Preparing For A Polished Wedding-Day Look
Brides usually get a lot of attention for their appearance on wedding days, but grooms, you're allowed to shine too. After all, your wedding day is going to be one of the most photographed occasions of your life, so it’s worth putting some extra thought into how you look and feel. Here are just 20 tips to help you look your best on your big day.
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1. Choose A Suit That Fits Properly
You don't need to spend a fortune on a nice suit to look good on your wedding day; it's all about picking one that fits nicely on your body. The shoulders should sit smoothly, the sleeves should reveal a small amount of shirt cuff, and the pants shouldn’t bunch around your shoes.
2. Dress For The Wedding’s Level Of Formality
Depending on how you've chosen to hold your wedding, you should dress to match the venue, time of day, and overall atmosphere of the event. For instance, a black tuxedo might be ideal for an elegant evening reception, but a lighter suit might be better suited for a relaxed outdoor ceremony.
3. Wear A Shirt That Looks Fresh
Don't just focus on the suit, focus on what you're wearing underneath, too! A crisp dress shirt creates a clean foundation for the rest of your outfit to shine. Check that the collar sits comfortably, the buttons don’t pull, and the fabric remains smooth when you move.
4. Break In Your Shoes Ahead Of Time
Brand-new dress shoes can become uncomfortable after several hours of standing, walking, and dancing. It's not just women who have to worry about their heels after all! Make sure to wear your wedding day shoes around the house a few times beforehand so the leather can soften and you can identify any problem areas to be wary of.
5. Schedule Your Haircut At The Right Time
You might think getting a fresh cut right before your wedding day, or even the morning of, is the best way to go, but that's not actually true. Most styles look more natural after a few days, giving the hair time to settle and making the cut appear less severe. Besides, do you really want to risk any potential accidents on the day of?
6. Decide On Your Facial Hair Early
Whether you want to go clean-shaven, bearded, or sporting light stubble, you should plan what you want ahead of time so your facial hair can appear neatly maintained. Experimenting with a new beard shape a few hours before the ceremony is a risky move we're not sure you want to do.
7. Keep Your Skin Care Routine Simple
The week before your wedding isn’t the best time to test unfamiliar products or book an aggressive facial treatment. You never know how your skin might react! Stick with your usual gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen that you already know work well for your skin.
8. Get Enough Sleep Before The Celebration
Sometimes, it's the most simple of steps that leads you to look your best. There's nothing like some good beauty sleep to help you look more fresh, awake, and bright. After all, exhaustion can show in your eyes, posture, and overall energy in a way you don't want on your wedding day.
9. Pay Attention To Your Eyebrows
Eyebrows bring a lot more structure to your face than you may have realized. While you shouldn't overly shape and pluck at your brows, trimming long hairs and cleaning up obvious strays can make your overall look seem more polished and neat.
10. Take Care Of Your Hands And Nails
Your hands might not be a part of your body you normally take care of, but on your wedding day where they'll receive plenty of attention during the ring exchange and close-up photographs, you'll want to make sure they're at their best. Before the big day, trim and clean your nails, moisturize dry skin, and address any rough cuticles.
11. Select Accessories With Restraint
Accessories can be a fun way to personalize a groom's outfit, but just make sure you still show some restraint. A tasteful watch, cuff links, tie bar, or pocket square can add personality in a clean, refined way, but adding to much will just make things look messy and cluttered.
12. Coordinate Without Matching Everything
Your outfit should complement your partner’s clothing and the wedding colors, but you shouldn't overdo it so that it matches every detail exactly. Subtle connections through a boutonniere, tie, pocket square, or accessory often look more sophisticated than identical colors from head to toe.
13. Choose A Flattering Tie Or Bow Tie
It might not seem important, but a good tie or bow tie can seriously upgrade your look. Pay attention to the shape, width, fabric, and color of your neckwear, and choose a design that suits your suit lapels, shirt collar, and the formality of the wedding. Make sure it's tied neatly too, of course!
14. Make Sure Your Undershirt Stays Hidden
A good tip for men is to wear an undershirt to help absorb perspiration and make your dress shirt more comfortable, but it's crucial that it shouldn't be visible in any sense. Opt for one that's lightweight and close-fitting so it can also prevent extra fabric from gathering beneath your clothes.
15. Use Fragrance Carefully
Just because you can't see it doesn't mean wearing the right fragrance can't improve your appearance! Make sure you use a light touch so that it's not overbearing, and choose a scent you’ve worn before so you know how it develops on your skin throughout the day.
16. Prepare For Warm Weather
Outdoor ceremonies can be beautiful, but the sun and crowded reception spaces can cause even a carefully dressed groom to overheat. Choose breathable fabrics when possible, stay hydrated, and keep a clean handkerchief nearby for discreet touch-ups.
17. Practice Good Posture
It's not always about what you wear, it's about how you carry yourself too. Standing straight immediately makes your suit look better and helps you appear more confident in photographs. Keep your shoulders relaxed, your chin level, and your weight evenly distributed.
18. Pack A Grooming Emergency Kit
You never know what might happen on your big day, so it's always better to be prepared. After all, minor problems are easier to handle when you have the right supplies nearby. So pack some breath mints, deodorant, stain-removal wipes, tissues, a comb, bandages, and an extra pair of socks in a small bag just to be safe.
19. Allow Plenty Of Time To Get Ready
Rushing usually leads to forgotten accessories, wrinkled clothing, and unnecessary stress, so always plan out extra time into your schedule for showering, grooming, dressing, and even taking a few photographs before the ceremony. A relaxed preparation period ensures you'll look your best before the ceremony starts.
20. Let Your Confidence Show
Appearance matters, but really, your expression and attitude will have an equally strong effect on how you look. Smile naturally, make eye contact, and focus on enjoying the people around you. When you feel comfortable and genuinely happy, your wedding-day photographs are sure to come out amazingly.
