We know how excited brides can get about their wedding day, but we also know how the menfolk can sometimes feel a bit left out in the preparation stage. Here’s a few tricks to help get him involved…
Most importantly, you have to let him be involved with the things which matter to him – namely, clothing and food! The sooner you face the fact that he doesn’t give a monkeys about your carefully picked save the date magnets the better! Even though save the date magnets are a little bit more ‘gadgety’ that the card versions, he probably won’t whoop and cheer over them.
Food. No sane man is going to turn down the chance of free food in a tasting session. Men like to eat – fact. They like stuff that doesn’t cost them any money – fact. Combine the two and you are onto a winner (just ask for the quote separately a little later on when he’s out of earshot!)
Music. Another good choice for the man in your life as, inside every man, there’s a wannabe-DJ/Rockstar just dying to get out. Give them the task of auditioning bands or DJ’s with their mates. Just make sure you have the final say!
Clothes. We would never suggest letting him have a say over your dress. But, suits? Sure. Let him know the colour scheme and send him on his way. He really can’t go too wrong with this one.
Honeymoon. This is where everyone’s a winner. He’ll want to go somewhere nice, so will you, so let him surprise you. Set down the rules that a plane must feature in there somewhere and you will not be travelling to anywhere that ‘happens’ to be hosting a major sporting event.
Lastly, never ever give him a deadline as men hate this. If you need him to do anything, tell him a month before you would normally do it yourself. Have the final say in everything and contonuously thank him for his ‘help’ (even if he’s been anything but!)
3. The Vintage Look. This applies to both hair and make-up, all well as the all-important wedding dress. The vintage look is all about old style glamour with a modern twist – think Kate Middleton is THAT lace number, pure heaven! A classic look with hair and make-up will look timeless in photographs. And, if you are planning a modern vintage look to your big day, why not extend it to your wedding stationery too and get an elegant design for your save the date magnets and general wedding stationery! You can opt for lace-effect designs or monochrome schemes which will complement your vintage theme and set the tone for an elegant and chic wedding day to remember. Vintage-imspired save the date magnets will give everyone a heads-up for your wedding day and may even give them some ideas for an outfit of their own!
Next up: Glowing!
While you are busy doing all the hard work for your wedding day, there are people employed to work out just how much brides are spending, what they are buying and even how many guests you are inviting!
Yes, while you are concerned with details such as placing an order for your save the date magnets, there are boffins sitting in a boardroom somewhere logging where money is being spent and predicting the latest bridal trends and styles.
According to the latest reports, the wedding industry is starting to show signs of emerging from the recession-inducing years of 2008 and 2009. Last year saw couples spending 23% more on their wedding compared with the previous year. The number of guests also climbed from an average of 128 guests in 2009 to 141 last year. This will either make you feel very unpopular with far fewer guests than that, or a little guilty that your guest list is more than double!
So, while you are busy with your save the date magnets, budgeting and dress fittings, spare a thought for the men and women in suits who are analysing exactly what it is you and your fellow brides are planning for your wedding day!
