Image by Bayly & Moore via Melita and Richards Beautiful Art Deco Wedding
When it comes to the big day, it’s easy to get weighed down by your outfit.
After all, your suit is usually one of the first things on your checklist, and it’s the most difficult thing to sort out with your groomsmen.
But there is another multi-faceted aspect to your appearance that you can’t afford to neglect on your wedding day: grooming. I spoke to two experts to get the lowdown on grooming for grooms, to make sure your look is on point for your big day.
Nathan Jancauskas, owner of Mensbiz – a men’s grooming store in Melbourne – says grooming is about “keeping good habits and taking care of yourself.”
“Having said that, it shouldn’t be complicated,” he says. “The right products will have you looking good, and perhaps most importantly, feeling relaxed and comfortable.”
Julian Burak, founder of A Good Man – an international personal shopping and styling service – says vigilant grooming shouldn’t be left for special occasions.“Grooming is important all the time,” he says. “Taking care of yourself is a mirror to how you take care of other things in your life, ie, partner and family.”
But when it comes to the big day, if you’re thinking of doing something extravagant to your look – time is of the essence.
“You need a month if you want to try something new. Leave room for mistakes,” Julian says.
HAIR
SHAVING
Let’s not go crazy here. Leave the reinvention to ageing rock stars and stick with what you know.
If you’re thinking about something a little different for the special occasion, don’t leave it to the last minute, Nathan says.
“The week before your wedding isn’t the best time to reinvent your look, so if you want to experiment with a different style, best to start thinking about it a few months ahead of time,” Nathan says.
“Or else stick with what you know and trust.”
Nathan says the week before the wedding is the ideal time to get a trim, but again, avoid experimentation – stick with who you know.
“Ideally book your haircut in for a few days ahead of the wedding and go to someone you know and trust (best to make a booking for the barber you usually see, rather than a barbershop that makes you take whoever might be free at the time).”Julian agreed, saying five to seven days was ideal.
“Allow time for your hair to grow out and feel more natural.”
Anthea and Lyndon Film and Photography via Bec and Anthony’s Modern Canberra Wedding
Shaving can be a tough call for grooms, especially if they’re used to sporting a beard – and there’s a lot who are these days.
Ultimately, it’s a discussion for you and your partner.
There’s an argument that being clean shaven makes your wedding photos looks classier, but I’m a big fan of wedding photos being like time capsules, so if you’ve got a beard right now, why wouldn’t you want to look back on your wedding photos and think: ‘That’s right, I had a beard when we got married.’
But I digress, Nathan’s message was loud and clear for those looking to shave: Do it early and do it slowly!
“If you’re shaving the morning of the wedding, slow down and take your time.
“Use a sharp blade and finish with a soothing aftershave balm.
“Make sure you don’t cut yourself or miss any stray hairs.”
SKIN
Image Xiss Photography via Joanne and Janiks Elegant Sri Lanka Wedding
You might not think about using any product on your skin, but Nathan says there’s nothing to shy away from.
Especially if you get that inevitable stress blemish.
“Exfoliate and get the dead skin off your face,” Julian says.
“A simple shower scrub will do. If you are up for it, book in for a facial.”
Nathan added that a concealer could also be considered. “Use a concealer to cover dark under-eye circles or any blemishes that might pop up,” he says.
“If you have particularly oily skin, use an anti-shine cream or powder in the morning.”
HAIR CARE
Image by Christian Marc Photography Barber Fade ‘n Blade Barber Shop by Bridgette & Dales Rustic Country Wedding With Native Flowers
We’ve already covered haircuts, but what about hair product.
There’s something to watch for when it comes to the look of your hair, and it’s not just how it was cut.
“Shine pomades will enhance your hair in photos, and look better under night lighting than matte pomades.”
For the record, a pomade is a scented ointment or oil for dressing the hair.
FRAGRANCE
Image Keelan Christopher Photography via Ellise and David’s Canggu Private Villa wedding.
Heads up, you’re going to smell on your wedding day. It’s up to you whether you smell good or bad.
You should definitely consider stashing something away for after the ceremony and the photos.
A little touch up in between the ceremony and reception is just what you need to power up for the rest of the day/night.
But don’t just take it from me. Nathan says there’s a trick to staying on the right side of fragrant throughout the day.
“To help your scent last longer, it’s best to apply fragrance straight after a shower, while pores are open,” he says.
“Spray onto pulse points that offer good blood circulation; such as the wrists, the inside of your elbows, the base of your throat and just below the earlobes.”
Oh, and obviously don’t forget a good anti-perspirant deodorant, particularly for summer weddings, he added.
Ms Zigzag says: The ultimate grooming checklist for looking and feeling sharp on your wedding day. This is a must-read for grooms.
About Mr Houndstooth: I am a happily married man. I enjoy a fine whisky, a new suit and swashbuckling around town with my beautiful bride. Looking back on my wedding day always makes me smile, even though it began to rain just as I said ‘I do’.
I completely agreed with this that your suit is usually one of the first things on your checklist, but beside this their are other things also which need to be taken care at your day and you have very well explained.
From all the above skin tip is fabulous!