Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Honeymoon planner
Putting together a wedding can mean a mountain of stress and a ton of work, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel: your honeymoon. As far as tunnel lights go, this is one of the best. You'll be newly married, fresh off the high of your party, and now you get to spend some quality time alone with your new wife just relaxing, kicking back, and doing whatever the two of you feel like. Life just doesn't get any sweeter.
To ensure that your honeymoon is the reward you and the missus truly deserve, you should start planning well in advance. Whether the two of you are heading for white sand beaches and drinks with little umbrellas in them, a cruise along the majestic Alaskan coast, or any other destination on Earth (beyond that is out of our jurisdiction), there are some steps you can take to make sure that everything goes according to plan. You may not be able to control the weather, you may not be able to control the airlines, but GroomGroove.com is here to make sure that everything that you can control goes as planned.
Let's start at the beginning:
6-12 Months Before the Honeymoon
Starting early, huh? Good for you. It looks like we've been getting through to you with this site. Six months to a year before you actually say those vows is the right time to start the ball rolling on your honeymoon plans. Sit down with your fiancée and try to come up with a short list of possible honeymoon destinations. You might have different ideas about what makes the perfect vacation getaway. But the world's a big place, and if you do a little research, you're bound to find a destination that meets both of your approval.
The big thing to keep in mind at this stage (and frankly, at every other stage, too) is your budget. The honeymoon comes after the very large expense of the wedding itself, so plan accordingly. Go online and dig around for price estimates. Most airline websites will let you see the price of tickets months in advance. Don't forget to factor in accommodations, leisure activities, a rental car, and other such necessities. You'll want to set aside a chunk of change for food and drinks, too.
4-6 Months Before the Honeymoon
Now's the time to start making reservations. Booking this far in advance increases your chances of getting the rooms/seats/tickets you want and gives you some wiggle room if plans change down the line. Some places may require that you send in deposits before they will make your reservation. Best to just get that out of the way now. Be sure to get written confirmation of all your various reservations. There's nothing worse than making a reservation at a swanky resort, only to find out with just weeks to go that the paperwork didn't go through and you've got nothing to prove you made the reservation except an empty bank account.
This is also the time to purchase travel insurance - both medical and trip cancellation - and to apply for any passports or visas that you might need. If you're heading out of the country, check with a doctor to see if you need to get any additional vaccinations. If so, do it now, before your schedule gets too hectic to squeeze in a trip to the doctor's office.
2 Months Before the Honeymoon
It's closing in on the Big Day. Time to make any final payments for hotels, travel, and other previously booked expenses that you haven't already paid for in full. If you're thinking about going on a tour or seeing a show while you're on your trip, this is the time to start investigating what's available. Go ahead, get some culture in you!
You should also do a little detective work and see if your destination will honor your ATM and credit cards. More and more remote locations accept credit/debit every day, but you don't want to get to your destination and find out that your wallet is full of useless plastic.
To ensure that your honeymoon is the reward you and the missus truly deserve, you should start planning well in advance. Whether the two of you are heading for white sand beaches and drinks with little umbrellas in them, a cruise along the majestic Alaskan coast, or any other destination on Earth (beyond that is out of our jurisdiction), there are some steps you can take to make sure that everything goes according to plan. You may not be able to control the weather, you may not be able to control the airlines, but GroomGroove.com is here to make sure that everything that you can control goes as planned.
Let's start at the beginning:
6-12 Months Before the Honeymoon
Starting early, huh? Good for you. It looks like we've been getting through to you with this site. Six months to a year before you actually say those vows is the right time to start the ball rolling on your honeymoon plans. Sit down with your fiancée and try to come up with a short list of possible honeymoon destinations. You might have different ideas about what makes the perfect vacation getaway. But the world's a big place, and if you do a little research, you're bound to find a destination that meets both of your approval.
The big thing to keep in mind at this stage (and frankly, at every other stage, too) is your budget. The honeymoon comes after the very large expense of the wedding itself, so plan accordingly. Go online and dig around for price estimates. Most airline websites will let you see the price of tickets months in advance. Don't forget to factor in accommodations, leisure activities, a rental car, and other such necessities. You'll want to set aside a chunk of change for food and drinks, too.
4-6 Months Before the Honeymoon
Now's the time to start making reservations. Booking this far in advance increases your chances of getting the rooms/seats/tickets you want and gives you some wiggle room if plans change down the line. Some places may require that you send in deposits before they will make your reservation. Best to just get that out of the way now. Be sure to get written confirmation of all your various reservations. There's nothing worse than making a reservation at a swanky resort, only to find out with just weeks to go that the paperwork didn't go through and you've got nothing to prove you made the reservation except an empty bank account.
This is also the time to purchase travel insurance - both medical and trip cancellation - and to apply for any passports or visas that you might need. If you're heading out of the country, check with a doctor to see if you need to get any additional vaccinations. If so, do it now, before your schedule gets too hectic to squeeze in a trip to the doctor's office.
2 Months Before the Honeymoon
It's closing in on the Big Day. Time to make any final payments for hotels, travel, and other previously booked expenses that you haven't already paid for in full. If you're thinking about going on a tour or seeing a show while you're on your trip, this is the time to start investigating what's available. Go ahead, get some culture in you!
You should also do a little detective work and see if your destination will honor your ATM and credit cards. More and more remote locations accept credit/debit every day, but you don't want to get to your destination and find out that your wallet is full of useless plastic.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
white gold wedding rings
White gold is a very popular choice for your wedding ring. It's cheaper than platinum and almost as exotic looking. White gold wedding bands represent something different than yellow gold. GroomGroove.com digs for gold and uncovers the advantages and drawbacks of white gold wedding bands.
White Gold Wedding Bands
The words "white gold" are frequently confusing to many grooms, who may be under the incorrect assumption that white gold is somehow less "gold" or less valuable than its yellow gold counterpart. But white gold is the same purity as yellow gold, usually coming in at 18 karat gold, or approximately 25% gold. White gold ranges in appearance anywhere from pale to silver and white gold wedding bands are silvery because the elemental gold is alloyed with a blend of silver and palladium for strength and color. (Chemistry 101, anyone?) Today, many white gold wedding rings are also coated with rhodium for extra brilliance.
Advantages of White Gold Wedding Bands
When it comes to white gold wedding bands, price is a significant advantage. A recent survey of prices indicates that white gold is less expensive than platinum. For example, a 3mm wide platinum band was selling at $400 at a leading online retailer whereas a 4mm white gold band of similar style was $300. On the upper end, 6mm 18k wedding bands at a leading brick-and-mortar jewelry retailer cost around $1000.
Drawbacks of White Gold Wedding Bands
Unfortunately, white gold has a tendency to yellow over time, showing its elemental color. There is a solution : having the wedding band plated and polished to its original luster. (But who wants to do that?) Grooms may just want to purchase one piece of jewelry, wear it forever and never have to worry about it. White gold fulfils that role for the most part, but not quite as well as platinum. Buyer beware.
White Gold Wedding Bands
The words "white gold" are frequently confusing to many grooms, who may be under the incorrect assumption that white gold is somehow less "gold" or less valuable than its yellow gold counterpart. But white gold is the same purity as yellow gold, usually coming in at 18 karat gold, or approximately 25% gold. White gold ranges in appearance anywhere from pale to silver and white gold wedding bands are silvery because the elemental gold is alloyed with a blend of silver and palladium for strength and color. (Chemistry 101, anyone?) Today, many white gold wedding rings are also coated with rhodium for extra brilliance.
Advantages of White Gold Wedding Bands
When it comes to white gold wedding bands, price is a significant advantage. A recent survey of prices indicates that white gold is less expensive than platinum. For example, a 3mm wide platinum band was selling at $400 at a leading online retailer whereas a 4mm white gold band of similar style was $300. On the upper end, 6mm 18k wedding bands at a leading brick-and-mortar jewelry retailer cost around $1000.
Drawbacks of White Gold Wedding Bands
Unfortunately, white gold has a tendency to yellow over time, showing its elemental color. There is a solution : having the wedding band plated and polished to its original luster. (But who wants to do that?) Grooms may just want to purchase one piece of jewelry, wear it forever and never have to worry about it. White gold fulfils that role for the most part, but not quite as well as platinum. Buyer beware.
Men’s bridal jewelry shopping habits
UNDERSTANDING THE MALE CONSUMER AT THE JEWELRY COUNTER
CAN HELP BOOST PROFITS
(New York) March XX, 2009 – Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) has just completed a series of focus groups with the goal of getting inside the male psyche when searching for and buying engagement rings and wedding bands. More specifically, PGI-USA set out to dissect and understand men’s bridal jewelry shopping habits and attitudes and uncover what helps them arrive at a purchasing decision. The focus groups, held in Atlanta and Chicago, included interviews with pre-engaged, engaged and married men between the ages of 24-53. The key findings provide valuable insights that PGI-USA will share with their partners, providing them the knowledge and tools to increase their Platinum bridal sales.
“As a recent survey by Conde Nast Bridal Group showed Platinum is the most highly desired metal for wedding and bridal jewelry. By fully understanding the men’s bridal jewelry purchase process, we will be better equipped to help our partners fulfill their customers’ desire for Platinum and maximize their profitability through increased Platinum bridal jewelry sales,” explained Huw Daniel, President of PGI-USA.
Below, PGI-USA shares an overview of some of the focus group findings and offers jewelers the tools to translate these invaluable insights into higher Platinum sales.
Key Learning: Make the Metal Matter
PGI-USA’s research revealed men were more likely to purchase Platinum bridal jewelry when being helped by a sales associate who communicated Platinum’s intrinsic value and inherent characteristics. The two elements that resonated most with men were Platinum’s naturally white color and its ability to hold a diamond securely.
Platinum is naturally pure white, unlike white gold, so it casts no tint onto the valuable center stone, allowing the diamond to maintain its colorless appearance. A Platinum setting also holds a diamond most securely, protecting the couple’s investment throughout their lifetime and beyond.
Sales associates can turn these insights into a higher profit Platinum transaction by starting with Platinum first and communicating Platinum’s attributes at the beginning of each customer conversation: “While your focus may be on the diamond, don’t forget the metal choice is equally as important because the setting is what’s safeguarding your diamond investment.” Sales associates who make the metal matter to the groom and explain why it is important are more likely to close the Platinum sale and maximize their commission and store profit.
Key Learning: Let Him Feel the Platinum Difference
PGI-USA’s research revealed men are more likely to purchase Platinum for both her engagement ring and wedding band as well as his wedding band, after experiencing its heft, as they associate its weight with strength and durability.
Explained one pre-engaged focus group participant, “I plan to purchase a Platinum engagement ring because I plan on being with her forever, and I want her ring to last as long as we do.”
Sales associates can illustrate Platinum’s weight and secure the Platinum sale by implementing a “Platinum Drop Test” during their conversation with the customer. Simply instruct him to hold out his hand, palm up and open. The sales associate should then drop a white gold engagement ring into his hand, followed by a Platinum engagement ring. The weight difference between the two metals provides tangible evidence of Platinum’s heft and thus its durability to the consumer.
Key Learning: Wow Him with Platinum’s Rarity
“From museum pieces to estate sales at Sotheby’s, it’s clear that rare items are coveted treasures in our society,” says Huw Daniel. “It came as no surprise that our research revealed men were more likely to purchase Platinum bridal jewelry after learning about its rarity,” he said.
Capitalize on your customers’ understanding of rarity by using facts to explain Platinum’s uniqueness: “This precious metal is not only 30 times more rare than gold, but it is estimated that if all the mined Platinum in the world was poured into one Olympic swimming pool, it would only be enough to cover your ankles. Gold, on the other hand, would fill more than three pools.”
These facts speak to the male’s need for a visual prompt and will help him understand why Platinum is considered “the best.” And at the jewelry counter, sales associates can use this factoid with him to illustrate why he should consider spending more on Platinum, just like anything rare and desirable.
Key Learning: Don’t Forget the Wedding Bands
PGI-USA’s research showed men were attracted to the idea of “metal harmony” between the engagement ring and his and her wedding bands. One focus group participant stated, “When I think of Platinum, I think of sturdiness. Her ring is going to last forever, so I want my wedding band to do the same.”
After closing a Platinum engagement ring sale, sales associates should begin planting the seed for his and her Platinum wedding bands even if the wedding is a year away. The best way to maximize profitability and transaction size for your bridal business is to link the three sales and recommend Platinum for all three bridal rings. For more tips and formal training, take advantage of PGI-USA’s free Online Platinum Sales Training by visiting www.PlatinumLearning.com.
About Platinum Guild International USA
Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world’s major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry. For further information please visit www.PlatinumGuild.com.
Special thanks to Heather Zachary Rogoff for this press release
You'll find more here an here
CAN HELP BOOST PROFITS
(New York) March XX, 2009 – Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) has just completed a series of focus groups with the goal of getting inside the male psyche when searching for and buying engagement rings and wedding bands. More specifically, PGI-USA set out to dissect and understand men’s bridal jewelry shopping habits and attitudes and uncover what helps them arrive at a purchasing decision. The focus groups, held in Atlanta and Chicago, included interviews with pre-engaged, engaged and married men between the ages of 24-53. The key findings provide valuable insights that PGI-USA will share with their partners, providing them the knowledge and tools to increase their Platinum bridal sales.
“As a recent survey by Conde Nast Bridal Group showed Platinum is the most highly desired metal for wedding and bridal jewelry. By fully understanding the men’s bridal jewelry purchase process, we will be better equipped to help our partners fulfill their customers’ desire for Platinum and maximize their profitability through increased Platinum bridal jewelry sales,” explained Huw Daniel, President of PGI-USA.
Below, PGI-USA shares an overview of some of the focus group findings and offers jewelers the tools to translate these invaluable insights into higher Platinum sales.
Key Learning: Make the Metal Matter
PGI-USA’s research revealed men were more likely to purchase Platinum bridal jewelry when being helped by a sales associate who communicated Platinum’s intrinsic value and inherent characteristics. The two elements that resonated most with men were Platinum’s naturally white color and its ability to hold a diamond securely.
Platinum is naturally pure white, unlike white gold, so it casts no tint onto the valuable center stone, allowing the diamond to maintain its colorless appearance. A Platinum setting also holds a diamond most securely, protecting the couple’s investment throughout their lifetime and beyond.
Sales associates can turn these insights into a higher profit Platinum transaction by starting with Platinum first and communicating Platinum’s attributes at the beginning of each customer conversation: “While your focus may be on the diamond, don’t forget the metal choice is equally as important because the setting is what’s safeguarding your diamond investment.” Sales associates who make the metal matter to the groom and explain why it is important are more likely to close the Platinum sale and maximize their commission and store profit.
Key Learning: Let Him Feel the Platinum Difference
PGI-USA’s research revealed men are more likely to purchase Platinum for both her engagement ring and wedding band as well as his wedding band, after experiencing its heft, as they associate its weight with strength and durability.
Explained one pre-engaged focus group participant, “I plan to purchase a Platinum engagement ring because I plan on being with her forever, and I want her ring to last as long as we do.”
Sales associates can illustrate Platinum’s weight and secure the Platinum sale by implementing a “Platinum Drop Test” during their conversation with the customer. Simply instruct him to hold out his hand, palm up and open. The sales associate should then drop a white gold engagement ring into his hand, followed by a Platinum engagement ring. The weight difference between the two metals provides tangible evidence of Platinum’s heft and thus its durability to the consumer.
Key Learning: Wow Him with Platinum’s Rarity
“From museum pieces to estate sales at Sotheby’s, it’s clear that rare items are coveted treasures in our society,” says Huw Daniel. “It came as no surprise that our research revealed men were more likely to purchase Platinum bridal jewelry after learning about its rarity,” he said.
Capitalize on your customers’ understanding of rarity by using facts to explain Platinum’s uniqueness: “This precious metal is not only 30 times more rare than gold, but it is estimated that if all the mined Platinum in the world was poured into one Olympic swimming pool, it would only be enough to cover your ankles. Gold, on the other hand, would fill more than three pools.”
These facts speak to the male’s need for a visual prompt and will help him understand why Platinum is considered “the best.” And at the jewelry counter, sales associates can use this factoid with him to illustrate why he should consider spending more on Platinum, just like anything rare and desirable.
Key Learning: Don’t Forget the Wedding Bands
PGI-USA’s research showed men were attracted to the idea of “metal harmony” between the engagement ring and his and her wedding bands. One focus group participant stated, “When I think of Platinum, I think of sturdiness. Her ring is going to last forever, so I want my wedding band to do the same.”
After closing a Platinum engagement ring sale, sales associates should begin planting the seed for his and her Platinum wedding bands even if the wedding is a year away. The best way to maximize profitability and transaction size for your bridal business is to link the three sales and recommend Platinum for all three bridal rings. For more tips and formal training, take advantage of PGI-USA’s free Online Platinum Sales Training by visiting www.PlatinumLearning.com.
About Platinum Guild International USA
Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world’s major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry. For further information please visit www.PlatinumGuild.com.
Special thanks to Heather Zachary Rogoff for this press release
You'll find more here an here
Monday, April 13, 2009
About Fishy
We thought our Fishy is an ordinary fish. But this isn't true. We want for him a new and bigger aquarium. So we bought one big and nice. And we bought other fishes. And since that day Fhisy refused to eat.Two days -no food and we panicked. We moved him again in his old aquarium. And he start to eat. And he is happy. What should we do now?
Fishy hates his new aquarium and we bought it for him because he grew up and it's to big for his old aquarium. But he loves it. And he likes to stay in the same room with us. When we are gone he isn't swimming or eating. So is Fishy an ordinary fish?
Fishy hates his new aquarium and we bought it for him because he grew up and it's to big for his old aquarium. But he loves it. And he likes to stay in the same room with us. When we are gone he isn't swimming or eating. So is Fishy an ordinary fish?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Platinum groom's wedding ring
Grooms will start wearing their wedding ring on day one of the marriage. If you want to go first class, buy the king of metals - platinum. Platinum is a real investment, is hefty and will keeps its shine. You'll pay a bit more for it, but it's probably worth the investment.
Platinum Wedding Rings
Platinum wedding bands are hefty, tarnish free and manage to look like a million bucks. What more could you ask for in a wedding ring? The principal advantage to a platinum wedding ring is that it's exceptionally strong and looks unlike anything else in the market.
What metals go into a Platinum Wedding Ring, exactly?
Typically, platinum, the element, is alloyed with some other metal, similar to the way white gold is an alloy of elemental "yellow" gold and some other metal (sometimes even platinum). In the case of platinum, alloys include palladium, iridium or ruthenium (depending on the commodity price.), however they are used in small quantities in order to maintain platinum's high purity. Platinum wedding rings are not measured in karats, contrary to gold wedding bands. Look for platinum wedding bands that have "PT 900" or "950 Plat" imprinted on the inside of the band. This means that the wedding ring is 90 or 95% pure platinum, and 5% of some other metal.
Compare this to a typical gold wedding ring or gold engagement ring which will be between 14k and 18k. Translation: As much as 42% of your precious little wedding rings could be made of something other than gold. That's not the case for platinum wedding bands.
Platinum is rare, but platinum wedding bands will be more costly
Platinum is the most expensive wedding band material. That's because platinum is exceedingly rare. How rare? 30 times rarer than gold. According to Platinum Guild International, the industry group representing platinum jewelers and the industry, "It is estimated that if all the platinum in the world were poured into one Olympic swimming pool it would be scarcely deep enough to cover your ankles." This is in comparison to gold, which would fill three Olympic swimming pools, and beer, which would fill multiple...oceans.
The Price of Platinum Wedding Rings
The price of platinum has recently gone up quite substantially as the economic markets have taken a turn for the worse. Because commodity prices in general have skyrocketed, the price for platinum has gone up almost $800 per ounce since December 2007. (Picture a hockey stick.)
A recent survey of prices, however, indicates that platinum can still be had without breaking the bank. A 3mm wide platinum band cost $400 at a leading online retailer, whereas a more traditional 6mm wedding band was selling for $1600. From the groom's perspective, however, it's not a bad investment for the only important piece of jewelry that a groom is going to sport.
An Investment in Platinum
A platinum wedding ring is an investment because you're purchasing the highest quality of metal for your rings - no plating will be required down the road (as opposed to white gold which is plated with rhodium that eventually wears off). Platinum also "feels" like it's worth a lot. Platinum is heavy stuff. How heavy? Well, a 6" cube of platinum weighs about as much as you did in the tenth grade (around 165 pounds!) Platinum wedding bands will not lose any metal as they get scratched or dinged - the metal is just displaced. This contrasts with gold, where every scratch represents a potential loss of some of the metal in the wedding band.
Here's what you can expect after one year of wear. As you can see, in this somewhat un-scientific photo, platinum holds up very very well. It is platinum, after all.
Men wedding ring
Later edit: my wedding ring is 7 mm.
The last thing a groom thinks about is his wedding ring. It's the poor cousin to his bride's spectacular diamond engagement ring. That said, the groom's wedding ring is the one indicator that this man has a gorgeous wife somewhere, possibly on his arm. The great news is that a groom and bride's wedding rings are the one item in a wedding that don't cost a fortune. In this article, GroomGroove.com covers what a man needs to know about the most important piece of jewelry he'll ever wear.
Cost of the Wedding Ring
A man's wedding rings will cost between approximately $100 (for titanium rings) to $2000 (for platinum with diamonds set in the ring), with most rings coming in around $600. The reason for the price range (albeit much less of a range than a woman's diamond engagement ring) is the material used to make the band, and whether diamonds are used.
Mens Wedding Rings Materials
A groom's wedding band will be made of platinum, white gold, yellow gold, titanium, stainless steel or, lead. (Just kidding on the lead bit). Platinum and white gold are, at present, the most popular materials.
White gold is an alloy of gold (ie. it is gold and silver or palladium). This is where the concept of Karat comes in. Karat is a measure of the purity of the material. An 18K gold ring has 75% pure gold (the element). The higher the karat, the softer the ring and the more easily it will get scratched and dented. Accordingly, 18K is considered the optimal karat (with pure gold coming in at 24 karats).
There are positives and negatives with each type of wedding ring material you purchase. In particular, each will show different wear and tear after some time. The photo above shows what you can expect after one year of wear from each of the popular wedding ring materials.
Width of the Wedding Ring
The width of a man's wedding ring is measured in millimeters. The smallest rings are 3 mm in width, whereas the largest rings are 8mm in width. Generally, men will purchase a ring that is on the larger side, tending towards 5-6 mm.
Style
Most younger generations of men choose simple wedding bands, and generally, have shied away from yellow gold in favor of 18k white gold or platinum. Some men have chosen rings that have a braid carved in them, or alternatively, some other edging that the manufacturer has set. Diamond-studded rings for men are definitely in the minority.
For additional comfort, grooms should consider purchasing a ring where the inside of the wedding ring is cambered or with rounded edges. Frankly, however, when a groom first wears a ring - any ring - it is likely to feel like a foreign object, with hard edges. Over time, rounded edges probably don't add much, especially since most of the time, you'll not even notice your ring. (You will, however, notice when your ring is not on your finger, as you reach to play with it. Read on to find out why this is the case.)
When to Buy the Wedding Band
Generally, a groom will buy his bride's diamond engagement ring separate from the wedding bands, as the bride and groom each have wedding bands, and may want to choreograph the look of their rings with matching wedding bands. Accordingly, the wedding bands should be purchased two months before the wedding (at the latest). This will allow for time to get it sized properly, and make any adjustments.
Ring Measurements
The diameter of the ring will be measured either by your jeweler, or if you are buying wedding rings online, all reputable online retailers have suggested wedding ring size guides that you can print out. And even if you are buying your ring online, jewelry stores will happily fit you for your ring (as they try to sell you on their product!)
Working Out
A note - men should take their ring off and put it in a safe place (and the same place) when going to the gym to work out. This is because dumbbells and barbells can easily scratch or dent ring materials. Don't leave it in the locker, but rather, put it in your bag. Countless husbands have had to admit to their wives that they lost their 18k white gold wedding ring at the gym.
Playing with Your Ring
One of the first things a groom will do upon wearing his ring for the first time as a husband, and not a groom, will be to play with it. Twisting it on his finger, many a groom will twist and turn at the ring when nervous, such as when the groom makes his wedding speech.
Your wedding band will be a constant reminder of your wife and the commitment you've made. Perhaps it's a reminder that you haven't bought flowers recently. Or that you should tell her that you love her everyday. Whatever it signifies to you, take some time to pick out a man's wedding ring you will be happy to wear.
Friday, April 10, 2009
How to impress your future mother in-law
Let's face facts: whether they're like a second set of parents to you or one of your least favorite duos on the planet, marrying their daughter means you're stuck with them for life. The sooner you score points with your soon-to-be mother-in-law, the easier this wedding planning process and everything that follows will be.
But how? GroomGroove.com has compiled a list of five simple ways to melt even the iciest mother-in-law's heart.
Compliment Her Daughter
This may seem elementary, but it's something you might forget to do amidst all the madness. Tell your mother-in-law how lucky you feel to have found her daughter; tell her how beautiful, intelligent, and kind your future wife is, and how grateful you are for all the hard work she's putting into the wedding. This lets your fiancée's mother know that her daughter is appreciated and will not be taken for granted in the future. It's also a nice reminder that she's done a good job raising her daughter.
Include Her
The mother of the bride is often next in line after you and your bride-to-be in terms of wedding planning involvement. Even if your future bride is ready to strangle her own mother over divergent tastes, you can make a point of listening to mom's ideas and asking what you can do to lend a hand. Whatever you do, we advise you never to get in the middle of a mother-daughter wedding squabble . Usually these things have a tendency of working themselves out, and siding with either one of these women is likely to land you in scalding hot water. Remain completely neutral and upbeat until you're safely alone with your fiancée.
If your fiancée's mother suggests a "Snow White and Seven Dwarfs" themed-reception that makes both you and your future bride cringe, smile and compliment her creative thinking. Let your future mother-in-law know that you will certainly consider the idea, and that she is an asset to the process.
If much of the decision-making will be done by you and your fiancée, be sure to reserve some of the smaller tasks for your future mother-in-law. For example, say you're "really stuck" on the table settings and the wedding favors...maybe she could help? She will be more than happy to dive in and take over, and this will keep her occupied while you and your fiancée focus on other things independently.
It's The Little Things
Mother and daughter have set up a virtual battle station at your dining room table to plot the seating arrangements. This is your opportunity to enhance their experience without breaking your back or your bank. Offer to make them coffee or tea, some sandwiches, or bring out a few snack foods on a tray. Women aren't generally into chips and wings, though, so try to think of more feminine offerings: grapes, strawberries (just wash and serve!), crackers and dip (cheap and easy), or a combination of cheeses and cold cuts. (Just slice up the cheese, and roll the cold cuts into tubes. Of course, the more variety, the better, depending on your time and budget. It's amazing how much small gestures like this will endear you to your future mother-in-law.
Basic P's and Q's
Maybe you already have manners up to royal standards, but the stress of wedding planning is causing you to experience a lapse. Maybe your idea of manners is simply saying please and thank you in a social setting. Either way, it's time step it up a notch when the family--and especially the mother--of the bride is around.
Have "thank you" locked and loaded for even the minutest gestures of help. Pull out chairs and open doors for the ladies when the opportunity arises. Bringing up touchy subjects such as religion or politics (especially when the bride's family has an opposing view) is never a way to shine in the eyes of your in-laws, so stay in the safety zone. Compliments are always welcome, as long as they're sincere. Try to be on time for all family-related functions, especially if the bride's family is in from out of town.
If you've invited her family out to a meal, it is your responsibility to pay. The only exception to this rule is if your future father-in-law thinks wrestling down the bill is an extreme sport. Some patriarchs have a bullish sense of pride, and all you can really do in this case is offer to pay until the waiter walks away with his Amex. Then you'll have to admit defeat, but your attempt will be noted. If you are entertaining her family at your home, do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. Taking the lead in entertaining them will soon make them forget that you used to have a Baywatch-themed dorm room back in college.
Make an Effort to Get to Know Them
No, you're not marrying them, and no, you didn't choose them, but they probably have a lot to do with who your fiancée is as a person. Asking your future in-laws questions about how they met and what their daughter was like as a child are great ways to get anyone to open up. If her parents are divorced, select your questions accordingly, but ask them the same kinds of questions you'd want anyone to ask you to find out who you are. Pretty soon you'll start to see where your fiancée gets her stubborn streak and great sense of humor. Maybe they'll even tell you things you didn't know. Delving deeper than "hi, how are you" will let your new family know you're serious about their daughter and about your future as their son-in-law.
But how? GroomGroove.com has compiled a list of five simple ways to melt even the iciest mother-in-law's heart.
Compliment Her Daughter
This may seem elementary, but it's something you might forget to do amidst all the madness. Tell your mother-in-law how lucky you feel to have found her daughter; tell her how beautiful, intelligent, and kind your future wife is, and how grateful you are for all the hard work she's putting into the wedding. This lets your fiancée's mother know that her daughter is appreciated and will not be taken for granted in the future. It's also a nice reminder that she's done a good job raising her daughter.
Include Her
The mother of the bride is often next in line after you and your bride-to-be in terms of wedding planning involvement. Even if your future bride is ready to strangle her own mother over divergent tastes, you can make a point of listening to mom's ideas and asking what you can do to lend a hand. Whatever you do, we advise you never to get in the middle of a mother-daughter wedding squabble . Usually these things have a tendency of working themselves out, and siding with either one of these women is likely to land you in scalding hot water. Remain completely neutral and upbeat until you're safely alone with your fiancée.
If your fiancée's mother suggests a "Snow White and Seven Dwarfs" themed-reception that makes both you and your future bride cringe, smile and compliment her creative thinking. Let your future mother-in-law know that you will certainly consider the idea, and that she is an asset to the process.
If much of the decision-making will be done by you and your fiancée, be sure to reserve some of the smaller tasks for your future mother-in-law. For example, say you're "really stuck" on the table settings and the wedding favors...maybe she could help? She will be more than happy to dive in and take over, and this will keep her occupied while you and your fiancée focus on other things independently.
It's The Little Things
Mother and daughter have set up a virtual battle station at your dining room table to plot the seating arrangements. This is your opportunity to enhance their experience without breaking your back or your bank. Offer to make them coffee or tea, some sandwiches, or bring out a few snack foods on a tray. Women aren't generally into chips and wings, though, so try to think of more feminine offerings: grapes, strawberries (just wash and serve!), crackers and dip (cheap and easy), or a combination of cheeses and cold cuts. (Just slice up the cheese, and roll the cold cuts into tubes. Of course, the more variety, the better, depending on your time and budget. It's amazing how much small gestures like this will endear you to your future mother-in-law.
Basic P's and Q's
Maybe you already have manners up to royal standards, but the stress of wedding planning is causing you to experience a lapse. Maybe your idea of manners is simply saying please and thank you in a social setting. Either way, it's time step it up a notch when the family--and especially the mother--of the bride is around.
Have "thank you" locked and loaded for even the minutest gestures of help. Pull out chairs and open doors for the ladies when the opportunity arises. Bringing up touchy subjects such as religion or politics (especially when the bride's family has an opposing view) is never a way to shine in the eyes of your in-laws, so stay in the safety zone. Compliments are always welcome, as long as they're sincere. Try to be on time for all family-related functions, especially if the bride's family is in from out of town.
If you've invited her family out to a meal, it is your responsibility to pay. The only exception to this rule is if your future father-in-law thinks wrestling down the bill is an extreme sport. Some patriarchs have a bullish sense of pride, and all you can really do in this case is offer to pay until the waiter walks away with his Amex. Then you'll have to admit defeat, but your attempt will be noted. If you are entertaining her family at your home, do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. Taking the lead in entertaining them will soon make them forget that you used to have a Baywatch-themed dorm room back in college.
Make an Effort to Get to Know Them
No, you're not marrying them, and no, you didn't choose them, but they probably have a lot to do with who your fiancée is as a person. Asking your future in-laws questions about how they met and what their daughter was like as a child are great ways to get anyone to open up. If her parents are divorced, select your questions accordingly, but ask them the same kinds of questions you'd want anyone to ask you to find out who you are. Pretty soon you'll start to see where your fiancée gets her stubborn streak and great sense of humor. Maybe they'll even tell you things you didn't know. Delving deeper than "hi, how are you" will let your new family know you're serious about their daughter and about your future as their son-in-law.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Groom's guide to buying lingerie
Guys - let's face it. You don't know the first thing about buying a bra and panties. And it's awkward to walk into Victoria's Secret and have the staff loudly point: "Well, if you don't know her bra size, how does she compare to that sales person there?" Before fumbling around in her drawers to find her size, read GroomGroove.com's lingerie buying guide and get savvy. It's not just for wedding night - this guide will help you buy your wife lingerie at key moment in your romantic life together.
Wedding Day Lingerie
After you've said "I do," and your eyes have adjusted from all the camera flashes, you've danced until you almost dropped, and you've brushed off (almost) all of the confetti, you and your new wife will finally be alone again. This is your own private after-party, and although she may be a missus, your bride deserves to look just as amazing between the sheets as she did at the altar. But finding the perfect number for your spanking-new bride can be just as trying as picking out an engagement ring. GroomGroove.com has a few helpful hints for finding the right little garment that will be just as pleasing to her as it is for you, and won't make too much of a dent in your wedding budget.
The Bridal Shower
Grooms should know that, traditionally, the maid of honor will buy the bride an outfit for wedding night. However, this gift doesn't show up at every bridal shower. A groom whose bride has already received lingerie can save his purchase for the first night of the honeymoon or first anniversary.
"But it looked so good on Naomi Campbell..."
Yes, this is a mistake many guys will make more than once before they learn what really suits the woman who will be wearing this practically non-existent gift.
No matter how amazing that corset looks on the model (and take a second and third look to determine if it's even the corset or just Gisele wearing anything), this gift will be a huge disappointment if it turns out to be all wrong for your bide. If your fiancée's figure is similar to one of the models on the lingerie site or in the catalogue, you will have a much better shot at finding something that at least fits her well. If not, you will have to rely on your memory of the lingerie she already has and likes to determine what will work.
Does it have to be white?
Just because this is your wedding night, don't feel pressured to spring for something white and lacey if it reminds you of your grandmother's valances. (ed. - This is just as much a gift for you as it is for her). Take a look at her current lingerie collection (or at least bras and panties) and try to pick up on repeat colors. You can't go wrong with a color you know she loves. If blue is the color, this can be her "something blue"...and white hot to boot.
All women look absolutely amazing in white or black lingerie. We don't know exactly why, but all men will agree. There's something very pure about white - it's lingerie that both covers and highlights some of the best features of a woman. There's something incredibly sexy about black that makes a man just want to admire his wife. Black, of course, is also very slimming.
If you want to venture out into colors, keep in mind that some colors do better on certain hair colors. For example, blondes generally will look better in lighter colors, whereas a brunette can handle purples, darker greens or reds. Further, a redhead will do well in darker colors (and can look ravishing in brown).
Bra sizes and how to figure them out
Bra sizes are based on your girl's rib cage and bust size. A woman will likely have been properly measured if she owns several bras. Without getting into the details, the bra size (you know...34C etc.) is a combination of the size of her rib cage (band size) and the difference in size between her rib cage and bust size. That's where the number and letter combination comes from. Now, a guy is thinking, "Do I have to measure her?" The answer, mercifully, is no. Take a discreet look through the lingerie you future bride owns and make a note of all of her sizes. She may have bra sizes that are different cup sizes.
In that case, it's very easy. Ask her! And in fact, for a really sexy time, ask her which bras she really likes, and what the sizes are. Now, you may be giving away exactly why you want to know, but she'll play along anyway. Your wife will love the interest that you are taking. Read on.
Bra and Panties/Thong sizes
A sexy bra and panties set is a classic for a reason. Try to find a non-cotton comparison, if possible, so that you can most closely match the style of lingerie you'll be giving her. Most lingerie is silk, satin, lace or nylon. The sizes you're looking for are XS to XL. If you are rifling through her drawer and find several Victoria's Secret panties that are the same size, that's her size at that particular store. Lingerie sizes can vary between merchants. When in doubt, take the average size.
A Slip
No, these aren't a relic of the fifties. If your fiancée likes them, and you like her in them, slips are one of the easiest to shop for, and most comfortable to wear. You're generally looking to match her most fitted tank top of t-shirt size: XS-XL. If the slip has a built in bra or underwire, you'll need to go by her bra size
Corset and Bustier
Very daring, very Moulin Rouge. This lingerie will defy gravity. But be forewarned: sizing can be tricky. You are looking for her bust, waist and hip measurements to get the best fit. Some grooms might shy away from a corset or bustier for this reason, unless they can find a way to surreptitiously take the measurements. So, in this case, GroomGroove.com suggests that you gently ask her to get herself fitted in something really special!
If you're really unsure, you could order two or three different pieces and compare them to lingerie she already has when they arrive. You'll want to order about four to six weeks before the wedding in case you need to make returns.
How much to spend
It may seem too obvious, but look for sales. There are usually sale signs in store windows, but even if the windows are bare, ask inside if there's a sale area. It's much better to buy quality lingerie at a discounted price than cheap lingerie at full retail. (ed. -We trust the woman who wrote this guide!) Fabrics such as silk and satin tend to be pricier, but you're going to want to get something other than cotton for this occasion.
Before making your purchase, ask the store about their return policy. Chances are, she'll love the gift and she'll be way too excited by the gesture to think of turning it down, but once she's worn it, it can't be returned. If she ends up saying "well...it's the thought that counts", you'll need to know that she can at least return the gift for store credit.
Where the wild things...aren't
This is your first night as a married couple. Happiness should be at an all-time high. A leopard print bodysuit could ruin the mood if she's not into it. Go for something sexy, but safe enough to avoid any unnecessary laughter. Hopefully you know by now what she likes and what makes her look gorgeous. You can save the leopard print for your third wedding anniversary or a weekend in Maine.
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