KARA HORNER (Blogger & Media Director, The Man Registry)

Extreme bachelor parties. Whether it’s the residual Hangover effect or the need for some macho male bonding time, more and more grooms are going big when it comes to their bachelor parties, and they’re taking their entire wolfpack (AKA, groomsmen) with them. Why hit the local bar or strip joint when you can make a manly weekend of it by traveling to a cool destination within driving distance or a quick nonstop away? Beyond the tried and true, such as boozing it up in Vegas, think golfing at Pebble Beach, rock climbing in Utah, fly fishing in Montana, skiing in Colorado or white water rafting in Tennessee. Word to the wise: If you hear banjos playing in the distance, it’s time to head back–fast.

HANA ABAZA (Founder, Wedding Republic)

In general, grooms have been getting more involved in the wedding planning process and 2012 will be no exception. We’re going to see grooms injecting some of their own personality into the big day. Weddings are beginning to shift from being solely bride–centric to more couple–centric. Some great examples of this include the rise of groom cakes, a little more personality incorporated into grooms’ attire, and as we’ve seen at Wedding Republic, more grooms are actively participating in the planning process such as setting up a couples wedding registry. But fair warning… an increase in groom involvement will likely go hand in hand with a rise in groomzillas!


This cake photo was taken from a great local cake decorator.  Cakes by Nomeda!  or check out our website on floral decor for cakes!

As we approach the spring wedding season, this year’s trends are starting to surface. Something I keep hearing about but I have not witnessed yet are food truck catering and video save-the-dates…but those just scratch the surface.  4 wedding event experts have shared their observations about trends revolving around grooms and we thought we should share them with you!

Here's what the first expert had to say:   IAN (Founder, A Groom’s Diary)
"My favorite trend is that I’m finally seeing grooms get their balls back.  We’re in an era of mixed bachelor/bachelorette parties, ornate first dances and guys going for mani/pedis with their groomsmen the day of the wedding.  This year testosterone seems to be bouncing back.  I got invited to a bachelor party where the description was “I’m renting a house on the lake and buying a ****load of booze.  Let me know if you can make it.”  It was incredibly refreshing.  More basic black tuxes instead of over-thinking color-coordinated suits.  More scotch, less mojitos. More steak, less salmon.  I may sound like I just walked out of my cave, but it is good to see guys acting like guys again!"

So what do you think of IAN's thoughts?          Do you think he's right?              What trends are you seeing?