Guest Blogger Profile: Simon Daykin

There is so much to try to remember on your wedding day.  Most of this stuff should be handled by your wedding planner, but I want to talk about the stuff you, as the groom need to do.  It seems pretty straight forward and common sense, but you have no idea how many guys just don’t think of this stuff…we’re not really known for being the greatest thinkers, so I’m gonna help you out.

Wake Me Up, Before She’s Gone, Gone!

Everyone gets out of bed in the morning.  If you’re like me you hit the snooze button a few times.  I have even missed a few wake up calls that have made my trips to the airport quite stressful.  So here be my advice.  When you’ve called down to get that wake up call, call down again and get another.  After you’ve done that, set the alarm clock in the room, and set it LOUD.  After that, grab your cell phone and set the alarm on that.  The last thing you want to do is sleep in and be rushed or late to your own wedding, or even worse…miss the whole thing.  I always include a “groom wake up service” that I carry out personally; I will come to your room and bang on that door till you get up.  Any good planner should be doing this.

If You’re Not Hungry…Eat Anyway!

This starts with breakfast of course.  After your 4 alarms go off and I have banged on your door, head down and eat a good breakfast.  Wedding days are hectic and you don’t know when you’ll get another chance to eat a meal before dinner.  Have some sort of food on hand throughout the day as well.  This probably won’t be a meal, but get some protein bars or shakes to get you through the day.  Always try to eat whenever possible.  Have the photographer bring some sandwiches so you and your bride can grab a quick bite while other people are having their pictures taken.  Or maybe have shots taken of you and the groomsmen all eating hotdogs (this will work for the entire wedding party as well).  Plus, this way you’ll have some food in you when you hit the cocktail hour.

Hydration Not Libation

Don’t get all boozed up before the ceremony.  And don’t let your guys get hammered up either.  Some officiant’s will call the whole thing off if they even get a whiff of alcohol on any of the wedding party’s breath.  So don’t take the chance.  Do drink other stuff though, Gatorade and the like are good, they at least put some of the nutrients back into your body.  If you’re outside in July in a tux, dude, you’re gonna sweat.  So keep yourself hydrated.  Stay away from Red Bull, Rockstar and that crap, if you need an energy drink to get through the day (I use them for weddings) go for the little 5 hour energy shot.  Sure they don’t taste all that great, but they don’t have that crash at the end.  When the ceremony and speeches are done, now you can head to the bar.

5 Hour Energy: Wedding Day Breakfast

Simon’s Gutsy Groom Advice

Make sure you take care of yourself on your wedding day.  You want to be able to enjoy it to the fullest and God knows you’ve put a lot of thought into it.  People will be bombarding you all day, shaking hands, taking pictures…you’re gonna be “on” for at least 10 hours that day.  So keep hydrated, fed and leave enough time so you’re not stressed and rushed.

Two more quick things if I may.  While you’re getting ready and enjoying your tasty sports beverage, send some flowers or a gift over to your bride.  Have your best man, or a hotel employee walk it over.  This will put a smile on her face and that’s always good for you.  And lastly…write down your thank you’s for your speech.  Even if you don’t write out the whole speech, make sure you know who you need to say thank you to and don’t forget anyone.  And above all, take time to point out how great the bride and her bridesmaids look.  Guess that was three.

Guest Blogger Profile: Simon Daykin of GutsyGroom.com

All the planning is done, the guests have arrived, the menu is chosen, the DJ is booked and it’s the big day.  A lot of planning has gone into this day, but it’s not over yet.  On the wedding day the bride gets hair and make up done and is gushed over by the photographer and all her bridesmaids.

But the groom always seems to get left out…when was the last time you saw photos of the groom and groomsmen getting ready???  This doesn’t have to be the case, you’ve been involved in the planning process and now you deserve all that other good stuff on your wedding day.

Simon wonders why it is you never see photos of the groom and groomsmen getting ready together

I’ve compiled a list of a few do’s and don’ts for you, some of these are common sense, but after doing as many weddings as I’ve done…Trust me, as straight forward as some of these seem there’s always that one guy.

Make A Timeline And Stick To It!!!

We always include an extremely detailed itinerary for our couples and we do all we can to stick to it.  That being said I have been standing at the groom’s hotel door banging on it because he missed breakfast.  Getting up on time is key.  For more than the obvious reason, if you start the day on time you’re not playing catch up all day and your stress level will be lower.  I suggest not only setting the alarm clock, but get a minimum of TWO wake up calls and then make sure you have a friend come to the room and bang on the door until you answer it.

Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Once you’re up and about it’s time to get some food in ya.  Make time for breakfast, I say this because you’ll be very busy all day and may not have time to eat another real meal until you sit down to dinner.  And that is a long way off.  BUT…Don’t order room service.  Have breakfast with your parents, or your groomsmen, if you eat breakfast with your groomsmen you know they are up as well, and that they haven’t overslept.

Treat Yourself To A Little Something

This may seem like a no-brainer, but no matter how nice it is outside and how your buddy says you have plenty of time…don’t try to squeeze in 18 holes before the ceremony.  From experience, please trust me on this one.  Not to say you can’t do anything but sit around the room.  Book a massage, get a facial, warm towel treatment and straight razor shave.  The photographer is gonna want pictures of the rings, so maybe get a manicure the morning of the wedding, that way the nails will be in top form for the photos and all that hand shaking you’ll be doing later.

Don’t Forget Your Bride

While you’re having your massage and getting shaved, don’t forget about your bride.  Make a plan with your best man for him to take over the wedding day gift you got for her.  Have him take it directly to her room, but make sure she’s awake and dressed etc.  I found a good time to do this is when you know the photographer will be there, you know she’ll be up and have all her friends around, so it’s the perfect time to deliver the gift.

Simon’s Gutsy Groom Advice

Don’t be afraid to indulge yourself on your wedding day.  You deserve it.  Do things that relax you (although I would steer clear of the bar) and make you feel good.  Don’t forget to eat whenever you get the chance, even if you think you’re not hungry.  If your groomsmen are coming to your room to get suited up, have the photographer there as well, most photogs bring a second shooter so grab that guy and have him take your pre-wedding shots.  But while doing all of this, don’t forget about your bride.  The great thing about hiring a planner is that you get to do all the good stuff on your wedding day and the planner makes sure it all runs smoothly…giving you the time to enjoy that massage you’ve booked for yourself.

Tuxedo: Check

Wedding vows: Check

Pitching wedge: Check

You golfing grooms out there should definitely keep this checklist handy for the wedding morning. We know that the main focus of the day is obviously the nuptials. However, one of the traditional rites of passage for men is playing a round of golf on the morning of the wedding.

Furthermore, including your friends and family in this activity is also a great way to get them involved in wedding activities and spend a little extra time with them before you officially take the plunge. If you’re going to have a large group, we recommend calling a few months in advance to reserve tee times.

The one day where they have to let you win...

Here are some options for hitting the links on the wedding day:

Dads only

Invite your father and future father-in-law out for an early morning round. Not to get too mushy, but it will be a special moment for the three of you. If you’re feeling extra generous, include brothers as well.

Scramble

If you’ve got a bigger group interesting in playing, divide up even teams and play a scramble tournament. If you’re not familiar, scramble (or best ball) style is when all members of one team tee off, choose the best shot, and all then hit from that location on the next shot. This is a great way to even the playing field and let everyone compete evenly.

Groom’s side vs. bride’s side

If it’s blood you’re after, then pitting the groom’s friends and family against the bride’s side may be just the ticket. If the bride is a golfer (and you’ve agreed to see each other before the ceremony) it might be fun to get the girls involved as well..

GroomsAdvice Recommendation: If you’re a golfer, you should strongly consider getting out and playing a round on the wedding day. It may be the last chance you get for awhile…

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Non-wedding awesome link of the day: Hilarious drunken text Gotta feel sorry for this girl.

Talk about treating your players with some respect – former New Orleans Saints fullback Mike Karney was on the way to his rehearsal dinner when he got the news that he had been cut. Karney, being the quick thinker that he is, used his release to produce some fake tears during the ceremony. Talk about scoring some major points with the bride!

Nothing could stop Mike Karney from getting married!

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Groomsmen Gift of the Day - Personalized Golf Towel

This 100% cotton velour towel is the ideal gift for the golfers in your wedding party. The only better groomsmen gift you could give them would be a free round at the club, and let’s be honest, you don’t’ like ‘em that much!

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.