Groomsmen Attire: 5 Inspiring Ideas

So what are some of the big trends today in groomsmen attire? Here's the lowdown.

Socks

Who knew men’s socks could be so interesting or even that socks could be fashionable? Use socks with your groom and groomsmen's attire to add a pop of fun to an otherwise formal affair. I found myself obsessing over the best choice and could not decide. Use these general choices to help you decide: patterns, colors, or the wacky choice. Choose the argyle look for a polished, yet daring look like these from J. Crew or a shocking, unsuspecting color for laughs —pink never looked so good with a suit. For the brave, go extreme, with the wacky choice—the only time when cartoonish socks are ok on a grown man.

Photo Credit: www.rebekahwestover.com/

(Photo Credit: www.darbyelizabethphotography.com)

(Photo Credit: www.beckyjensenphotography.com/) Shoes

I’m sure men are not as concerned with their wedding shoes as women; but, when given a choice, comfort is probably at the top of their list. What better way to shuck the traditional brogues or loafers, with something different… while being comfortable? Three options I like best: Toms, Converses, or Nike’s—or any athletic twist for business casual footwear. Make a statement. Customize your Converse or Nikes to match the wedding theme and each groomsmen’s personality. This is also a brilliant gift option for your groomsmen!

(Photo Credit: www.scobeyphotography.com/) (Photo Credit: www.aaronshintaku.com)

 (Photo Credit: janiceblackmonevents.wordpress.com/)

Boutonnieres

To have one or not?

(Photo Credit: Taira C @ Etsy)I think boutonnieres are a great choice when tying something from the bride back to the groomsmen. The tradition of wearing a boutonniere may have started during the middle ages, when women favored men with something personal: handkerchief, scarf, or favorite flower. This tradition has carried over into weddings that stand today. Today’s boutonniere surpasses the traditional flower route. Mesh modernity with tradition by adding creative and simple touches. Tammi from JewelBeGorgeous on Etsy transcends the typical boutonniere with these masculine beauties. Another option is to tie in your wedding theme via color or texture of the boutonniere. Nancy from Alliums123 on Etsy uses an alternative to the traditional flower boutonniere in the shape of a pocket-square designed from natural raffia.

(Photo Credit: Alliums123 @ Etsy)(Photo Credit: ChiKaPea @ Etsy)

Neckwear: Tie or Bow tie?

While a traditional black or navy colored bow tie makes the attire more formal, bow ties have come a long way from being stuffy and un-hip. I personally love bow ties; something about a guy wearing a bow tie makes me think of a sexy nerd sans pocket protector. Bow ties…so many great options and easier to manage than figuring out how to tie a necktie: Windsor, Half Windsor, Four in Hand, or a Pratt necktie. Nevertheless, when choosing to wear a tie or a bow tie, base your decision from your wedding theme and colors. If your wedding is more formal, go with a solid color and stick with a more neutral palette. Choose the pattern option, if your wedding is semi-formal or “casual.” To stand out from your groomsmen, choose a tie or bow tie that’s slightly different, whether by color or pattern.

(Photo Credit: iloveswmag.com/)(Photo Credit: upperfrench.bigcartel.com/)(Photo Credit: www.onewed.com/)

Accessories

Accessories are another fun way to be creative to make your tuxedo or suit more dashing. The possibilities are endless: vest, top hat, studs on the shirt, suspenders, and the list goes on. This is another the perfect way to tie in a groomsmen gift, by personalizing an accessory like these cufflinks from American Bridal. Choose either cufflinks with their initials or a pocket watch to add a masculine, old-world charm.

(Photo Credit: Greenweddingshoes.com)(Photo Credit: Urbaneye @ Etsy)(Photo Credit: ruffledblog.com/)Just remember: as a rule of thumb, try not to over do either of theses choices or your overall attire will clash. For example, if you’re going to wear fun socks, hold off on the personalized Nikes. Whichever option you choose to do, have fun. This is your wedding day too. Best of luck and Congratulations!

Thanks to American Bridal for their unique ideas and wonderful post! At American Bridal, you can find a wide array of wedding favors and accessories. Visit the American Bridal website today.

For more information on Wedding and Event Planning, please visit our website at the Sheffield School.

Why People Should Hire an Interior Designer

Irwin Weiner ASID - The first design project I ever did - now over 20 years ago - was helping decorate the home of friends of my parents in South Africa. Financial difficulties forced them to scale down. Using their good-quality furniture and art, I created an interior that was a lot better than what they had expected. It was so successful, in fact, that they were able to feel that their move was not as much a "social decline" as they'd anticipated.

I did for them what I still maintain a good interior design project should do for any client: create a stage set to live in that is so beautiful, that it enhances your life. It's a little grandiose, I know, but it's a worthy goal nonetheless.

My first design project was a great opportunity for me, too. Even though I wasn't being paid, I realized that it was a good chance to gain my first referral. When I asked the wife what she thought of the interior I'd completed, she said that she particularly loved that it didn't look like it had been "decorated," and she was happy to know that her friends would feel the same way.

When I pressed her on that remark, she confided that hiring a designer made her feel inadequate, both in terms of her taste level, as well as it being somewhat of an unnecessary luxury. One could say that it was like the extravagance of hiring a trainer at the gym when all one needs is self-discipline and a bit of research. And most people think that they've got good taste, so why hire an outsider to design your home?

I'm often confronted with similar thoughts from people who express a disdain for the interior design industry. There are many people who don't have good taste, they can afford to hire a designer, but they elaborately  justify not using a professional. One of my favorite Why I Won't Hire An Interior Designer rationales is "Interiors are like Art, and I don't need to know much about it; I only need to know what I like." 

Now that I'm older and more exerienced in my profession (of which I am very proud), when I meet people who profess the reluctance to hire a professional, or demean interior designers as a whole, I now have a few stock responses.

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Cleaning Tips to Keep Outdoor Furniture Looking New

With the summer season in full swing, people around the country are taking to the outdoors. From backyard BBQs to rooftop bars, it's important to keep outdoor furniture looking fresh. As a leading manufacturer of outdoor luxury furnishings, Royal Botania knows a thing or two about proper care and cleaning techniques. Its catalog of products offers a diverse range of materials including teak stainless steel, Batyline and CoaXXS®. As the pool parties begin, the experts weigh in.

Teak

Teak is strong, lightweight, and resistant to outdoor elements. It has naturally high oil content, which creates a built-in resistance to the elements so that it does not decay and will not splinter. As such, teak does not need to be sealed or treated to protect the wood. When left outdoors, it will gracefully turn to silver patina to harmonize with its surroundings. Royal Botania uses mature, high quality, kiln-dried teak that has been harvested from sustainable sources. Available in collections such as Solid, O-Zon & Kokoon, it should provide a lifetime of use with minimal maintenance.

To keep teak looking chic, Royal Botania recommends a freshening every 6-12 months. When teak furniture first arrives any “teak dust” on the furniture should be wiped off using a damp cloth, otherwise it can leave marks on clothes and cushions. For standard cleanings, scrub with a soft brush and natural soap. Rinsing with fresh water regularly is also encouraged. Many stains can be removed by using a diluted bleach mixture with water, in a 4:1 mix.  Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with fresh water. Do not fear a change in color of the stained area. Thanks to teak’s natural oil content the wood’s color will even out within a month after cleaning.  For frequent stains, use products like Semco Clear Coat.

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel, featured in O-Zon, Ninix & Flexy, is durable and stylish and will hold up to frequent cleanings. Royal Botania offers a 304-grade as well as a 304-EP electropolished or marine-grade stainless steel. The latter offers the same quality and performance as 316-EP stainless steel, yet comes at a more affordable price point. This treatment increases resistance to corrosion and helps prevent salt water and chlorine damage.

To maintain its luster, Royal Botania recommends

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Interior Design Trend - Hollywood Glamour Style

Samuel Marx style chest of drawers in green parchment - dealer Antony Todd Home

“One of the great things about Hollywood Regency is its versatility; the look can be done up in a very fun, camp manner or be tailored for an upscale feel.” - Dominic Albanese, owner of NY's Metropolis Modern showroom

Oscar Torres - Hollywood has not only influenced Fashion, but the Interior Design industry has widely been in the spotlight through the eyes of set designers and furniture designers as well. Hollywood Regency Style as sometimes referenced by designers, is inspired by the movie sets of Hollywood's most iconic motion pictures’ sets. Pieces range from simple lines inspirited by the past to hand-picked stylized objet d’art coveted by dealers, designers, and collectors worldwide.

Dorothy Draper 1940s plaster urn lamps - dealer Crais Van Den Brulle

This neo-classical revival style has been going strong in this century. Not only do we see it in décor, but also in home furnishings, textiles, and accessories from high-end Neiman Marcus to affordable Target.

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