Best Man's Toast

Ah, the best man's toast. They can be absolutely lovely -- so moving that there's not a dry eye in the house. They can also be excruciating to sit through, especially if the best man has had one too many glasses of champagne punch. If you're worried that your man's best man will give a toast that falls into the latter camp, pass this best man's toast how-to onto him.

First off, the most beautiful sentiment you can express is the positive change you've seen in the couple since they met. If you're having trouble coming up with the right words, ask yourself how the groom has grown and evolved since meeting his future wife. How has he changed overall since you first met him? If you were kids together, choose an anecdote from your youth to share.

When you think about adding humor, remember that everyone has a different idea about what's funny and what isn't. Keep in mind that you are speaking to a wide demographic and some people will take what you say very seriously. It's best to always remain proper and gracious. Don't share any embarrassing stories or talk about sex.

But be yourself. Don't look for a very formal script from a book if you aren't a formal person. Make sure your toast sounds like you. There are lots of ways to personalize your toast to keep the audience engaged.

Above all, remember to keep your toast very, very short. When you're done toasting, thank the audience for coming even though you aren't the host. Being the best man, you had a vested interest in your good friend's wedding turning out perfectly, so you're well within your rights to do so.

(By the way, if the maid-of-honor is giving a toast, these guidelines will apply to her as well!)


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Groomsmen Gifts

Selecting a great gift for your groomsmen and best man, especially if you have known them forever, is important. What ever gift you decide to purchase, it should signify the bond of friendship that you and your groomsmen have. Most grooms elect to give gifts that suit the personality of their groomsmen. Some groomsmen may be into sports, cars, or music, while others are into reading, cooking, or movies.

Remember when choosing groomsmen gifts that it is not how much you spend on your groomsmen gifts that matters; rather, it really is the thought that counts. When you give a groomsman a gift, it should be something that you would want to have received as a groomsman from your guy friends.

Here are four potential groomsmen gifts to get you started:










Smokers (QUIT, WILL YA?) will definitely like this personalized cigarette case. Based on the design of vintage cigarette cases, this attractive accessory is perfect for smokers and non-smokers alike! Sleek and sophisticated, it can accommodate up to 16 100s, but it’s also great for stowing cash, credit cards, business cards, gum, condoms, and even a car or house key.










How about a personalized pub sign? The perfect groomsman gift, this sign will look great in his home bar, by his pool table, or in the recreation room. Your groomsman will be proud to show it off every time his buddies come over.










This cool leather-wrapped flask will delight any groomsmen who has caught the pirate bug. The eye-catching design of the skull and crossbones sets this groomsmen hip flask apart from the crowd! Perfect for unleashing their inner pirates on the guys’ night out, this leather flask holds a generous quantity of rum…or any fine liquor.










You can't go wrong with a chic pocket watch! You can personalize this handsome pocket watch thus making it truly a timeless and classic gift. Each pocket watch includes 2 engravable metal plates with self adhesive backing, one plate is for the exterior cover of the pocket watch, and the other plate can be affix to the interior of the pocket watch.


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Gifts for Groomsmen

Remember, it's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing groomsmen gifts. If your guy is stumped, we've compiled a few ideas that might inspire him. E-mail your groom-to-be this post, and tell him that the perfect gift is out there!

For Sports Fans
If you and your groomsmen are all golfers, think about gift certificates for golfing activities like 18 holes at your favorite course. You can set a date to go together before or after the wedding -- this makes a great bachelor party outing. How about engraved stainless steel golf tees or personalized golf balls?

Golf isn't your thing? You can switch it up with gift certificates to the batting cage or tickets to the big game. Too pricey? Local minor league teams play just as hard as the pros. As far as gifts go, a set of cuff links, a wall clock, a flask, or a belt with a favorite team's logo is the perfect choice for some sports enthusiasts.

For Outdoorsmen
Think about gifts related to fishing, hunting, hiking, or whatever outdoor activities your guy friends like. If you're not sure what they need, opt for a Swiss army knife, binoculars, or a monogrammed cooler. If your friends' outdoor activities tend to be practical -- home repair, etc. -- how about a cool saw, drill, electric screwdriver, or tool box? Then there are the grilling enthusiasts would love opening up a new set of barbecue tools.

For Car Enthusiasts
Car lovers are easy to shop for. Buy leather driving gloves, a navigator clock and compass set, or steering wheel cover...all gifts that will make them feel like they're driving a Bugatti while they're behind the wheel of their junkers. Or, go high end, and take your whole wedding party on a trip to racing school.

For Readers
You can't go wrong with a copy of the latest best seller...as long as you know whether your friend is into fiction or non-fiction. Write a personal note inside the cover but don't get too sappy! If you're willing to spring for it, get an autographed copy or a first edition of your pal's favorite title. For a less expensive gift, try a magazine subscription geared toward your dudes' individual interests.

Click to shop for groomsmen gifts or learn more about the groom's responsibilities

Choosing Groomsmen Gifts

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing groomsmen gifts. Sure, you could buy your guys flask engraved with your wedding date and call it a day, but don't you want to wow your best pals with gifts that they'll really like?

Maybe you're not a big shopper and prefer leaving the shopping to your bride, but the following ideas will help you pick great gifts for your groomsmen. Your budget is your first consideration for your gift choices. Generally, the cost of groomsmen gifts is in proportion to the cost and size of the wedding and the responsibilities of the men. Many web sites and specialty shops offer unique gift ideas for your groomsmen. We like American Bridal.










Your career-minded groomsmen will love personalized business card holders crafted from sophisticated stainless steel and black leather. No more ugly, bent, dog-eared business cards -- from here on out, it's professional looking business cards all the way.










Even gentleman need to cut loose once in a while, and this cigar holder and flask ensures that the gentlemen in your life are never less than prepared to fill a spare moment. If you know what your guys like, fill this unique groomsmen gift up with a fine smoke and a spot of quality spirits.










Bulky wallets are out. Smooth lines are in. Tell your buddies to ditch the overstuffed tri-folds when you gift them with this classic leather money clip. It holds everything a man might need when out on the town without straining the back pocket of his jeans.










Sometimes called a gentleman's valet, this personal organizer will help your guys be at the church on time. It holds everything from cell phones to spare change to keys to an extra set of cuff links, which means your best buds will never again have to race to get out of the house in the morning.










Last but not least, consider gifting your guys with this awesome multi-function army knife. It includes a screwdriver, nail file, scissors, knife, corkscrew and bottle opener, and much more. Even if your best friend has a Swiss army knife already, who can't use another one? Back-ups for the win!


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Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. III

Just a reminder: It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Things to Think About
Even if you're usually a jeans and t-shirts kind of dude, you're probably going to think about fashion at some point before your wedding day. In fact, you may find that you're way more style conscious than you've ever been before because you are so desperate to look your best! We've put together a primer for those guys who know nothing about menswear or formalwear, so you don't end up knocked on your rear when you get to the tux shop.

The basic tuxedo -- and the one favored by most guys because it works on a variety of body types -- is the three-button tux. Classic black is always in style, so if you want to wear white or brown...or, goodness forbid, blue...check with your intended before reserving or buying anything. No matter what you look like, you'll be seen as crisp, cool, and classy in a great tux or suit.

When it comes to shirts, you can't beat micro-fiber. Even though these shirts are man-made, they feel as light and as silky as more expensive natural fabrics. Stay away from polyester, even if it's cheap, because it will be scratchy and trap air, leading to sweaty pits. Micro-fiber is revolutionary when you compare it to the synthetic fibers of days gone by.

Oh, and another thing: White is still best. Failing that, opt for ivory. Really, it depends on what kind of wedding gown the bride is wearing -- if she's in white, go for white, and if she's in any kind of off-white gown, choose an ivory shirt. The one exception to this rule is colored shirts that match the bridesmaids' dresses. Some couples outfit the groom and the groomsmen in shirts that are in keeping with the wedding color scheme.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, chuck the cummerbund. Those are for prom kings and waiters. Vests are hot right now, though we'd suggest that you shy away from those featuring cartoon characters or sports logos unless your bride-to-be is as much of a fan as you are. If you must wear a colored vest and tie set, think silver, mocha, brown, or champagne. You should match the bridesmaids only if the color of their gowns is somewhat sedate.


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Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. II

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Tuxedos and Body Type
Guys sure have it easy, right? Wrong -- when it comes to buying (or renting) formal clothes, they have as much to think about as the ladies. You can't just throw on any old tuxedo and think it's going to make you look like James Bond, even if it does have a shawl lapel. Different tuxedos compliment different body types, which means that you should get a handle on your "type" before you show up at the menswear shop. Choosing your tuxedo is all about looking your best. After all, your bride is going to look beautiful...shouldn't you look just as handsome?

If you're short and slender:

• Look for single-breasted jackets with long lines, a low button stance (it elongates the body) and wide peak lapels.
• Other stylish options include wearing a double-breasted tuxedo jacket or subtly patterned vest and tie.
• Selecting the right pant style is key, too. Reverse double-pleated pant leg should always break slightly on top of the shoe and angle a bit downward in the back.

If you're short and stocky:

• You may look best in tuxedo jackets with slim shawl collars.
• The top button should fall at the small of the waist to give the torso a leaner look.
• Choose jackets with a natural shoulder line and avoid the more broad European styles.
• When it comes to pants, reverse double-pleated trousers with pleats extending toward the pockets tend to offer the best comfort and style. Pants should extend as low as possible on the foot, angled slightly in the back to elongate the leg. Be sure to avoid too much of a break on the foot, otherwise the pant leg will look sloppy.

If you're tall and husky:

• You may look best in shawl collar tuxedos.
• Jacket length is especially important. To determine a good fit, groom should place his arms at his sides and relax hands and fingers. His fingertips should touch the bottom of the jacket and his shirt cuffs should extend at least half an inch beyond the jacket sleeve.
• The construction of the jacket may need to be a bit loose to provide ease of movement.
• Also, grooms with thick necks and wide faces should avoid ties that are too narrow and wing tip collars that look constrictive. Instead, opt for lay-down collars and fuller bow ties.
• And the pant leg should have a slightly wider silhouette to accommodate muscular thighs.

If you're tall and slim:

• You will look well in just about every tuxedo style. An especially good choice is a double-breasted tuxedo with slightly broad shoulders and a suppressed waist.
• Jacket buttons closed up high on the waistline look especially good, and a high shoulder line is better than a natural one.
• Garments should be full, while still following the lines of the body, and trousers should also have a higher-rise with more of a break in the pant.
• This figure type can easily wear vests and ties in colors and patterns.

Click to learn more about tuxedo styles

Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. I

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Tuxedo Basics
The world of tuxedos looks way more straightforward than the world of wedding gowns until you study it more closely. There are as many types of tuxedos out there as their are styles of wedding dresses, and while they don't necessarily vary quite as much, they all have their different characteristics. Here are some basics:

• Full Dress Tailcoat is also referred to as White Tie. Perfect for an ultra-formal evening wedding.
• The stroller is often worn by attendants, while the groom wears a Cutaway. These are good for an ultra-formal morning wedding.
• The Notch Lapel Tuxedo is a contemporary option appropriate for a formal wedding.
• The Peak Lapel Tuxedo is a more traditional choice than the Notch-lapel, appropriate at any time of the day or evening.
• There are also shawl lapels (think James Bond) and diamond lapels, which look like shawl lapels that come to a gentle point above the breastbone.

Choosing Menswear
What you decide to wear on your wedding day will depend on the time of day, the formality level of your nuptials, and the season. For a formal daytime wedding, think about a classic stroller coat with gray striped trousers, an ascot, and a white boutonnière. If yours is a formal evening wedding, switch that up to a classic black tux with a white wing or spread collar. Is formal not formal enough? For ultra-formal daytime weddings, opt for the classic gray cutaway coat with gray striped trousers, a gray vest, and no pocket square. In the evening, choose black full dress tails with a pique wing collar and a white bow tie.

Dashing!


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Bachelor Party Checklist

Some grooms don't bother with the bachelor party and instead enjoy attending a co-ed wedding shower with their brides. The thing is, bachelor parties aren't really about the groom-to-be...rather, they are about his buddies. Who has more fun at the bachelor party? Usually it's the single guys and the guys who are already married! Ladies, you can stop reading now. Just pass this post onto your fiancé's friends and call it a day.

Now, even though the bachelor party is really for the groom's guy friends, you need to keep the groom's tastes and preferences in mind. The stereotypical bachelor party involves strippers and boozing it up until sunrise, but that isn't every guy's idea of a good time. Forget the old adage that the bachelor party is the groom's last chance to party with the dudes before marriage -- most men still make time for their friends after they get hitched.

First things first...before you can plan a party, you have to figure out what the party will be like.

• Brainstorm
• Pick a theme
• Choose a location (e.g., a house, the go-kart track, a party hall, the woods, etc.)
• Decide on the food
• Think about drinks
• Strippers?
• Limo?
  

Next, give everyone something to do so the poor best man isn't left planning a men-only weekend (if, indeed, you're not going co-ed) all by himself. Here are some common roles that groomsmen and ushers can take on:

• Food Logistician - will organize all the food and refreshments.
• Travel Logistician - will organize accommodations for guests and travel support when necessary.
• Invitations Organizer - will organize and send out invitations.
• Entertainment Organizer - will organize the night's entertainment.

Have an emergency plan in case something doesn't go as planned...because something inevitably will go wrong. It's also a good idea to have a back-up plan in case you reserved pool tables at the gentleman's club and the groom would rather go out for a quite dinner of Ethiopian food. Weather can also be a factor in the cancellation of planned events. Going camping? Bring rain gear? Walking around NYC? Bring a subway map and enough cash for taxis.

Always consider:

• Is the location you have chosen available on the day that you need it?
• Have you reserved and double checked your reservations?
• Who can and cannot make it to the bachelor party?
• Is the amount of food you ordered sufficient?
• Are there any problems or unexpected delays forecasted for the entertainment?

Never try to force a groom to enjoy something he's not usually into. If he's not a steak and cigar guy, don't take him to the local steakhouse for dinner, even if the rest of your group is into that sort of thing. Maybe the groom is into something you think is wacky -- like musicals, the ballet, wine tasting, or bass fishing. Don't knock it! You may find out that his interests aren't so wacky after all!

Finally, have fun, but be safe. Your good pal's bride won't appreciate it if he arrives at the ceremony bruises, bleeding, or hungover.

Click to learn more about groomsmen and grooms

Tuxedo Fundamentals

Hey brides! This post is for the grooms, so either send your guy a link to this post or print it out and leave it in his underwear drawer where he's sure to find it.

The world of tuxedos can be just as complicated as the world of wedding gowns. While tuxes for the groom and his groomsmen can be ordered two to three months ahead of time -- instead of six to nine months ahead of time -- there is still a lot to think about when choosing a tuxedo.

Leave Nothing to Chance
Try on your tux! Yes, tuxedos can be altered, but the more they are altered, the funnier they start to look. If you leave the tux shop without trying on your chosen tux, you're doing something wrong and you can expect there to be problems when your wedding day rolls around. If you decide to overlook this crucial step, your mom or your best man will be the one on the floor pinning up your pants or trying to make a size 40 waist fit into size 40 pants.

Get By with a Little Help From Your Friends
Your bride will have help dressing on the big day, and so should you. Having someone assist the fellows with their ties, studs, cuff links and cuffs isn't strictly mandatory, but it can be a big help when the heat is on. Your men may never have worn a tuxedo, and there are elements of the tux that are different from a regular suit. Ask your dad or your grandpa to hang with the guys before the ceremony, as these are the men who will more than likely know what they are doing.

Black Socks, Please
No matter how classy your chosen menswear, paring it with white socks will make you look like a true doofus. If you think your men may not be aware of this simple rule of thumb, give them a few pointers are the rehearsal...and then bride a few pairs of black socks to the wedding dressing room on the big day. That way, if anyone has committed the cardinal sin of wearing white socks, you can order them to switch on the spot. And, oh yeah, forget going sockless -- this isn't Miami Vice.

Here are some other pointers that will help you look your best:

• Send the males in the bridal party to a reliable tuxedo shop.
• Allow two to three months lead time if possible (remember prom time can be a zoo).
• Make sure all receive a proper fitting.
• Everyone must pick up his (or her) own tux.
• Everyone must try on their tuxedos for a proper fit before leaving the shop.
• Have everyone count studs, cuff links, etc., to be sure it's all there. Ask for a few extras, just in case.
  
• Each person should return their own tux or designate one person to do this for everyone.
• If there is a swimming pool, lake or pond, near the reception site, everyone should know in advance what the tux rental shop's policies are regarding "a little swim."
• The correct tuxedo with the appropriate accessories of black nylon socks, black dress shoes and handkerchief makes for "spiffy" gentlemen.

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Groomsmen Responsibilities

I'm guessing that most of the people reading this post are female, but the intended audience is male. That means it's your job to pass this on to your husband-to-be so he can pass it on to his best man and his groomsmen. After all, it's not like guys are born knowing what they need to do when they're asked to be in a wedding party. There's a good chance that your future spouse's dudes are wondering just what being a groomsman entails.

The good news is that groomsmen responsibilities can usually be counted on the fingers of one hand. That's right -- unlike bridesmaids, who are asked to help with everything from addressing invitations to crafting floral centerpieces, groomsmen aren't usually expected to do much other than show up on time in the right clothes. That's not to say that guys are incapable of doing more (far from it!) but rather than most grooms-to-be never think about asking their dudes for help.

These are just a few of the traditional groomsmen responsibilities:

• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. This is very important as groomsmen have to appear in certain places at certain times on the day of the wedding. Also, free food!
• Groomsmen also attend all pre-wedding events such as engagement parties, co-ed showers, and planning meetings.
• Find out what to wear and where to procure your outfit. Whether the groomsmen will be wearing a tux, a suit, or neither, it had better be the right one. Groomsmen may or may not visit the rental shop as a group and help the groom-to-be choose the menswear.
• The groomsmen typically make sure the groom and best man have tried on the tuxedos well in advance of the wedding date. One of the groomsman will usually be responsible for picking up all the formal wear before the wedding and returning it to the store after the ceremony.
• Groomsmen are in charge of decorating the couple's getaway car...or not. Before groomsmen fill the car with packing peanuts and tie tin cans to the bumper, they should think carefully about how the couple will react.
• Groomsmen can pack a bag of last-minute grooming items for all the men in the wedding party.
• The men in the wedding party often serve as ushers at the wedding.
• Help the groom relax and get dressed on the wedding day. If he's nervous, the groomsmen can keep him loose.
• The groomsmen should have a plan for hauling the gifts from the reception. They should know where the gifts are to be delivered. The men should load, transport, and deliver the gifts. If the wedding couple needs any other items transported, the groomsmen take care of that as well.

In the past groomsmen were also charged with entertaining any single ladies at the reception, but it is no longer considered the kiss of death to attend a wedding alone. Let your groomsmen know that they don't necessarily have to ask every unattached woman to dance.

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