Grooming tips for the groom

Let’s face it, most weddings really focus a lot on the bride. There is the search for the perfect makeup for the big day and the right makeup artist for the job. The endless trials to achieve the bride’s dream coiffure — and let’s not even begin to talk about the hunt for the dress for the wedding. Before the big day the bride has salon appointments for cut and color, facials, threading, waxing… and a whole lot of pampering for that special day.

But isn’t there another person who should get a little tender, loving care himself? I’m not talking about the wedding coordinator, I’m referring to the groom. Most grooms really don’t make a lot of fuss about preparing for their wedding day. But I really have to tell the grooms reading this that if your fiancée puts a lot of effort into looking good for your wedding, then at least extend the same or at least a little courtesy in giving attention to your looks just for the event. Your children and grandchildren will be looking at these photos and you don’t want to look like an unkempt guy in a tux next to a vision in white (I’m talking about your bride, not the priest).

So here are a few tips to looking good and spiffy for the big day.

Get a haircut a week before the wedding. This allows your hair to grow into the cut, making styling easier. Bring photos of classic cuts that you like and show to your barber or stylist. Veer away from looks that are too trendy and stick to styles that will look good in photos 10 to 20 years from now. Talk to your stylist about styling products that are right for your cut and ask for tips on styling. Take control of your hair on your wedding day rather than relying on the bride’s hairstylist. It only takes five minutes max.

Unibrows are not cool. I mean, Bert on Sesame Street was cute but on a grown man, one eyebrow is not a pretty sight. Have your stylist tweeze, wax or thread your brows so you have two brows for the big day. No pain, no gain.

Save some face. Treat yourself to a facial a week before the wedding. This will really help your skin be at its best on the big day. A facial will brighten your skin and unclog your pores. Make sure you do it a week before since breakouts may surface a day or two after your facial. This way you don’t have to wear makeup to cover up your skin on the big day.

Get physical. Enroll in a fitness program or any sports-related activities a month or two before the wedding. Your suit will fit better if your shoulders are wider and your waist is slim. I mean, your bride is probably going on a crash diet just to fit into her perfect dress so the least you can do is to make sure your gut doesn’t stick out of your barong. ‘Nuff said.

A close shave. On the big day, head down to the hotel salon or barber and get yourself a professional shave. Trust me, you’ll feel confident and masculine on the big day if you do this. If time is a concern, here’s how to achieve professional results with your razor. Grab a face towel and soak it in warm water. Apply the compress to your face to open up your pores. Use an exfoliating scrub to slough off dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs to form when you shave. This also prevents nicks and cuts because exfoliation makes the surface of the skin smoother. Apply shaving cream on your face and allow to soak in for at least two minutes to soften your beard. Now take a brand-new razor and shave in the direction of the hair growth beginning where hair is softer such as the cheek area. Follow with the neck, then above the upper lip and finish with the chin area where hair is the toughest. Rinse and finish with an aftershave balm and moisturizer.

Smells like high spirits. For the big day you may want to wear cologne or eau de toilette so your aftershave may just not be enough. Pick a scent that matches or at least complements that of your bride’s. Spray your fragrance sparingly as too much may be a bit too overpowering. Men should spray once on the chest and neck area.