iDoGifts Blog

You saved up 6 months of pay for an engagement ring (yeah right, we all know you financed it) to let the whole world know that you’re utterly in love with your princess, your butterfly, the embodiment of the figurative phrase, “You Complete Me.”  You have received record “likes” and comments on Facebook with your “Just Engaged” post (that was shockingly added within 10 minutes of you kneeling down)…typical comments read, “so adorable, knew it was meant to be, I’m so happy for both of you, congrats xoxo” (times a googolplex).

Family and friends called and praised your judgment on choosing the right girl.  The father of the bride looks at you like a son.  Your mind, body and soul are finally at ease.  If you had ever tried yoga maybe this is what it would feel like inside.  Work is good and your boss who you previously despised is suddenly giving you praise.  If you finish the quarter strong you may finally buy that BMW.  You have a shot in your fantasy league, life is good…basically you’re walking around like Van Damme in the 90’s…nothing can stop you.  Hell yes! 

The wedding day is at least a year out, so all you have to do is party like a $#$#$*#$#$ in Vegas for your bachelor party, rent a tux and walk down the aisle right?  Sorry Hans-Booby, there is much more ahead for you pal.

2)  Bridal Fairs

Beware of vertigo here.  You may walk in and literally feel like an alien.  I’ve worked at these shows and the look of grooms’ faces is the equivalent of them being asked to suddenly give birth.  This is her world; she is like an Avatar on the Planet Pandora.  You need to forget everything you know regarding logic and reason and literally act like your dog for up to 8 hours.  Just smile, nod at everything, and don’t speak.  Treat every brochure like it’s the magic ticket to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory as they may be needed later and you don’t want to lose them or misjudge their value. 

Don’t ask questions.  You are an information gatherer, a census taker…that’s it.  Just remember that the value of this show is in the process.  It’s a test of stamina.  You might get frustrated here but you have a long way to go.

3)  Location, Location, Location

This is not all bad if you plan right.  The hairs on your arm might slowly start turning into scales when you commit to too many weekends searching for the wedding location.  You should have no problem going away 1 or 2 weekends to find the right wedding location, heck it’s in your interest as well as you probably don’t want to get married like this:

Communication is important here; inform your bride what events you have upcoming even if it’s watching your favorite sports team on a big weekend, or helping a buddy move.  If you don’t say anything you may end up resenting her later on when the next 8 weekends are committed to finding the right location.

 
4)    Avoid the Bridezilla

This is probably oversimplifying quite a bit, but if you witness your bride-to-be becoming a Bridezilla stay out of her way.  You have your whole life to figure out what happened later on, so don’t try and analyze the situation now.  As Greg, a former groom states, “I was tasked with last minute stuff.  I tried to do it my way and got yelled at which started to turn me into a Groomzilla as emotions are running very high the week before.  Looking back, I would have stayed away.” 

Lastly, if your bride-to-be has not become a Bridezilla raise your hand and volunteer for tasks that usually get put off, like the seating chart.  I’ve seen couples do this the night before the wedding when they should be laughing and talking with friends.  Another task is preparing your speech.  Yes, you should give a speech that does more than thank people for traveling.  So jump on this ahead of time.  If you are prepared mentally you will stave off a lot off Groomzilla symptoms.

Aric Martinez

Co-Founder & CEO

aric@idogifts.com