Tip - Cuff Love

Surprise your fiance with some cufflinks for the big day that show him you were thinking of him and know him well enough to pick something he could appreciate.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Grooms, Avoid Over Heating

Grooms, wait until soon before the ceremony to add the final touches. If you tend to get hot, you don't want to be red faced or perspiring when standing at the altar to meet your bride. Hang with your groomsmen in an undershirt until it's time to add the long sleeves, tie and jacket. You will be more comfortable and not anticipatory, being ready so early.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Talk To Your Groomsmen

Grooms, make sure to talk to your groomsmen about what's expected from them on the day of your wedding. If you have a pal that things 2 day stubble is sexy and you don't, don't be shy..tell him! If your best man thinks the trip to Cancun story when you both got arrested makes for great public humor, stop him. Don't feel bad; who knows what he'll ask of you on his wedding day.Picture provided by Profinish Design

Tip - Bring Out The Family Time Piece

Tell your soon-to-be to break out that family heirloom time piece he's been protecting. Your wedding is a great time to use it, share it with the family and snap a few memorable pics of it. If you look back, you may find a wedding day pic of the original family owner using it on his wedding day!Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Send A Sweet Secret Message

Give your groom a special message: secretive or out loud. These fantastic cuff links from Smashing's Etsy Shop give your sweet man a special, secret message that he can carry with him the day of your wedding and beyond.

Trend - Groom"ed" With Style

With weddings telling the story of the couple's style, many grooms are moving away from traditional tuxes and leaning towards a more relaxed look like linen pants with a silk shirt or a tie-less suit. This is their day too and they can be comfortable, chic and picture perfect without forcing them into a 3-piece suit. You can still dress this up with cuff links or a linen pocket square. A boutonniere or single flower will add formality to his ensemble.

Check out the Mister Shop for linen suits and separates.

Trend - Twist On Ties

Well....the tie isn't a twist on literally! We meant this is a great spin on the traditional tie for the wedding day! What Junebug Loves, a Dynamite blog we stalk, posted about these amazing ties from two great Etsy shops. Check these out!! They are so much fun! To check out Junebug's original post, click any of the below images (from Junebug's original storyboard...thanks :I).Above ties are from Me and Matilda, check out their Etsy store.

These funky screen printed ties are fun and add some definite personality to an otherwise potentially traditional suit. Check out RokGear's Etsy store.

Trend - White Knight

Doesn't your white knight deserve a classic white boutonniere to compliment his striking appearance? Check out these timeless pieces.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Contact our dynamite florists today to discuss your bouquet and boutonniere options:

Blooms by Martha Andrews
Flourish
Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design
Visual Impact Design

Tip - Spread the Love

Looking for a gift you can personalize for your sweetie on Valentine's Day or give it as a gift on your wedding day. Your bride will appreciate your fore thought and consideration.

Photo courtesy of Things Remembered

Trend - A Perfect Match

Some brides and grooms are choosing to wear the same brand of shoes on their wedding day in their own special color. It's a cute trend that makes for even cuter pictures!

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Your Grand Groom - Guest Blog Posting For Wishpot

We love to write up guest posts for Wishpot's wedding blog, a favorite dynamite blog around here. One of the most recent posts we sent them was on the groom's responsibilities leading up to the wedding day, which we shared with Percy of Percy Sales Events, headlined with a photograph from Sharpe Photographers. Read the entire post here.

Here's what we posted from Dynamite Weddings:

Many grooms feel removed from the responsibilities that come along with planning a wedding. Usually, by no fault of their own, grooms are asked to take on limited responsibilities such as choosing their groomsmen, helping create the guest list, pick out a tux and show up! Seems simple enough. But these days, many grooms welcome the involvement and let’s be honest ladies, it’s their day too! Relinquishing some responsibility will be a burden off you and you may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There’s nothing that says a little oversight isn’t appropriate but treat your groom like the adult that he is and let him share in planning for the big day. There may be some discussions and compromises between you, but this could be your first time facing a challenge together and will prepare you for your life as a married couple. Tasks for your groom, in addition to the aforementioned (and obvious ones, like show up sober):

• Meeting with the DJs or bands that you’re both interested in
• Attending catering and cake tasting appointments to give input (Guys are very good at food tastings! They know what they like.)
• Checking vendor references and online critics
• Arranging for transportation for the two of you and possibly large party transportation for out of town guests
• Setting up room blocks and negotiating rates for out of town guests
• Suggesting alternatives to traditional favors for the wedding (maybe a photo booth or caricature artist?!)
• Choose the alcohol to be served at the reception
• Assign ushers (if not groomsmen)
• Choosing & purchasing gifts for your groomsmen
• Purchase a wedding day gift for your lovely wife
• Invent a creative way for the wedding party to enter the reception (fun song, share silly details about each wedding party member (ex: "Introducing John, the best man, not only for this wedding but also the best man for exercising Scarface quotes in any situation.")
• Select a song for the Mother/Son dance
• Writing a thank you speech for the night of and possibly something brief for the rehearsal dinner
• Choosing the destination for the honeymoon

Tidbits - Groomsmen Gifts (part 2)

Your closest buddies will be there for your big day. Give the guys who stand up for you something they can use.

Rugged Sterling Silver Cufflinks with black onyx insets.
$35 from Silpada® Designs. 402-306-3705,
mysilpada.com/sites/wyn.wadginski.

iPod Shuffle. From $49 at the Apple Store, Sacramento. 916-643-0960, apple.com.

Best Buy Gift Card. For local store locations visit bestbuy.com.

Gloss Black Stingray Sunglasses by Maui Jim®.
$199 at Patrick James, Roseville. 916-789-7545, patrickjames.com.

For the ring bearer:
VTech Learning Laptop. $29.99 at Toys “R” Us, Citrus Heights. 916-969-9727

Content provided by Sierrastyle Weddings

Tip - Nurture Your Skin

Consult an esthetician and/or dermatologist months before your big day to get a skin regime in place. You want to be sure that you're not over or under doing your current skin routine and that you're using the right products for your skin type. If you can get a plan in place early, you could avoid dry patches, oily appearance or manic breakouts. Be sure to address your lips too. They're on your face and need just as much attention, especially as you get ready for that much anticipated kiss as husband and wife.

This applies for grooms too. You may not think your skin needs any attention but after some skin treatments with a professional, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Photo courtesy of J Christiaan Salon & Spa

Tidbits - Groomsmen Gifts (part 1)

Your closest buddies will be there for your big day. Give the guys who stand up for you something they can use.

Swissmar Seven Piece Bar Set. $60 at William Glen. 2651 El Paseo Ln, Sacramento, 916-485-3000, williamglen.com.

24 Season One Special Edition DVD.
$59.99 at Borders Books. Folsom, 916-984-5900.

One year of movies. $203.88 with Netflix, netflix.com

Cigar Cutter Swiss Army Knife. $81 at We Be Knives,
San Francisco, 415-982-9323,
webeknives.com
REI Gift Card. REI, Roseville, 916-724-6750, rei.com.

Content provided by Sierrastyle Weddings

Trend - Tuxed Out

Many grooms are moving away from tuxedo attire on their wedding day and opting for single-breasted dark suits and tie. For many, it's more comfortable and fits their style better plus this is something they are more likely to wear again.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Well Aged Whiskey For Well Aged Men

This year, as Canadian Club celebrates its 150th anniversary with a limited edition 30-year reserve whiskey, brides can give their (perhaps 30-year old?) groom a gift that he will remember and enjoy! Canadian Club’s 30-year reserve comes in a collector’s bottle with gold etching and a wax seal enclosed in a handsomely crafted black satin-lined box. This product is all about excellence from presentation to taste - the generous aging process in white oak barrels results in an elegant and smooth oak character enhanced by delicate hints of dried fruit and subtle spice. Canadian Club’s 30-year reserve makes great gift for your groom or groomsmen with a pallet for fine whiskey. Retail price $199.

Tip and photo courtesy of Shift Communications

Giving You the Bout!

Blog stalking this week we came across some amazing bouttonieres on Oh Joy! , Glamour This! (who were actually blogging about ring bearer pillows, which we'll look at tomorrow ) and DC Nearlyweds. We had to visit the sites of these amazing creators and share some creative twists on bouts! What do you think?Photos and talent provided by la la laurie! (top row), Muscari (mid row), Emplume (3rd row).

Cloud Nine - If Girls Only Knew...

Men cannot read between the lines. If you are mad at them, they may not know it. If you are sad, they may not pick up on this – it’s similar to how they might not recognize a new hair cut. You have to tell them how you feel, you can’t expect them to automatically know.

Men do not multi-task very well. Women innately know how to do ten things at once. Men complete one task at a time before moving on.

When men say they are sorry, they mean it. Women need to learn to accept this faster, let go and don't lock their mistake in "the vault" for later use.

*Disclaimer: These are merely generalizations and we realize by no means apply to every man.

Trend - Chocolate Brown

The latest thing in menswear is chocolate brown tuxes or suits. While still very elegant and classy, they offer something a little less traditional for your man and his groomsmen. Going with brown tuxes won’t limit your accent colors either. So many people are pairing lots of colors with brown these days. Pink, blue, turquoise, lavender, yellow… and the list goes on. Brown, the new black?? Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Massages & Manscaping

While all of the women are getting hair, nails (the works) And being ooohed and awwwed over, the guys are too often left to get themselves into wedding mode. Think about arranging for a guys spa day. Massages for your man and all of his “men”. Cigars by the hotel pool, have their lunch delivered to them, a close shave, maybe even manicures (if they're up for it). Whatever you choose, remember to pamper him too.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers