A Groom’s Guide to Getting Wedding Ready: From Hair to Accessories

There is an old cliché about how a groom’s only job in the wedding is to just show up on time. This kind of view is long over, as his preparation is just as important as hers. It’s a special celebration of two people’s love and they both want to feel their best for it. So, this article will guide you through a groom’s checklist before the big day.

photo by Haley Katherine Photography – full wedding here

Simple skincare strategy

It’s not uncommon for men to struggle with skin issues, such as dryness or acne, particularly as males’ skincare is not as widespread as females’. To make sure that your skin is looking its best on your wedding day, start a skincare routine at least a couple of months prior.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – a gentle cleanser and a daily moisturiser will do wonders. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, wear SPF to protect your skin. Of course, don’t forget that proper hydration, nutrition and sleep are all significant factors in your skin appearance too. If you look after it well, you will see significant improvements in your skin’s texture and tone.

photo by David N. Sachs Photography – full wedding here

Choosing your wedding suit

Picking and buying your wedding suit is one of the most important parts of preparation, just like buying the dress is for the bride. You have two primary choices: off-the-rack and custom suits. Whether you go off-the-rack or invest in something made for you, the fit is what makes the difference. For grooms leaning toward bespoke, working with a custom wedding suit tailor means every detail, from fabric choice to final fitting, is built around your measurements and the specific feel of your day. If you go this route, book well in advance — most tailors need four to six weeks minimum.

Now, either is perfectly fine and depends on your personal preferences and budget. While some grooms think wedding suits are only worn once and don’t need to be bespoke, the others want to invest in one-of-a-kind garments for their special day. If a custom suit is your choice, make sure to start the process well in advance.

photo by Cosmos Wedding – full wedding here 

Grooming essentials

Grooming for men requires good timing, since your hair or beard can look completely different within a week of growing. Ideally, you would have a trial run of what you want your hair to look like for the special day, around 3 to 4 weeks beforehand. This way you can make adjustments as well as see what the ideal look is. Book the actual wedding cut 3-7 days before the event, to allow your hair to settle while still looking sharp.

For facial hair, this is the one time you should have it professionally shaped too. Don’t forget to also take care of any other unwanted hair, like nose or in between your brows, and a manicure, to have your nails looking clean and tidy in the cake cutting photos.

photo by David N. Sachs Photography – full wedding here

Accessories

The final details can elevate the entire look and make it more personal to you. Start with your shoes, picking a pair that works well with your suit. Don’t forget to polish and break them in before the wedding, to ensure they don’t just look good but feel comfortable too.

Next up, choose your accessories. This could be a tie and a matching pocket square, a stylish watch, cufflinks, sunglasses, pocket watch, aftershave and anything else that makes you feel your best. If you wear glasses, consider a pair that complements your suit and enhances your overall look. Stylish, well-chosen glasses can not only improve your vision but also serve as a distinctive accessory, adding a refined touch to your ensemble. Some grooms even opt for glasses with unique frames or prescription sunglasses, adding a personal flair to their wedding day style. This is a time when many grooms like to bring sentimental pieces, such as their dad’s cufflinks, to make their day even more special.

photo by Matina Cordell Photography – full wedding here 

Confidence from within

Once you’ve done all this work, you should be feeling handsome and confident, ready for one of the most memorable days of your life. Now, go and own that aisle!

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