With Christmas fast approaching, it’s the time of year to thank all the wonderful Polka Dot Groom’s and specialists in all things groom for their wonderful advice in 2018! We’ve covered everything from beards and hair cuts to suit tailoring and writing vows. Let’s muse over the greatness that has been Polka Dot Groom over the past year…

Image by Tropix Photography via Joshua and Joshua’s Whitsundays Beach Wedding

Joshua and Joshua’s Whitsundays Beach Wedding

“Earlier this year on Friday, August 3, Newcastle couple Joshua Breakwell and Joshua Starr (affectionately known as “The Joshuas”) – winners of the Whitsundays’ $50K wedding giveaway celebrating marriage equality – finally said ‘I Do’ on the grounds of Paradise Cove Resort.“

Image by Kaitlin Maree Photography via Romantic Greenhouse Wedding Inspiration

Hey Handsome, here are 5 of the best barbers in Melbourne and Sydney

“It might just be me, but it feels like men’s hairstyles are on the march. With the rise in popularity of beer and barber shops and the proliferation of celebrity doos on the red carpet and the playing field, more men seem to take pride in the hair around their head. But let’s face it (pun intended), not everyone looks good with a Mohawk.”

Image via Wim Kantona

The Ultimate Melbourne Proposal Spots

“Proposals can be tricky things. They have a lot of layers. No doubt the most difficult aspect is deciding that the time is right to pop the question. There is no wrong way to propose, after all. But if you’re looking to go the extra mile for that story you can tell and retell for the rest of your lives, then finding a unique location can make all the difference.”

Image by gm photographics. Via Glam Country Wedding

 Keeping it classy: How to have a refined buck’s party

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: buck’s parties are gross. But slowly but surely we’re seeing a bucking of the trend (pun intended, thank you very much) as grooms-to-be move away from the archaic idiocy of the past. At least, that’s my optimistic perception.Hopefully, these days when a man is about to get married he sees a buck’s party as an opportunity to celebrate his upcoming marriage with some of his best friends, leaving the stereotypical days of ‘I’m losing my freedom’ behind.”

Image by Feather + Stone Photography. Via Laura and Brentons Rustic Queensland Wedding.

How To Stay Warm On Your Winter Wedding Day

“As a groom, there are fashion benefits when it comes to cooler climates, after all, we’re expected to be suited up. Let’s assume that your wedding day is so cold that a plain suit just isn’t going to cut it.

We need to talk about how you can stay warm on your Winter wedding day without sacrificing your fashion credentials.”

Photo by  Figtree Pictures via Sarah and Jason’s Gold Coast Winter Wedding

 Five Dapper Winter Looks For Grooms

“When it comes to winter outfits for grooms, it’s all about creating looks that are warm, personal and of course, stylish. So today we’re rounding up five different dapper winter looks for grooms that might inspire your own wedding day style. ‘Tis the season to be jolly and have a little fun with your look!”

Image via Mondial

The Future of Wedding Bands – Rings Not Musicians

“When it comes to wedding bands, grooms are spoilt for choice these days. And no, I’m not talking the type of band which bashes out Darryl Braithwaite’s Horses at 11.59pm. I’m talking the bands which go around your finger. I recently caught up with award-winning Australian designer, Nadia Neuman – creative director at Mondial, to discuss the future of men’s wedding bands and to find out exactly what’s “hot” in the ring game right now.”

Images via Mondial By Nadia

A Guide to Engagement Rings for Men

“With the changes in men’s fashion and a focus on the dapper gentleman, men’s accessories and jewellery are making a much anticipated revival. Accessories such as Handkerchiefs, pocket squares, cufflinks and jewellery are a new and very well received way for men to express their personality and style. Men’s tastes have evolved from the love of a simple and elegant watch, the traditional accessory they feel most comfortable with, to being more confident adorning themselves with additional jewellery.”

Image via Evoke Photography

Shopping for a ring with no idea what your girlfriend wants…

“Most girls will drop hints and share their perfect engagement ring dreams with their boyfriend, making his job of choosing the ring a breeze… but some girls don’t!

For the few unlucky guys who find themselves in this situation… we feel you. How do you know what she likes? How do you (genuinely) surprise her? You have trouble picking out what to wear and thinking of a unique proposal idea, let alone designing a timeless piece of jewellery that your girlfriend is going to love forever.”

Anthea and Lyndon Film and Photography via Bec and Anthony’s Modern Canberra Wedding 

To trim or not to trim? Let’s talk about your groom haircut

“To trim or not to trim, that is the question! Usually a haircut is no big deal. Book it in whenever and get the job done. But when it comes to your wedding day, that haircut is going to be memorialised forever in the form of your wedding photos, not to mention the memories of your significant other as they walk down the aisle and lock eyes on you for the first time.”