New Year's Eve Party Etiquette

New Year's Eve party etiquette advice from http://etiquetteprinciples.com/blog/new-years-eve-etiquette/

1.) Write down your goals. Create a vision, make it measurable and celebrate your success along the way. A famous Harvard MBA program study was conducted where only 3% of the class wrote down their goals. After several years, the 3% who had written goals were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97% of the class combined!

2.) If attending a party on New Year’s Eve, have an accountability partner. The last thing you want to do is overindulge. Plan a safe ride home and please don’t drink and drive.

3.) If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party, make sure to include your neighbors on the list. This will help diffuse any frustration at midnight as you are counting down the New Year.

4.) If you are the guest at a New Year’s Eve party, help make the party memorable. Bring a host gift along with a special food or drink item for others to enjoy. Take part in the games or activities planned and have fun.

5.) Mingle with others. Much like a networking event, you will probably see people you’ve never met before at a party. Strike up a conversation with them to help all guests feel welcome and comfortable.

6.) Picture Etiquette. Have discretion for friends who may not want their pictures on Facebook or Instagram. When in doubt, get approval before posting.

7.) Follow-up and write a note to your host. Check in with everyone the next day to share a fun story and make sure everyone arrived home safely. A thank you card is always appreciated by hosts and organizers.

8.) Give thanks. Etiquette is all about being kind, considerate and respectful to everyone in our lives. Simple acts of kindness make a big impact on others so don’t be shy about expressing gratitude.

New Year's Eve Toast Tips

Some hints for a proper New Year's Eve toast from Diane Gottsman at http://dianegottsman.com/2016/12/ultimate-cheat-sheet-new-years-eve-toast/

Happy New Year list from http://dianegottsman.com/2011/12/new-years-eve-toast-etiquette/:

• Chinese: Chu Shen Tan (pronunciation)
• Czech: Stastny Novy Rok
• Danish: Godt Nytar
• French: Bonne annee
• Gaelic (Scotland): Bliadhna mhath ur
• German: Frohes Neues Jahr / Gutes Neues Jahr
• Greek: kali chronya
• Hawaiian: Hauoli Makahiki hou
• Hebrew: Shana Tova (pronunciation)
• Hungarian: Boldog Uj Evet
• Irish: Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhuit /Bhliain nua sasta
• Italian: Felice Anno Nuovo/Buon anno
• Japanese: akemashite omedetou gozaimasu (pronunciation)
• Latin: Felix sit annus novus
• Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo
• Russian: s novim godom (pronunciation)
• Spanish: Feliz Ano Nuevo
• Swedish: Gott Nyttar
• Thai: saa-wat-dii pi-mai (pronunciation)
• Turkish: Yeliniz Kutlu Olsun/ Mutlu yillar
• Welsh: Blwyddyn newydd dda

Ten Etiquette Rules for Men

Pay Attention to Details

You know what truly ruins a dapper tweed suit? Try untrimmed nails, a unibrow, or slovenly neck beard. A well-groomed body is the canvas upon which your sartorial masterpiece is built. Never leave the house, even for takeout, without clean teeth, clean clothes, and a fresh swipe of deodorant at a minimum.

Be On Time

When you arrange an appointment to meet with someone, you’ve made a promise. Punctuality conveys reliability and self-discipline; being late shows disrespect.  If you have time-management issues, try figuring out the root of the problem.  Maybe you need to lay out clothes the night before, or keep essentials near the front door for easy finding.

Use a Proper Greeting

Greet new acquaintances with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Make eye contact when you’re introduced to someone and repeat the person’s name to help you remember it. “Hi Andrew, I’m Eric — pleased to meet you.”
“Yo, bro, what’s up?” is merely annoying when young people use slang, but it’s downright embarrassing between men.

Never Show Up Empty-Handed

When you are invited to someone’s home, whether for a formal dinner party or an afternoon barbecue, always bring a gift for the host or hostess. Alcohol, flowers, and chocolates are all well-received gifts. If you know the host or hostess well, consider a more carefully chosen gift.

Practice Good Table Manners

Perhaps nothing distinguishes a gentleman more thoroughly than good dining etiquette. Turn off your cell phone when dining with others, even in casual settings. Learn the art of polite conversation so you can carry your weight at a party.
Never put a dirty napkin on the table until the meal is completed; if you must leave the table, place your napkin on your seat.

Know How to Treat a Woman

Fifty years of feminism be damned: Opening doors for a woman or offering her your arm as you walk down the street isn’t misogynistic. Take the check when the bill comes to the table and avoid making a fuss over paying. Of course, if she insists on paying, you should let her.  If you know the weather is going to be questionable, remember a large enough umbrella to fit two!
Remember the one exception to the ladies-first rule: A gentleman gets into a cab first and slides across the seat to make room for a woman. Avoid making her muss her dress scooting across the seat.

Don’t Deal in Vulgarities

Off-color jokes and profanity have no place in a professional man’s vocabulary, especially in public places or in front of a woman. In a small group of male friends you know well, an occasional vulgarity is fine, but in other situations a foul mouth is a mark of bad manners.  There are other less vulgar ways to communicate the same feelings or expressions.

Know Your Limits

Appreciating a fine cocktail or craft microbrew is perfectly acceptable, desirable even, for a gentleman. However, getting sloppy in public is not acceptable, especially not during a date or a business outing. It’s fine to throw back a few drinks with the guys in the privacy of your home, but going all Ernest Hemingway at the pub is an entirely different matter. And a gentleman never orders a drink named for a sexual position.

Be Discreet at Work

Keep the company’s business private; never share sensitive information or insider secrets. When visitors enter your office, tuck away open files and papers. Always tell callers if you’re putting them on speakerphone.
Don’t volunteer information. Say “Dave’s not in,” not “Dave’s at a meeting at Capital Bank with Bill Jones.” Stay away from office gossip and avoid dating co-workers; it only leads to trouble and isn’t good form.

Learn How to Listen

The scientific breakdown of human communication is 9 percent writing, 16 percent reading, 30 percent speaking, and 45 percent listening. Formal education covers the first three parts; a gentleman must practice to master the fourth. When people are speaking, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting, fidgeting, or showing signs of impatience.

https://bespokeunit.com/10-etiquette-rules-for-men/

Dress Code

Dress Code

Gentleman's StyleMay 22, 2014Etiquette

In addition to the date, time and location, party invitations usually indicate also the proper dress code. Terms like white tie or black tie reveal to the guests what they should wear, so that they are not over- or underdressed for the occasion. If the invitation says white or black tie, it is quite clear what to wear, but terms like black tie optional or smart casual are bit more challenging because there is no
White Tie
White tie (full dress, evening dress) is the most formal dress code. Man will wear a black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe, white wing collar shirt, white vest, white bow tie, white or gray gloves and black dress shoes. Woman will have a formal evening gown. White tie is considered correct evening dress only for events that begin after 6.00 pm. The formal attire for daytime events is a morning dress. White tie might be worn at the opera, evening wedding or at a ball
Black Tie
Black tie is less formal than the white tie. Man wears a black tuxedo jacket, formal white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund and black dress shoes. Woman wears a formal evening dress or cocktail dress. Like the white tie, tuxedo is worn only after 6.00 pm. Black tie can be worn at the theater, informal parties, or at a dinner.
Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional means that man can wear a tuxedo or dark suit with white shirt. Woman can have a formal evening dress, cocktail dress or dressy separates. If the invitation says black tie optional, there should be a further explanation of the nature of the event.
Semi-formal
If the invitation says semi-formal, dark, business-type suit with or without a matching vest, white shirt and a conservative tie for man. Short cocktail dress or long skirt and top for woman.
Cocktail Attire
Men wear dark suits. Women wear cocktail dresses with high heels and evening bags. Your attire should be elegant, but not quite formal.
Business
Men wear business-type suits. Women can wear tailored dressy suits or dresses.
Informal
Informal is more formal than casual but less formal than semi-formal.
Casual
Man wears slacks or khaki pants and a dress shirt with or without a tie. Woman may wear a skirt or slacks with a blouse or a casual dress.

http://www.gentlemansstyle.com/2014/dress-code/

How To Wear A Lapel Flower Pin On Your Suit

James Bond’s Uniform: The Grey Suit

James Bond may be most associated with wearing black tie, but he wears more grey suits than anything else in the film series. The grey suit could easily be called the film Bond’s uniform. Because grey suits are so common, they are not particularly memorable. After all, spy whose cover is a businessman does not want to dress memorably. Grey suits, however, do not have to be bland or boring, and even a wardrobe of all grey suits can be a very exciting thing when there are light greys and dark greys, and solids, semi-solids, checks and stripes. James Bond wears five different grey suits in From Russia with Love alone, and four out of the five are very different from each other. The right shade of grey can fit into any season or any location, and any shade of grey can work in any pattern. Bond wears some form of the grey suit in every film except in The Spy Who Loved Me.

Because grey is neutral and does not stand out, a grey suit can be worn almost anywhere. For this reason, a charcoal grey suit is the best first suit to have in one’s wardrobe. Its neutrality gives it a slight edge above navy for one’s first suit, though navy also makes for an excellent first suit.



Solid Grey Suits

Grey suits should never be a flat, completely solid grey. Though most of James Bond’s grey suits are without a pattern, they all have some form of texture to prevent them from being flat and boring. The most common texture on Bond’s solid grey suits is woolen flannel, which is a warm, fuzzy cloth without a visible weave. Bond wears charcoal or dark grey examples in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball, a medium grey flannel suit in Diamond Are Forever and a light grey flannel suit in For Your Eyes Only. Grey flannel cloths are typically woven from yarns spun in multiple shades of grey to give the cloth a livelier look than a single flat grey would. The grey flannel suit was once known as the uniform of the average, conforming businessman, and it helps Bond blend in with other businessman as part of his cover. But Bond’s grey flannel suits are all far from the average man’s suit. In a sharp cut and rich cloth, the grey flannel suit is a valuable piece in any stylish man’s wardrobe.



For warm weather, Bond wears light grey plain-weave topical worsted wool or worsted and mohair blend suits in Dr. No, Diamond Are Forever and Live and Let Die. These have a stylish business look for warm weather. Like with the flannel suits, these tropical worsted suits are woven in from yarns spun of multiple shades of grey to breathe life into what would otherwise be a very plain cloth. In Bond’s darker charcoal worsted suits, the cloths are also woven in multiple shades of grey. Bond’s charcoal suit at the beginning of The World Is Not Enough has brown and blue mixed in with the grey yarns for an even more interesting cloth that still looks charcoal overall.

Bond has worn solid grey suits in non-wool cloths that use texture to bring life to the grey suit. The charcoal dupioni silk suit in From Russia with Love, the dark grey dupioni silk suit in Live and Let Die and the elephant grey dupioni silk suit in Moonraker have textured slubs for interest. The light grey linen suit in Casino Royale has interest from both a textured open weave and the worn rumples of linen. In The Man with the Golden Gun, Moore wears two charcoal mohair-blend suits that have sheen to prevent the charcoal suits from looking flat.



Semi-Solid Grey Suits

Along with his solid grey suits, Bond wears many patterned grey suits, either woven in black and white or woven in different shades of grey. The most subtle of these patterns is the pick-and-pick, which is also known as sharkskin. Rather than rely on mottled yarns for a varied grey, the semi-solid pick-and-pick uses two different yarns to subtly give the cloth a more interesting appearance without a noticeable pattern. In From Russia with Love Bond wears a subtle pick-and-pick in black and grey, and in Skyfall he brings back the pick-and-pick suit in black and white. Bond also wears semi-solid grey herringbone suits woven in black and white, for a similar effect to pick-and-pick. These can be seen in You Only Live Twice and The Living Daylights. Semi-solid suits are appropriate for business, but they stand out more than solid grey suits.

http://thesuitsofjamesbond.com/james-bonds-uniform-grey-suit/

Collars, Cuffs, and Suit Styles

Busy People Get More Done

If you want something done ask a busy person, goes the adage, but research suggests that this might well be true.

The busier you are, the more likely you are to complete tasks, particularly those whose deadlines have been missed, found Keith Wilcox of Columbia University and his team. Getting behind is demoralising, but Professor Wilcox discovered that busier people are better at bouncing back from a missed deadline and are more likely to get the task done — and more quickly. The theory is that while you may have missed one deadline, with other tasks completed and with others on the go, you feel that you are still winning the productivity war.

“Our research shows that being busy is one way to reduce the sense of failure,” he says.
According to the study, keeping yourself and your staff busy is a simple way to continue getting things done, even when deadlines have been missed. Rather than giving yourself or others more to do, you should instead break down larger tasks into smaller ones. This will make you feel busier without increasing your workload. But make sure you are busy with productive tasks and not simply those that occupy time, says Prof Wilcox.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/42db49b2-f05e-11e5-9f20-c3a047354386.html#axzz44AFA9jr5

Old Spice

Old Spice:


The first Old Spice® product, called Early American Old Spice for women, was introduced in 1937, closely followed by Old Spice for men in 1938. The Old Spice products were manufactured by the Shulton Company that was founded in 1934 by William Lightfoot Schultz.

Early American Old Spice was developed around a colonial theme. When Old Spice was introduced, William Lightfoot Schultz was interested in maintaining a colonial framework for those products and chose a nautical theme for Old Spice. Thus, sailing ships, in particular colonial sailing ships, were used as a trademark. Through continuous use and advertising, the various ships have become a valuable trademark identifying the Old Spice product for men.

The original ships used on the packaging were the Grand Turk and the Friendship. Other ships used on Old Spice packaging include the Wesley, Salem, Birmingham and Hamilton.

Procter & Gamble purchased the Old Spice fragrances, Skin Care and Antiperspirant and Deodorant products from the Shulton Company in June 1990.

Since purchasing the Old Spice line, P&G has continued to provide many of the original Old Spice products as well as introducing several new products that have enhanced the Old Spice line.

Eau Sauvage by Dior turns 50

Eau Sauvage is a perfume for men produced by Parfums Christian Dior. The perfume was introduced in 1966.

The first perfume for men by DiorIt was created by perfumer Edmond Roudnitska.

The name of the fragrance is reputedly the result of a late arrival by Christian Dior's friend Percy Savage to Dior's home. Dior had asked Savage to help find a name for a perfume for men. When Savage arrived, he was announced by Dior's butler as "Monsieur Sauvage"; the designer decided that "Oh, Sauvage" would be a fitting name. Born from a desire for renewal, Eau Sauvage burst onto the scene in 1966, shifting everything in its wake. Unexpected and unprecedented, Eau Sauvage mirrors the changes the young were living at the time. Young people bubbling with life, seeking a new truth.

Since then, Eau Sauvage has gained an enviable status as a great classic. Its boldness has turned into an absolute reference. It has held its appeal from generation to generation, with impressive consistency.

This is a fresh perfume which can be easily recognized among other fresh fragrances. Clear and fresh scent of lemon and bitter-fresh rosemary are combined perfectly with masculine, woody nuances of a base.

The perfume was introduced in 1966 and created in cooperation with perfumer Edmond Roudnitska. The creator made the perfume legendary and characteristic for its fresh, citrusy notes, composed with spicy lavender on a masculine, woody base.

The fragrance incorporates the following accords: lemon, basil, bergamot, cumin, lavender and fruit. A heart blooms with jasmine, rose, carnation, iris root, coriander, patchouli and sandalwood. Base notes bring us oak moss, vetiver, musk and amber. The flacon was designed by Pierre Dinand.

Hai Karate - Could they even make these ads today?

Regimental Striped Ties

Stripes are one of the most popular patterns for men’s neckties. In fact, the diagonal striped look is one of the oldest tie designs, dating back to the 1880s in England. Since then, designers have combined any imaginable color, texture, and pattern to create an endless choice in striped tie designs. Because classic striped ties are such a timeless accessory that any man, regardless of style preference, can take advantage of, we decided to write this style guide.

The Origin of the Regimental Tie
Regimentals had their origin in Great Britain. To help identify themselves in battle, British soldiers used their regiments’ colors on their company’s flags and pieces of silk, and when not in service these soldiers proudly wore their regimental colors on their neckties. Later on, around the 1920s, regimental ties were expanded to include private clubs, schools, and universities.

The regimental tie made it to the US thanks to the Price of Whales in 1919. While visiting the US he wore a red and navy striped tie of the Grenadier Guards – a regiment where he had previously been an officer. To the repulse of the British, who strongly believe that one can only wear those colors that one carries membership to, the Americans quickly adopted the regimental tie as a fashion statement. That being said, for those visiting the British isles chose your striped ties carefully. For more information please also check out our guide to Business Dress Code in Great Britain.

Suits vs. Sports Coats
Both, suits as well as sports coats and classic blazers are perfect for your classic striped neckties. In terms of suits, excellent are classic 2-button cuts as well as dark blue colors. Both, single-breasted as well as double-breasted styles work well in combination with regimental ties. While classic blue suits are great for these ties, sports coats and traditional blazers can be a great alternative.

https://www.bows-n-ties.com/mens-fashion-tips/the-art-of-wearing-regimental-neckties/

How to Tie an Ascots and Cravats

1.The Traditional Way

One, this is how you tie the Ascot the traditional way, it doesn’t matter if you wear the pleats up or down. The only thing that’s of importance is that the pleats overlap the knot so the knot stays tighter and you will look great all day.

First, the right end needs to be about three to four inches longer than the left one.

Second, the right end, the longer end, goes over the left end. What’s important here is that the pleated part is part of the knot, and you want to keep this rather tight.

So now, the longer end goes back around as you can see, around, up through the back and down. This is how the traditional ascot looks, you may want to open another button on your shirt, and then you close it.

Once you have it tucked in, you simply adjust it to your liking, and you’re done.

There are two ways, once, you can have everything popping out so you see it, or you can have everything tucked in like so. Personally, I liked it tucked in, I like a tight knot and depending on the shirt I’m wearing, I open one or two buttons from the top. This way you see more of the Ascot, and so it’s more closed.

 

 

2.The Simple Knot

Number 2, the simple knot. The simple knot is actually really simple because it’s just one knot. Both ends are the same length and then you just create one knot like so, and you tuck both ends in.

For this knot, you really have to adjust it, and the problem is it’s a very loose knot so over the course of the day it will become loose. It can be a problem with the traditional knot, but it can with the simple knit, it’s even more so.

Personally, I don’t really like the look of it, and I recommend this look.

3. My Favorite Way To Tie An Ascot

The third way to tie an Ascot, the modified four in hand knot.

Again, you want it around your neck, and thus time you want the right end to be about 2 inches longer.

Now, what you do is you tie a regular four in hand tie knot. You can also watch this video where I show you how to do it but with an ascot; it’s more difficult because it is unlined.

Basically, you take the longer end, get over and around. You can come over again, go through the back and now you go through the knot you created and push it through.This has the advantage that you can really adjust it and have it really tight around your neck just like with the regular tie knot.

Unlike a tie, the front end will be shorter than the back end. That’s exactly what you want because now, with the back end, you come from your neck side and basically, bring it through from the back, so it comes over. You simply adjust it, so you get some nice pleats and then you put them in your shirt, adjust it until you like the look, and you’re basically done. The great thing about this knot is that even if it comes loose which is very unlikely, you can easily tighten it, it will stay like this all day, it gives you more volume in the knot so it kind of pops up and flows down nicely, and that’s the reason this is my favorite knot.

How to Untie The Ascot

For the Modified ascot knot, it’s important to untie it the same way you tied it, you bring the long end back, and then you pull it up, just like a regular tie knot, you can always loosen it the other way but you always risk that seams rip because of the strain it puts on it.

 

http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-to-tie-ascot-cravat/

Cocktail Attire For Men – Dress Code Guide For Weddings, Parties & Events

Cocktail Attire For Men – Dress Code Guide For Weddings, Parties & Events





Read more: http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/cocktail-attire-for-men/

Giant Momentum Street Bike 2016

Giant Momentum Street Bike 2016

For some, the bicycle is much more than a hobby or a tool of fitness. It’s a means of transportation, and integral part to day-to-day life. Whether it’s a grocery run or a commute to work, the Momentum Street offers a lightweight, comfortable, utilitarian bike that’s easy to maneuver and stable to ride. The Street sits you more upright and tall, offering heads-up visibility in busy areas. The classic city aesthetic is augmented by a kickstand, bell, rear rack, cup holder, and u-lock carrier. Unlike a car, the Momentum Street burns fat instead of fuel.

 

Features:

- Chainguard
- Kickstand
- Twist shifting
- Mounted cup holder
- Rack
- Bag Mounts
- Lock Carrier

Specifications:

Frame	ALUXX-grade aluminum with integrated rear carrier and cup holder, double diamond and mid-step options
Fork	High Tensile Chromoly Steel
Wheelset	Giant Alloy Double wall rims, Alloy 28h hubs, Stainless Steel 14g spokes
Tires	Kenda Kwick Roller, puncture protection, 700x32 (50 - 85 psi)
Brakes	Alloy, Direct Pull
Brake Levers	Alloy comfort
Shifters	Shimano Revo, Twist
Front Derailleur	N/A
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tourney
Crankset	Alloy, 42T
Bottom Bracket	Sealed Cartridge
Cassette	Shimano TZ31 14x34, 7-speed
Chain	Z51KMC Z51, Nickel Plated
Pedals	Alloy/Anti-Slip Platform
Handlebar	Alloy, Mid-Rise
Stem	Alloy quill
Saddle	Riveted Retro-Classic Comfort, coil spring
Seatpost	Alloy, 30.9mm

Note: Components are subject to change without notice.

Geometry:

Size	Small	Regular	Large
Rider Height	5'1" ~ 5'5"	5'5" ~ 5'9"	5'9" ~ 6'1"
Top Tube Length	21.7"	22.4"	23.2"
Standover Height	Double Diamond: 28.0" Mid-Step: 25.9"	Double Diamond: 29.5" Mid-Step: 27.6"	Double Diamond: 29.8" Mid-Step: 28.6"
Head Tube Length	5.5"	5.9"	6.5"
Head Tube Angle	71°	71°	71°
Seat Tube Angle	73.5°	73.0°	72.0°
Wheelbase	40.7"	41.3"	42.2"
Chainstay Length	17.1"	17.1"	17.1"

Keep Your Ties In Tip Top Shape

 Untying your Ties

Care should be taken when removing your tie. After a long day of work, I know you probably just want to get the damn thing off. But fight the temptation to pull the thin end of the tie through the knot. While this is the easiest way to get your tie off, it ruins the shape of the tie in the process. If you want to make your ties last, remove your ties by following the tie-tying steps in reverse.

Storing Your Ties

When putting away a tie, many men roll them up, stuff them in a drawer, or lay them over a chair. But ties are made of delicate fabric and are extremely impressionable. So as soon as the tie comes off, drape it over a coat hanger or closet rack. Hanging your ties properly makes it easier for the creases and folds from a knot to fall out.

A nice tie rack is a good investment. Tie racks make storing and organizing your ties much easier. The Executive Ladder is a nice quality rack that sells for under $15. Spend a little on a rack now, and save money in the long run by making your ties last.

When traveling, fold your ties into fours and place them in your coat pocket. That will help maintain your ties’ shape while traveling.

Read more: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/02/08/keep-your-ties-in-tip-top-shape/

Ralph Lauren hands off CEO role to Old Navy executive

NEW YORK – Ralph Lauren is handing off his title as CEO of the fashion and home decor empire that he founded nearly 50 years ago.

The New York-based company announced Tuesday that Stefan Larsson, the global president of Gap's low-price Old Navy chain, will take on the role. The change will be effective in November, and Larsson will report to Lauren who will continue to drive the company's vision and strategy as executive chairman and chief creative officer.

As global president of Old Navy for three years, Larsson remade the business into a bright spot in Gap's portfolio. Prior to his tenure at Old Navy, Larsson was part of an executive team at Swedish cheap chic fashion chain H&M for 15 years that increased annual revenue from $3 billion to $17 billion. During that time, H&M's operations grew to 44 countries from 12.

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/09/29/ralph-lauren-to-step-down-as-ceo-larsson-named-successor/?intcmp=latestnews

The Ins and Outs of Being a Wedding Usher

Before the Big Day

It’s an Honor to Be Asked, So Take It Seriously

Ushering may not seem like the most glamorous role to play in a friend’s or relative’s wedding. But you can be sure it’s one of the most important and most practical. While the groomsmen often just stand up front and look pretty, the ushers are seating guests, manning doors, and generally making sure that things are running smoothly while the bride is doing her last minute preparations to walk down the aisle.

Planning a wedding is stressful business for the bride and groom; part of that stress is figuring out who among friends and family will play which role. It’s an honor to be asked to be part of a wedding, so take your role seriously.

Ask the Couple About Your Responsibilities

While we go into ushering basics below, the responsibilities of the usher(s) will be different for each wedding. In some cases, the usher plays a big part; in others, it’s more of a ceremonial title because the couple wanted to “officially” include you in the festivities. Before anything else, ask the bride and groom what your responsibilities will be come the big day. Also be sure to ask about the rehearsal, groom’s dinner, and any other activities you’re expected to be a part of. As an usher, your schedule obligations are a little grayer than if you’re a groomsman.

Pay Special Attention During the Rehearsal

While you may not be a part of every wedding festivity, it’s likely that as an usher you’ll be asked to be at the wedding rehearsal. This generally happens the night before, and it’s just what it sounds like. Everybody who has a role in the wedding — bride/groom, bridesmaids/groomsmen, officiant, parents, etc — meets at the wedding site to go over what the ceremony will look like. Pay special attention, because you’ll generally have specific instructions for seating guests, as well as dismissing guests once the ceremony is completed. If needed, write down your instructions in the pocket notebook you keep with you at all times.

During the Big Day

Be Prepared

This should go without saying, but I feel the need to say it. Show up when you’re told to show up — probably an hour or so before the ceremony begins. Be dressed according to what you were told. Have your clothing pressed and neat — no muffin-top tucking. Make sure to have eaten a snack, as wedding festivities may leave you without food for many hours, and you need energy to stay sharp and focused. Again, all common sense, but things that could be forgotten on the morning of as you’re getting ready.

Your Manner Affects the Wedding

On the day of the wedding, you will likely be the first wedding “representative” that guests see. Your manner has an effect on the tone of the wedding. Is your attire neatly pressed? Is your posture upright? Do you have a smile on your face? If you’re sloppy with your attire and deportment, the guests will see that and unconsciously form an opinion of the wedding, and even mirror that sloppiness in their own manners. If you greet them warmly and escort them properly with all the regality you can muster, the tone of the entire ceremony will follow.

Act As a Host Before the Ceremony

In the closing hour before the ceremony, the bride and groom will likely be running around with last-minute preparations. Ask how you can help — and promptly do whatever the bride or groom asks of you. As guests start arriving, you will probably be asked to “work the room,” taking people’s coats, directing them to restrooms, letting them know where gifts/cards are to be placed, making sure they sign the guestbook, etc. At this point, you’ll sort of be acting like the host of the pre-ceremony reception. Don’t go off socializing with your friends and family; there’s plenty of time for that later. You’re there to assist with wedding operations.

Seating the Wedding Guests

This is often the largest and most important responsibility of ushering a wedding. As guests arrive for the ceremony, you’ll have the pleasure of offering them a program and escorting them to their seats. Where guests are seated is a decision of the bride and groom, so before anything else, ask them. Oftentimes, it’s friends/relatives of the bride on one side (usually the left, as you’re looking at the altar/stage) and friends/relatives of the groom on the other (usually the right).

You’ll most likely be waiting for guests just outside of where they’ll be seated. When they approach you, you can ask if they’re a guest of the bride or groom, and escort them to the first open row at the front of where the ceremony is taking place. If the guest is a friend of both the bride and the groom, give them the best seat available on either side. (Keep in mind that the first 2-3 rows are often reserved specifically for immediate family.) If one side fills up faster, it’s okay to begin to seat folks on the other side.

When escorting a single gal or couple, you’ll offer your right arm to the woman, and let the gentleman follow behind. When escorting a group of women, offer your right arm to the oldest member of the group (if they’re all roughly the same age, feel free to offer your arm to the lady closest to you). When escorting a single man or a group of men, do not give your arm — simply ask them to follow you to their seats. Generally, you’ll escort guests down the center aisle, but once the ceremony has begun, instruct late guests to use the side aisles.

When offering your arm, it is to be at a 90 degree angle (see image above). No straight-arm escorting allowed, period. It just looks awful.

Neither meander nor speed walk and bustle down the aisle. Rather, move at a natural, dignified, but efficient clip.

As you escort guests, offer some light pleasantries, such as, “What a beautiful day for a wedding,” or, “Too bad it’s raining, but at least it’s good luck!” Keep your voice low, but there’s no need for grave solemnity or whispering.

Depending on the wedding, after all the guests are seated and before the bride walks down the aisle, you may be asked to usher the grandparents or other immediate family members to their place at the front. Traditionally, the seating of these family members was done by ushers, but in modern weddings, it’s more often than not done by a sibling (most often a brother) of the bride or groom.

A few items to be aware of for each wedding (in other words – ask the bride/groom):

• Are there handicapped/elderly folks that will need extra assistance?
• Are there pregnant or new mothers? If so, it’s best to reserve an aisle seat for them, as they may need to quickly get up from the ceremony.
• Are there awkward family issues? If parents are divorced, they may not be seated together. Be aware of any unique family situations and honor the bride and groom’s plan for dealing with them.

During the Ceremony

In some cases, as an usher, you’ll be part of the processional and either be seated at the front of the ceremony (in which case you’d take your seat after all guests and family have been seated), or standing up front with the other groomsmen. Most likely, though, you’ll be tasked with a couple remaining duties, and sit near the back. In that case, after the bride has walked down the aisle, you’ll often be asked to close the doors (if the venue has doors to be closed). From there, you’ll take a seat yourself, direct any late guests to find a seat (using the side aisles), and make sure the door closes quietly after they’ve entered. Once the ceremony has concluded, you’ll open the doors back up, and again, depending on the wishes of the bride and groom, you may be asked to dismiss rows of guests, starting from the front. If the bride and groom wish to dismiss guests themselves (a modern trend), you can stand near the doors to be sure exiting happens smoothly, and to direct guests if they have questions about what follows the ceremony.

After the Ceremony

As with everything above (hopefully this cements the idea into your head), what your role is after the ceremony depends on the specifics of the wedding you’re a part of. So just ask, ask, ask. Don’t just assume you can leave, and don’t just assume that you’re required to stick around for pictures or for the party bus to the reception. You will often be asked to be a part of pictures, but not necessarily as extensively as the formal wedding party. Just do what you’re told and smile.

Once you get to the reception, your duties are largely over. You may or may not sit at the head table (I never have as an usher), you won’t be giving a speech, and you no longer are playing the part of “host” — at this point that becomes the bride and groom’s role. So take off your jacket, loosen your tie, and cut a rug on the dance floor — it’s time to celebrate!

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/05/14/the-ins-and-outs-of-being-a-wedding-usher/

What Is the Core of Masculinity?

We’ve covered the 3 P’s of Manhood (protect, procreate, and provide), and we’ve distilled them down to the fundamentals — the ancient, nearly universal standards of manhood that have existed around the world for thousands of years.
But in studying them, one can’t help but notice that their requirements are not exclusively manly. Haven’t women played a part in these roles, not just now, but since time immemorial? Is it possible then to drill down through these fundamentals even further, to find the role and its attendant attributes that are, if not exclusively manly, then the most distinctively masculine — the very core of manhood?
If we look at the procreator and provider imperatives, we find that they are roles that men and women share – and that what is distinctively masculine about them comes down to a difference in emphasis.
In the procreator role, it most certainly takes two to tango. The emphasis is simply placed on the man taking the initiative in getting the proceedings started.
In the provider role, men and women have shared the responsibility for contributing sustenance to their families since the dawn of time. Here the emphasis is on the husband contributing more than the wife, and making a more vital contribution (protein vs. plants, in premodern times).
It is then the charge to protect that emerges as the most distinctively masculine of the 3 P’s of Manhood. Because this role involves both defending and conquering, it might be better termed as the way of the warrior. The role of warrior/protector has been almost exclusively male up until the present day, and continues to endure nearly unchanged in the modern era.
Even in the most progressive of families, when something goes bump in the night, the man will not send his wife to investigate while he huddles under the covers. When the car stalls in the middle of nowhere, a man will not send his wife to walk miles in search of the nearest gas station while he stays to wait with the kids in the locked car.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/04/07/what-is-the-core-of-masculinity/

Style Tips – The Rise Of The Cravat

As seen on the streets of Paris Fashion Week and on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 2014, the cravat, has made a massive comeback, adding extra points of flair and a cultivated sense of style on casual and formal wear alike.

This manly accessory and great alternative to the bow tie has established itself as the ultimate chic accessory. Originating from Croatian soldiers during World War I, it became popular amongst younger dapper men, and it was later embraced by British aristocrats. This quintessentially british accessory may have been associated with a conservative and anachronistic elite, but during the past few seasons has established itself as the ultimate male accessory to formalize any casual outfit or give a stylish edge to a somewhat boring suit. Pair it up with a pocket square, a double chested blazer and tailored pants in a dark shade of maroon, grey, or navy, leather brogues and a pocket watch if you’re after the complete modern gentleman look.

Types Of Cravats

There are two different types of silk cravats: printed and woven silk cravats. Printed silk cravats tend to be a lighter-weight silk and more often adorned in the warmer months and for more casual occasions, whereas the jacquard woven silk cravats are thicker and tend to be more lustrous in colour; therefore are more suitable for the cooler months of the year and formal wear. Most cravat makers tend to manufacture printed silk cravats, whereas only brand names like Hermes or Turnbull & Asser do woven silk cravats and at a hefty cost.

However, one company that stands out is Cravat Club. One unique selling point about Cravat Club’s products is the ‘Stay Put Cravat’. Their jacquard woven silk cravats are layered with rich colours and are a heavier-weighted silk, which unlike most silk cravats, require minimal re-adjusting, hence the ‘Stay Put Cravat’. This means the cravat can be tied less restrictively around the neck as opposed to conventional cravats, to allow for maximum style and comfort.

Cravat Club supplies both types of cravat (jacquard woven and printed silk), unlike what most cravat makers do. Their 25mm printed silk is more luxurious than other cravat makers’ (who tend to use a flyaway 18mm silk), so Cravat Club’s printed silk cravats are a superior quality.

 Pocket Squares

Gentleman’s accessories such as pocket squares, man bags and the cravat have resurfaced over the last few years as men have become more interested in expressing an individual and more creative sense of style. The demand for male accessories is increasing and brands such as Cravat Club, who use a phrases such as “Cravat Comeback” have tapped into the need for exquisite, delicate cravats that are addressed to gentlemen who want to alternate their casual and semi-casual appearances. Cravat Club will be supplying jacquard woven silk pocket squares from May, so watch that space!

An open collar is charming but not preferable in formal occasions, so adding a day cravat to the outfit adds an intellectual sense of style. The way to wear them is quite easy, wrapped around the neck and tucked inside the collar of a shirt or even into a polo shirt. Another way to incorporate this style is wearing it on the outside of the shirt paired with a tailored suit or jacket.

  British and Aristocratic Cravat

But the resurgence of the typically British and aristocratic cravat isn’t just the name of a brand, it’s a fact. At least that was the case at this year’s Paris fashion week where the designers set a romantic 19th century scene for Autumn/Winter 2014. The multilayered suits where wonderfully accessorized by this staple, classic piece. The French designer, Downton Abbey showed carefully crafted silk cravats that complimented luxurious three piece suits and paired them up with leather brogues. But the cravat was very popular amongst street style sartorial chaps of fashion week. Long charming pea coats, or sleek biker leather jackets worn with jeans or tailored pants dressed up by adding colorful cravats to their outfit. Choose the pattern and fabric that blends best with your everyday wardrobe and opt for this stylish and sophisticated statement piece to take your outfits to the next level.

http://www.menstylefashion.com/style-tips-the-rise-of-the-cravat/