Seven Groom-Friendly Grooming Rituals

Brides and bridesmaids have a lot of help and support in getting glammed up for the big day. Particularly, we’ve got you covered whether it be nail polish, hair, lip looks, or even simple ways to stay cool in the heat. Here at Bridal Hot List, we love what’s trending in the beauty, fashion, and style aspect of weddings, but we’re also here to help. That means you, grooms and groomsmen! A wedding isn’t a time for just the bride to look her best; grooms and groomsmen should also be looking especially handsome. Beauty routines may be intimidating for some men, but we’ve got quite a few groom-friendly grooming rituals that are sure to leave all men looking handsome.

Nasal Strips

Nasal strips are one of the easiest, most low-maintenance things that a man can do to look great and feel fresh. Most work in the same way- wet your nose, stick them on there, and leave them alone for a few minutes. Once they come off, you’ll be ripping off all those unsightly blackheads and your guy’s nose will feel especially clean. This doesn’t feel super girly and leaves a groom feeling fresh. My favorite man-approved nasal strip is the Deep Cleaning Pore Strips by Biore ($6-$7, drugstores).

Deep Conditioning

Many guys tend to either neglect their hair or abuse it. Either way, a good deep condition can help them realize what their hair potential could be. Going to a salon may be too intimidating (or expensive) for some, but doing an at home deep condition is an easy, private affair. I like the Aussie Three Minute Miracle deep conditioning treatment ($3-$4, drugstores). Have your guy shampoo his hair first, then apply this liberally while the hair is still wet. It says three minutes, but I would leave it on for longer (20-30 minutes, if you can!). Wash it out afterwards and his strands will be silky soft to the touch. Just be prepared for a major boost of confidence, and the constant request to touch his hair.

Face Masques

If your guy liked the nasal strip, the next step you can take is a face masque. This may feel particularly girly, but the payoff is excellent. I’ve found that the Queen Helene peel off masque ($3.50, drugstores) is pretty guy-friendly, particularly because there’s a scene in American Psycho where Christian Bale’s character uses one. It goes on a little thick, but then hardens to a plastic-like consistency that is fun to pull off. The masque will leave the skin tight and and soft to the touch, and they are fun to do.

Teeth Whitening

This may not be a fun one to do, but it is necessary. I like the Crest 3D White Strips ($35-$40, drugstores) because they’re easy and very convenient. I started noticing a difference after about a week, and white teeth are a major essential to a good looking groom.

Undereye Treatments

Eye treatments are great to start if you have a few weeks to go before the wedding. The results don’t show up overnight, so you have to remind him to be patient. I like the Garnier Nutritioniste Eye Roller ($10, drugstores) because it goes on very easy and is gentle but still effective. Start having him work it into his nightly routine by keeping it next to his toothbrush. It feels very fresh going on and is a great low maintenance way to combat dark undereye circles.

Lip Conditioning

Lip balm is something that I’ve noticed more male interest in over the last few years. Jack Black makes an exceptional lip balm ($7.50, specialty beauty stores) targeted at men that provides excellent hydration. They come in several flavors and even have some SPF worked in. Some men may be resistant to lip balm, but reminding a groom or groomsmen how important soft, kissable lips are may sway them. Slathering on the lip balm before bed is a guaranteed way to wake up with soft, luscious lips.

Manly Mani/Pedi

When it gets down to the last days before the wedding, you may want to seriously consider a mani/pedi. Yes, this has the potential to be the most intimidating for men, but with high risk comes high reward. Good looking, well manicured hands are particularly important for the groom. There could very well be a lot of pictures of his hands and rings, so you want to make sure they look their best. A lot of men associate manicures with nail polish, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Many men get manis and pedis with no polish, but just to have their nails groomed professionally. For the man that is a little more weary on the subject, offer to go to a salon a little out of your neighborhood. A small chance of being seen may sway him. If your guy is still a little shy, remind him that there is a foot rub involved with the pedi. A nice spa chair and a good foot rub is usually an easier sell for men.

Author’s Note: A special thanks to the handsome Tom McLaughlin for modeling for Bridal Hot List! You’re looking even more dashing, thanks to these groom-friendly tips!

 

Do you have a Plan B?

For those of us who live in California, its seem safe to hold your wedding at an outside venue, right? Well, not exactly. Even if you choose your wedding to be held in the summer,(for the most part it is nice and warm), however we really do not have our four seasons here. There are certain months that we tend to get more rain and colder weather, and those are the months you may want to consider an inside venue. However, since we do have such beautiful beaches and views, there are couples who want to have their wedding at an outside venue. This is great!, why not take advantage of the stunning views and beautiful weather?

If you want to have your wedding at an outside venue, make sure to book that venue when the trends have been showing as weather being good that time of year. If you decide to book an outside venue, no matter what time of year, ALWAYS ask for a back up plan. PLAN B! As much as your venue will insist and promise that it will not rain, you must insist on a back up plan! We can not predict what Mother Nature will do. It is always better to be prepared than have to figure it out the day of.  Here are some points to think about:

1.  Ask the venue, what options are available for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces? Ask for these diagrams in addition to the Plan A ones.

2.  If it rains, will there be umbrellas available for guests if they have to walk outside at anytime during the wedding event?

3. If you choose to still go ahead and have your event outside, ask if a tent can be put in place, and if so, will heaters be available? Most venues need to follow the fire marshall’s guidance and may not be allowed to have heaters inside the tent. Just be aware of this, so you can kindly tell your guests to bring something warm to wear. You may even want to consider having blankets available for your guests, so they can be confortable during the ceremony.

4. Always make sure to run through both plan A and plan B for the rehearsal. This will ensure a smooth ceremony.

5. Ensure that all your vendors know both plans, and provide them with all the details. For example, the photographer will need to know if more light is needed, since the location has changed to inside. They can then be prepared and bring lighting or extra staff as needed.

No matter if you have your wedding inside or outside, its your wedding day, be prepared and enjoy the day to the fullest!

How to Prepare for the Big Day

Is your wedding day coming up? It is an exciting time in ones’ life, however it can also be stressful at the same time. There are a lot of details and things to get done before the big day.

However it does not mean it has to be all stress and no fun.  Here are some ways that you can prepare for your wedding day:

1. Make a massage appointment: This is something you can do as a couple or as the bride, you can do with your girlfriends. The day before the wedding is a good time to go, so you can relax and enjoy some pampering. You earned it! Some spa places offer lunch to be provided to you, so you can make a day of it too! Go in the morning, relax in the hot jacuzzi, take a mist shower, enjoy the steam room, and then get your spa treatment. You can then have lunch and relax. This is a perfect way to relax your mind, body and soul. Make an appointment today!

2. Eat well: The day before and the day of, ensure you eat a good meal. This is not the time to try something new at the Mexican restaurant. You want to eat light, healthy, and wholesome. The last thing you need to worry about is to getting sick. You want to enjoy your day to the fullest! Some brides, (due to nerves and having so much to do the day of), forget to eat the day of the wedding. This is not a good time to starve yourself. Make sure to have breakfast and lunch, and then at the wedding eat dinner. If you are getting married at a hotel and getting ready there, this is easily arranged by the hotel. You can order room service and have it delivered to you, no worries! If you are getting ready somewhere else, just have someone like your maid of honor or bridesmaid to pick up lunch for you. The main thing is to just make time to eat, so that way you can plenty of energy to party with your guests! Also drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated, (especially during summer months). Eat up!

3. Get some Z’s: A good night’s sleep is key. They say that a good night’s sleep really affects your mental and physical outcome of the next day. This might seem logical, however many couples do not get a good night sleep the night before their big day. They are either up late working on last minute details, partying (which really should wait untl your big day), or just nerves not allowing sleep. Go to bed at a decent time and get your full eight hours of sleep. Most brides start their day as early as 7am! yikes! What might help is to spend the night with your girlfriends and or sister/family members. This way you are not alone and the nerves can calm down by being with those who care for you. It also makes it a fun night to be together!

4. Take a deep breath:  Before you walk down that aisle, give yourself a few minutes to relax and take a few breaths. Deep breath in, and out, and repeat. I know it seems the obvious thing to do, but believe me, it helps!

Remember to relax, eat and sleep well!! Now go on and have a fabulous wedding day!!