Men's Forums
Wedding Day Must Haves for Grooms and
Groomsmen in 2025
The essentials every groom and
his crew need this year.
The wedding day sets the tone for memories that will be carried forward, and for the groom and his groomsmen, having the right essentials brings confidence, polish, and a sense of unity. In 2025, style and practicality blend in ways that give the groom and his closest friends exactly what they need for the occasion. From accessories to thoughtful details that highlight camaraderie, these must-haves elevate the day from start to finish.
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One of the most sought-after inclusions this year is the custom tie set. Whether opting for silk in muted tones or bolder patterned designs, matching ties give the groom and his groomsmen a unified look that photographs beautifully. Designers such as Drake’s London and local South African artisans are crafting ties with subtle embroidery or initials, creating pieces that can be worn again while carrying the memory of the wedding.
The Groom’s Tie Edit:
Best Looks of the Year
The standout ties and pairings
shaping groom style.
The tie remains one of the most defining accessories for a groom. More than a strip of fabric, it frames the shirt, sets the tone of the look, and balances the suit with a finishing detail that reflects both tradition and modern style. In 2025, ties for weddings are as much about individuality as they are about cohesion, with designers across the world offering fabrics, textures, and shades that elevate an ensemble without overwhelming it. The year’s trends are focused on craftsmanship, bold yet tasteful colour choices, and the growing appreciation of textured weaves that add dimension to formalwear.
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Silk remains the most celebrated material for wedding ties, prized for its sheen and ability to hold elegant knots. Yet this year, woven silk ties with subtle jacquard patterns are taking precedence over flat silks. One of the standout examples is the Hermès silk tie, crafted with delicate geometric patterns in navy, silver, or burgundy. These ties strike the perfect balance between classic elegance and contemporary detail, giving grooms an accessory that photographs with subtle sophistication.
Honeymooning in the
Cape Winelands
Why South Africa’s wine country is a groom’s dream getaway.
Few destinations carry the same allure for newlyweds as the Cape Winelands. Nestled against mountain ranges and rolling hills, this part of South Africa has long been admired for its vineyards, historic estates, and landscapes that seem made for romance. For a groom planning a honeymoon, the Winelands promise both indulgence and discovery, offering an experience where relaxation blends seamlessly with culture, cuisine, and a touch of adventure.
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The Cape Winelands encompass regions such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, each renowned for its character and heritage. Stellenbosch, with its oak-lined avenues and Cape Dutch architecture, is not only South Africa’s second-oldest town but also a hub for wine production and education. Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots in the seventeenth century, carries a legacy of fine food and boutique estates, while Paarl is known for its wide valleys, impressive mountain backdrops, and an established history in both wine and brandy making. Together, these areas form the heart of the Winelands, a place where history and modern luxury sit side by side.
Bushveld Honeymoons
Explore South Africa’s wild landscapes together on safari, drives,
and secluded stays.
South Africa’s bushveld offers a landscape that blends adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty, creating an ideal setting for honeymooners seeking a distinctive experience. Couples arriving for a bushveld honeymoon find themselves immersed in wide-open spaces, golden grasses, and the presence of wildlife that defines the continent. For a groom planning this type of getaway, the journey combines exploration with intimacy, allowing time together in a setting that feels removed from the ordinary. The bushveld is not only visually striking but also offers experiences that encourage shared discovery, from early morning drives to evenings under expansive skies.
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Honeymoon safaris form the centerpiece of a bushveld escape. Vehicles traverse reserves where lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo move through their natural habitats. The pace of a safari allows couples to observe these animals without intrusion, creating moments of awe and connection. Guides provide context, sharing knowledge about the ecosystem, behavior of species, and the landscape itself. The groom and his partner experience a combination of thrill and calm, as the day alternates between the quiet of the bush and the energy of spotting wildlife. The shared attention to details, from the tracks of an animal to the calls of birds, fosters engagement and interaction throughout the day.
Tropical Honeymoons
for the Groom
Comparing Bali and Mozambique
as top 2025 destinations.
The tropical honeymoon has always carried an allure, a promise of sunlit days, warm seas, and the chance to begin marriage in a place that feels both romantic and adventurous. In 2025, two destinations are standing out for grooms seeking something unforgettable: Bali in Indonesia and Mozambique on Africa’s southeastern coast. Each offers a completely different kind of tropical escape, shaped by culture, landscape, and atmosphere, giving couples the chance to decide what setting best matches their vision of the perfect honeymoon.
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Bali has long been known as one of the most iconic honeymoon destinations in the world, often pictured with lush rice terraces, ornate temples, and luxury villas perched over jungle or ocean views. The island’s reputation is built on its ability to blend relaxation with experience. It is a place where a couple can retreat into complete privacy, enjoying private infinity pools and candlelit dinners, yet also spend their days discovering culture and exploring natural wonders. Its popularity has only grown as the island has expanded its luxury offerings, with resorts designed for intimacy and wellness that appeal to newlyweds who want both indulgence and rejuvenation after the intensity of wedding planning.
The 777 Rule for Marriage
Strengthen your bond with weekly dates, monthly getaways, and seasonal escapes.
Every marriage thrives on attention, and one of the simplest yet most effective ways to nurture that bond is by choosing to invest in shared time. Among modern approaches to strengthening a couple’s relationship, the 777 rule stands out for its clarity and balance. It suggests that couples commit to a dedicated date every seven days, a weekend escape every seven weeks, and an extended holiday every seven months. At first glance, the structure seems straightforward, but its strength lies in how it helps couples weave routine connection, regular adventure, and long-term memory making into their lives together. For a groom stepping into marriage, this principle can be a guide for keeping intimacy and companionship alive through the seasons of partnership.
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The first part of the rule, a date every seven days, reminds couples that closeness grows through consistent effort. The idea is not limited to grand gestures or extravagant nights out. It can be as simple as a dinner together at a favorite restaurant, a long walk in the evening, or even a home-cooked meal shared without distractions. The essence of the weekly date is the creation of a space reserved for one another, where work pressures and external demands step aside. For the married man, this ritual underscores the importance of intention. By placing his wife at the center of his attention on a regular basis, he reaffirms the bond they promised to maintain. These evenings allow conversation to flow, stories to be exchanged, and laughter to return after days filled with tasks and obligations. The practice ensures that intimacy is not postponed to special occasions but is kept alive in the rhythm of everyday life.
