There's a reason the song doesn't go "Here comes the groom..." When it comes to weddings, the bride inevitably takes the spotlight; not surprisingly, the groom ends up feeling a little left out. Ironically, although pampering is prerequisite for the bride before the wedding, the groom is simply expected to show up looking relaxed and fresh as he guides the bride through the wedding frenzy: posing for photos, leading the dancing, socializing as if his life depended on it, filtering questions from hired professionals and guests, and above all, keeping the bride sane. So guys, instead of simply hoping your deodorant works, take a cue from the ladies and indulge yourself in preparation for the big day. You'll be sharing that spotlight, and a little pampering will get you looking—and feeling—up to the part.
For the necessary tidying up, and enjoying a final bonding session with your buddies in an all-male environment, try The Men's Room (Dooley Square, 35 Main Street, Poughkeepsie; 845-485-5332), which bills itself as "the masculine alternative to a women's salon" for haircuts, waxing, coloring, hot-towel shaves, and—coming soon—pedicures, manicures, and facials.
Get an early start. See your usual stylist one or two weeks before the wedding so the cut has time to grow in a little and look natural when the day comes. This isn't the time to try out a radical new 'do; stay with the look your bride already loves. If your eyebrows are wily, call in the clippers. After shampooing, rinse with conditioner, even if you usually don't, for sleeker hair that stays put.
Don't give in to the temptation, as many grooms do, of vacationing from shaving for a while before the wedding. That only ensures razor rash when you finally do shave. Be sure to shave the day before your wedding (including neck hair), then again on the big day, once in the morning and again about an hour before dressing. Beforehand, wash your face with hot water and apply shaving cream, which softens facial hair, makes shaving smoother, and protects you from cuts. Use aftershave, even if you ordinarily don't, to soothe your skin.
If you've already got a beard or mustache, this isn't the time to eradicate it. Extreme changes in appearance don't tend to translate well photographically, and could surprise your bride at the altar.
A manicure is a simple, inexpensive (about $15) procedure that cleans, buffs, and polishes your nails—no polish involved. The objective is to present the most beautiful finger possible for your bride to slip the ring on. Having a pedicure (same price and procedure) and foot bath might seem feminine, but they'll relax you, soften your feet, and be appreciated on your honeymoon.
Indulge yourself, if you can, in a good long soak in essential oils (lavender for relaxation, rosemary for rejuvenation) on the big day, complete with pumice-scrubbing your heels and powdering your entire body afterwards. Apply a good deodorant liberally and your favorite cologne sparingly.
Consider having a facial scrub to stimulate surface circulation, which relaxes you and makes your skin look fresh. A facial mask tones and clears. Schedule both about a week beforehand to ensure that any acne backlash comes and goes in time. Wash your face with a gentle, good quality cream cleanser on the day. Dry skin? Apply moisturizer. Greasy face? Use tonic and astringent.
If you've ever needed a massage, it's now. What better time to strip down and go to la-la land for an hour than when you're bleary-eyed from partying with the guys and running seemingly never-ending last-minute errands. Treat yourself the day before or even the morning of your wedding, and you'll feel calm and centered. and if you've got access to a sauna or spa bath, by all means, indulge as often as possible in the lead-up. Or book a spa day for you and your best men at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa (400 Granite Road, Kerhonkson; 845-626-8888) for final pre-wedding bonding and bliss.
Your eyes will have tired from all the final preparations, and the partying. So once you're all spiffed up, treat them by applying some moisturizing eye lotion. Better yet, cover your eyes with cotton balls soaked in rose water and lie down for 10 minutes. It'll brighten up your peepers—and your spirits.