Guest Blogger Profile: Jennifer Napier of OneWed.com

Careful with that razor..

So, you do know that on your wedding day your bride is going to look a little different, right? Most likely, she’s getting her hair and make-up done by a professional. Now, I’m not suggesting you go all metro-sexual and put on guy-liner, but what about treating yourself to a hot lather shave at your favorite barber shop? It’ll be a nice relaxing treat, and it’ll avoid the need for little pieces of toilet paper stuck all over your face on your wedding day.

The Man Registry is giving away a killer grooming kit (valued at $50) to a lucky tweeting bride who can tell us in 140 characters or less why their hubby-to-be needs some grooming help.  Whether it’s because he chews his toenails, needs a serious nose-hair pluck, or hasn’t been to the dentist in three years, let us know. The funnier the better.  Just tag your tweet with @themanregistry by July 5th to be eligible. The winner will be chosen by our groom style expert Simon Daykin (and his partner in crime/wife Ciara). Decision will be based on what groom is in most need of grooming help.

Wedding planners, you’re welcome to enter on behalf of a client!

If you don’t have Twitter, you can enter by posting a comment at the bottom of this post.

Brides, send us a tweet telling us why your groom needs this kit!

Let’s be honest, us men love to lay around, drink beer, watch sports, and not give a damn about what we look like while doing it. Don’t believe what you see in those Axe Body Spray commercials, we can actually make it through life being scruffy and stinky… until the wedding day. Enter Anthony Logistics for Men. They’ve created a great gift package called ‘Here Comes the Groomed.’ This kit has everything a groom will need to look his best for the big day.

The kit includes: glycolic facial cleanser, facial scrub, pre-shave oil, shave cream, after shave balm, sea salt body scratch, glycerin hand/body lotion, and comes in a nifty travel case.

In our ongoing effort to provide the best content and advice for grooms, The Man Registry has invited Simon Daykin to join our efforts as our groom wedding planning & coordinating expert.

Simon and his wife Ciara Daykin are co-founders of Firefly Occasions. Simon also has founded GutsyGroom.com where he gives wedding and style advice to groom’s from a male perspective. He’s a natural fit for The Man Registry’s panel of groom experts.

Simon Daykin joins The Man Registry's panel of experts

Here’s an example of the type of Q/A advice Simon will be sharing with our readers:

Question- Who do we invite to the rehearsal dinner?

Simon: Traditionally you invite the families, ushers, groomsmen and bridesmaids.  I’m finding that these days that guest list is much, much larger.  Invite only the necessary people to the ceremony rehearsal but think about inviting all your guests to the dinner, you don’t have to pick up their tabs or buy their booze.  I suggest picking up the tabs for the people who attend the ceremony rehearsal but not the rest of the guests.  This will give the guests a chance to meet each other before the reception.  This will take away any awkward moments at the dinner table the next day because they have a chance to meet, chat and share a cocktail or two.  I have heard from numerous guests that they love a pre party before the reception on the big day.

Be sure to visit The Man Registry’s Ask the Wedding Expert section today and read great content from all of our expert partners.

Cheers!

Fashion and style expert Sarah Nash is back with some wedding day attire tips for the groom.

Here are three totally different looks for the groom to check out!
NOTE TO SELF: The way you feel…should be the way you look. As the old saying goes…You are what you wear.

Did James Bond learn about tuxes at The Man Registry? Of course he did.

Classic-chic:
This look is for the more sophisticated-classic groom attire. The “not too fancy” -basic black tuxedo cut. You can also choose the classic tail tuxedo as well. This is style requires..simplicity, the basics , and the down to earth vibe…not too over the top!

This is a good choice, so that you don’t take away too much from the bride. Think… clean cut, polished, and photo ready! This tux style is very versatile and something you can wear again and again without being too flashy.

Retro-styling:
This look is for the more “Fashion Forward” man. The groom that wouldn’t mind getting some fun-loving attention from the bridal party and a few extra photos! You could ditch the basic black tuxedo and go with a white, cream, beige, forest green, dark blue, or pin stripes! You can even go with a tuxedo tail. Add a chic fedora or a tie with a unique pattern. Don’t forget to Accessorize! Keep it simple and sleek!

This look is very 21st century modern-hip man screaming style, confidence and definitely in touch with his feminine side.

When we say retro tux... we don't mean this.

Contemporary-casual:
This look is for the more low-key man. The very laid back, small-intimate wedding style. A more carefree, by the beach or by the slopes atmosphere. Not too over the top! Again, keeping it simple and relaxed. You don’t want to look like you put too much time and effort into this look.

These days more bride & grooms aren’t splurging too much on their attire, but rather on longer honeymoons, or that dream home. What’s in YOUR budget? Less is more in this case. You can definitely go with a nice sports jacket with a collard shirt, a great pair of dress shoes, even dark-denim jeans. You’ll still want to look special for those wedding photos..so, make sure you coordinate with your bride to compliment each others look.

In addition, the casual look would definitely be something you could wear again and again. Not to mention a casual wedding frees you from picking out a pricey tuxedo, shining those shoes.. you’ll only wear once, and all that stress!!

Choose wisely and make it fun!

**Remember that tuxedos can be costly, so luckily you have the option to rent them out! Unless, you plan on doing a black tie event in the near future…A man should always purchase at least one nice black tuxedo to have in his wardrobe at all times**

– Sarah Nash

www.sarahnash.com

Certified-Professional Makeup Artist

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.