<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link><description>AisleDash</description><image><url>http://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link></image><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright><generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Tuxedo styles and trends: Interview with Jay's Formalwear, Part Three</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><em><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/282_parisian_zoom---copy.jpg" />We've spoken with <a href="http://www.jaysbridal.com/">Jay's Bridal and Special Occasions</a> about wedding gowns, and now we're moving on to our third part on tuxedos. Jay's is a one-stop bridal salon located in Gainesville, Florida and their tuxedo department is online at <a href="http://jaysformalwear.com">jaysformalwear.com</a>. Throughout the series, we'll discuss everything wedding, ranging from bridal gowns to music to tuxedos. In this installment, Kristen Seymour will chat with the owner of Jay's, Paul Rhodenizer.<br /><br /></em>Men's fashion doesn't experience the same type of change as women's fashion -- it's much more gradual. Still, there are a few trends that are highly popular now, although just as with bridesmaids' dresses, not all styles are suitable for all body types.<br /><br />When helping a couple select a tuxedo style for a wedding party, Paul tries to get a feel for the body types involved. "The groom might be tall and thin, and would look great in a three-button jacket, but if his best man is 5'8" and 300 pounds, that style isn't going to work on him." The multiple buttons on a jacket for a guy with a big belly is like a large busted woman wearing a button-up blouse -- there's going to be unflattering gapping.<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Tuxedo styles and trends: Interview with Jay's Formalwear, Part Three</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.jaysformalwear.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1259581/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/tuxedo-styles-and-trends-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>fathers</category><category>formalwear</category><category>groom</category><category>grooms</category><category>groomsmen</category><category>jaysbridal</category><category>menswear</category><category>suit</category><category>tuxedo</category><category>wedding</category><dc:creator>Aisledash blogger</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Choosing your tuxedo accessories and saving money: Interview with Jays Formalwear, Part Two</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><em><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/932_infinity.jpg" alt="" />We've spoken with <a href="http://www.jaysbridal.com/">Jay's Bridal and Special Occasions</a> about wedding gowns, and now we're moving on to our second part on tuxedos. Jay's is a one-stop bridal salon located in Gainesville, Florida and their tuxedo department is online at <a href="http://jaysformalwear.com/">jaysformalwear.com</a>. Throughout the series, we'll discuss everything wedding, ranging from bridal gowns to music to tuxedos. In this installment, Kristen Seymour will chat with the owner of Jay's, Paul Rhodenizer.</em><em><br /><br /></em>Compared to shopping for a bridal gown, shopping for the guys' tuxedos might seem like a piece of cake. However, while there aren't quite as many options regarding formalwear for the men, it's not all black and white. In fact, sometimes it's chocolate, khaki, or ivory, and then there are the accessories ... it's enough to get confusing, if you let it.<br /><br />Before helping brides and grooms choose the tuxedos for the wedding, Paul spends a bit of time listening. "First, I try to find out a little about the formality of the wedding, but just as important is how the bride feels about things like color coordination. To some brides, having the groomsmen's vests match the color of the bridesmaids' dresses is really important, while other brides find it tacky."<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><br /></em><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Choosing your tuxedo accessories and saving money: Interview with Jays Formalwear, Part Two</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://jaysformalwear.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1259539/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/choosing-your-tuxedo-accessories-and-saving-money-interview-wit/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>accessories</category><category>budget</category><category>color</category><category>cost</category><category>groom</category><category>matching</category><category>money</category><category>saving-money</category><category>tuxedo</category><category>wedding</category><dc:creator>Aisledash blogger</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Engraved money clip for the father of the bride</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/for-the-father-of-the-bride/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/for-the-father-of-the-bride/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/for-the-father-of-the-bride/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Product_Code=48604&amp;Category_Code=1006000&amp;Product_Count=49"><img width="400" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="260" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/moneyironyclip.jpg" alt="money clip" /></a><br /></div>
<br />Money clip are one of those gifts that show up all the time on websites and in catalogues aimed at bridal couples. Looking for a gift for the men? How about a personalized golf ball, a silver flask, or a money clip? They're everywhere.<br /><br />What this gift idea may lack in originality, it makes up for with its saying. It's a nice reminder, that the truly important, really valuable things in life cost nothing -- the love you share, for example. A sweet, romantic notion for the groom. For the father of the bride, who may be getting a little dizzy at how quickly his bank balance is receding, it might be just more than a little ironic. Could be the poor man will soon be thinking that the only things he ever will own from now on will be the ones that don't cost money.<br /><br />Will you give it to him? Probably depends on his sense of humor ...<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Product_Code=48604&amp;Category_Code=1006000&amp;Product_Count=49>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/for-the-father-of-the-bride/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262744/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/29/for-the-father-of-the-bride/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>engraved-gift</category><category>father-of-the-bride</category><category>groom</category><category>groom-gifts</category><category>groomsmen</category><category>groomsmen-gifts</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>money-clip</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Who needs to rent a tux? Interview with Jay's Formalwear, Part One</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><em><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/894_fubu_stripe_zoom---copy.jpg" alt="" />We've spoken with <a href="http://www.jaysbridal.com/">Jay's Bridal and Special Occasions</a> about wedding gowns, and now we're moving on to tuxedos. Jay's is a one-stop bridal salon located in Gainesville, Florida and their tuxedo department is online at <a href="http://jaysformalwear.com/">jaysformalwear.com</a>. Throughout the series, we'll discuss everything wedding, ranging from bridal gowns to music to tuxedos. In this installment, Kristen Seymour will chat with the owner of Jay's, Paul Rhodenizer.</em><br /><br />While not every wedding is formal enough to require tuxedos, a majority of brides and grooms opt to dress their wedding party in them. But who all needs one, and what are the rules for matching?<br /><br />Of course, the groom needs a tux, and one thing he should consider is the color of his bride's gown. "A majority of our dress sales are now in a shade of ivory," said Paul, "so we encourage the groom and his groomsmen to wear ivory shirts to go with that."<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Who needs to rent a tux? Interview with Jay's Formalwear, Part One</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://jaysformalwear.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1259575/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/who-needs-to-rent-a-tux-interview-with-jays-formalwear-part-o/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>fathers</category><category>formalwear</category><category>groom</category><category>groomsmen</category><category>ivory</category><category>tux</category><category>tuxedo</category><category>wedding</category><category>wedding-party</category><dc:creator>Aisledash blogger</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Spa day for the groom - smarten up at Gentlemans Tonic</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/for-the-boys-smarten-up-at-gentlemans-tonic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/for-the-boys-smarten-up-at-gentlemans-tonic/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/for-the-boys-smarten-up-at-gentlemans-tonic/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/gents.jpg" /><br /></div>
It almost goes without saying that most brides will spend a few hours on their wedding day being groomed and pampered by hairstylists and make-up artists. The groom is usually left to his own devices, which often means a quick shower, shave and a splash of Hugo Boss. However, there's no reason why grooms shouldn't smarten up in style as well.<br /><br />For London grooms, we love the service offered by <a href="http://gentlemenstonic.co.uk/index.php">Gentlemans Tonic</a>, a "unique establishment in the heart of Mayfair that affords the modern man a traditional barbershop and a variety of lifestyle and grooming services." (For Americans, there is also an <a href="http://gentlemenstonic.com/">establishment in Houston,</a> USA.)<br /><br />However, forget about an old-fashioned barber shop. Banish all thoughts of something staid and dull. This is men's grooming with a modern edge. The private haircutting stations and treatment rooms boast high-tech music consoles and LCD screens and the service is all about understated quality and high-level care.<br /><br />If you think your man would enjoy some pampering but would never admit to it, then why not do it for him and buy him a gift certificate? That way, he'll have no choice but to surrender and you get to have a deliciously stylish groom. It's a win-win situation.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://gentlemenstonic.co.uk/index.php>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/for-the-boys-smarten-up-at-gentlemans-tonic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261184/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/28/for-the-boys-smarten-up-at-gentlemans-tonic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>gentlemens-tonic</category><category>grooms</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>mens-beauty</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Groom's view - What does my mom do?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danzen/181177715/"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="158" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/motherofgroooom.jpg" alt="woman in pink sun hat" /></a>Everyone is pretty clear on what the bride and her mother will be up to for the duration of your engagement: planning a wedding! Some women give the impression that they've been planning this event in their head since the first wedding they attended at the age of six, and now the starting pistol has fired in real life, look out!<br /><br />Thing is, your mom's a woman, too, and maybe she's been planning a wedding in her head, too. Only (in this wedding at any rate) she's got a son, not a daughter. What does the mother of the groom do? <br /><br />While she doesn't do as much as the mother of the bride, there are a few things that are just for her.<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Groom's view - What does my mom do?</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://ourmarriage.com/html/mother_of_the_groom.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1263931/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/grooms-view-what-does-my-mom-do/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>etiquette</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>mother-of-the-groom</category><category>rehearsal</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Fashion 411 for the men</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/fashion-411-for-the-men/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/fashion-411-for-the-men/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/fashion-411-for-the-men/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://www.black-tie-hire.co.uk/classic.htm"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="351" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/morning1suit.jpg"  alt="two men in morning suits" /></a>What's a <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/10/03/fashion-for-the-men-stud-sets/">stud set</a>? Can I wear a <a href="http://men.style.com/gq/fashion/styleguy/formalwear/848">tuxedo for a mid-day wedding</a>? Which is more formal, a tuxedo, a suit, or a morning suit? Can you wear brown with black? How do you tie an ascot? Can I <a href="http://men.style.com/gq/fashion/styleguy/formalwear/744">wear a suit and put the groomsmen in blazers</a>?<br /><br />If you suddenly find yourself actually worrying about things you'd never even heard of before you popped the question, you'll be relieved to know that there are people who know this stuff. People who can give you the information you need, and can manage to be down-to-earth about it all. People who understand that for you, this is important for one day, not as a way of life.<br /><br />We're kind of partial to <a href="http://men.style.com/gq/fashion/styleguy/formalwear">the Style Guy</a> at  <a href="http://men.style.com/gq">GQ</a>. He's smart and fashion-wise, but he's not a fashion slave. Fashion sense with an edge: perfect for the groom who is never going to be a high fashion guy -- he just doesn't want to spend his "big day" making an ass of himself.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://men.style.com/gq/fashion/styleguy/formalwear>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/fashion-411-for-the-men/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262557/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/fashion-411-for-the-men/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>dress-suit</category><category>formal-attire</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>morning-coat</category><category>tuxedo</category><category>tuxedos</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Make a James Bond-style entrance</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/just-for-boys-make-a-james-bond-style-entrance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/just-for-boys-make-a-james-bond-style-entrance/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/just-for-boys-make-a-james-bond-style-entrance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/picture-1.jpg" alt="" /><br /></div>
A wedding day is about both the bride and groom of course but, to be honest, it's the bride who is usually the shining star of the day, with all eyes upon her as she makes her entrance.<br /><br />Chaps, it's time to steal back some of the limelight and make a grand entrance of your own, with all the glamour and style of James Bond.<br /><br />Ditch the traditional limousine and charter a helicopter. <a href="http://www.risehelicopters.co.uk">Rise Helicopters</a> charge &pound;740 (excl. VAT) to get you to the church on time. And they'll give you one hour to get there, so if you don't need that much time why not arrange for a flying tour of the area before you arrive at your destination?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.risehelicopters.co.uk/weddings.html">Rise Helicopters</a> offer a Platinum Wedding package that includes a bottle of Vintage Champagne and a &pound;100 voucher for use at a luxury Spa.<br /><br />For more details, check out their <a href="http://www.risehelicopters.co.uk/weddings.html">wedding service here</a>.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.risehelicopters.co.uk/weddings.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/just-for-boys-make-a-james-bond-style-entrance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261175/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/just-for-boys-make-a-james-bond-style-entrance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>grooms</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>helicopter</category><category>wedding-helicopter</category><category>wedding-transport</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Wedding Wise: How to prepare a toast</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blmurch/336021355/"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="267" border="0" align="right" alt="toast the bride"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/t0ast1.jpg" /></a>You've agreed to propose the toast to the bride. Even though you've known her for years, when you start to consider what you might say, you draw a complete blank. You've never been great at public speaking. Where do you start? Gary Drevitch at <a href="http://www.freelancedad.typepad.com/freelancedad/articles/dont_burn_your_toast.html">Freelance Dad</a> consulted with experts as Toastmasters International, and came up with these tips:<br /><br /><strong>Brainstorm</strong>. Jot down everything you can think of about the bride. List her good points, special memories you have, why she and her beloved make a good couple. The brainstorming will give you a general outline for your toast. <strong>Research</strong> will fill in the gaps.<br /><br /><strong>Know your audience</strong>. Don't say anything to annoy or embarrass the bride and groom, and keep it clean. <br /><br /><strong>Write it all out </strong>so you can practice it, but when the time comes, use short notes. A cue-card or two should be enough; ten typed pages is too much!<br /><br /><strong>Sound like yourself</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Start with a joke, end with sentiment</strong>. As Drevitch notes, "One of the classic rules of wedding toasting is to end by tugging on the heartstrings. If you can't be sentimental at a wedding, where can you?"<br /><br /><strong>Keep it short.</strong> Toastmasters suggests three to four minutes, but we can guarantee that if you want to make it shorter than that, your audience will not object!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.freelancedad.typepad.com/freelancedad/articles/dont_burn_your_toast.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262761/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>public-speaking</category><category>speech</category><category>Toastmasters</category><category>wedding-toast</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Father of the bride - four tips for the wedding day</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronhenry/528717097/"><img width="333" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="500" border="0" alt="bride and father, dancing" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/father-daughter48.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<br />Fathers of the bride are often given no more than a passing sentence in the etiquette books, and it's an expensive one: "Traditionally, the wedding and reception are paid for by the bride's family." As bridal couples are more and more likey to have been living independently (and, most of the time, together) for some while before the wedding, they are also more and more likely to be paying for their own wedding. An increasing percentage of brides escort their own selves down the aisle.<br /><br />Which leaves dad doing ... what, exactly? Some dads don't want anything more. Some are perfectly content to wear what they're told, show up when and where they're told, and otherwise stay out of the limelight.<br /><br />If you'd like more input than that on this most important day, there are a few things you can be doing that your daughter will truly appreciate. <a href="http://blog.weddingguidance.com/2006/07/11/wedding-day-etiquette-for-the-father-of-the-bride.aspx">Experienced FOTB Ken York</a> has a few pointers for you. The first one starts with not your daughter, but her mother. Give her something (Ken suggests jewelery), and with the gift say something sweet and thoughtful about all her hard work in raising this lovely young woman. If that doesn't make you Man of the Year (or at least the Hour) in her heart, we don't know what will.<br /><br />Other tips?<br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Father of the bride - four tips for the wedding day</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://blog.weddingguidance.com/2006/07/11/wedding-day-etiquette-for-the-father-of-the-bride.aspx>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262394/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/what-does-dad-do-on-the-day-four-tips-for-the-fotb/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>father-daughter-dance</category><category>father-of-the-bride</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>reception</category><category>wedding</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:03:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise: How to choose your best man</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/weddingwise-how-to-choose-your-best-man/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/weddingwise-how-to-choose-your-best-man/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/weddingwise-how-to-choose-your-best-man/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/wedding-party/" rel="tag">Wedding party</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/509353_crazy_business_man.jpg" />This one's for the guys: There's a reason your bride has spent so much time choosing her Maid of Honor - she will be her rock, her support, during the stresses of wedding planning. Maybe you should take a hint from her and choose your Best Man wisely - it'll make your wedding day special, or at the very least, it will certainly make your life easier!<br /><br />This article by <a href="http:// http://www.groomsonline.com/index.php/Groom-Planning/How-to-Choose-a-Best-Man.html">groomsonline.com</a> gives excellent advice on choosing your Best Man. Here are our top three picks:<br /><strong><br />1. Choose a dependable friend:</strong> Don't pick your best friend from childhood if he's likely to lose the rings. <br /><br /><strong>2. Choose with confidence: </strong>Don't let the fear of offending your other friends paralyze you. Once you've decided on a Best Man, let him know and be confident that your other friends will be fine with it. We promise!<br /><br /><strong>3. Respect your bride's wishes: </strong>Don't choose someone she can't stand. Consider it your first lesson in marital compromise.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.groomsonline.com/index.php/Groom-Planning/How-to-Choose-a-Best-Man.html">Read on for more information.</a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/weddingwise-how-to-choose-your-best-man/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1249143/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/weddingwise-how-to-choose-your-best-man/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>best-man</category><category>groom</category><category>groomsmen</category><category>weddingweise</category><dc:creator>Roxanna Sarmiento</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>How to tie a tie (complete with dimple)</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/how-to-tie-that-tie-complete-with-dimple/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/how-to-tie-that-tie-complete-with-dimple/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/how-to-tie-that-tie-complete-with-dimple/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/necktie.jpg" />If you wear one of these chokers to work everyday, chances are you're pretty proficient at tying them already. But based on the number of clip-ons I see in the stores (DON'T do this), I'm willing to bet there are some of you out there who could use some pointers. Who better to help us here than tieguide.com, with their <a href="http://www.tieguide.com/four-in-hand.htm">detailed instructions and photos</a>, you're sure to look like a pro in no time. <br /><br />Here are a few more pointers: start with your shirt buttoned up all the way and the collar up. Once you're done tying, put the collar down over the tie. The knot should sit between the two collar points. When properly tied, the tie should end around the middle of your belt buckle (if it's too short or too long, start over). Finally, achieve the perfect dimple. As you tighten the tie, put one finger into the hangy-down part of the tie right in the middle under the knot. Lightly squeeze each side of the tie as you tighten for a perfectly centered - and oh so adorable - dimple.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.tieguide.com/four-in-hand.htm>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/how-to-tie-that-tie-complete-with-dimple/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1250702/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/how-to-tie-that-tie-complete-with-dimple/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>featured</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>necktie</category><category>tie</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Music for the mother-son dance</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/music-and-entertainment/" rel="tag">Music and Entertainment</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2465127407_07ec72ff4b_m.jpg"><img width="160" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="255" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/mothersonsmall.jpg" alt="mother-son dance" /></a>If you're going to do the traditional mother-son dance, you'll need to be considering just your musical options, and as you do you'll want to take mom into account. No fair forcing her to dance to music that you forced on her as a teen (which we're pretty sure you've outgrown by now anyway, right?). Nor should you be trying to get her to groove to stuff you love which leaves her cold.<br /><br />Though there's room for musical compromise, the odds are good that you'll be dancing to something that sits firmly on the "Oldies" section of the shelf. And that's all right. Cool and cutting-edge though you may be, if there's a time to trip the very traditional fantastic, the mother-son dance is it. Besides, that oldies stuff is generally pretty easy to dance to, which could save you both a heap of embarrassment. We doubt you and mom have spent many hours dancing together, at least not since she gave you a few pointers the night before your Senior Prom.<br /><br />Okay, guys, it's your turn. Will you be having a mother-son dance? And if so, what music have you chosen, or are you considering?<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://groomify.com/2008/06/09/mother-son-dances/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261261/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>featured</category><category>mother-son</category><category>mother-son-dance</category><category>play-list</category><category>reception-music</category><category>wedding-dance</category><category>wedding-music</category><category>wedding-play-list</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Wedding websites - for the groom</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreyann/2520096268/sizes/m/"><img width="400" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="205" border="0" alt="leaping groomsmen" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/leapingroomsmen.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<br />Weddings have always been the bride's Big Day. Down through the generations, women have ruled this day, and the men nodded and smiled, wrote checks, and showed up on time wearing what they were told. Lots of men still do that, and are perfectly happy to be out of the craziness.<br /><br />Not all men, though. Some men, more of you each year, want to be more than mere props in what is, arguably, one of the most important days in <em>your</em> life, too. You might not approach that day exactly like your bride does -- and vive la difference! we say -- but you're interested, and you want information.<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wedding websites - for the groom</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://groomify.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261265/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/groom-education/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>groomify.com</category><category>groomsmen</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>wedding-men</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>How to measure for a tux</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><p><img height="150" alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tuxedo_business_proud_237584_l.jpg" width="200" align="right" vspace="4" border="0" />Guys, you don't want to look like you're waiting for a flood in too-short pants or dribble your long sleeves in cake frosting. You want a tuxedo that fits. From <a href="http://www.colemanstuxedos.com/measure.htm">Coleman's Tuxedos</a>, here's a guide to every number you need to know to get that perfect fit. You probably want to strip down to at least a thin shirt and get someone to help with the measurements. Sounds fun already, doesn't it?</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/">How to measure for a tux</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/909754/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/meas1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/909753/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/girafe_bushes_africa_270754_l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/909751/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/meas2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/909750/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/meas3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/909749/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/meas4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.colemanstuxedos.com/measure.htm>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1250698/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/how-to-measure-for-a-tux/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>groomstuff</category><category>measurements</category><category>meaure-tuxedo</category><category>tuxedo</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise: Suit yourself</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/weddingwise-suit-yourself/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/weddingwise-suit-yourself/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/weddingwise-suit-yourself/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/1suit.jpg" />Grooms, if you're feeling a bit stressed by the mounting bills and can't justify spending an absolute fortune on your suit, yet don't want to let your bride down by looking anything less than tip-top, then worry not.<br /><br />The answer to your dilemma might just be the <a href="http://www.greatuniversal.com/">Great Universal</a> website. They have a superb range of affordable tailored fashion that isn't terribly wedding-y and can be worn again after the big day.<br /><br />We like this Ted Baker suit, pictured right, at &pound;329, featuring flat front trousers with plain bottoms and hand stitch seam effect and a single breasted jacket with two button fastening, centre back vent, six internal pockets, internal security zipped pocket and luxury lining. <br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.greatuniversal.com">Great Universal </a>for the full range of <a href="http://www.greatuniversal.com/rf/gus/navigation/mainsearchthumbs.do?Ns=prod_in_stock|1||price_est|0||prod_min_base_price|1||scu_id|1&amp;N=152+4294484643&amp;Nu=this_product&amp;Np=1">tailored wear.</a><br /><br /> <p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.greatuniversal.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/weddingwise-suit-yourself/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261136/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/weddingwise-suit-yourself/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>fashion</category><category>grooms-suits</category><category>groomstuff</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Cufflinks with something to say</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/cufflinks-with-something-to-say/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/cufflinks-with-something-to-say/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/cufflinks-with-something-to-say/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&amp;itemId=15785"><img width="150" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" border="0" align="right" alt="cufflinks"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/eyedo.jpg" /></a>These would be a fun gift for the groom -- a set of cufflinks that remind him of his most-important line:  "Eye do." He may never have worn cufflinks before, but he'll appreciate this set. They aren't too obviously wedding-related, so, if he's a cufflink sort of man, he'll be able to wear them again. If not, they'll be a fun remembrance of the day.<br /><br />Now, let's hope your ceremony is the one that says "I do", and not the one that says "I will"!<br /><br />For more information on the <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&amp;itemId=15785">"Eye do" cufflinks, check out Uncommon Goods</a>. <p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&amp;itemId=15785>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/cufflinks-with-something-to-say/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1255294/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/cufflinks-with-something-to-say/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cuff-links</category><category>cufflinks</category><category>groom</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Tonks knits a tux</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/tonks-knits-a-tux/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/tonks-knits-a-tux/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/tonks-knits-a-tux/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/alternative-weddings/" rel="tag">Alternative Weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/">Tonks' Hand-Knit Wedding</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/883145/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/2265004633_fbb91e74a4originaldressinspiration_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Inspiration dress" title="Inspiration dress" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/883044/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/2535328112_58555a6622_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dress sketch" title="Dress sketch" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/883045/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/2547147249_5063040917veilinprogress_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Veil in progress" title="Veil in progress" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/883046/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/2574168921_ee9d961de1lacecuff_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Lace cuff" title="Lace cuff" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/tonks-hand-knit-wedding/883042/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/2368571436_6c3858a00f_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cocktail Olives" title="Cocktail Olives" /></a></div><br /><br />Last month, we introduced you to <a href="http://www.tonksknitsweddings.com">Tonks</a>, the bride who is <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/26/a-hand-knit-wedding/">single-handedly knitting her entire wedding</a>.  When we spoke with her, she had a lot of projects going, which you can see in the gallery above.  Now Tonks is getting started on the tuxedo for her groom.<br /><br /><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/2573998090_0f7eb62613.jpg" />She's chosen a dragon-skin stitch based on <a href="http://shop.interweave.com/Dragon-Skin-Wrap-P288C25.aspx">this example</a>, and she's using a dark grey wool yarn for the coat.  Tonks reports some frustrations with her early efforts on the tux, including worries that the wool is too heavy and that she won't have enough of it for the finished jacket, but she has decided to move forward with her current plans and make it work.<br /><br />Tonks is knitting the tux in multiple sections to avoid problems with the weight of the overall piece, and she's starting with the coat tails.  We think it looks great so far, and can't wait to see the finished product!<br /><br />Keep up with Tonks' hand-knit wedding at her <a href="http://www.tonksknitsweddings.com">blog</a> -- she really is a DIY superstar!  <br /><br />The gallery above has been updated to include some of Tonks' latest accomplishments.<br /><br /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/26/a-hand-knit-wedding/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/tonks-knits-a-tux/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256201/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/tonks-knits-a-tux/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>DIY</category><category>hand-knit-wedding</category><category>knit</category><category>knit-tuxedo</category><category>knitted</category><category>knitted-wedding</category><category>knitting</category><category>tonks</category><category>tonksknitsweddings</category><category>tuxedo</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Great gifts for your gadget-loving groom</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/great-gifts-for-your-gadget-loving-groom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/great-gifts-for-your-gadget-loving-groom/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/great-gifts-for-your-gadget-loving-groom/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/bushnell-8x30-digital-binoculars-with-2.1-mp-camera,-$150.99-best-buy---copy.jpg" />We know it's a bit of a stereotype, but the fact is that most guys we know really like gadgets. They like playing with the settings, they like pushing random buttons to see different features, and they really like showing us what they can do with them. <br /><br />And so, we think the perfect wedding gift for your new hubby is <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/slideshow/1731427?page=0%2C0">some sort of techy device</a>, <em>especially</em> if that particular gadget is something that will come in useful on your honeymoon! Like what? Oh, don't you worry. We've got lots of ideas. Check out the gallery to see what we suggest, and be sure to tell us in the comments if you have other ideas of your own!<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/">Give your groom the gift of gadgets!</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/892273/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/garmin---streetpilot-c550-gps,-$199.99_thumbnail.jpg" alt="GPS" title="GPS" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/892276/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/sony-psp,-$169.99_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Sony PSP" title="Sony PSP" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/892267/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/aiptek-high-definition-digital-camrecorder,-$229.99-best-buy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Video Camera" title="Video Camera" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/892270/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/bushnell-8x30-digital-binoculars-with-2.1-mp-camera,-$150.99-best-buy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Binoculars" title="Binoculars" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/give-the-gift-of-gadgets/892274/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/ipod-nano,-$199.99_thumbnail.jpg" alt="MP3 Player" title="MP3 Player" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.geeksugar.com/slideshow/1731427?page=0%2C0>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/great-gifts-for-your-gadget-loving-groom/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1241162/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/great-gifts-for-your-gadget-loving-groom/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>binoculars</category><category>camera</category><category>gadget</category><category>gift</category><category>groom</category><category>honeymoon</category><category>hubby</category><category>husband</category><category>mp3</category><category>tech</category><category>wedding-gift</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Inspiration board: Retro cool</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/alternative-weddings/" rel="tag">Alternative Weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/invitations/" rel="tag">Invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/theme-weddings/" rel="tag">Theme weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/inspiration-boards/" rel="tag">Inspiration Boards</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/retrocool.jpg" /><br /><br />Do you love retro? So do we! A retro wedding is unique and lots of fun - let us help you pull it off!<br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Inspiration board: Retro cool</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1240187/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/30/inspiration-board-retro-cool/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>fashion</category><category>featured</category><category>fifties</category><category>glamour</category><category>inspiration-board</category><category>retro</category><category>style</category><dc:creator>Roxanna Sarmiento</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>