top of page

Men's Forums

Untitled-1_0005_pexels-pedrofurtadoo-30473031.jpg

Grooming for greatness

 Skincare Tips & Trends to look your 
best on the wedding day 

For years, skincare was considered something reserved for women, yet recently, with both personal and social media influence, men have come to recognize its value, and grooms especially have realized that their wedding day is one of the most photographed days of their lives. Looking sharp is not only about the suit, haircut, or build but also about the condition of the skin. Smooth, clear, and vibrant skin reflects health and confidence, adding an extra level of polish that photographs capture in every frame. Grooming today extends beyond shaving and haircuts. Skincare has become part of modern masculinity, and for men preparing to step into marriage, it carries both immediate and long-term benefits.

​

The primary reason skincare is essential for men lies in its anti-aging properties. Men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier than women’s due to higher levels of testosterone, which means pores are larger and more prone to congestion. While this can delay visible signs of aging in some cases, it also makes breakouts, roughness, and uneven texture common. A consistent skincare routine slows the appearance of fine lines, protects against environmental damage, and preserves elasticity. Sunscreen, for example, is no longer just for vacations but an everyday defense against sun damage that accelerates wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Moisturizers enriched with antioxidants and peptides strengthen the skin barrier, while serums with ingredients like vitamin C brighten and protect against free radicals. For a groom, the result is skin that appears refreshed, alert, and youthful in wedding photographs, which will be treasured for a lifetime.

Strength in Collagen

“ Boost muscle, recovery, 
and wellness safely “

Collagen peptides have become one of the most talked about supplements for men in recent years, rising out of the shadows of niche wellness products into mainstream conversations around fitness, strength, and long-term health. For a generation of grooms preparing not only for their weddings but also for lives where looking strong, feeling healthy, and performing well matters, collagen has found its place alongside protein powders, creatine, and pre-workouts. It carries a reputation for supporting joints, building resilience in tendons, maintaining youthful skin, and even assisting in muscle development, which explains why bodybuilders, athletes, and active men are increasingly incorporating it into their daily routines.

​

Collagen itself is not new. It is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, forming a structural foundation for skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. As men age, natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs like wrinkles or sagging skin, as well as less obvious internal changes such as joint stiffness and reduced recovery after physical exertion. Collagen peptides are a hydrolyzed form of collagen, meaning they are broken down into smaller amino acid chains that the body can more easily absorb. This makes them appealing as a practical supplement for those who want to maintain strong connective tissue and smooth functioning of the body, particularly when combined with an active lifestyle.
 

Untitled-1_0004_pexels-afterave-essentials-2011504051-29107595.jpg
Untitled-1_0003_pexels-bamboo-ave-677926128-29205080.jpg

Fit & Ready

Meal plans and diet trends for 
the modern groom.  

For many grooms, preparing for a wedding involves more than selecting a suit or practicing a speech. The months leading up to the ceremony often become a time to refine health and appearance, with fitness and diet taking center stage. While strength training and cardiovascular exercise shape the body, it is diet that defines how lean, toned, and muscular a man will look when he stands at the altar. In 2025, one of the most popular approaches among men who want to burn fat while building muscle is the high-protein Mediterranean-style plan, an evolution of the classic Mediterranean diet adapted for performance and physique goals.

​

This diet takes the foundation of the Mediterranean lifestyle: lean proteins, fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains, and adjusts macronutrient balance toward higher protein intake. This change is designed to support muscle development while maintaining the cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits for which the Mediterranean diet is famous. For grooms, it offers the perfect balance: a way to trim fat without losing strength, while still enjoying flavorful and satisfying meals that do not feel restrictive. Unlike extreme crash diets, this plan is sustainable, flexible, and compatible with social occasions, making it easier to follow in the busy and often stressful build-up to a wedding.

Paddle Power

Fitting Into That Tux !

Paddle, the sport that has been steadily making its way across Europe and into global arenas, has now become one of the defining athletic pursuits for men in 2025. Known for its fast pace, strategic play, and social spirit, it is often described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court that encourages constant movement and energetic rallies. For the modern man, it strikes the perfect balance between competition and camaraderie, and its rise has been so swift that it has found its way not only into fitness clubs but also into the lifestyle habits of grooms preparing for the biggest moments of their lives.

​

The structure of paddle is simple yet engaging. The courts are smaller than traditional tennis courts, surrounded by glass and mesh walls that allow the ball to rebound during play. This creates exchanges that are easy to learn but challenging to master. The equipment itself is lightweight, with solid paddles instead of stringed rackets, giving it an accessible appeal for those who may not have had extensive experience with racket sports. What draws men especially to paddle is the balance of skill and athleticism, where strategy and anticipation often carry as much weight as power or speed. It is not only about striking the hardest ball, but about placement, timing, and communication.

Untitled-1_0002_pexels-ollivves-1103832.jpg
Untitled-1_0001_pexels-niko-twisty-13993541.jpg

Calisthenics for 
your Exercise 
Program

 Sculpt a lean, muscular body for 
your wedding day look.   

Calisthenics has become one of the most powerful training methods for men looking to improve strength, control, and physique without relying on gyms packed with machines. For grooms preparing for their wedding day, it provides a clear path to a lean, muscular build that emphasizes agility as much as raw strength. At its core, calisthenics is bodyweight training, using one’s own frame as resistance rather than external weights. Push-ups, pull-ups, squats, dips, and variations of these movements form the backbone of the practice, but the system expands into more complex skills such as handstands, muscle-ups, and planches. The discipline requires focus, progression, and patience, but the rewards are striking both in appearance and ability.

​

One of the defining qualities of calisthenics is accessibility. It demands very little equipment as most exercises can be done with a bar, a set of parallel dip bars, and the ground. This allows a groom to train at home, outdoors, or in dedicated calisthenics parks that are increasingly common in cities worldwide. The minimal requirements remove excuses and create flexibility, which is especially important during the busy period of wedding planning. With consistency, the results come quickly: fat loss, improved posture, visible muscle tone, and enhanced functional strength that translates into everyday movement.
 

Groom 101

Key lessons every man should 
learn before marriage.

Marriage is one of the most significant commitments a man will make, and for a groom preparing to take that step, there are lessons worth learning before the vows are spoken. Beyond the celebrations and the planning, marriage represents a shift in daily life, responsibilities, and identity. Understanding what lies ahead and preparing for it is not about diminishing romance but about strengthening the foundation on which the marriage is built.

​

The first truth every groom should recognize is that marriage is not only about the wedding day but about every day that follows. A wedding is a single event, extraordinary and memorable, but it is also the starting point of a much longer journey. Once the music fades and the guests have gone home, what remains is the partnership you and your spouse create together. Entering marriage with the awareness that the relationship requires continued attention, patience, and shared effort is the most important preparation a groom can make.

Untitled-1_0000_pexels-cansin-durak-521354656-19617031.jpg

ESSENTIAL GROOM

Essential Groom magazine provides an exciting new concept
“The Ultimate Guide for the Ultimate groom" An essential guide for The Groom, The Husband, The Man. This is a opportunity for all professionals, suppliers and service providers in the wedding industry to showcase their products and services to a direct target market of all new grooms-to-be.
The Essential Groom digital magazine is the only platform in South Africa that caters for the groom, ensuring that he too is made to feel special on his big day, making this “The Ultimate Guide For The Ultimate Groom”. The Essential Grooms digital magazine will have a full selection of what every man requires, including the needs for, his best man and the father of the groom. This platform will cover all categories such as:

Choosing the ring,

How to pop the question,

Writing a speech,

 The duties of the best man,

Men’s attire,

Grooming the groom,

Honeymoon destination.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE GROOM.

Groom Right.png

EMAIL ADDRESS

 tracey.essentialmedia@gmail.com

CONTACT NUMBER

Office:(+27) 012-0037545

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon
  • twitter
  • Pinterest
magzterLogo.png
Logos_edited.png

AVAILABLE ON

Bride Right.png
magzterLogo.png

© 2024 by Essential Media

bottom of page