GROOMSMEN DUTIES

So, you've been asked to be a groomsmen in your buddy's upcoming wedding. Contrary to popular belief, it does entail more than wearing the chosen suit and taking advantage of the even't open bar. We've compiled a checklist breaking down the duties for groomsmen during the various stages of wedding planning to make it easy to do right by your friend.

PRE-WEDDING
• Offer to help the best man plan the bachelor party.
• Attend any engagement parties or couple’s showers thrown for the engaged couple.
• Get fitted for and pick up your tux or suit one or two days before the wedding day-this will give you enough time to make sure everything fits.

.THE WEDDING DAY

• If all of the groomsmen are getting dressed at a central location, make sure to arrive there on time.
• Smile for all of the photos.
• Make sure that the groom is relaxed and has had something to eat.
• If ushers aren’t being used, escort wedding guests to their seats as they arrive.
• Either escort a bridesmaid down the aisle or walk out with the groom (depending on which method the couple has chosen).
• Be introduced at the reception – and soak up the limelight!
• Dance with your bridesmaid partner if a wedding party dance is on tap.
• Help carry gifts o the car afterward.
• Help the bride’s family clean up after the reception is over

If you can follow these easy steps for success while being a groomsmen, you will not only have an appreciative groom, but your buddies make just take the time to do right by you when it's your turn to walk down the aisle.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR A TUXEDO

Whether you're about to rent your first tux for a dance or prom, or you've picked out the suits you'll be using for the wedding party at your upcoming nuptials, let's face it, there are still some guys who don't care about clothes all that much. Although it is always best to have the seasoned professionals at Mr. Burch professionally fit you at one of our convenient locations, busy student schedules and groomsmen/ushers living out of town may warrant to collection of their own measurements.

When following these 10 steps in self-measurement, you're a lot more likely to have a fit success story that a nightmare.

1. Determine your weight by using an accurate scale.

2. Measure your height. Take off your shoes and stand with your back against the wall. Place the tape measure at the bottom of your feet and measure to the highest point on your head.

3. Measure your waist. Tuxedo pants fit higher than jeans or dress pants. Measure around the top of your hip bones and across your navel to determine an accurate waist size.

4. Calculate your hip measurements. Place the tape measure around your hips. The measurement should be determined by looping the tape measure around your pants and over the biggest part of your rear end.

5. Determine your out seam while wearing shoes. Make sure the shoes are similar to what you'll be wearing with the tuxedo. While facing forward, place the tape measure on the outside arch of your shoe. Pull the tape measure up your leg, past your hip bone and to the height of your navel. This measurement helps determine the length of pants you will need.

    

   

    

6. Measure your chest. Raise your arms to the side. Run the tape measure around your shoulder blades, under each arm and around the fullest part of your chest. Lower your arms and assess the measurement.

7. Determine your over-arm measurement. Put both arms at your side. Place the tape measure around your chest and both shoulders, and record your size. This measurement is similar to how you measured your chest, except now you're including your shoulders.

8. Assess the size of your neck. Circle the tape measure around your neck and record the measurement.

9. Calculate your sleeve measurement. Allow one of your arms to hang straight at your side. Place the tape measure near the bottom of the back of your neck. Run your tape measure over the top of your shoulder and then down your straight arm to a point approximately one inch below the center of your wrist.

10. Record your coat in-sleeve measurement. Put the tape measure on the inside of your arm slightly below your wrist. Pull the tape up into your underarm for the complete measurement.

Remember, that professional formal wear shops, like Mr. Burch, are usually happy to measure for no charge, but if you have to DIY, stick to this plan. Good Luck!

GROOMSMEN GIFTS

Most Bridal parties are made up of the bride and groom's nearest and dearest, and the gifts selected for these attendants should be just as special. Whether your budget is unlimited or meager, gifts for your groomsmen should let your big brother and your buddy from the playground know how much they mean to you.

Some grooms may be more traditional and stick to classic commemorative gifts that symbolize not only the importance of the relationship between friends and family, but the importance of the wedding event itself. These gifts might be engrave able keepsakes such as flasks, money clips, and cuff links and are still very popular today.

Other grooms may feel more comfortable with individual gifts for each particular groomsmen. Wedding parties can be comprised of all ages and while your dad or big brother may favor a tool set or beer mugs, your college roommate may be a collector of rare vinyl albums. So, gift accordingly.

Experience gifts have become popular as well. Treat your favorite guys to a casino weekend or golf at a special club. The quality time will appreciate your pals while making great memories.

As is true with most modern wedding trends, anything goes with gift giving these days, so be true to yourself and you won't go wrong with selecting the perfect gifts for your guys.

TREND ALERT: BOW TIES AND SUSPENDERS

Trend Alert! Weddings and other formal events have men of all ages donning bow ties and suspenders again. No matter the formality, weddings are seeing a trend toward away from the vest and traditional tie look and back to bow ties and suspenders. The look is seen on the beach without jackets and in the dressiest of churches, and is very flattering to most men.

Suspenders serve a function as well as making a fashion statement-they keep your pants up! 
Replacing cummerbunds with suspenders discourages the under the belly placement of pants look that has unfortunately graced the pages of more than a few wedding albums. Suspenders are also an accessory where grooms and groomsmen can make a statement of personality. They are a great place to add a splash of color or element of theme.

Bow ties are versatile as well. Formal wear rental locations, such as Mr. Burch offer a wide variety of styles from pre-tied solids to uniquely patterned originals. These ties are another area where wedding parties may add a touch of whimsical to the look of the event. Perhaps each groomsmen could sport a different color representing his sports team alliance or favorite superhero. Custom ties are great ideas for groomsmen gifts as well.

Its great to see men's fashion as another way to highlight a couple's personality at their wedding, and this trend is no exception. The seasoned professionals at Mr. Burch would love to help you create your unique wedding look. Stop by one of our many convenient Birmingham area locations today.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: ALAN'S INVITATIONS

Mr. Burch is so pleased to be able to recommend quality vendors to our clients. Couples planning weddings and families coming in to reserve prom suits are so glad to receive referrals from a trusted source, and Mr. Burch is blessed with many friends in the industry that we know will treat our clients right.

The team at Alan's Invitations never disappoints whether a client needs wedding and/or shower invitations or graduation announcements. They are the state's largest invitation and fine stationery store!

Unlike most websites they are backed by an in-house team of people that really like what they do. They are thrilled to make your shopping experience fun, to give you money saving suggestions, and to think of YOUR style, instead of their own. Offering as many lines as they do, it's easy to show you every budget level, every style from classic to over-the-top.

Their lines include:
William Arthur,Carlson Craft, Embossed Graphics, Arabella Designs, Cranes,Rita Renning, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Tru, Encore, National Engraving, Designer's Fine Press, Birchcraft, K&M Designs, Krepe Kraft, Stylart, Printswell • Martha Stewart, and many more!

Call from 10-5 central time Monday through Saturday and you'll be greeted by a friendly voice, eager to help plan your special occasion, or visit our store at Alan's Invitations 4524 Southlake Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35244 205.987.2386.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: GRETCHEN B. PHOTOGRAPHY

As a seasoned wedding and event vendor in Birmingham, Mr. Burch has the opportunity of working with some of Birmingham's elite photographers.  Beautiful photos shared among wedding guests and friends vial email and social media help to showcase our latest styles and fashions all over town and beyond.

This week, we'd like to highlight Gretchen Birdwell of Gretchen B Photography.  Gretchen has been an avid student of photography since junior high and has been found behind the camera pretty much ever since.  

Originally from North Carolina, Gretchen had a hand-tinting portrait business there before relocating to Birmingham.  She has over 10 years in portrait experience, and has been shooting weddings for over 5 years now.  Gretchen is a Certified Professional Photographer, a distinction seldom achieved by many, and is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the Camera Club.  

Gretchen's vast experience coupled with her love of the art of Photography give her a classic and emotional style to both her portraits and candid event shots.  She regularly celebrates the art of photography when she hosts her monthly Unscripted: Fine Art Photography events in which several local photographers showcase their work in her studio.

Gretchen B Photography has a full service studio in Historic Old Town Helena where she holds indoor and outdoor portrait sessions for her clients.  For the convenience of others, she also has an office in Cahaba Heights to meet with current and prospective clients.  

Thank you for sharing your talents with us, Gretchen!

GROOMSMEN STYLES FOR SUMMER

Suit Up!

Tuxedos are beautiful but for a warm weather more casual event, you might consider putting the groom in a suit.  There are many color and style options to choose from so you aren't limited.  A lighter color like gray or tan will also help with the heat.

Suspenders

Suspenders are making a major come back with the groom and his men. Ryan Reynolds even had custom leather suspenders made for his wedding with Blake Lively. A few tips to remember for your groom is to be sure that they match his suit color, and if he decides to go with a patterned pair be sure that the rest of the outfit is monochromatic. 

Mismatched Prints

The groom can look amazing in a seer sucker suit mixed with a gingham bow tie.  Mixing patterns isn’t hard at all, you just want to be sure that your  groom’s finished look does not look like he got dressed in the dark. Simply stay in the same color family and hue. Some grooms go for softer shades and complimentary colors, and could not look any better. 

There are many fashionable options for the groom and groomsmen for warm weather weddings.  Just keep the climate in mind when planning for your big event.  Of course, if the weather gets too hot, you can always move it inside.  Please contact us for assistance with any of your wedding fashion needs. 

BRIDAL SHOWS FOR SUMMER 2013

MOTHER OF THE GROOM: COLORS COUNT

Although a wedding is the bride's day, all family members play an important role in the event, particularly mothers of the groom. Coordinating dress color with the bride's mother may seem unimportant while planning a wedding, but can cause embarrassment or ruffled feathers when ignored. Colors complementary to the wedding party and the mother of the bride's dress are ideal.

The goal with dress color is to blend in, rather than stand out or match. Solid hues and small or subtle prints are very appropriate. Look for soft or medium colors, like blues, greens, peaches and yellows. Find something that goes well with your hair color and skin tone in a style that flatters your body. Avoid red and strong, flamboyant colors that attract attention. Large or busy prints and plaids should be saved for another day.

Traditionally, the mother of the groom should wait until the bride's mother has chosen her dress, then see it or view pictures. This will prevent matching or clashing dresses. By coordinating colors andstyles they create a flawless bridge between the two sides of the new family. The groom's mother should not wear the same color as the bride's mother, but try to find a dress of similar length and formality.

For traditionalists, black is taboo. For the modern woman, however, it is considered stylish for evening or more formal weddings. Black is appropriate to wear if the bride does not object. Beige, sometimes seen as a means to blend into the background so as not to upstage the bride or her mother, is more often considered bland and unimaginative.

Weather, date and wedding location also play an important role in finding the right color. Some colors do not match well with certain seasons. For example, pale pink would not be suitable for an autumn wedding any more than a rust-colored gown would be in June.

One color guideline never seems to change: Don't wear white. No longer the automatic choice of the bride, that door is still closed to the groom's mother. Practically speaking, it is also a poor choice because it shows spots and stains easily, making surviving the ceremony and reception without spilling, dripping or smudging a challenge. Instead of white, try a subtle silver or gold.

WHAT TO WEAR: MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

When you're the Mother of the Bride, you want to stand out and feel special, without upstaging your daughter. Follow the instructions below and you will be sure to receive compliments all through your special day.
 

 The wedding's venue and level of formality will help dictate the type of dress you're seeking. A black-tie wedding calls for a glittering cocktail dress or full-length gown; a beachside wedding may mean a pretty linen sundress.

An A-line silhouette - fitted at the top, flared at the bottom - works for most figures. A sheath dress looks beautiful on a figure that's proportional, equally large at the bust and hips.

Select a hue that works with the wedding palette so the dresses don't clash in the wedding photos. Skip black or white at the wedding - white is generally reserved for the bride, and black may seem like you're mourning your daughter's marriage. Dresses with wild patterns don't photograph as well as simpler, solidly colored gowns in rich fabrics.

You'll likely be on your feet through the bulk of the day, helping your daughter get ready and greeting guests, so be sure your dress fits well and will be comfortable for a long haul.

 Start looking for your dress at least six months out from the wedding date, so you have time to look and to special-order your dress, if required. Consider buying the dress at the same salon where the bride bought her dress, and ask if you can receive a discount on the price.