Once you’ve taken care of her engagement ring and mastered the art of getting down on one knee, it’s time to check off another important milestone in the wedding process. Yep, it’s time to go back to the jeweler. But don’t pass out just yet, guys. This time it’s all about you, and it most likely won’t be your pocketbook that’s taking the hit. Generally, if you’ve paid for your fiancée’s engagement ring and wedding band, the common etiquette suggests that she’ll cover your wedding band.

But before you start thinking you don’t really need a wedding band, think again. Although women understand that most guys aren’t crazy about jewelry, your bride-to-be probably won’t let you off the hook without a wearing one after you’re married. Once you understand that, it’s time to start looking for the ring that’s right for you.

First, it’s important to select your band at least one month before your wedding day, so there will be plenty of time to deal with any problems related to size or availability. Before you head to the jeweler, it’s helpful to research the types of bands you’re interested in before you step in a store so you won’t be overwhelmed by all of the different options. Believe it or not, there are many different kinds of men’s wedding bands available. Some have different metals, different fits, grooves or engraving, or inset stones. You should also discuss this with your fiancée to decide whether it’s important that your band should match hers. The more knowledge you have before heading in the jewelry store, the better.

There are several different types of metals that wedding bands are made from, and each has its pros and cons. While it often comes down to personal preference and price, probably the most common type of metal used is either white or yellow gold. Gold has several benefits, including its light weight. If you’ve never worn a ring, gold might be a more comfortable option for you. Another popular option is platinum, which is one of the most expensive metals available. However, another caveat is its weight. You’ll definitely remember it’s on your finger. Other options include titanium, sterling silver and palladium. All of these options have their advantages, so it’s important to discuss them with your jeweler before making your decision.

In addition to the metal you choose, some guys like to add diamonds or other gems to their rings. This is another area where it helps to do some research before hitting the stores. Your jeweler should be able to offer you several different options to compare.

Another important decision is the fit of the ring. There are several options ranging from classic to what’s called a “comfort” fit. The main difference between the fits is whether or not the edge of the ring is rounded or straight cut. We recommend at least trying on a comfort fit band, which are popular because they truly are comfortable and don’t dig into your skin, making it easier to get used to your band if you typically don’t wear jewelry.

GroomsAdvice Recommendation: Choosing your wedding band is one of the major decisions you’ll make during the engagement process. So it naturally pays to do some research. Make your trip to the jeweler as painless as possible by talking with your fiancée and picking out a couple of different ring options ahead of time. That way, the decisions at the store will be much easier. Finally, as with your fiancée’s ring, it’s wise to look into ring insurance. You’d be amazed at how many guys tend to lose them as early as on their honeymoons (while swimming, etc.).

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Non-wedding totally awesome link of the day: With college football bowl season upon us, it’s always interesting to see what the various bowl games are giving the players and coaches as bowl game swag gifts.

The Man Registry man’s wedding gift of the day: Rock Band 2 Bundle for Xbox 360 – Our guess is that once you tie the knot, your Call of Duty and Madden playing time is going to take a nosedive. However, it’s definitely not unheard of for a couple to register for a co-ed video game like Rock Band or Guitar Hero. These are games that most women can tolerate and actually enjoy! They also make for great party games when you’re entertaining.

Cheers!

Check out TheManRegistry.com for our groom’s wedding registry, groomsmen gifts, and tips for grooms.

Our weekly look at groom’s issues from a bride’s perspective

Is that blissful stage of your engagement diminishing by the second and the reality of planning a wedding finally kicking in? The beautiful angelic glow your bride-to-be possessed early on, has transformed to the glisten of sweat and tear?!

So, how can you help lower the anxiety level for your bride? The most important thing to do is to continuously let your lady know that she is not alone! Emphasize that you are in this wedding together and that she need not carry the “burden” of planning all by herself. On that note, here are some suggestions to help ease the planning pains for your bride-to-be!

Shut up and listen guys!

Listen, Just Listen – Your sweetie will want to vent about her troubles. Just straight up, zip it and don’t say a word unless you’re asked a question. This may be a difficult task, especially if you want to give her advice…but, really, just listen! Your time to share words of wisdom can come later.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered - Go out and buy your honey a thank-you card! Thank her for all the hard work and late nights she’s putting into planning your wedding. It’s simple but so expressive, and you know us girls like that! All you have to do is sign it, seal it and deliver it! When she gets it in the mail, your babe will have a big smile on her face, and for at least a moment, she’ll be relieved of wedding planning stress.

Swedish or Thai – Massages are a favorite stress level reducer for just about anyone. But go one step further and make the appointment for her. Whether it’s a foot, hand, back or full body, this special treat will rejuvenate her senses and her spirit!

Plan a movie night to get her mind off of wedding planning

Time away - Dedicate one day a week to “NO WEDDING PLANNING!” Do something completely nonwedding related on the chosen night! Emphasize that taking a step back is quite healthy and can actually help her focus better!

She Needs her Girls – Make reservations at her favorite spot for her and her bestest girlfriends! She’ll LOVE you for recognizing that thought you’re getting married, she’ll always need her girlfriends!

Be THE MAN power - So, this one is the most obvious of all tips. Offer help as much as possible. Take on the task of creating and maintaining your wedding website. Offer to pick things up for her. Assemble invitations, party favors, gift bags, or any other DIY project your fiancee is taking on.

There may be times when she’ll want to bite your head off for trying so hard to be there for her. But, when all is said and done…and you’re talking about the wedding and the planning and the hardships…you’ll be at the top of her rewards list!

MyWedding.com

The Man Registry is thrilled to have Gretchen Viles and Mywedding.com as a weekly guest contributor to the GroomsAdvice blog. Founded in 2002, MyWedding.com has grown into the most comprehensive easy-to-use local wedding guide on the internet. They recently launched a wedding ideas & trends content section that The Man Registry is proud to be a contributor to.

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Non-wedding totally awesome link of the day – Check out the top ten special effects scenes of 2008.

The Man Registry groomsman gift of the day – Personalized pilsner glass set.  This set is no ordinary

Personalized Pilsner Glass (Set of 4)

barware. Curvaceous and tapered, our set of four Pilsner Glasses is a wonderful groomsman gift, and is also appropriate as a wedding gift. Each beer glass holds a full 20 ounces and fits smoothly in your hand. The crystal clear glassware features a single engraved initial on each glass for further classic elegance and exceptional personalization. The classic engraving sets them apart from cheap beer glasses. The refined crystal clear glass is perfectly set off by its hourglass shape and elegant engraved block initial. It is a gift that will be cherished and used often. Get them as your groomsmen gifts or add them to your wedding registry!

Cheers!

Men and skin care. Two words that probably should never be uttered in the same sentence. We’re assuming that skin care isn’t something that’s crossed you grooms‘ minds out there – but we’d bet that it’s crossed the mind of your fiance. She’s going to want you to look perfect for the thousands of photos that will be taken of you on the big day.

Real men get makeovers.

Sarah Nash of the Los Angeles Fashion Design School has stopped by with four key steps to getting your skin prepped for the wedding day:

CLEANSE

The first basic step to your skin care regiMEN begins with a good facial wash & cleanser. A deep cleanse for your skin to help remove all impurities, dirt, excess oil & residue, sweat, and environmental stress. This process is easy and will help prep & maintain your skin for the following easy steps:

When choosing a face wash that best fits your skin type, make sure to do a skin care evaluation, specifically targeting your T-zone. If you’re unfamiliar with a t-zone, imagine drawing a “T” on your face. Your t-zone consists of your forehead, nose, and chin. These are common places for excess oil, acne and blackheads for people who fall in the oily or combination skin type.

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliating your skin will decongest and gently remove dirt, excess oil build up and dead-damaged skin cells. This step helps to clean, polish, tighten & brighten your skin, while working deep into your pores. It will leave your skin feeling soft & fresh!

When choosing an exfoliating scrub or cream, make sure to choose one that best fits your skin type. If you fall into the category of acne prone or irritation/sensitive skin you should use a gentle exfoliate such as the cream based exfoliate, rather than the scrub. If using the scrub, remember that the best scrub/ deep cleanse

Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty. Zoolander anyone?

should have either flax seeds or linipack seeds.

MOISTURIZE

A good moisturizer will help re-balance, rejuvenate, and revitalize your skin for your youthful, more refreshed, non-greasy look and feel! For the best results, make sure to get a pH balanced moisturizer to help prevent signs of aging. If you are out in the sun a lot, you should definitely use an SPF 15-30 to protect against sun damage- UVA/ UVB sun rays.

When choosing a moisturizer before bed, you should look for the ones that help prevent signs of aging-fine lines, smoothes out irritation-red spots, and works to keep your skin hydrated and plump to wake up fresh faced & handsome!

Sarah Nash - Makeup and Fashion Extraordinare

TONE

Toners and spray mist is a great way for your skin & face to stay hydrated and fresh throughout the day! This step helps to rebalance your skin against harmful toxins while purifying & toning all skin types. Your toner can also help control excess oil & shine.

- Sarah Nash

www.sarahnash.com

Certified-Professional Makeup Artist

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Random funny/interesting thing we found on the internet: If you haven’t seen this yet, enjoy! Zombie kid likes turtles. The reporter’s reaction is priceless.

Samsonic 5.1 MP Digital Video Camera

The Man Registry Groom’s Wedding Gift of the Day: Samsonic 5.1 MP Digital Video Camera.  Because you’ve got to capture all of those honeymoon memories.

Cheers!

Check out TheManRegistry.com for our groom’s wedding registry, groomsman gifts, and grooms wedding planning tips.

Are you and your fiancé about to begin life as a married couple? Going from engagement to the altar is a journey full of challenges that test the strength of your relationship, but it only gets harder once you say your vows.

Do your friends and family think you and your fiancé are moving too fast by getting married? Are you experiencing a lot of drama because of who you’re marrying and are worried that might continue after the wedding? Will you be moving in together for the first time right after the wedding and think that married life is going to be a big change for you and/or your fiancé? Are you feeling nervous about making this lasting commitment?

If you appear to be between the ages of 18-28 and would like to share your story, The Man Registry and MTV’s True Life want to hear from you! Email us at newlywed@mtvn.com or info@themanregistry.com and tell us as much about your situation as possible. Also, please be sure to include your name, location, phone number and photo.

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Why should the bride have all of the fun? Grooms, create your man wedding registry with us at TheManRegistry.com. While you’re there, do your wedding research and get your groomsman gifts.

Our weekly look at groom’s issues from a bride’s perspective

J Lo’s 6.1 carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck was worth $1.2 million dollars. It made headlines, but didn’t make her his wife. Soon thereafter, she weds Marc Anthony whom doesn’t even give her a ring. Apparently, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” A year later, he does get her a 14.5 carat, brilliant cut diamond ring on a platinum band, valued at more than $5 million dollars. So, I guess love does cost a

Pink diamond? Good call Ben. How'd that work out for ya?

little…bit…more.

Don’t fret though fellas…even if you can’t drop down that million or two on a ring, here are a few tips on how to shop for the perfect engagement ring.

Set a budget
According to theweddingreport.com, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $4,322. So, throw that “three-month’s-salary-common-rule-of-thumb” out the window! Accept your limitations. Let quality and value be the basis for your decision making, not the dollar amount.

Consider the four C’s: clarity, color, carat, and cut.
The 4 C’s are either a man’s best or worst friend. The best value in clarity is a diamond with no inclusions, other minerals stuck inside the stone visible to the naked eye. A colorless or near colorless diamond also adds value to your ring, unless of course you’re going for another gemstone (like a sapphire) or a colored diamond. The third “C” is for carat weight. Although a larger stone is nice, bigger doesn’t necessarily make it better. An inclusion-free, colorless, large carat stone loses its brilliance and sparkle depending on the cut. There are several cuts to choose from: princess, emerald, round, and pear to name a few. Every woman will have their preference.

Know your diamonds (or at least your cubic zirconia)

Once you’ve chosen a rock, you’ll have to do a bit of research.
Study the current jewelry style she wears; classic, fancy, antique, modern? Does she prefer white or yellow gold or maybe platinum? She may need a cathedral or contour setting (which means the diamond is set into the band) if she’s more active with her hands. A raised setting, works well for women that don’t have to worry about snagging their clothing, etc. Ask her friends if she’s pointed out anything specific and make them promise not to spill the beans!

Or, you can also simply ask her. Today, many couples are looking for rings together, which is an enjoyable and error proof route for you! In any case, stay within your budget, use the four C’s, consider her personal style, and you will have a fabulous ring to propose with!

Let me just say, that with the candlelight low, a bottle of bubbly, gazing into each other’s eyes, as you get down on one knee – she’ll probably say “Yes” before you bring out that little box. And whether it’s a 1 carat or a 14.5-carat ring, I guarantee, she’ll wear it like it’s worth a million bucks.

MyWedding.com - The Pride of Seattle

The Man Registry is thrilled to have Gretchen Viles and Mywedding.com as a weekly guest contributor to the GroomsAdvice blog. Founded in 2002, MyWedding.com has grown into the most comprehensive easy-to-use local wedding guide on the internet. They recently launched a wedding ideas & trends content section that The Man Registry is proud to be a contributor to.

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Random cool/interesting thing we found on the internet: You guys like bacon? Let us introduce the bacon weave to you. We’re not quite sure if we should be running to the store to grab the supplies or going in for a heart exam just for having looked at it. One thing’s for sure – this must be the best drunk food known to man!

Personalized golf towel and key ring tool set

The Man Registry’s groomsmen gift of the day: If your wedding party is playing golf on or around your wedding day or bachelor party day, why not present your boys with a groomsman gift they can put to use immediately. The personalized golf towel and key ring tool set can be engraved with up to three initials per item at no extra charge. Hey, at least let them look good while you’re takin’ them to school.

Cheers!