10 commandments for the perfect groom

Who said it’s only the bride who needs to look perfect on her D-day? We bring 10 tips that every groom should follow to look his best on the big day.

1. Thou shalt get fit before your big day

Easy lies the head that wears the crown: Model Arya Bhat sports a wedding ensemble for men by Rohit Bal. (Photo: Shivam Saxena)

You don’t want to go through your wedding photos years later and regret not having worn the belt a notch tighter or holding your breath in a second longer. So give yourself six months before your big day to convert those flabs to abs. Alternatively, try running, cycling, swimming or hip fitness activities such as Capoeira – a Brazilian martial art form, or aqua aerobics.

2. Thou shalt fix an appointment with the dentist

You don’t need toothpaste ads to tell you that a blinding white smile can make heads turn. Fix an appointment with your dentist well in time for your wedding. Get those cavities filled, the plaques – and cigarette stains, if you’re a smoker – removed, and some whitening done.

3. Thou shalt get a professional haircut and shave

The only thing worse than an unkempt beard on your wedding day is a head full of unkempt hair. If you’re blessed with a good mane and facial hair, try looks such as the lumbersexual – with a rugged, but trimmed beard and close-cropped hair; or the pompadour with a well-shaped stubble; or if you’re feeling adventurous, the man bun with a full chiselled beard. Of course, the clean-shaven look is classic!

4. Thou shalt not shy away from a facial

Facials are not just for women! Men produce more oil, thanks to their higher testosterone-levels, which clog the pores on their faces leading to acne, blackheads and eventually dull, lifeless skin. A deep cleanse facial won’t just rejuvenate your skin, but also make you feel fresh.

5. Thou shalt get a mani-pedi cure

Because no one fancies grubby hands and feet with filthy, blackened nails. Trimmed, filed, polished nails on a man are a turn on, and contrary to sexist opinions, soft hands aren’t a sign of femininity – they only show that you care enough for yourself.

6. Thou shalt choose thy outfits wisely

Skip the staid beige and off-white sherwanis! Try angrakhas with dhotis, structured jackets, fitted long bandhgalas with churidars, a made-to-measure three-piece. And if you aren’t short of the moolah, invest in a wardrobe that’ll include not just the outfit for your wedding, but also for the sangeet, cocktail and reception from India’s best couturiers.

7. Thou shalt flaunt some accessories

And we don’t mean just a wrist watch! Adorn the turban with a jewelled kalgi. And if you really want to feel like royalty on your wedding day, try a single string or layered pearl haar or neckpiece.

8. Thou shalt behave responsibly at thy Bachelor’s Party

You don’t want to get up with a massive hangover when you have to make a dash for your sangeet. Or fall asleep in Delhi and wake up in Bangkok, courtesy Hangover. Bonus tip: Text your fiancée at least once during the night; it’ll score brownie points with her ;-)

9. Thou shalt not obsess over a white horse

Ghodis are passé. Hire a limousine or arrive in style on a bike.

10. Thou shalt plan a surprise performance for thy beloved

Plan a romantic song or dance routine for your bride. If you can’t go that far, may be surprise her with a poem that you’ve written especially for the occasion.

From HT Brunch, September 24, 2016

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