Lazina Mckenzie from L² Style joins us for the final post on our modern groom style series. Thank you, Lazina, for providing such valuable (and stylish) information for our sometimes overlooked grooms.

If you need help putting together your wedding day attire (or simply revamping your everyday wardrobe), you must contact Lazina! And if you missed the first two posts be sure to check them out: Part 1 – Suits for the Modern Groom, Part 2 – Shoes for the Modern Groom.

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For part 3 of our series, we’re going to look at accessory ideas for the modern groom. You may not even realize that there are accessory choices out there for men, or you may be the type of guy who doesn’t know how to pare down the many options available. Here are some of my top picks that are sure to open your eyes…or perplex you. Either way, I hope these options help make your wedding ensemble totally you.

Formal

1) Herringbone Cufflinks

Why I like it: I really like the etched silver inside of the polished silver border. After your special day, these little babies will do wonders to spruce up a more casual outfit.

2) Burberry London Foulard Tie

Why I like it: Though your look is formal, you can still have some fun with your accessories. This is a great, non-black, non-neutral alternative that is bold and dynamic.

Dressy Casual

3) Chrome Cubes

Why I like it: These are simple yet very sophisticated. After the big day, they will transition well into your daily life and would look great for other special occasions.

4) Lanvin Calf Leather Belt

Why I like it: I love the interesting, pebbled buckle and the smooth feel of the leather. This belt would look amazing on a bright, navy blue suit.

Fun Alternatives

5) Geometric Green Silk Pocket Square

Why I like it: This is perfect for a spring, summer or destination wedding. It adds a bold pop of colour to a neutral suit.

6) Robert Geller Andreas Glasses

Why I like it: If you’re going for more of a funky, hipster-esque look, these will surely hit the mark. They would look great with a tapered suit and funky oxford shoes.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

Moving on to part 2 of our modern groom style series with L² Style – today, it’s all about the shoe! If you missed last week’s post check it out here: Suits for the Modern Groom.

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When grooms-to-be think about footwear for their wedding, they often default to the basic black dress shoe. In reality, there are many options out there and I’d encourage you to find a shoe that really plays up your personality and style preferences. Your bride, after all, is spending a ton of time and effort on every last detail. It’s ok for you to spend even a quarter of that time making sure you look and feel great as well. Take a look at these great shoe options for your walk down the aisle.

Formal

1) To Boot New York “Torino” Lace-Up Oxfords

Why I like it: This is a classic, chic shoe that will finish a very formal wedding style. The thin sole gives the shoe a very streamlined and polished look.

2) BOSS Black Cetto Black Wing Tip

Why I like it: I love this brogue shoe because of the subtlety of the stitch. This is a great shoe that won’t just look good for your wedding but for other formal or dressy casual events.

Dressy Casual

3) Hugo Boss “Coloson”

Why I like it:  Although this shoe is a classic shape, the colour and matte leather gives it a casual appeal, making this pair a more versatile choice than a black dressy shoe.

4) Fratelli Footwear 2336

Why I like it: The textured, brown leather looks almost brushed – an interesting detail for the unconventional groom.

Funky

5) Cole Haan Nike AIR Colton Saddle Dress Shoes

Why I like it: Perfect for a fashion-forward groom who is looking for some edgy details to liven up a classic suit. This 60’s inspired shoe would look great with a grey or navy blue three-piece suit (see part 1 of the modern groom style series).

6) Aldo Stathas

Why I like it: I love this tone-on-tone brown shoe with its retro feel. Added to a suit, they’ll look as though you’ve thought about every last detail.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

Last summer we did a series of posts with founder of L² Style, Lazina Mckenzie: What to Wear to Your Bridal Shower, What to Wear to Your Stagette, What to Wear to Your Rehearsal Dinner. Lucky for us, Lazina is back! This time around she’s giving wedding style advice to the modern groom. Read on for part 1 of 3 posts in this series.

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Grooms to be, you can admit it. The fashion for your wedding will mostly revolve around your lovely bride-to-be and her search for “the perfect dress!” Thinking about fashion for you on your special day probably won’t rank as high on the priority list…that is, until she’s found her dress and it’s absolutely necessary to think about you! But at the end of the day, I know that you, along with your soon-to-be wife, will want to make sure that you both look and feel confident and amazing on your wedding day.

When it comes to formalwear for grooms, there’s absolutely no need to venture off into the world of tux rentals. First off, that’s old news and secondly, no one looks their best in an ill-fitted and dated tuxedo. Owning a properly fitted tuxedo or formal suit will make you look and feel your absolute best and should last you for years to come (you won’t have the issue of investing a lot in a garment that will only be worn once). Here are my picks for you – the modern groom. We’ll look at shoes and accessories later on but for now, let’s just look at options for THE foundational piece – a great quality formal tuxedo or suit.

Tuxedo

1) Indochino: The Essential Dinner Jacket Tuxedo

Why I like it: This company makes custom tuxedos; this is a great option, especially if you have other formal events to go to during the year. With custom garments, you can pay attention to details such as cut of the jacket, size of lapels, size of buttons, etc.

2) Armani Collezioni: ‘Giorgio’ Wool TuxedoWhy I like it: This is a modern tuxedo that doesn’t have the full look and feel of a tuxedo, which can make it a more versatile garment. I really like the one-button closure and slim fit through the jacket.

Formal Suit

3) Indochino: The Essential Gray 3 Piece Suit

Why I like it: This is a great option for a formal day wedding. A three piece suit can be almost as formal as a tuxedo but in gray, the level of formality is brought down just a notch. For future usage, you can choose to either wear the vest or not. This will change up your overall look without having to invest in another suit.

4) Canali: Wool Suit

Why I like it: This suit is a classic formal gray and is more of a charcoal gray (rather than black). This will allow you to have more variety in choosing shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.

Dressy Casual Suit

5) DSquared: Navy Woven Suit 

Why I like it: This suit is great for an outdoor spring/summer wedding or for the hipster groom. It is a funky, edgy suit – from the colour to the slim fit to the tapered pant leg.

6) BOSS Black: “The Sweet”  Taupe Wool Suit

Why I like it: Again, this is a great option for an outdoor or destination wedding. While the suit is a great cut with interesting details (I like that extra pocket on the right side of the jacket), the colour tones down the level of formality.

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself while shopping for the perfect suit:

• What’s the theme or style for my wedding? Does the suit or tux I like fit with the overall theme?
• Do I complement my bride-to-be or am I more/less dressy than she is?
• Will I be able to wear this suit/tux in the future? 
• What’s my budget for a new suit/tux? 
• What shirt, shoes, and accessories will complement my suiting choice?

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

This morning I was back on CTV Edmonton – this time, discussing considerations and tips for planning destination weddings. Many people have the impression that destination weddings are easier and less stressful than planning a wedding at home, but that’s not always the case. There are a lot more unknowns and many things to consider when going away for your wedding. Click the link below to view the segment:

Edmonton Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Pender Island, B.C., Canada

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re going away for your wedding – whether it’s to the mountains, a beautiful vineyard or a sandy beach – contact us, we’d love to help!

Jennifer
Destination Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: C.J. Scott Photography, Kelsy Nielson Photographer, PHOTOPHILCRO, PHOTOPHILCRO.

More couples get engaged between December and February than any other time of the year! I recently appeared on CTV Edmonton’s Morning Live Show to discuss some top wedding planning tips for the newly engaged. Click the link below to view the segment:

Edmonton Wedding Planning Tips

Stay tuned to the blog over the coming weeks as we’ll be sharing more great tips to help get your wedding planning off on the right foot!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Being the MC at a wedding is a great honour but it can also be a bit scary. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this special role.

Top 10 Wedding MC Tips

1. Prepare well in advance so you aren’t in a panic the week of the wedding. Type your script and read it back to yourself in the mirror to make sure it flows.
2. Know the reception itinerary (speak to the bride and groom or the wedding planner to get this in advance). The best MCs keep things running smoothly and on time.
3. Inform the wedding planner about any special touches or A/V requirements in advance.
4. Arrive at the reception early to do a sound check. Speak clearly into the mic while holding it approximately 15 cm away from your mouth.
5. Keep your comments and stories short and sweet.
6. Keep guests informed throughout the evening. Give them 10-15 minute warnings before important events occur (eg. dinner, speeches, dance, cake cutting).
7. Ensure the caterer / servers are aware when you are beginning speeches so that they don’t disrupt guests by clearing tables.
8. When introducing speakers, mention something personal about them and/or about their relationship to the bride and groom. Learn how to pronounce their names before the wedding.
9. Don’t have too many drinks before and during dinner. Even though you may be nervous, keeping a clear head is important.
10. Avoid embarrassing subjects and information that can’t be taken back. If you’re unsure about a joke or topic always check with the bride and groom, close family members or the wedding planner.

Good luck – you’ll do great!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Everyone wants to hear from the bride + groom on their special day. Take this time to express gratitude to all the people who contributed to your wedding – whether through emotional or financial support.

I can’t stress how important it is to prepare your speech ahead of time – don’t leave it to the last minute! Simply jotting down a few notes will help ensure you don’t forget anyone in the heat of the moment. Here is a guideline for consideration:

• Thank guests for coming
• Special thanks to out-of-town guests, especially those who have travelled a long way
• Make mention of special people who could not be at the wedding or who have passed away
• Minister / officiant
• Venue / venue manager / chef / serving staff
• Wedding vendors, such as the photographer, musicians, etc.
• Ushers
• Ceremony readers / candle lighters
• Guestbook attendants
• Emcee(s)
• Friends or family members who have helped with wedding preparations (eg. aunt made cake, cousins helped assemble invitations)
• Wedding party: bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl(s), ring bearer(s)
• Parents
• Thank each other

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

We’ve made it to part three of our style-infused blog series courtesy of Edmonton’s L² Style. Over the last couple of weeks, founder Lazina Mckenzie has shared her advice on what to wear to your bridal shower and to your stagette. Today’s post will help you look fab for the all-important rehearsal dinner!

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Your wedding day is nearly here and you’re nervous yet excited as can be! The last thing you need right now is to spend hours trying to figure out what to wear to your rehearsal. Take a look at the stunning items below. These are definitely worthy of your rehearsal dinner. After all, YOU are the guest of honour (and that partner of yours, I guess…kidding)!

Restaurant / Bar: Tahari Tilda Sheath Dress

This dress has sex appeal yet it’s very classy for an evening event at a restaurant or bar. The colour-blocking effect at the bottom creates a lot of interest and sass while the elegant waistline will draw the eye to the tiniest part of your waist.

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’d go with a soft updo and add deep red chandelier earrings. Complement with a red lip and very light makeup elsewhere. Add a chunky bracelet that is textured with black and dark silver. Opt for a classic black peep-toe heel to finish off the outfit with stunning impact.

Backyard BBQ: Tory Burch Hildy Dress

The pleating around the waist of this dress is quite funky while the linen and silk combination give it an effortlessly elegant look. It is versatile enough to let you sit and look fabulous or run around overseeing last minute wedding items. (Editor’s note: if you’ve hired a wedding planner you won’t have to worry about the latter!)

Lazina’s Style Tips: Keep your makeup light and opt for a tussled ‘do (as seen in the picture). It’s your party so be bold and add some eye-catching wedge heels, perhaps in bright red or deep blue. For a more neutral look, opt for a tan coloured wedge heel (wedges will be best for a backyard soirée). Accessorize with a chunky wooden ring and matte brass earrings (something a little larger would really complement those messy locks).

Cocktail Party: ASOS Pleated One Shoulder Dress

This one shoulder dress is striking in cobalt blue. It is a classy yet sassy little number that will allow you to feel like the life of the party – just as you should!

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’m leaning towards gold tones to accessorize this dress. I’d suggest rose gold peep-toe pumps, a delicate gold cuff (maybe even something with a fine leaf print) and citrine jewelled earrings. Add a faux-snakeskin inspired clutch with brown and gold tones to pull it all together.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.