arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 1

a special supplement to

GROOMS: tools for you (so nothing screws up the big day!)

2 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF ARKANSAS BRIDECopyright © 2013 Cherokee Nation Entertainment, LLC.

I T ’ S Y O U R S P E C I A L D A Y , T O O .Have the wedding of both your dreams. With over 14,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests, and over 1,200 electronic games and 20 table games, Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs is perfect for the bride and the groom.

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arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 3 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF ARKANSAS BRIDE

Let us take you back in time to the golden age of jazz. The Savoy combines the elegance and style of the 1920s with today’s culinary expertise of Little Rock’s top chefs.

Share this special day with us and we will customize an evening you and your guests will remember forever.

Gather for cocktails on the patio and relax around our cozy firepit. Then move inside to our private dining room to enjoy a gourmet dinner

designed by you and our award winning chefs. Call or stop by for a friendly tour.

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a new experience in fine dining

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4 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

GROOMS,Chances are, it’s been a stressful

engagement. You waited in agony for the perfect moment to

pop the question. Every detail had to be perfect, and the stakes were high.

What if you’re late for the dinner reservation?What if you forget the ring?What if she says no?But, thank goodness, she didn’t take too long getting ready for dinner, the

ring stayed safe and sound in your coat pocket, and, most of all, she said yes. Th e hard part is over. Right?

Not by a long shot. While your fi ancé is busy with her dream wedding Pinterest board, rounding up bridesmaids and picking the perfect venue, color scheme, photographer, menu, fl owers and dress, this is not the time to wait patiently until you say “I do.”

We’ve jam-packed this little book – our very fi rst Groom’s Guide – with all the tools you need for your big day, including what to wear and how to wear it, what tradition says the groom’s side is responsible for, and words of wisdom from real grooms that have been there before.

Plus, we’ve got the skinny on rehearsal dinner hotspots, unique Arkansas bachelor parties, tips on choosing your wedding ring, wedding toast dos and don’ts, ideas for memorable groomsmen gifts and so much more!

Th umb through and let us know what you think. We’d love to answer your questions or hear what helped. Drop us a line at Info@ArkansasBride.com.

Congratulations, and good luck!

Samuel G. Smith, Assistant Editor

A NOTE FROM SAM

ONLINE TOOLS TO USE!

@ArkansasBride

Publisher Rachel Bradbury

Editor Lindsay Irvin

Art Director Erin Lang

EDITORIAL

Assistant Editor Samuel G. Smith

InArkansas.com Editor Lauren James

Deputy Online Editor Tre Baker

Database Administrator Alex Graham

SALES & MARKETING

Senior Account Executive Betsy Tilley

Account Executives Michelle Foshee, Brandy Hubener

Advertising Coordinators Bekah Caraway, Kristen Heldenbrand, Alissa Mathews

Marketing Director Jake Sligh

Marketing Manager Allyson Pittman

Marketing Coordinator Bethany Johnson

DESIGN

Production Manager Tona Jolly

Senior Art Director Irene Forbes

Advertising Art Directors John Atkinson, Marcus Boyce, Dean Wheeler

Digital Operations Specialist Rebekah Eveland

CIRCULATION

Circulation Manager Dana Meyer

ADMINISTRATION

Accounting Manager Hal Lammey

Accounting Assistant Kim Clark

Human Resources Bill Page

Chairman & CEO Olivia Myers Farrell

General Manager Mitch Bettis

Chief Operating Offi cer Chuck Ballard

Chief Information Offi cer Brent Birch

Publishers Rachel Bradbury, Chip Taulbee

Online Editor Lance Turner

©2013 Arkansas Business Limited Partnership

PHOT

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6 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

Tradition holds the groom and his family are responsible for some of the wedding expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the most common responsibilities you and your family might be expected to bear before and after you say “I do.”

BAND TOGETHERThe bride is expected to take care of the groom’s wedding band. Think she might need a little help picking yours out, or don’t have a clue what you want? Turn to page 10 for a little wedding band 101.

THE BRIDE’S RINGSTh at means her engagement ring and her

wedding band. Know her ring size beforehand — don’t guess!

THE MARRIAGE LICENSETh is task can’t be checked off your to-do list until 60 days before the big day. Mark your calendar so you don’t forget — your vows aren’t offi cial without this piece of paper.Hint: Expect to spend about $58, and bring cash. Credit cards and checks aren’t accepted.

THE OFFICIANT’S EXPENSESTh is includes the offi ciant’s transportation, lodging and fee (or donation) for offi ciating the ceremony. Traditionally, the best man delivers the offi ciant’s fee after the ceremony.Also, don’t forget to include the offi ciant in your ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner plans the night before the wedding. Th at means you might have to pay for one more night’s lodging.

WEDDING ATTIREWhether you’re buying or renting, the groom’s side handles your wedding outfi t expenses. And not just yours — your father and brother(s), too. Th ough it’s not necessary, it’s nice to

help out groomsmen with their attire if you can.

Hint: Unless you’ve off ered to pay, groomsmen are responsible for their own attire, but if you ask your crew to wear matching shoes, ties, vests, socks, etc., be mindful of each item’s cost and considerate of each groomsmen’s unique fi nancial situation.

WHAT THE

GROOM’S SIDE PAYS FOR

Consider this your fi rst honey-do list.

GROOM’S SIDE Consider this your fi rst honey-do list.

GROOM: MICHAEL RIGGSPHOTO: HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 7

THE REHEARSAL DINNERTh e rehearsal dinner can be formal or informal, and is often themed to fi t the wedding style or complement the couple’s relationship. Traditionally, the groom’s parents plan this event and cover its expenses, including:

• Invitations (Who to invite? Turn to page 15) • Venue (Great venues on page 16)• Food/alcohol• Décor• Transportation to/from the rehearsal dinner, if needed• Photographer for the rehearsal, if desired

Consider this your fi rst honey-do list.

LODGING & TRANSPORTATIONProvide lodging and transportation for you and your family, and again, if you’re feeling generous, for your groomsmen. Immediate family traveling in from out-of-town should be accommodated if you can aff ord it.

GIFTS• A wedding present for the bride• Th ank-you gifts for your groomsmen and ushers (great ideas on page 18), which you give at the rehearsal dinner

• A thank-you present for your parents for hosting the rehearsal dinner

• Go “halvsies” with the bride on a thank-you gift for her parents for hosting the wedding

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF: You get to plan a vacation. Th e honeymoon is all you — don’t let your

new bride down. Remember that planning in advance saves you money and her stress. Your bride will begin checking in with you three to six months out to make sure you’ve handled the following:

• Transportation to/ from the airport

• Airfare• Lodging

• Car rental• Meals• Activities• Passports

Hint: Don’t wait till the last minute. Rush ordered passports are much more expensive and cause a lot of unnecessary stress right before the big day.

THEHONEYMOON

OW FOR THE FUN STUFF:

FLOWERSIt has long been tradition for the groom to buy his bride’s bouquet for the wedding day, as well as fl owers for a few others in the wedding, including:• Corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom

• Corsages for the grandmothers of the bride and groom

• Boutonnières for the groomsmen and ushers

• Boutonnières for the fathers of the bride and groom

THE GROOM’S SIDE

8 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

“Remember that your soon-to-be wife has been imagining, and quite literally, planning this day in her head since she was old

enough to walk. Fix what you can when it goes wrong (and it will) and

be empathetic for the things you can’t.”–NATE TILLEY

PHOTO: SARAH BUSSEY PHOTOGRAPHY

“Learning how to compromise is a must if you’re interested in having a marriage that’s going to last. Compromising during the wedding

planning process will help you avoid a lot of arguments and nights

in the doghouse. Don’t be too infl exible in regard to wedding colors, offi ciants, venues and other aspects of the ceremony.”

–RYAN HOWARDPHOTO: DREW CASON PHOTOGRAPHY

“Don’t rent the tux (monkey suit). Those are made to fi t everyone, and therefore fi t no one well. Guys, buy a suit. It doesn’t have

to be expensive. It does have to fi t well.”

–ZACHARY NEELPHOTO: DREW CASON PHOTOGRAPHY

“The engagement ring is NOT your last purchase. Don’t forget the wedding band! Sounds really simple, but I forgot all about

it and had to have a custom wedding band made last minute.”

–RALPH BRADBURYPHOTO: WHITNEY BOWER IMAGING

“Never take your eyes off your bride because she will never look as beautiful as she does in that moment.”

–DAVID BEARDENPHOTO: MISS BEY PHOTOGRAPHY

7 WEDDING SECRETS REVEALED

Words of wisdom from real Arkansas grooms who’ve been there, done that. Take heed, husbands-to-be.

“Have everyone try on their tux! You cannot imagine what kind of size mix-ups happen with some of these tuxes, especially for

those who have to travel from out of town because they don’t have as

much time as the others to get it corrected.”–JUSTIN FOSHEE

PHOTO: DANIELLE DAVIS ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

“Learning how to compromise is a must if you’re interested in having

planning process will help you avoid a lot of arguments and nights

“Have everyone try on their tux! You cannot imagine what kind of

those who have to travel from out of town because they don’t have as

“Tell your wife how beautiful she is, how much you love her and how blessed and lucky you are that you were able to stand beside

her! She can have 500 people tell her these things, but none of it will

compare to the weight of her (new) husband’s words.” –TONY WARRIOR

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER NOLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

“Tell your wife how beautiful she is, how much you love her and how

her! She can have 500 people tell her these things, but none of it will

“The engagement ring is NOT your last purchase. Don’t forget the

it and had to have a custom wedding band made last minute.”

“Don’t rent the tux (monkey suit). Those are made to fi t everyone,

to be expensive. It does have to fi t well.”

“Never take your eyes off your bride because she will never look

“Remember that your soon-to-be wife has been imagining, and

enough to walk. Fix what you can when it goes wrong (and it will) and

arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 9

CREATIVE GROOM’S CAKES

Rip off one of these cool confections or cook up an original idea per your personality and hobbies.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOULOVE LIFE STORIES / CarperPhoto.com Groom: Joshua Leal Bakery: Joanie’s Pretty Party Cakes, North Little Rock

BAND TOGETHERTaylor Howard PhotographyGroom: Kenneth HillBakery: Blue Cake Company, Little Rock

SWEET STEAMPUNKBeaty PhotographyGroom: Tyler PowerBakery: Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe, Springdale

CALL OF THE WILDMeredith Melody PhotographyGroom: Daniel SnowBakery: Blue Cake Company, Little Rock

BATTER UPSmith-Stevens Photography Groom: Jimmy Mason Bakery: Harp’s, Hot Springs

DRUM LINEZoë Weddings by Kim Groom: Steven WoodsonBakery: Donna Woodson, mother of the groom

10 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

GOLD Yellow gold is the traditional choice, and today’s grooms are sporting gold alloys like gleaming white gold or warm and rich rose gold.

TITANIUMDurability and lightness are this metal’s main upsides, and with its grayish hue, it carries an understated but dignified appearance. And although we’ve heard it’s impossible to get one of these bad boys off your finger in the event of swelling, rest assured this is just a rumor.

TUNGSTEN Although it can be polished to a shiny finish and is extremely hard, a high impact might crack or shatter a tungsten ring. Photo: Colin Quek/Flickr

PLATINUM A white gleam makes this rare precious metal a popular choice for wedding bands. It’s more likely to scratch than harder metals, though, but a buff by an experienced jeweler can take it right out.

OTHER Unfortunately for the groom wanting a simple decision, groom’s bands are now appearing in almost every material imaginable. Rustic wooden rings are now available, as are bands made of recycled materials, ceramics and more. Photo: BentwoodBands.com

How to Choose Your WEDDING BAND

GET IT IN WRITING

Some grooms are taking “till death do us part” to a whole new level

with indelible tattoo rings. Instead of or in addition to their wedding band, grooms and their brides are inking the deal with a tattooed band, a cross, initials or a heart on their ring fingers. Fitting for the alternative bride and groom, indeed.

MATERIALS

PATTERNS: Sculpted edges, inlays and textured finishes can create interest on an otherwise traditional ring. Classic choices include milgrain – a beaded pattern – as well as hammered, brushed and grooved, but the options are nearly endless and range from subtle and stately to bold and contemporary. Photo: Firemedic5/Flickr

STONES: They’re not just for the bride anymore. Inlaid stones, including white and black diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and more are becoming increasingly popular on the groom’s side of things. One potential caveat, though: since stones can get damaged or fall out, grooms who work with their hands might want to get a band without them. Photo: Bence Fördős/Flickr

ENGRAVINGS: Many couples engrave their wedding dates, pet names or religious messages on the insides of their wedding bands. It’s a little something special to make the wedding band you choose even more meaningful. Photo: LikeableRodent/Flickr

EMBELLISHMENTS

Dad might have chosen a simple flat gold band, but times are a-changing. Modern grooms have the option to show a lot more personality with their wedding rings. Use our guide to wedding band materials, styles and trends to shop with confidence and get a ring you’ll love as much as her.

C. W

AYN

ETTE

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12 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

styleYou want to look your best on the most important day of your life, right? Then consider these suave styles – the hottest trends in men’s formalwear for 2013–14. You can’t go wrong in any of

them. Just be sure to run your choice by the bride first.

MIDNIGHT “MAXWELL” TUXEDO / G. ALEXANDER Proudly made in the USA, this tuxedo is midnight blue, with black satin shawl lapels and a one-button front. Its modern fit features higher armholes, a slightly shorter length and a tapered waist designed to present a more refined silhouette.

TAN SAND “RIVIERA” SUIT / AFTER SIXThis suit is a comfortable, versatile and classy formal option. Featuring a two-button, single-breasted front, self notch lapels, self besom pockets, and fashioned from textured tan polyester that imitates linen, this suit is perfect for your semi-formal or destination weddings.

A GROOM’S GUIDE TO

Formal

Relaxed

arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 13

HEATHER GRAY “TWILIGHT” TUXEDO / JEAN YVESThis heather gray tuxedo offers an updated slimmer fit, has a satin lapel and top collar with self trim, and is made of fine super 100’s material, which makes it lighter and more comfortable for weddings of any type.

BLACK “CEREMONIA” SUIT This black suit is the epitome of classic, and it features the updated, slimmer fit most men are looking for today. While it is not a skinny suit, the updated cut is designed to have less excess fabric and create a more fitted shape. It’s made of high-quality tropical worsted wool, and has a matching three-button vest, pre-tied bow tie and flat front trousers.

See more pictures and get more information about these suits and tuxedos at www.MyTuxedoCatalog.com, or visit www.MyTuxedoCatalog.com/Locate to find a retailer near you – like Paul Morrell Formalwear in Little Rock – that carries these looks and others. Turn to the inside back cover for more information.

Timeless

Modern

14 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

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arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 15

Grooms (and groom’s family), the rehearsal dinner is traditionally your responsibility. While there’s

plenty of room in the modern-day wedding for bending or even breaking rules, here’s how to pull your wedding weight while respecting traditional customs.

SEND FORMAL INVITES. Trust us. There’s always a question of “who’s invited and who’s not?” among select extended family and out-of-town guests. And it can get pretty awkward when you’re confronted and have to tell someone they’re not. This is why formal invitations to the rehearsal dinner are standard (no Facebook messages, E-vites or emails, please).

Hint: Send the rehearsal dinner invites after the wedding invites; keep them separate if everyone is not invited to both.

WHO’S INVITED depends on whether it’s a local or destination wedding and financial and schedule considerations. Traditionally, invites are extended to the couple’s parents, grandparents, the wedding party and their spouses or dates, any immediate family not in the wedding

REHEARSAL DINNER

ETIQUETTEKnow the rules for hosting a rehearsal that goes off without a hitch

DO toast. Especially at the rehearsal dinner, a toast from the groom and his family is expected toward the beginning or end of the meal. In any case, something as basic as thanking everyone for coming and professing your love and excitement to the bride is sufficient.

Hint: If wedding party gifts are being exchanged at the rehearsal, giving the gifts after your toast is proper.

DO plan ahead, especially if you know you’re going to be nervous. A prepared speech will save time and make sure you say everything you meant to. It’s also wise to plan out who toasts and when beforehand to minimize confusion.

DON’T be long-winded. Rules about toasting during a rehearsal dinner are more flexible, but in general, keep it

short and sweet to give other people plenty of time to toast too. More than three minutes and you’re probably going overboard.

DON’T overindulge. An overly inebriated toast is awkward for everybody. Go light on the libations to prevent any undue embarrassment, and make sure you’re not celebrating on an empty stomach.

DO inject your personality (but don’t get too personal). Engaging toasts often include stories reflecting a close friendship with the bride and groom or anecdotes from their love story. However, bringing up exes or sharing details from the bachelor party is ill-advised.

5 TOAST DOs & DON’Ts

party, as well as the officiant and his or her spouse. It’s nice to also invite out-of-town guests and extended family, if your budget permits.

FORMAL OR CASUAL — IT’S UP TO YOU. The rehearsal dinner is a chance for everyone to have a relaxed get-together before the actual wedding. It can be formal, casual, themed or otherwise, but it’s almost always scheduled right after the rehearsal. It’s best to choose a location nearby the church or ceremony venue.

GIVE A TOAST. It is courteous for the host of the rehearsal (either the father of the groom or the groom) to stand and thank guests for coming and the bride’s parents for hosting the wedding. This toast is to be given during dinner, not after. The groom should repeat this action at the reception, thanking the bride’s parents and guests for their love and support.

Hint: If members of your wedding party would like to toast at the rehearsal dinner, the best man should always go first.

THANK-YOU GIFTS should be given to the wedding party during the rehearsal dinner. The intimate setting is perfect for presenting your gifts to the groomsmen and bridesmaids — preferably timed with your toast.

Hint: Thank you gifts can also be exchanged beforehand at a shower or party, or prior to the ceremony in private, but gifts should never be handed out at the wedding reception.

LIFE LOVE STORIES / CARPERPHOTOS.COM

16 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

THE CAPITAL HOTEL

The Capital Hotel was redesigned for your wedding! Intimate: five private dining rooms and a wine cellar for gatherings of 10–300, each with a private

kitchen. Delicious: world-renowned Chef Joël Antunes and local culinary celeb Travis McConnell, Capital Bar & Grill. Easy: It’s the perfect place to gather with no need for transportation worries. Free valet parking for your event’s guests (charges for overnight hotel patrons).

111 W. Markham St. / Little Rock / (501) 374-7474 www.CapitalHotel.com / On-site catering with private kitchens for each private dining area

1620 Market St. / Little Rock / (501) 221-1620www.1620Savoy.com / Seating Capacity: 100 Available daily / On-site catering

1620 SAVOY

A classic alternative to a banquet hall, 1620 SAVOY’S private dining rooms will leave a lasting impression. Your guests will enjoy the elegant

art, the presentation of the food, and the privacy of the environment. Our Private Dining Manager will take charge of every last detail to make your event a seamless success. Most anything on our menu can be on your private dining menu. Premium bars, award-winning wines and signature cocktails are also available.

An arkansasBRIDE special promotion

TheREHEARSAL

DINNERGROOMS, PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE AND

PLAN YOUR REHEARSAL AT ONE OF THESE OUTSTANDING OPTIONS.

Your bride has intricately planned the big day — from the color story and flowers down to the last grain of rice for the

getaway. Fortunately, your job planning the rehearsal dinner is a lot easier, or at least it can be if you choose a venue experienced in hosting rehearsal dinners of all sizes and budgets — like these seven. Whether yours is formal, casual or something in between, consider these venues for an unforgettable night.

Enjoy the Loft Lounge @ LULAV experience: a 3,200-square-foot private room with three seating areas, a flat-screen TV, pool table, dining areas,

full-service bar, on-hand staff and an optional DJ area and dance floor. Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Private custom menus or packages are available.

LULAV LOFT

220 W. Sixth St. / Little Rock / (501) 291-4222 / www.LulavEatery.com Seating Capacity: 10-250 / Days Available: Monday-Sunday On-site catering

arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 17

The ReheaRsal DinneR

WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM / AT&T FIELD

The luxurious Press Box at the Stadium makes the perfect and most unique destination for your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.

With several rooms to choose from and catering done exclusively by Brenda Majors Catering, consider War Memorial Stadium for your next big event and have memories that will last a lifetime.

1 Stadium Drive / Little Rock / (501) 663-6385 www.WMStadium.com / Seating capacity: 300 Available daily / On-site catering

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Offering a prime steakhouse experience to excite the senses, our private dining rooms are the perfect location for your gatherings. With rooms

to accommodate anything from cocktail parties to sit-down dinners, our dedicated events team will serve up the best in quality and service for you and your guests.

3529 Pinnacle Hills Parkway / Rogers / (479) 633-8331 www.RuthChris.com / Seating Capacity: 100+ Available daily / On- and off-site catering available

An arkansasBRIDE special promotion

Vesuvio Bistro is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers flavorful Italian dining. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions

of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, our dishes are created with the taste of authentic Italian dining in mind. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire our menu, giving Vesuvio Bistro its authentic Italian fare. We continue to innovate and create recipes beyond our traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine.

VESUVIO BISTRO

1315 Breckenridge Drive / Little Rock / www.VesuvioBistro.com Seating Capacity: 160 / Available Monday-Sunday / On-site catering

Party in style at U.S. Pizza Company’s Bryant, Fayetteville, Hillcrest, JFK Blvd., NLR or McCain Blvd., NLR locations. We have plenty of space to

host your rehearsal dinner or entertain your group of friends! With stone hearth oven pizzas, iconic salads and the coldest beer in town, U.S. Pizza will make sure your night is deliciously carefree.

U.S. PIZZA COMPANY

Email Drew.Weber@USPizzaCo.net for party rooms near you Bryant, Fayetteville, Little Rock, North Little Rock www.USPizzaCo.net / Seating Capacity: Varies by location Available daily / On-site catering

MIKE PIRNIQUE

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

18 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

10 Across the state, you’ll fi nd fashionable, creative, practical — whatever you’re going for — thank-you gifts for the men you chose to stand by your side.

GREAT GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS from Arkansas

1 2

3

4

LOCAL SPIRITS & BREWSWho doesn’t like a good beer or occasionally need a hard drink? Treat your groomsmen with authentic Arkansas-made brews and delicious distillery spirits.

Rock Town Distillery | Little Rock(We hear the Apple Pie Lightning is life changing.)

Diamond Bear Brewing Company | Little Rock

Saddlebock Brewery | Springdale

CUSTOM DUCKS CALLSYour groomsmen will love these customizable calls, and what better way to use them than to go out in the great Arkansas outdoors together?

Rich-N-Tone Calls | Stuttgart

Band-It Custom Calls | North Little Rock

PREMIUM PENSYour bottom-of-the-backpack pen days are done; give your groomsmen an engravable writing tool that will last them a lifetime whatever their business setting.

Vanness Pen | Little Rock

Shindig Paperie | Fayetteville

3 PREMIUM PENSYour bottom-of-the-backpack pen days are done; give your groomsmen an engravable

THE ART OF SHAVING Premium shaving tools to baby their skin (bye-bye razor burn) and have them looking great – not to mention clean cut – come wedding day.

Baumans Men’s Fine Clothing | Little Rock

Glo Limited | Little Rock & Fayetteville

GREAT GROOMSMEN from Arkansasfrom Arkansas

CUSTOM DUCKS CALLSYour groomsmen will love these

LYNDSEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY

arkansas BRIDE | www.Arkansas BRIDE.com 19

5 VK NAGRANI SOCKS

Th e perfect remedy for cold feet – and your groomsmen will love them too.

The Independent | Little Rock

Walker Brothers | Fayetteville

GREAT GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS

CIGARS, BOXES, CUTTERS & PIPESA great gift idea you could present at the bachelor party or save for a celebratory smoke at the reception.

The Pipe & Tobacco Shop | Little Rock

FLY FISHER’S GUIDE TO MISSOURI & ARKANSAS / KAMMOK ROO HAMMOCK You and your crew deserve some quality outdoor time together. Pack this guide to fl y fi shing and this lightweight hammock for an outdoor adventure.

Fayettechill Clothing Company | Fayetteville

7

8

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ROBERT TALBOTT TIESBecause “a well-tied tie is the fi rst serious step in life.” –Oscar Wilde

Baumans Men’s Fine Clothing | Little Rock TEAM GEARGive the gift of Southern Tide menswear (even for those in your wedding party that aren’t Razorback fans) for the years of tailgating together to come.

Mr. Wicks | Little Rock

UNIQUE BOWTIESWooden, crocheted, handprinted and Arkansas-made — fashion statements your groomsmen can rock on the wedding day and beyond.

The Mustache Goods & Wears | Fayetteville & Bentonville

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20 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

FLOAT TRIPBig Piney Creek

www.Arkansas.com/Outdoors/Canoeing-Rafting-Kayaking

Fun & games: Put in near Treat at Helton’s Farm (land-owners charge a small fee). This 10-mile stretch is popular among white water seekers. You’ll tackle Class I-IV rapids, including “Roller Coaster,” “Surfing Hole” and “Cascades of Extinction.”

Lodging: Call it a day downstream at Long Pool, a Forest Service campground complete with restrooms. Expect a fee for use of the campsite.

Grub & drinks: Pack a cooler full of easy campfire meals and canoe snacks. (Please don’t litter in the river.) If you plan to fish on your voyage, cook the catch-of-the-day and toast the groom with beers around the fire.

More white water: Buffalo National River, Illinois Bayou, Little Missouri River and Cadron Creek

6 Bachelor PartiesPlanned for You!

These manly agendas are sure to entertain your groomsmen (plus, these parties won’t get you in trouble with your brides)!

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & TOURISM

A DAY AT THE RACES

Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, Hot Springs, January–April www.Oaklawn.com

Fun & games: Throw on your sport coat and bet in style from the comfort of the Jockey Club or a private box. If you can’t get a table inside, that’s OK. You can still enjoy all Oaklawn has to offer in the

bleachers or the infield. After the races, try the electronic gaming.

Make it interesting! On a particular race, everybody bet on a different horse. The guy whose horse comes in last has to be the designated driver for the rest of your outings.

Grub: Corn beef sandwiches and ice-cold beer are a must for lunch, but after the dust has settled on the track, take the boys to dinner at nearby Back Porch Grill for a hand-cut steak and scotch on the rocks. Lakeside on the deck is ideal, weather permitting.

Drinks: The Big Chill, Smyly’s, Ohio Club, Rocky’s Corner, Bogart’s and even Sam’s Pizza Pub hideaway on Lake Hamilton serve entertainment and cocktails till late.

SPORT SHOOTING ADVENTURE

Remington Gun Club, Lonokewww.Remington.com

Fun & games: Grab your guns and spend the afternoon at this nationally acclaimed shooting club, which features nine trap fields and five skeet fields for public use. There are plenty of amenities, including free instruction and free use of shotguns for members in your party.

Raise the stakes! Make a competition out of it — the worst shot of the day buys dinner!

Grub: After a little friendly firing, head to Cabot’s Mean Pig for their world-famous, celebrity- and Travel Channel-endorsed barbecue. After all, what could be manlier than a barbecue joint that serves 2,000 pounds of meat each week?

Drinks: You’re in a dry county, so you’ll have to pack a cooler or return to a wet county for the celebratory portion of your party.

Other ranges to consider: Blue Rock Sportsman’s Club (North Little Rock), Dr. James E. Moore Jr. Camp Robinson Firing Range (Mayflower), Paul H. “Rocky” Willmuth Sport Shooting Complex (Batesville)

DAY TRIPS

WEEKENDS AWAY

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FLY-FISHING EXCURSION

Upper White Riverwww.Arkansas.com/Outdoors/Fishing

Fun & games: Grab your fl y-fi shing rod and overnight bag for a weekend of trout fi shing. Th e Upper White River has its advantages, as you’re a short drive to more activities in Eureka Springs.

Lodging: Spider Creek Resort’s assortment of comfortable cabins is perfect for your group of guys. Th ey’ve got great views and close proximity to the river, wrap-around decks, cable on big-screen TVs, king-sized beds, full kitchens and more.

Grub & drinks: Need ingredients for your fi sh fry? Walk a mere 100 feet from Spider Creek to the Beaver Dam Store. Th ey sell groceries, beer and tackle, and can pair you with a fi shing guide.

Other fl y-fi shing hotspots: Bull Shoals Tailwater (White River), Greers Ferry Tailwater (Little Red River), Spring River

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ARRIVE IN STYLE Skip the carpool and start the party early by renting a limousine or party bus to haul your entire crew to the destination. Anywhere within Arkansas guarantees a reasonable drive time to activities, and if split among friends, the cost can be pretty reasonable.

CIGARS! Perfect for your Bachelor Party!Best Man & Groomsmen’s Gifts!

FLASKS, LIGHTERS, CIGAR CUTTERS & MORE!

The PiPe & Tobacco ShoP 2908 S. University Little Rock, 562-PIPE (7473)

22 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

GOLF RETREAT Hot Springs Villagewww.HSVPOA.org

Fun & games: Th ere are nine championship golf courses to choose from; four are among the top 10 in Arkansas. Aim to play three: 36 holes on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. (We suggest Granada.)

Grub & drinks: Th e Village isn’t known for its bar scene, so kick back at Granada’s sports grill Tanners on the Green. Stay for dinner or rehash each hole over beers and bourbon on the patio.

Lodging: Stay a short drive away in historic Hot Springs at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. Th is will give you great nightlife options within walking distance (no DD needed) and access to spa services — perhaps an after-golf massage?

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GAMBLING GETAWAYIf the ponies aren’t your thing but the crew has betting on the brain, sneak over the border into Oklahoma or Mississippi to play at one of these joints:

CHEROKEE CASINOSFun & games: Try the popular Cherokee Casino just across the state line in West Siloam Springs, or the ones in Roland and Sallisaw, Okla. near Fort Smith.

Up the ante! Plan a poker game for just your group back in the Chief Suite — winner takes all!

Grub & drinks: At the West Siloam Springs casino, take the boys out for a juicy rib-eye at Flint Creek Steakhouse before heading to Seven — there are more than 375 beers on this nightclub’s menu.

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINOFun & games: Its located in Tulsa, Okla., about an hour and a half from Fayetteville and fewer than 4 from Little Rock. Th e gaming is great, but the live performances are better. Acts like ZZ Top, Ron White, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sheryl Crow and Dierks Bentley perform at Th e Joint year-round.

Grub & drinks: Kick back at Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar & Grill or suit up for fi ne dining at McGill’s on 19.

TUNICA, MISS.Fun & games: Th ere are nine lively casinos just a 2.5-hour drive from Little Rock, or 5 from Fayetteville.

Grub & drinks: Th is Vegas-style setting calls for an all-you-can-eat buff et dinner, but Sunday morning, cure your hangovers at the famous Blue & White Restaurant.

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24 GROOM’S GUIDE 2013-14

a special supplement to