Setting the Wedding Date

The first date after she accepts your ring – picking a date to get married

So the love of your life has agreed to join you on a walk down the aisle and thereafter. Now it’s time to pick a date. That should be easy enough right? You have 365 options, which repeat with unfailing regularity. So we’ll leave the choice of your wedding date to you and the lovely lady in your life; and fill you in on the days/dates that you could avoid for reasons that will become evident along the way.

Days when your guests will have other plans

* New Year’s and Christmas (the last week of December to the first week of January)
* Thanksgiving
* Election time
* Superbowl weekend (and not to forget other major sporting events that are followed with fervour)

Also avoid national holidays that occur on Fridays and Mondays. When attached to weekends they are just ideal for a short getaway, and your guests might be taking it as well.

Dates and days even you wouldn’t want

* The 13th day of a month that also happens to be a Friday (sure you may not be superstitious, but why bother you have 364 other options)
* September 11

Some other considerations

* You might just want to get married on the same day as your parents did.
* Don’t forget to look up the weather around the time of your wedding date. All else being perfect, a sharp shower could be an unexpected guest.
* Send invitations out well in advance. Guests from out of town need time to plan their trip.

Image credit: Wedding Photography by Jon Day

Grooming the groom – getting the Wedding Suit right

Men, when it comes to weddings let’s face it, you may be the groom but you are not the star attraction. It is however the most important day in your life, and you cannot afford to not be dressed for the occasion. A smart suit is mandatory.

Start by browsing through stores. Examine colors, fabric and styles. The trip will also give you an idea of the price range and where your budget fits in, and help you zero in on your threads for the big day.

Fabric
If it’s a winter wedding you have planned, for obvious reasons pick a heavier material. Tweeds, wool or cashmere. Given a summer wedding date, cotton or linen is a practical pick. So what do you do if you fall in love with a suit, and it’s not the most logical choice of material? Give logic a break. This is a once in a lifetime occasion.

Styles

Tall men with slim frames will look good in a single breasted suit with 3 to 4 buttons. Long legged men can go with tails. Cutaways and low vests are a neutral choice for all body types.

A few mistakes to be avoided

1. Men’s suits are all about the cut and fit. Do not rely on stores that do not take proper measurements.
2. Do not expect your suit to be perfectly stitched the first time. Give yourself enough time for trial fittings.
3. It’s great to be prepared well in advance, but don’t get your suit made too early. A few inches added or lost around the waist can ruin a good fit.

Finding the right suit for your walk down the aisle may not be a walk in the park, but attention to the details mentioned above will certainly make it easier.

Image credit: hmerinomx

Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape

After he’s popped the question, the first thing that pops into a woman’s mind is the question of her wedding dress. Day 1 is probably filled with breathless excitement. The next with options on shapes and colours and material. On day 3, you’re still weighing your options. And by day 4, you’re not so sure and ready to start all over again.

Step 1. This isn’t a decision that’s easy to take alone. So find a friend whose dress sense you admire and whose judgement you trust, and ask her along.

Next, identify your body shape which will in turn lead you to the dress shape that suits you best. Below are the basic wedding dress shapes. The table below will help you find out just where you fit in.

Here are some dress shapes and who they are ideal for:

Sheath – Ideal for tall slim brides.

A-Line or Princess – Best for brides with small waists and to hide broad hips and large thighs.

Empire Line -  Best for small busted brides. Makes petite brides look taller.

Ball Gown – Great for brides with slim waistlines and helps hide full hips.

Mermaid – Ideal for petite brides as it makes them look taller. If you are tall and slim, this dress shape will give you curves.

Once you’ve identified the right dress, see how it performs in different body positions – while walking, standing and sitting. Keep an eye open for unpleasant bulges. In all these minute examinations, do not forget to make sure you are absolutely comfortable.

Pay attention to these details, and they will pay you back. In the form of a dress that’s absolutely right for you. Here’s to you looking your stunning best on your wedding day.

Image credit: Jakob Montrasio

Wedding First Dance – 20 Great Suggestions for the music

It’s just 2 weeks to the walk down the aisle, and bingo, it hits you as you pass the CD store on the way to a trial of your gown. Music for the wedding first dance. Sure the DJ will come prepared, but it doesn’t hurt to have your favourite numbers leading the way for the Wedding First Dance. After all, it’s you who’s getting married, and the right tunes can indeed be the sweetest icing on that very special cake.

Partners in rhyme

Time and other more important chores permitting, sit down with your spouse-to-be, and a sheet of paper. Divide the sheet, and the task down the middle. Make a list of 10 songs each. Add, and forward to your DJ’s mailbox.

Now time and other chores not permitting, here’s a list with which you simply cannot go wrong.

1. Baby can I hold you tonight – Ronan Keating
2. Wonderful tonight – Eric Clapton
3. Grow old with you – Adam Sandler
4. From this moment on – Shania Twain
5. You’re my best friend – Don Williams
6. Can you feel the love tonight – Elton John
7. Now and forever – Richard Marx
8. Right here waiting – Richard Marx
9. Paint my love – MLTR
10. Can I have this dance – Ann Murray
11. The way you look tonight – Frank Sinatra
12. I will always love you – Dolly Parton
13. Everything I do, I do for you – Bryan Adams
14. When a man loves a woman – Michael Bolton
15. How deep is your love – Bee Gees
16. Unchained melody – The Righteous Brothers
17. Top of the world – Carpenters
18. Have I told you lately that I love you – Van Morrison
19. Crazy little thing called love – Queen
20. I just called to say I love you – Stevie Wonder

Any other songs you can think of?

Image Credit: ramsey everydaypants