The Groom's Guide: Styling Tips By Lauren Christensen of Stag Handmade

A creative styled shoot at Tooth & Nail Winery in Paso Robles, California featured the unique ties and grooms wear from Stag Handmade. Shop owner and designer Lauren Christensen of Stag Handmade shares her best styling tips to get ready for your big wedding day! This fun shoot used the mobile man cave from All About Events and was photographed by Cameron Ingalls, Mason Schroder of Mason & Megan Photography, and Jonathan David of Jonathon David Studios. You can also find this article in The Wedding Standard Volume I magazine here!

DON'T BE AFRAID OF COLOR!
"Make a statement with a bold color choice, whether it be a bright color shirt and muted tie,
or a vibrant tie and more subdued suit."

MIX AND MATCH!
"Don't be afraid to combine colors and prints. I often suggest to mix prints when ordering ties, bow ties and pocket squares. If you are worried about your outfit being too busy pick a tie with a more dominant color background, like this mustard neck tie to the left, and then choose a pocket square print that shares a similar color palette, but on a smaller scale."

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TEXTURE
"Using a mix of textures adds a complexity and richness to your style, something that can often
be subtle but will set you apart in a crowd. For fall and winter, I love to bring in texture with a thick tweed coat, a heavy knitted cardigan, or slim cut cords."

DON'T UNDERVALUE YOUR SHOE CHOICES
"A great shoe or boot can be the great finishing touch to any outfit, and if you pick a high quality shoe it can last for years, and great leather boots only look better with age."

DON'T LET SELF-TIE BOW TIES SCARE YOU!
"I get many clients that have never tied a bow tie before so they opt for the pre tied ones, however the timelessness and perfect imperfection of a self tie bow tie are just so awesome I always encourage clients to give them a try. Youtube has some great quick and easy videos that make tying them a breeze, and I find them much easier than looking at a diagram. All you need is a few practice sessions before wearing and you should be good to go; its like riding a bike! Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to tie them for life, just watch out - you will likely be hit up by your friends for a tutorial!"