The Groom's Corner: Bachelor Party Advice

Six Do’s and Don’ts for Throwing the Best Stag Party

From the moment he pops the question, there’s one thing groom-to-be thinks about more than anything else – the bachelor party. This isn't a new phenomenon either, as bachelor parties are rooted in ancient history. Many believe that the Spartans were the first to hold bachelor parties as a celebration of the groom’s last night as a single man. This celebration included dinner and drinks with many a toast given in the groom’s honor. The term bachelor itself, used as we do today, first appeared courtesy of Geoffrey Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales.

Bachelor parties have come a long way since then, and more importantly, they've become much more creative. Unfortunately, they've also tended to get more out of hand as well. In more recent times, bachelor party debauchery has even contributed to numerous celebrity break-ups. From fancy five-star dinners to a Texas Holdem weekend at the casino, there are many different ways to throw a bachelor party. But regardless of your party preference, there are some basic tips and advice worth following. These bachelor party dos and don’ts can make or break the celebration – and even the groom if you’re not careful.

Don’t let the groom pay. No matter how generous he is, the groom shouldn't have to pay for anything during his bachelor party. It’s his last night out as one of the guys, so take care of him. Certain exceptions can be made, especially if the celebration spans a weekend or longer: think Las Vegas. But make sure to cover him when it counts – after all, it’s his celebration, right?

Do something different.  If your group always hangs out at the same bar or goes to the same restaurant or club, don’t go back to that place for the bachelor party. Take the groom somewhere different – hopefully somewhere nicer too. Whether he’ll admit it or not, this is a big deal for him, so do something special. Go all out, that way there are no regrets when he looks back on the night 10 years from now.

Don’t let yourself get tired. This is particularly important for weekend excursions or trips to Vegas. No, we’re not talking about doing anything illegal here, but some real simple things can help make sure everyone’s energetic and enjoying the party. Sleep can be hard to come by on a bachelor party weekend, especially if a night-long US poker tournament is in the cards. So know where to find a good cup of coffee if you’re on an overnight trip. Better yet, bring one of your own coffee makers along with you. This can save you some serious money too – Starbucks gets expensive!

Do some advance planning. As great as it made the plot of The Hangover, don’t try to hold a bachelor party any closer than three days before the wedding. There’s just too much that can go wrong. Trust me – the bride and her family will thank you. Be sure to start planning early, as well, especially if there are a number of guys traveling for the occasion.

Don’t let the groom do anything he’ll regret. He’s still engaged, after all, so don’t let him get too out of control. It’s the best man’s job to make sure the groom behaves, which is actually the second most important thing he has to do – other than plan the bachelor party. Everyone else is on his own, just make sure to keep an eye on the groom. If Mario Lopez can get caught, then there’s no reason to expect that he won’t.

Do remember to have fun. Despite all the excitement and planning going into the bachelor party celebration, the most important thing is to just have fun. At the end of the day, it’s all your friends together celebrating an important moment in the groom’s life. Don’t lose sight of that among all the other craziness that may or may not be going on. And remember that at the end of the day, it’s not where you are or what you’ll do that matters – it’s who you’re with that really counts.

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

For the Groom: Boutonnieres without the Botanicals

For the Groom:Boutonnieres without the Botanicals

Whether or not we think we are big on flowers, we are never more aware until we sit down with our florist and go over all of the flowers involved in a wedding! This may be the cause for the not so hidden "eye roll" that the more manly men of our grooms tend to give during the many vendor meetings or wedding negotiations that are necessary for planning a wedding. Gentlemen…I know what you’re thinking.  “It’s bad enough that I have to wear a pink tie and a tailcoat…but now I have to don a flowery boutonniere?  Seriously??!!”  But there is good news! Upon some recent research for a groom I have the pleasure of working with next year, I stumbled upon the most interesting of wedding vendors! 

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres is a company based out of California who specializes in the design of one of a kind "groom approved" boutonnieres! They have been featured in Modern Bride and other well known publications for the very boutonnieres the modern groom now seeks. You can purchase any of their in stock items or ask them to create one for you based on your style. Some past grooms have gone with sci-fi, golf, and car inspired pins. 

So in conclusion gentlemen, you may be one to settle on the color palette chosen by your bride to be and the florist, or maybe she would be welcoming to the idea of a one of a kind creation that will allow you to have a bit more personality on your big day! All you have to do is ask ;-)

designs by Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

It is HIS Day Too!

Whether or not girls want to admit it, the wedding day planning begins when they are practically still in diapers. Girls know the cake, the dress, the ring…every detail. But there’s one thing missing—the groom. Some people are lucky enough to find that special someone earlier than others, but more likely than not, all this “pre-engagement planning” is  done with question marks in a few places.

With that, how are you supposed to add your groom’s needs and wants? I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to alter your planns all that much! So calm down and breathe knowing that your wedding doesn’t have to turn to a sports and beer party, it simply starts…with the cake. The "grooms cake!" You can give the groom the wedding of HIS dreams in cake form-- any shape, flavor, or design! Groom cakes, which were most common in the south, are now taking the entire wedding world by fire. One major hesitation of groom cakes is what exactly are you supposed to do with them? Well, the great thing is, the groom cake can serve many different purposes at your wedding! For starters, it can be served as a dessert at the rehearsal dinner. Additionally, you can use the cake as an alternative choice to the “bride’s cake” at the wedding. Still not sold? You can also display the cake next to the “bride’s” and later cut it and put into boxes for guests to take home.  Groom’s cake boxed and sliced can serve as GREAT wedding favors (just make sure you wrap them in a pretty way)! No matter what you choose to do with the cake, just make sure it encompasses your groom’s interests and hobbies. 

It will be sure to be a hit and keep your new husband happy!

Bride's Cake next to Groom's Cake

 

 

Groom's Survival Kit

Wedding planning is often very much associated with the bride. It isn't very often that the groom gets as much attention! This little Survival Guide Kit is just a simple reminder that its the groom's big day too.

For all of the Paisley grooms, thank you for being such amazing men to your ladies! And to the Paisley brides, remember that this is the man who you chose to spend your life with! He's special too. Remind him with this little kit of love!

xoxo

Katherine