Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Elegant, Modern Groom - Option 2

romanticFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore



I'm so excited about this wedding! In the bride's own words, she's says, "I'm going for a very 'romantic', classic elegance. Lot's of candlelight." Imagine a soft, muted palette with ivory, white and blush. I'm just tickled by this color combination.

So, here's what I imagine the groom wearing. Let's start with the foundation pieces. I started with a notched lapel tuxedo - it's an updated tuxedo silhouette. Tuxedos do NOT need to have wing tip collars and cheesy ruffles on it. No. Instead I opted for something a little bit more streamlined - a wide-spread collar, subtly pleated bib front and hidden buttons - for the modern groom. Next I chose neutral toned accents. I found mother-of-pearl tuxedo studs and matching cuff links. It gives the shirt a hint of pink, blush and ivory. There are two tie options to choose from. While I normally avoid white ties, I do like this ivory option for photos. The groom can even switch into the black option for the reception. Who says a groom can't change up his outfit?! My favorite piece of this design board is the antique watch. The silvery, creamy look of the watch face (which is actually a silver dollar) is a perfect complement to the bride's romantic and elegant wedding. Finally, I love the brandy glass. Its curves are beautiful, yet streamlined. The bride can surprise her male (and female) wedding guests by offering cigars and after-dinner drinks!

Hope you enjoyed this design board! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

The Elegant, Modern Groom

When does one have a better occasion to wear a tuxedo than at their own wedding? With Kimberly's aesthetic in mind, I suggest a look that evokes classic Hollywood glamour yet keeps the look modern. Pull out the classic tux, but make sure that it's in an updated, tailored fit- such as this Hugo Boss beauty pictured below. Add a skinny tie (not too skinny- 2.5 or 2 inches) to stay with the modern look. Keep the cufflinks sleek in a silver tone with just a touch of sparkle. Choose a silk pocket square in a subtle accent color- such as a shimmering grey or sky blue. To top it off, wear a boutonniere with simple, elegant white blooms. This look is both elegant and modern at the same time. It will be sure to make your groom shine. Congratulations!

Elegant Groom by makikoharris on Polyvore.

Hope you got some new ideas! -Makiko
Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

A Romantic Affair

Our next bride is a young woman by the name of Kimberly Goss. Kimberly will celebrate her wedding, an intimate ceremony, at a beautiful Catholic Church followed by an evening reception in a Georgian ballroom illuminated by candlelights. Kimberly will stun her guests as she walks the down aisle in an Eve of Milady gown.

What is he going to wear? Find out tomorrow!



Thursday, June 3, 2010

Groom Style Tip: Let *Him Eat Cake!

While the tradition of the groom’s cake originated from the South as a way for single women to dream of their future husbands, there is no set in stone rule that says his cake cannot be personalized. The groom should be celebrated just as much as the bride and although the wedding is a ceremonious occasion for the both of them, we can still enjoy a slice of the groom’s personality.

Let's take a look at some groom's cake designs!



What will be the theme of your groom's cake?

Garden Wedding Style by Providence Classic

Emporio Armani Linen Suit - $1195.00; 9tailors shirting in Snow or Blue Windowpane - $60.00; Allen Edmonds "Weybridge" Oxford - $325.00; The Tie Bar Green Silk Plaid Tie - $49.99; Jos. A Bank Blue Plaid Tie - $60.00; Forzieri Mini Flowers & Dots Tie - $135.00; Heather Moore Cuff Links - $565.00 (chic steal - Tiny Token Designs for $60.00!); TW Steel Chronograph Watch - $875.00; Remo Tulliani Belt - $65.00. Autumn  boutonniere by Saipua; Summer boutonniere via Martha Stewart.com

Our groom has an Indian Summer wedding (think early September) in upstate New York, complete with a garden ceremony and reception in an historic barn. No bales of hay here, instead it will be a fabulous fete held in the beautiful outdoors - simple, elegant and with a few fun references to the guest of honor, Mother Nature.

I chose this classic cut navy suit because it's timeless. And Italian. There's no way around it, they cut the best fit for men's suits. And in linen, it's also perfect for warm weather occasions (the old bridesmaid dress adage - "And you can wear it again!" - is actually true for this groom!). The rich cognac brown of the Oxford shoes, belt and watch lends a less formal touch that is just right for an outdoor wedding, while the punch hole details on the shoe's toe playfully reference the barn. 

There are several options for shirts and ties - mix and match as you please! Feel like showing a little personality? Pair the windowpane shirt with a plaid tie. It is fall, after all. Desire a more classic look, with a dash of fun? Pair the pale blue floral pattern tie with the windowpane check. And if your groom favors simplicity, choose the ever-stylish white button down, a backdrop for any color combination. 

And heck (since I was a florist), I threw in two boutonnieres - a deep, pinky-red tulip and berry combination for autumnal contrast, or a fresh, light green option (made of unripe blueberries!) with mahonia leaf for a garden feel.

Who says boys don't like fashion? Those are just boys who haven't met a B&BT stylist. ;)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Groom Style Tip: Pleats versus Flat Front Suit Pants

Often times, a groom’s attire is overshadowed by the bride’s elaborate and elegant dress. Second to the wedding itself, it is the center of attention. However, the groom’s suit or tux is equally important and should be equally as fabulous as the bride’s dress. One of the biggest dilemmas for brides and grooms is to decide between pleated or flat suit pants. Here are some pros and cons:

Pleating for Forgiveness

Don’t be alarmed gentlemen, pleated suit pants are not as outdated as it may seem. While pleated suit pants are more traditional as opposed to their flat front counterpart, pleats are a great way to slim down a man with a fuller figure. Pleats allow for a more relaxed fit by providing more space for the seat and upper thigh.


Flattering Flat Fronts

We have reached the 21st century and flat fronts are the suit pants of the new age. Unlike pleats, flat fronts tend to be more snug and form fitting. These modern suit pants emphasize a man’s silhouette and give the man a more unified and organized look.



What will your groom wear on your wedding day? Leave a comment here

Garden Wedding Style

There is no rule stating that grooms must wear either tuxedos or dark colored suits. In fact, growing up in the wine country of northern California, I saw many country-style weddings where brides and grooms fully embraced the relaxed-chic aesthetic of an outdoor wedding.

So, here is my suggestion. Why wear something stuffy? To complement your bride's beautifully simple dress, wear something relaxed yet sharp. Add a little bit of color with a silk tie or pocket square that are the colors of blossoms. You'll be comfortable and feel at ease on your big day. Good luck!

Outdoor Wedding by makikoharris featuring J Crew pants

Showing: J.Crew Grey Linen 3-piece suit, Mezlan Marte grey suede shoes, J. Crew pink & burgundy solid silk ties, Remo Tulliani dark grey embossed belt, Banana Republic mother of pearl cufflinks, J Press linen pocket square with pink trim.