it later. It’s best to stick to a barber you know and trust; talk to friends and colleagues to find out who they recommend if you are still not confident with yours.

If you plan to use hair products, again, you should do a test run a few days before the wedding. Since the event itself will be long, you need to be certain that your hair won’t look oily or limp by the time the night ends. Try to avoid products with lots of chemicals, as you don’t want anything that will irritate your scalp during long term use.

GROOMING YOUR FACE

Much like your haircut, deciding how to groom your face should not be a last minute decision. It’s best to know in advance exactly how you want your face to look on the big day. If you plan to have a beard, make sure it’s trimmed neatly. If you plan to shave your face, make sure you use a new and sharp blade. Using a cheap or dull razor can leave cuts on your face, and you don’t want to have to photoshop your wedding photos later.

If you don’t already, you should get in to the habit of washing and moisturizing your face as soon as you set the wedding date. It can take some time to start seeing the effects of a daily cleaning regime, so it’s a habit that has long term benefits. Planning a wedding is stressful, and forming a routine early on in the process will help eliminate any breakouts related to stress. When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, first make sure it’s designed to work for your skin type. You can take a test to determine your skin type. As a general rule, when you’re starting out with a product, try to avoid harsh chemicals, and don’t put anything new on your face at least a week before the wedding.

ENJOYING YOUR DAY

Worrying about grooming shouldn’t be an additional concern during an already busy day. Having the foresight to be diligent in your grooming habits leading up to the big day will not only ease your mind, but will make your special day a lot more fun and carefree.

photo credit: Kate Ignatowski 

florals: Sebesta Design

tuxedo: Tom Ford

wedding dress: Marchesa

 

5 Tips for a Stress-Free & Fun Wedding Morning

You open your eyes, perhaps a bit groggy from the rehearsal dinner festivities the night before, and before you even step out of bed, excitement and nerves rush through your body. Today IS the day! It is finally here! The day that you have been dreaming about for years and planning for months.  You have heard that this day is going to go by faster than you can imagine.  Countless past brides have cautioned you to make sure you take the time to “soak it all in”.  No matter what you do your wedding day is going to go by fast but the memories will last. To start the day off on the right foot, create a morning with your best girls by following our five simple tips.

memoriesblog

1.  Consider your getting ready location carefully.

If at all possible your home or your childhood home is a great choice for getting ready. It is comfortable and familiar to you and has plenty of space to spread out. If your house is not an option, make sure you have booked the hotel suite large enough for you and your bridesmaids. Lots of girls equals lots of stuff so you don’t want to feel cramped. Plus you will want ample room in case a dance party breaks out!

In addition to having enough space, it is a good idea to make sure wherever you get are getting ready has ample lighting and will match the overall color scheme of your day.  These photos will need to be cohesive with the rest of the wedding.

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

2. Bring hair and makeup to you!

If you can bring your hair and makeup team to you (either at home or at the hotel), you will be happy you did! Instead of having to worry about transportation or carting dresses, shoes, flowers, etc from one location to the other, you will be able to breathe easier. Most hair and makeup teams will travel to you! You will just have to pay an additional travel fee but it will be worth it!

To make sure things run smoothly, make sure you have asked your beauty team ahead of time what they will need such as outlets, tables, mirrors and stools. Reserve a room in the house or an area in the hotel near a window since natural light is the best possible scenario to make sure your wedding makeup looks the most natural.

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

3. Have food (and a little bubbly) on hand!

With the crazy mix of excitement and nerves that your wedding day brings,  it is not uncommon to forget to eat. However if you have light refreshments on hand and a diligent maid-of-honor to remind you, those nerves don’t have to get the best of you. A little champagne wouldn’t hurt either- just don’t over do it!

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

4. Have all of your wedding details easily accessible.

Your photographer will want to photograph your details when they arrive. To make things easier on you and them, gather your wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite and any other personal details in one place. All you will have to do is point and go back to sipping mimosas!

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

5. Let go! Relax! & Keep your timeline in mind.

All of the planning has come down to this very important day! You have crossed your t’s and dotted your i’s so there is nothing left to do but let go and let it all fall into place. You have hired the best of the best and they know exactly what to do to make it all run seamlessly.

Although we want you to kick back, do your best to listen to your wedding planner, photographer or venue coordinator and stick to the timeline when it comes to your first look and portraits.  It was designed specifically to make sure your day goes off without a hitch. In the long run, you will thank them and the day will be stress-free when it runs like clockwork!

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

Special congratulations to Jen and Anthony! Their wedding was perfect and they truly enjoyed every moment of their day- morning, noon & night!

Jennifer Burke & Anthony Baldino

Planning & Design: Gilded Lily Events// Photographer: Jack Jeffries for Christian Oth Studios// Florals: Blade Floral and Event Design// Bride’s Dress: Nicole Miller// Vintage Rentals: Dovetail Vintage Rentals// pillow: Parris Chic Boutique