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.

Carve Your Niche: Create a Work Space for Jewelry Design

Creative space from blog Soul PrettyIf you're anything like me and Sheffield jewelry design instructor Haley Mindes, you look forward to a shopping trip to a bead or craft store more than the mall. If so, you may already have an area in your home carved out for creating. Below you'll find some key elements that come into play in setting up a work space that's not only functional but also inspiring, encouraging you to sit down and create more often. Haley's told me what she thought better organization was all about.

I'd like to say that organization is the major contributor to my imaginative process - but in actuality, the messier my space, the more creative I'm being. If my work area is cleaned up it means I have completed a project or company is coming over! 

We all have projects we've been “meaning” to get to. Having a workspace that inspires you may have you sitting down to start on those projects sooner than later. Your work area may be on your dining room table, at a corner desk, or in a dedicated room that you can close the door to (lucky you, with no constant cleanup!). Haley and I hope that Corner desk by Martha Stewart on Home Depotthese tips will help you to create or improve your work space, and have you excited to sit down and start making!
 

Organization

Make it easy for yourself. Keeping organized means that you don’t have to spend lots of time hunting down what you need. You'll waste less time searching for things if they're always put away in the same place when you're not using them. Recycled glass jars, a magnetic spice rack, and pinned or clipped buckets or fabric bags can be great for storage.

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