Two Valentine’s Day Proposal Videos 2012-02-13

In honor of Valentine’s Day, allow me to present you with two viral Valentine’s Day Proposal Videos: one good, one bad.  So, if you know of someone planning to propose tomorrow, make sure they are more the former than the latter!

The Good

The Bad

“You know, I’m just waiting once for the gal to say no.”  Talk about karma, Mr. Play-By-Play Announcer.

Voting for Seattle Bride’s Best Of Ends Soon! 2012-02-07

Voting for Seattle Bride’s Best Of 2012 ends on February 15th, 2012!  If you haven’t already done so, head over to the website (http://seattlebridemag.com/best-of) and make sure you submit your ballot!

All the details are posted there, but do note the following: For your ballot to count, you must vote for 15 vendors!

And of course, make sure you vote Tony Schwartz Weddings for Best DJ for Reception

If you are stuck on vendors and would like to see who I voted for, feel free to email me at Tony@TonySchwartzWeddings.com

Wedding Day Lip Dub, Part Duex 2012-02-04

Looks like we have a new trend…  The Wedding Day Lip Dub!

As you may remember in a prior post, Joya & Emre set the wedding industry ablaze with their lip dub video of the Black Eyed Peas – “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.  Now, we have yet another one for your inspiration, Melinda & Nick’s lip dub of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros – “Home”.

The video was produced by One Tree Photography.  Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Surprise Groomsmen Justin Bieber Dance 2012-02-04

I’m a posting this because either:

A) this put a smile on my face and it has to do with weddings

OR

B) this blog needs some Bieber Fever!

Watch the video first, then vote in the poll below for why I posted it!

VOTE

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

For The Grooms Only: How To Pick Out A Suit or Tux 2012-02-01

Be Awesome, Like Barney Stinson

Let’s be honest guys: we spend far less time trying to pick out a tuxedo or suit for the wedding day than your fiancé will on picking her dress.  But that isn’t to say it is as simple as walking in and out of a tux shop in a matter of minutes to finalize the deal.  You will need to prepare yourself with the answers to these questions – or you will quickly become overwhelmed by the choices and decisions to make.  Some of these questions you will need to run by your fiancé, as her input is important, in addition to the time and stress it will save you rectifying bad decisions.

Suit Up or Tux Up?
Understand the formality of your wedding – is it black tie, formal, semi-formal or dressy casual?  Typically, the first two indicate the groom and groomsmen to don tuxedos, whereas the latter two would be more accepting of a suit.  In most cases, a dark suit with an off-white shirt will always work.  But if your personality is more daring and/or adventurous, a khaki or white suit will shine for summer and destination weddings.

Formal Style
The formality of the wedding will also determine which style elements you will want to consider – think of these as the finishing touches.  With a tuxedo style elements will likely include a bow or neck tie, pocket square, tail coasts, cummerbund and/or vest.  If you aren’t familiar with these items and how to rock them, hop on Google and learn before you head to the tux shop.

Rent or Purchase?
For most guys, the answer is always rent – as it usually one-third of the purchase price.  Especially when considering donning a tuxedo – rent.  Unless you are invited to black-tie and other formal galas often, it will just sit in the back of your closet.

However, if you know you will be attending a few weddings in the near future, or if you often wear a suit for work, purchasing your suit may be a better investment.  In addition to the sentimental value, you will have a suit that has been tailored to look awesome on you and this will translate into how awesome you feel when you wear it in the future.  If this is your decision, opt for a more traditional suit as it will still be in style for the years to come.

Color?
No matter your suit color, you will always be presented with this question: “And now for the ties and vests.  What color are you thinking?”  Save yourself the time, and the impromptu stress of a phone call to your bride-to-be, by discussing the colors of your wedding with her ahead of time.  Ask the following:

• Is her wedding dress white or off-white?  (Pro Tip: Carry a photo of it with you.)
• What is the color scheme for the wedding? (Pro Tip: Carry a sample palette of the colors with you.  See a theme yet?)
• What are the colors of the bridesmaid dresses? (Pro Tip: If I have to say it, have your Best Man slap you for me.)

Stand Out or Be The Same
The final question is: Should my groomsmen wear the same style and color scheme as me or not?  Traditionally, the wedding party would wear identical clothing, but today it’s completely acceptable for the groom to differentiate.  Subtle ways include a slightly different boutonniere, more obvious ways include different tie or vest colors to a different suit color.

In Conclusion
Whether you choose a suit or tie, the key is to look good, feel confident and be awesome.  Many grooms don’t take the time to prepare and as a result, waste a lot of time and creates stress.  Remember, it may not stress you, but it may stress your fiancé – so use the advice above and SUIT/TUX UP!

If you have any advice you’d like to share with other grooms, or you have questions, feel free to write them in the comments!