Dude, will you be my groomsman?

BLUEman: The Male Perspective




  Ever thought about how you might ask a friend to be one of your groomsmen?  Most guys simply just make a phone call to ask.  But some grooms are worried that asking a friend to be a groomsman rather that a best man can be offensive, especially when you have two really good friends, and a coin toss may determine who you choose as the best man.  Although, each can be viewed as equally important within the scope of the wedding.  However, making sure the best man can ensure the ring is not misplaced before the cermony, or is not fumbled around to the ground during the cermony, should play into your decision.

So how else can you ask your friend to be a groomsman or the best man?  How about mailing out an invite to be one or the other?  The Wedding Chicks came of with this great idea, and they have the templates to download for it.  All you need to do is purchase some A-2 note cards and envelopes, and you can print these from home utilzing the templates they provide.

So, if you're on the border as to who you should choose between best man and groomsman, let the invites do the talking for you...then, after acceptance, go out and buy them a drink and get to figuring out how to best enjoy your last days as a single man with your buddies.

A Mom's Role for the Groom

BLUEman: The Male Perspective

Mother’s Day is a chance to thank your mom for all she has done in your life. Growing up, my mom would often make my lunch before she would shuffle each of my brothers and sisters off to school.

She was always that support factor no matter what trouble I was getting into as well.

But did you know that your mom can play an important role in your own wedding? It’s true.

When you hit the dance floor after your wedding, one of the optional dances is the mother-son dance. This is a chance for your mom to dance with you in the spotlight.

But before that, she is escorted down the aisle at the beginning of your ceremony, most likely just before you make your way to the front. And during the ceremony, your mom, along with the mom of your bride, could get involved by helping to light the candles that you and your bride will use to light the unity candle.

But let’s rewind to way before the wedding day.

You’ve just got engaged. Your mom will cheerfully spread the news with all her family and friends. She should also reach out to the bride’s mom to express her happiness.

When it comes time to put together your invite list, your mom can be there to help you narrow down your choices on your side of the family, you’re A and B list for example. She will most likely have all the addresses you need to ensure the invites get to where they need to go.

When it’s time for the bridal shower, your mom should attend and bring a gift as well.

Once you and your bride are registered, your mom will most likely spread the word to your side of the family so that you get what you asked for.

The two moms will typically consult with one another on their wedding day outfits as well.

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is the groom’s responsibility. So your mom will most likely be there to make sure the restaurant of choice delivers on their promise so that you have a great party the night before your wedding.

You can see that your mom can play an important part in your wedding, much like she has all your life. Hopefully, you let her know how much she meant to you, yesterday, on Mother’s Day! But if not, make sure you do so now.

See you next Monday!

Prepped To Go || Newly Engaged

It happened – you are ENGAGED! The real question is “now what are you supposed to do?”


You met the person you can imagine sharing the rest of your life with and now you should listen up. Deciding on the next steps will strangely shape how your engagement leading up to your wedding day will be. There’s no joke that weddings are big business. I’m sure you didn’t realize it was “big” on your part of wedding planning.

Calling It

Decide on who you will tell and how to communicate the wedding proposal. For parental consideration, be sure to make a visit, or if they are out-of-state, be sure to call her family first and then his family. In some families, the well-known “asking for her hand in marriage” has already been completed and now the announcement is warmly welcomed. Many newlyweds announce to other friends and family through picture texts (of the gorgeous ring) and the simple words “I said I do”.

Write It Down

Announcing your engagement can be done in a variety of ways. Save-the-Date cards are a nice touch as inserts, magnet or postcards. Many couples still decide to publish their announcement in the newspaper which is now electronic on the web for all to view. You may consider creating your wedding website to document the details of your engagement and update guests on wedding plans.

Planning Time

Take time to review your guest list, bridal party selections, budget concerns, and the ideal way you want to share your wedding day. Be sure to set aside time to decide on the wedding planning tasks and who will be actively involved in the decision-making process. Be prepared for many decisions from everything including wedding colors to designs on your tablecloths. This is the best day of your life so make sure to plan it out. There are no rewind buttons on your wedding day, unless of course, you have it videotaped.



Image: Danilo Rizzuti | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Prepped to Go || Guest List Bloopers

Make a list and check it twice. Sound a little familiar to a song during the holidays? Many brides ask a common question “do I have to invite ____?” You can fill in the name of that person not on the preferred list. The answer is, you can invite or not invite anyone to your wedding day. However, be ready with some wedding etiquette before you fasten the lock on your guest list. You have many options when it comes to your wedding day but be mindful of checking everyone’s list so you don’t – blacklist the wrong person on your “nice” list.


Adults Only Please

Consider limiting your guest list to a reception filled with guests not needing the kid table. This could include adding “Adults Only” to your invitation and wedding website. Some family members may not understand the exclusion to their tiny tot but be sure to include all children (this does include the flower girl and ring bearer). Be sure to have that information printed and not hand written to practice proper etiquette (also less harsh).

Additions With Exceptions

Many guests have never attended a wedding or been married. With that in mind, it is better to provide the RSVP or response cards with acceptable wording to prevent any guest count mis-steps. Be sure to use correct wording on the response card that prevents adding more guests than expected. You may end up inviting two guests but the response card reads “# of guests: 6”. Check that your inner and outer envelope name imprints list only the names requested to your event.

Plated To Serve

Eating may not be on your mind during your wedding but it will be for your guests. Be sure to work with a professional caterer who is aware the length of your wedding and how many guests will be present. Depending on the ages of guests, food selected, and timing of food, this will help you determine if additional courses are needed. Be sure to always consider guests with food restrictions and notify your caterer for menu selections. Fed guests are happy guests. Weddings are never fun when unexpected guests arrive and the caterer has not planned for overage. Actively monitor your guests list and always round up if uncertain guests decide to make an appearance.

Your Wedding || Eco-Friendly

Staying in touch with things that matter like the environment is more important than ever. There are so many ways that we can all do our part to recycle and there are ways you didn’t even realize. Making a smaller carbon footprint by using products that use fewer resources is ideal. Think about what things you could do to make your wedding better for the environment.

Here are a few ideas:

Invitations –

• Choose invitations and paper products with 35% - 100% recycled post consumer parts
• Decide on organic style materials for invite

Veils –

• Borrowed veils from family or friends also ties into your “Something borrowed….”
• Capture the essence of your style by reusing lace from older veils

Flowers –

• Choosing florists with local growers can help minimize the extra costs to you and the environment
• Silk or dried flowers is another way to do your part
  

Favors –

• Sending your guests home with seeds to grow their own tree (http://www.greenworldproject.net/)
• Provide a donation in your guests name for a charity (http://www.americanforests.org/)

Dress

• Organic Cotton – great choice for hot summer days in Arizona
• Vintage – a chic look that’s always in style (http://tinyurl.com/yktqtsf )

Transportation

• Choose a horse drawn carriage to arrive at your ceremony
• Arrive in style with a hybrid limo

Catering

• Choose a dinner menu of organic products with flair and taste
• Choose a catering company that recognizes eco friendly business practices