
<p>During graduate school, I used to work in customer service at Bed Bath and Beyond. Like with any other customer service department, I primarily focused on returns and exchanges. Aside from that, I also answered product questions and assisted couples with their registries. The job may have only been a six-month stent but it undoubtedly strengthened my people skills and taught me a thing or two about the wedding registry experience. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Compared to other competitors like Macy’s and Target, I came to view Bed Bath and Beyond as the “top dog,” so to speak. At that time, one key difference that made Bed Bath and Beyond stand out to me is that it offered a lifetime guarantee on its products. This means that if something bad happened with a product outside the limits of the manufacturer’s warranty, Bed Bath and Beyond would honor the purchase and provide a new product. Essentially, it was like having an extended warranty at no extra cost. To me, wedding or not, this seemed like a no-brainer for any consumer seeking household furnishings. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, I recently learned this isn’t happening anymore. As of July 2018, policies changed. When it comes to returns, it’s now either based on the manufacturer’s warranty for certain items or return policy for said other items. While I find this disappointing compared to the previous offering, I still think Bed Bath and Beyond is kind of THE place for anyone in the market to register for a wedding. Here’s why:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="http://www.sarahbrookhart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562854202_blog-registry-perspective2.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h2>Returns</h2>



<p>When you’re engaged, figuring out what to register for is usually only half of the battle. Think beyond the wedding. If for any reason you may need to bring an item back, it’s valuable to know the store’s return policy since it provides a framework for what’s acceptable and what’s not. Like anyone else, you probably want the experience to be easy and as painless as possible.<br><br>Out of the three places already discussed, Bed Bath and Beyond, in my mind, wins here. Basically, anything purchased from a Bed Bath and Beyond registry can be exchanged or refunded in the form of a merchandise credit for the amount paid, for up to 365 days from the date of purchase. In addition, if you don’t have a receipt, Bed Bath and Beyond will do its best to find the transaction and the amount paid.</p>



<p>The return policy at Target says you have up to one year after the event to return most<strong> </strong>new, unopened items at a store using a return barcode, which is accessible through the Target registry app. What makes this less certain; however, is that it says most items and mentions unopened. Keep in mind, the return time frame is 90 days for everything else. If for some reason one of your guests doesn’t get the gift marked on your registry, you more than likely will have to adhere to the 90-day return policy. </p>



<p>Macy’s states that any return from a registry must be made within 180 days of the event date. Again, this feels a bit iffy, especially if an item is not marked properly on a registry. In the event this happens, it suggests, at least to me, that the item has to be returned within 180 days from the time of purchase, which is the return policy for everything else. In addition, Macy’s mentions bringing a receipt for returns and exchanges. It’s not incredibly clear as to what happens when there’s not a receipt, but let’s face it, most people who buy something from a registry generally don’t attach their receipts. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://taylormccutchan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://i2.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1562854363_blog-registry-perspective1.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></a></figure>



<h2>Experience </h2>



<p>There are a lot of reasons to love all of these stores. I mean, when is the last time you went to a Target and didn’t spend any money? What about Macy’s unbelievable holiday sales? It’s hard to not shop at these places or have a fondness for them. They get so much right! </p>



<p>Of the three, though, it’s evident that Bed Bath and Beyond’s focuses its efforts on weddings, particularly registries. It offers in-store and online consultants to assist with your registry; it provides tools like an interactive checklist, mobile app and a way to track gifts online, which streamlines sending thank you notes; it accepts price matches; and, it discounts 20% off any remaining items on your registry. I think all of this speaks for itself. 45</p>



<h2>Other Registry Considerations</h2>



<ul><li>If you’re in a small town or your guests live in areas farther away, it’s not a bad idea to register at a couple of places or several. You may want to do this regardless for the sake of options. </li><li>Not every store carries the same line of products. You may prefer dinnerware at Macy’s and flatware somewhere else. That’s OK. Register at multiple places and go for what you truly want.</li><li>You may already be at a point in your life where you already have everything you want or need. If this is the case, an online honeymoon registry like Honeyfund can work well to fund expenses like flights, hotels, meals, and excursions.</li></ul>



<p>At the end of the day, it’s your special occasion. Register for what you want and need, and where it makes the most sense for you and your guests. </p>



<p>Featured image by <a href="http://www.davidandsarahlynn.com/">David and Sarah Lynn</a></p>


Insider Perspective: What You Should Know about Wedding Registries


<p>So you’ve narrowed down your wedding suit options to a tuxedo—now what?&nbsp;</p>



<p>First of all, let us congratulate you on this momentous decision. Out of all the options and colors out there you’ve opted for a tuxedo and that is just amazing. James Bond would be proud. And so are we.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Secondly, it’s time to get down to business. Tuxedos, while far superior to any old suit, are also more complex. There’s a lot that goes into pulling off a tuxedo and we’re here to make sure you do it right.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562855510_blog-tux-guide3.png" alt=""/></figure>



<h2>The Occasion</h2>



<p>First, for those of you who may not have made your decision yet, is defining the proper occasion to wear a tuxedo. Tuxes are more formal than suits, meaning that the event you wear a tuxedo to is going to be formal and the dress the bride will wear will be formal. Overall, it’s just a big prom. Just kidding.</p>



<p>But sincerely, yes, tuxedo’s are the go-to menswear for a black-tie event. You get the chance to wear an outfit that you may only wear that one time in your life. This is a big deal.</p>



<p>Want to be ultra classy, but black&#8217;s  not your color (which is pretty much impossible)? Not to worry. A tuxedo doesn&#8217;t have to be black. In fact, am absolutely positive you&#8217;ve seen a white tuxedo jacket before. It&#8217;s up there with black for one of the classiest looks around. Other than that, you can also easily find tuxedos in <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/tuxedos-and-suits">blues and grays</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562856091_blog-tux-guide5.png" alt=""/></figure>



<h2>The Staples</h2>



<p>Your tuxedo jacket will be slightly different than your average suit jacket. The biggest difference is satin. The buttons of your tuxedo jacket will be covered with satin and you will also have a fancy satin lapel that comes in one of three styles—notch, peak, and shawl. Notch and peak lapels are found on suits as well as tuxedos, but those nice shawl lapels are particular to tuxes.</p>



<p>Notch lapels are a great go-to when you’re not sure which lapel style to go with. It’s perfectly classic and simple. Peak lapels are a little step up, for a slightly more formal look. They are elegant and elongating. Shawl lapels are more rounded and nostalgic, but still a polished choice.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1562854966_blog-tux-guide2.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></figure>



<p>Your tuxedo pant will also be different. A satin stripe will be down the sides of your tuxedo pants. Tux pants do not have belt loops and you, therefore, should not, under any circumstance, wear a belt with a tuxedo. Occasionally, these pants will come with an adjustable waist, but if you need extra support, grab a pair of suspenders. Your tux pants may also include a rubbery strip in the wait to ensure that your shirt does not slip from its crisp tuck.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your tuxedo shirt will often have pleats down the front, marking it above a standard dress shirt. It may also have a wingtip collar for wearing bowties and places for cufflinks and shirt studs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562856092_blog-tux-guide7.png" alt=""/></figure>



<h2>The Bells and Whistles</h2>



<p>As we said, tuxes are more complicated than your average suit, being twice as formal, after all. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the extra things you need to make sure you have when putting together your tuxedo ensemble.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Patent leather shoes</strong>: <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/shoes-and-socks/glossy-black-tuxedo-shoes?productId=258">Glossy shoes</a> are only be worn with tuxedos and never with suits. However, matte shoes can be worn in place of glassy with a tux, if you prefer.</li><li><strong>Cufflinks</strong>: <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/accessories">Cufflinks</a>, in either a simple or personalized design, go on the cuffs of your tuxedo shirt. First through the hole in the outer part of your cuff and then through the hole between the two buttons on the other side.</li><li><strong>Shirt studs</strong>: Studs are the little black buttons you see paired with a tuxedo. Your tux shirt will have regular buttons and you will need to add these to your shirt for that extra bit of polish. There will be five studs for your shirt and they will be inserted into the secondary hole above each regular button, starting at the second button of your shirt. You will use the studs, rather than the buttons, to fasten your shirt.</li><li><strong>Bow tie</strong>: A <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/ties">bow tie</a>, rather than a long tie, should be worn with a tuxedo and, more often than not, it will be black. Make sure your bow tie is adjusted properly so that it is it sitting upright and not sagging.</li><li><strong>Pocket square</strong>: <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/accessories">Pocket squares</a> are not a necessity, but they help add another level of polish to your ensemble. With a tuxedo, your pocket square will often be white.</li><li><strong>Suspenders</strong>: As we mentioned in the section above, belts should never be worn with tuxedos and <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/accessories/black-suspenders?productId=73">suspenders</a> should be worn instead if you need something else holding up your pants.</li><li><strong>Vest or cummerbund</strong>: Either a <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/collection/vests-and-cummerbunds">vest or a cummerbund</a> can be worn with a tuxedo, with the cummerbund being the more traditional option. Cummerbunds should&nbsp; be worn  with the pleats facing up. Your tuxedo vest will have an adjustable strap in the back to make sure it is snug, but not too tight. Your vest&nbsp; should be smooth to  create a clean silhouette underneath your jacket. The cummerbund also has an adjustable strap used for fitting and any excess material can be tucked into an inside pocket.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562856091_blog-tux-guide6.png" alt=""/></figure>



<h2>Fit</h2>



<p>With such a refined look as the tuxedo, it is crucial to get the right fit.</p>



<p>The sleeves of your shirt should land at your wrist where your hand starts to widen, with your jacket sleeves leaving about a half inch of your shirt cuff showing. This leaves room for showing off your cufflinks without swimming or shrinking in your jacket. You shouldn’t see an “X” shape in the chest of your jacket, or a gap at the back of your neck; these indicate your jacket is too small and too big, respectively.</p>



<p>Your tuxedo pants should sit at your natural waist, right below your belly button. Your pant legs should not pool around your ankles. This is called the break and it should only be about half an inch and land at the back of your shoe.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://i2.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1562854960_blog-tux-guide1.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></figure>



<h2>Tuxedo Tips</h2>



<ol><li>Jacket buttoned when standing and unbuttoned when sitting. When buttoned, your top button should always be buttoned and your bottom button should remain unbuttoned.</li><li>If you’re not wearing cufflinks, you will clasp the buttons on your cuff. Your shirt sleeve should hit your wrist right at the beginning of your hand. If your sleeve it too long, use the outermost button to close your cuff.</li><li>Other companies will provide you with four shirt studs, instead of five. We include the extra for the button directly above your waist, in case you decide not to wear a cummerbund or vest.&nbsp;</li><li>Cummerbunds should&nbsp; be worn with the pleats facing up, as they were&nbsp; originally used to catch crumbs that fell during a meal.</li><li>Make sure you fasten your shirt cuffs, with either a button or a cufflink, before putting on your jacket.</li><li>The bottom button of your vest should be left unbuttoned.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1562855510_blog-tux-guide4.png" alt=""/></figure>



<p>If you hadn’t fully committed to wearing a tuxedo, this should have given you plenty of cause. Tuxedos are the ultimate show of elegance and class, even if they’re a bit more difficult to wear.&nbsp;But don&#8217;t let this suade you, if you&#8217;ve already gone with a suit. Suits are plenty great, in their own rite. Want more inspiration? View our <a href="https://www.generationtux.com/gallery">gallery</a>.</p>



<p>If you’re ready to pick one out, browse our tuxedos to see what we have to offer to make your black-tie wedding extraordinary. Still not convinced? Test drive one for&nbsp; yourself with our Home Try-On program so you can see and feel the difference for yourself.</p>


Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Tuxedo


<p>Well congrats, buddy. We&#8217;re rooting for you. But we also know how daunting choosing a ring and proposing to the love of your life can be. You’re probably on the verge of pulling out your hair and passing out. We can’t really help you there, but just know that feeling this way is completely normal and we are 100 percent behind you. You got this!</p>



<p>What we can help you with is that oh-so-important little detail that comes with proposing. The ring. You may know exactly what she wants or you may be clueless. For the clueless among you, here’s a helpful guide on how to snoop and figure out what kind of ring she secretly wants—rather, not so secret. She’s thought about it. Every girl has.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.elle-studios.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1561996061_blog-her-ring1.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h2>Pinterest &amp; social media</h2>



<p>First stop is her Pinterest. There’s a pretty good chance she has a wedding inspiration board. Even if it’s not public. That being said, you might have to get crafty when searching. This board is often full of rings pictures, wedding dresses, color palettes, and dozens of other wedding ideas. Don’t let this scare you off. It’s just a thing girls sometimes do. If she doesn’t have a Pinterest board or you can’t access it, you can also try looking around at her other social media—other people’s ring photos that she’s liked or commented on.</p>



<h2>Her personal fashion</h2>



<p>If she’s big and bold with how she dresses, then her ring should match that. Same goes for if she dresses with a very simple style. Not really sure what any of that means? Make a mental list of the ways she dresses to tell the jeweler. They should be able to help you find something along the same lines. Lots of dresses? Whimsical and romantic. Jeans and a tee everyday? Simple and casual. A blazer whether or not she’s at the office? Elegant and chic.</p>



<h2>Style of other things she likes</h2>



<p>Think about, too, how she decorates her house or something similar. Does she love antiques? Maybe a vintage style ring is more her speed. Everything is new, modern, and trendy? There’s a ring for that. </p>



<h2>Ask a Friend</h2>



<p>This is always a good route to go, as long as that friend can be trusted to keep a secret. Her best friends will more than likely have all the details. Plus, they’ll have her best interests at heart and you can get advice from them on every aspect. What kind of ring, whether or not to propose using a jumbotron (no), whether or not to get a secret photographer (yes), or tell her family beforehand (probably). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/janaemarie_photography/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://i1.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1561996060_blog-her-ring2.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></a></figure>



<h2>Her style and celebrity icons</h2>



<p>In the event that things like celebrities matter to her, looking at who she idolizes is a good indication of her personal style and goals. Meryll Streep and Emma Watson? Maybe she’s a bit more down to earth. Kim Kardashian and Beyonce? More on the big and bright spectrum.</p>



<h2>Find a roundabout way to talk about rings</h2>



<p>Just have a friend get engaged or married? Perfect opportunity to casually talk about it without being weird. Bring it up in casual conversation (organically, of course) or when you see pics show up on your Insta feed.</p>



<h2>Trust your gut</h2>



<p>There’s a good chance that she will be happy no matter what. Relax, go into the store, and if something strikes you as being very her, then that’s a good sign. You know her better than nearly anyone in the entire world. Your gut instinct has a good chance of being right, but do make sure to look at a few before selecting “the one.” Took awhile to find her, right?</p>



<p>Featured image by <a href="https://taylormccutchan.com/">Taylor McCutchan Photography</a></p>


How to Figure Out What Ring She Wants Without Asking


<p>Being asked to be the Best Man in a friend’s wedding is probably one of the greatest honors a guy can be given. And you’re probably left wondering <em>why you</em>? Because this guy has seen you fail over and over again. He has seen every worst side of you and he still wants you standing next to him on one of the most important days of his life. Whoa. So the big question now is how do you go about not screwing it up?</p>



<p>We’ve pooled our best tips to help you be the best Best Man ever. But we can only do so much. The rest is up to you.</p>



<h2>What the Best Man Traditionally Pays For</h2>



<ol><li>Bachelor party</li><li>Wedding day attire</li><li>Gift for the couple</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="http://www.sarahbrookhart.com/posts/amanda-anthony-belle-voir-manor-philadelphia-pa-wedding-photographer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://i1.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1561990612_blog-best-man-guide1.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></a></figure>



<h2>Before the Wedding</h2>



<p><strong>Aid the groom</strong></p>



<p>The job of the best man is to be there for the groom during the wedding planning season. It’s going to get a bit hectic in his house, so there will be times when he needs to vent or needs to get out of the house or needs help putting together floral arrangements. You just never know what might happen and you need to be prepared to assist with anything he might need. Keep him sane and help make sure this wedding goes off without a hitch. Keep in mind, too, that this is not the time to complain to him about his bride. He can nag, but you can’t. Just listen and nod along.</p>



<p><strong>Attend suit fitting</strong></p>



<p>If necessary. If he’s going with online rentals, this won’t be required, but if not, it’s your job to be present when the bride’s not there and to help make decisions. Not to mention, you’ll need to be on top of your own suit, as well. Getting fitted, handling any mishaps gracefully and getting it returned on time.</p>



<p><strong>Head groomsmen</strong></p>



<p>The Best Man is essentially the top dog groomsman. The groom is going to rely on you to relay information to the rest of the party and keep everything in order. It’s your job to keep everyone in check, to make sure the other groomsmen don’t go too crazy before or during the wedding.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.eliciabryanweddings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://i1.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1561990612_blog-best-man-guide2.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></a></figure>



<h2>The Bachelor Party</h2>



<p>It’s up to the Best Man, along with the other groomsmen to plan the bachelor party. It’s best to be as organized and accommodating as possible when it comes to planning this rite of passage. Here’s our short list of tips for planning a bachelor party:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Don’t ignore the ground rules. </strong>While, of course, you want to have the best time possible, you also want to keep the groom’s (and bride’s) wishes in mind before planning to spend half the night in various strip clubs. You can plan surprises, but ask the groom for some ideas that he thinks would be fun and the things that are off limits. Don’t take him skydiving, if he has a fear of heights.</li><li><strong>Timing is everything.</strong> Pick a weekend that the most amount of people can join and when building your itinerary for the night, keep in mind that not everything is going to go according to plan. </li><li><strong>Stay in budget.</strong> Budget of everyone else in attendance should also be considered. Not everyone can afford a cross-country trip and you want to make sure to include all of the groom’s close friends (and family members). On that note, while the groomsmen are mostly in charge of paying for the bachelor party, this doesn’t mean you have to cover the groom’s portion of everything. Talk amongst yourselves and see what extras you can all afford. Like you can all split the hotel and each buy him a few drinks, but he could pay for his own food and any extra drinks. This shouldn’t be a problem with the groom, but you might want to mention that to him beforehand. </li><li><strong>Plan transportation.</strong> Is one of you staying sober? Are you hiring a service? Getting an Uber between locations? Something to consider beforehand.</li><li><strong>Go hard, but don’t go hard too early.</strong> No one, the groom especially, should be pass-out drunk at 11:30. That’s not too much fun, now is it? If possible, it’s also a good idea to have one of you that doesn’t drink as much as the rest to make sure no one gets into too much trouble. Eat when you need to and everyone should be drinking water between shots. Let’s aim for zero trips to the hospital.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.nativexpressions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1561990613_blog-best-man-guide4.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h2>The Wedding</h2>



<p><strong>Drive groom to the venue</strong></p>



<p>If necessary. You might be staying at or close to the venue and not need transportation. Or the groom might have arranged for a car service. Don’t forget to be on time.</p>



<p><strong>Help the groom get dressed</strong></p>



<p>More than likely, you’ll all be getting ready together, but you’re there to make sure his tie is tied correctly and the right buttons are buttoned before the ceremony or pictures.</p>



<p><strong>The rings</strong></p>



<p>The groom will usually be in charge of getting the wedding bands to the ceremony, but he will pass them off to you before. That’s your most important job of the day. Making sure those don’t run off and are ready for the exchange during the ceremony.</p>



<p><strong>Keep the groom sober</strong></p>



<p>Yes, yes, I know, you want to take round after round of shots before and after the ceremony, but that’s not what’s best for him or the wedding. We’ve made it this far, let’s not disappoint the bride now. Give the groom a drink before the ceremony to calm the nerves, but no more. And during the reception, no one should be drinking heavily until grandma has gone home and the real party begins. </p>



<p><strong>Tips for vendors</strong></p>



<p>The groom might take care of this himself, but if he passes it off to you, it’ll be your job to get the payments for the vendors to them before the end of the night. They are best kept in marked envelopes somewhere out of the way, but easy to access. </p>



<p><strong>Keep everyone in check</strong></p>



<p>Including yourself. Not only do you need to help make sure the groom isn’t drinking too much, you should also keep an eye on the other groomsmen. While all the family is still at the reception, you and the boys need to be on your best behavior. Smile and hold the door for everyone you see, strike up a conversation with the bride’s crazy aunt, slow dance with a couple bridesmaids. Be the gentleman we all know you can be. All bets are off after 10 pm.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jillstuefer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1561990613_blog-best-man-guide5.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h2>The Best Man Speech</h2>



<p>Also known as <em>The </em>Speech. Sure the bride’s father and maid of honor and whoever else will be giving speeches and toasts, but is anyone really listening? No. They’re waiting for you. Here is our short list of tips for writing a killer best man speech:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Start with an attention grabber.</strong> This is usually the last of the speeches, so you want to make sure you still have everyone’s attention, even if they’d rather be on their way to the bar. </li><li><strong>Introduction.</strong> A short welcome and thank you to the guests.</li><li><strong>Talk about how you met the groom. </strong>By all means, be funny, but don’t be offensive, his entire family will be there. Some stories are not for all ears. Any jokes should be at his expense, rather than the bride’s, but not cruel enough to make her family have second thoughts.</li><li><strong>Talk about the groom’s character and accomplishments.</strong> You don’t need to rag on him the whole time. If ever there was the best opportunity to get sentimental about your friendship or how he handled tough situations, this would be it.</li><li><strong>Mention the bride.</strong> While making fun of her is off limits, you should definitely mention her and their relationship. Think of a sweet story or a way to compliment her.</li><li><strong>Toast.</strong> Give your well-wishes and raise a glass.</li><li><strong>Delivery.</strong> Write it and rehearse beforehand. You really don’t want to mess this up. If you need to, have notes on your phone or index cards to take up there with you. And don’t forget to speak up and enunciate.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellestudios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1561991082_blog-best-man-guide3.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h3>Other Resources </h3>



<p>As the best man, it&#8217;s your duty to the groom to make sure everything goes off without a hitch, while also partying all night long. To help you be the best best man ever, here are some additional blog posts. And if you don&#8217;t see what you&#8217;re looking for, we have plenty of other guides and pots on our <a href="https://gentux.blog/blog/">blog</a>.</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/suit-rules-a-guys-guide-to-the-perfect-photos?id=1471">Suit Rules: A Guy&#8217;s Guide to the Perfect Photos</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/the-7-types-of-groomsmen-were-scared-to-see-at-weddings?id=1305">The 7 Types of Groomsmen We&#8217;re Scared to See at Weddings</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/three-avoidable-groomsmen-suit-mishaps?id=1322">3 Avoidable Groomsmen Mishaps</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/top-10-things-groomsmen-get-wrong?id=1614">Top 10 Things Groomsmen Get Wrong</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-bachelor-party?id=49">How to Plan a Bachelor Party</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/7-steps-to-completely-blowing-a-best-man-speech?id=114">7 Steps to Completely Blowing a Best Man Speech</a></li><li><a href="https://www.generationtux.com/blog/bachelor-party-destinations-that-arent-vegas?id=192">Bachelor Party Ideas That Aren&#8217;t Vegas</a></li></ul>



<p>Featured image by <a href="https://www.wildjasminephoto.com/">Wild Jasmine Photography</a></p>


Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Best Man

The First 9 Things To Do After Getting Engaged


<p>First of all, the most important thing to know is that wedding dress shopping should be FUN! It’s a time for you, the bride, to feel intentionally celebrated and like the most beautiful version of yourself. It’s no small thing to find the dress you’re going to become a wife in and we want that to be one of your favorite memories from your wedding planning process.</p>



<p>Here at Twirl Boutique, we always tell brides not to overthink their dress choice and don’t “overshop” themselves because if you give yourself too many options, you’re going to have decision paralysis and make the whole process more stressful than it ever needed to be. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.joyandeverette.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://i2.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1561385534_blog-liz-cox2.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></a></figure>



<p>To help prevent that, plan to shop at 1-3 bridal boutiques, while knowing that you may very well only need one appointment because it’s totally normal to find “the one” during your first time shopping, and bring no more than 4-6 people with you to your appointments. Going into your wedding dress shopping experience this way helps you to not feel overwhelmed with opinions and your experience is all about YOU.</p>



<p>We want you to set yourself for success when it comes to dress shopping so we say less is more across the board. Less people in your entourage, less appointments so you aren’t overwhelmed with a million options, and less expectations so that you can be open to all that the amazing memories your experience can give you!</p>



<p>Don’t put the pressure on yourself or others to have moments like you’ve seen on “Say Yes to the Dress” but just be open and present in your own appointment. Comparison is the thief of joy and that applies to your dress shopping experience just as much as it does to every other thing in your life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://caitlincatheyphoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="	https://gentux.imgix.net/1561385617_blog-liz-cox1.png" alt=""/></a></figure>



<h3>Guest Blogger: Liz Cox</h3>



<p>Not only is Liz the Manager and Marketing Director of <a href="http://www.twirlboutique.com/">Twirl Boutique</a> in Lexington, KY, but also the co-owner of their sister store and sample shop, <a href="http://www.meanttobeboutique.com/">Meant to Be Boutique</a>. When she isn’t making brides’ dreams come true, Liz interviews incredible individuals like Hayley Paige and Ben Higgins on her podcast, “<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twirl-talk-podcast/id1437674615">Twirl Talk</a>.” With five years of experience in the industry, Liz is a trusted bridal expert with so much knowledge to share. </p>



<p>Featured image by <a href="https://kaykroshus.com/">Kay Kroshus</a></p>


Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

Online Suit or Tux Rental Myths Busted

7 Useful Wedding Favors for Your Guests

5 People to Cut from Your Guest List

Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Groom

3 Things to Splurge on for Your Wedding

Things to Consider When Picking Your Wedding Date

Engagement Photos: The Dos and Don’ts

Top 7 Things People Forget the Day of Their Wedding

Wedding Looks for Dad

Top 10 Things Groomsmen Get Wrong

6 Times Groomsmen Rocked a Black Tux


<p>Writing thank you notes, while not a particularly challenging task, is certainly a daunting one. The wedding is over and you just got back from your honeymoon, the last thing you want to do is sit down and crank out a hundred thank you notes. Hello, carpal tunnel. But it has to be done and this is not something you want to put off.</p>



<p>If you are blessed enough to have a groom with good penmanship, you can at least share the burden. If you don’t, however, then the only thing that will ease this very tedious task is having a plan of attack. </p>



<p>The number one rule to follow when writing thank you notes is to be as genuine and specific as possible. Four or five sentences is enough, but they have to be good.</p>



<p>Every thank you note should include the following:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://i1.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1557412340_blog-thank-you1.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></figure>



<h2>Personal Greeting</h2>



<p>Use whatever name in your greeting that you would call that person to their face. “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith” isn’t necessary if you know them as Bob and Sally.</p>



<h2>Thank You</h2>



<p>Start by saying thank you, obviously. There’s a couple ways you can do this. You can say:</p>



<ul><li>Thank you for the specific item</li><li>Thank you for your kind gift</li><li>Thank you for sharing our special day.</li></ul>



<p>Or any variation thereof. When thanking them for their gift, be as specific as possible using brands, colors, etc. (The KitchenAid mixer, the monogrammed towels, the white and gold serving dish).</p>



<h2>Using the Gift</h2>



<p>Explain how you plan on using the gift. “I’m so excited to use the KitchenAid mixer to make grandma’s chocolate chip cookies.” Or for monetary gifts, something along the lines of “Your generosity will help us put a downpayment on our dream home.” Avoid saying words like money, cash, or check, though. Stick to something vague, like gift or generosity.</p>



<h2>Personal Touch</h2>



<p>This is an optional sentence, but your thank you note will really feel special if you mention something specific about them. The kind words they said to you on your wedding day, the dance you shared, an inside joke, etc.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/gentux.imgix.net/1557412340_blog-thank-you2.png?w=825&#038;ssl=1" alt="" data-recalc-dims="1"/></figure>



<h2>The Future</h2>



<p>Say that you can’t wait to see them again. If possible, be specific. “We look forward to seeing you again this Christmas.”</p>



<h2>Thank You Again</h2>



<p>For your last sentence, thank them again. For being there, for their gift. Thank them for everything.</p>



<h2>Closing</h2>



<p>Sincerely is a fine salutation, but with family and close friends, “love” or “with love” or something else is more fitting.</p>



<p>This structure is great for your run of the mill thank you notes, but keep in mind that you should also send thank you notes to people who played a bigger part in your big day. Your bridesmaids, close family members, etc. You’ll want to thank these people for not only any gifts they might have given you, but for also keeping you sane. The same organization works, just be sure to add in a little extra appreciation.<br></p>


How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

Generation Tux Blog

Insider Perspective: What You Should Know about Wedding Registries

Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Tuxedo

How to Figure Out What Ring She Wants Without Asking

Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Best Man

The First 9 Things To Do After Getting Engaged

Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

Online Suit or Tux Rental Myths Busted

7 Useful Wedding Favors for Your Guests

5 People to Cut from Your Guest List

Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Groom

3 Things to Splurge on for Your Wedding

Things to Consider When Picking Your Wedding Date

Top 5 Topics to Discuss Before Getting Married

Engagement Photos: The Dos and Don’ts

Top 7 Things People Forget the Day of Their Wedding

Wedding Looks for Dad

Top 10 Things Groomsmen Get Wrong

6 Times Groomsmen Rocked a Black Tux

How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

Planning a Honeymoon: 4 Topics to Cover with Your Fiancé

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Generation Tux Blog

Insider Perspective: What You Should Know about Wedding Registries

Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Tuxedo

How to Figure Out What Ring She Wants Without Asking

Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Best Man

The First 9 Things To Do After Getting Engaged

Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

Online Suit or Tux Rental Myths Busted

7 Useful Wedding Favors for Your Guests

5 People to Cut from Your Guest List

Ultimate Guide to Being a Great Groom

3 Things to Splurge on for Your Wedding

Things to Consider When Picking Your Wedding Date

Top 5 Topics to Discuss Before Getting Married

Engagement Photos: The Dos and Don’ts

Top 7 Things People Forget the Day of Their Wedding

Wedding Looks for Dad

Top 10 Things Groomsmen Get Wrong

6 Times Groomsmen Rocked a Black Tux

How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

Planning a Honeymoon: 4 Topics to Cover with Your Fiancé

Get started.

Learn more.

Free swatches.

See OfferArrow Right Icon

Need Inspiration?

Get InspiredArrow Right Icon

Collection

How It Works

Our Company

Blog

About

Follow Us

Join Our Mailing List

CustomerSupport

Hours (EST)

Follow Us

Join Our Mailing List

See Offer

Get Inspired

Customer
Support