Guys who love collegiate football as much as their lovely brides-to-be (errr, almost as much as their brides-to-be), typically find themselves in a conundrum if wedding festivities are scheduled in late December and early January. From the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on December 20^th to the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, TX on January 4^th (and 33 other bowl games in the lineup), what’s a die-hard fan to do?

While everyone else is decking the halls, holiday shopping, and fa-la-la-la-la-ling, a guy who is getting married in the months of December or January has much more on his to-do list. Many couples choose to get married at this time of year, not because the winter landscape creates a beautiful backdrop for a white wedding but also extended family members are usually already gathered together. In the hustle and bustle of the season, don’t let the following details slip by you before the big day approaches.

While getting married is a serious matter, thereÍs no reason not to add a little fun to the festivities, especially on and around April FoolÍs Day. Or, if you have a reputation for pranks and practical jokes, you could get away with a shenanigan or two at a celebration any time of the year. While it probably isnÍt in good taste to pull off a prank at the actual ceremony, the other wedding events are fair game _ such as the bachelor party, wedding showers, bridal events, family lunches, and so on.

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications.

Grooms, even if you didnÍt have an ounce of worry or anxiety during the engagement process, things may feel much different at the wedding ceremony. I speak from experience when I say that the enormity of the actual wedding day will give even the most laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy heart palpitations . . . and this heart skipping is not caused by love for your betrothed (but, of course you adore her in every way) but is instead a by-product of the nerves, anxiety and worry that you may not have even realized were building up.

Although many say the wedding is the “bride’s day,” most wedding receptions do take into consideration the groom. After all, isn’t food and drink a specialty of men?! Brides like to fuss and fret about many of the “visual” elements of the wedding, such as the dress, the flowers and the venue. However, men seem to be more interested in expressing their opinions on matters of “tastes”! Here are some areas that the groom should put in his two cents worth before the bride takes over:

Looking to say “I do” again with the same woman? The trend for vow renewal ceremonies is has been on the rise in the last 10 years with some wedding vendors reporting that these recommitment ceremonies represent between five and 10 percent of their total business. A vow renewal is a great way to honor a landmark anniversary (such as 5, 10, 25 or 50), as a reaffirmation after a rocky road, or just a good excuse to celebrate your spouse and a healthy relationship.

It’s happened at almost every wedding I’ve ever attended – the intoxicated wedding guest. Whether it is a rowdy groomsmen or notoriously boozing uncle, there is always one guy (or gal) in the crowd that sees the open bar as his invitation to overindulge. Even if you are serving limited drinks at your wedding, you can still find yourself with a guest two sheets to the wind. Consider offering plenty of non-alcoholic libations to keep over-drinking at bay. Read on to find tips on handling a wedding guest that has had too much to drink.

Peanuts and crackerjack! A Montana manÍs wedding proposal nearly struck out at Wrigley Field in Chicago this summer. On July 30^th, Greg and his girlfriend Erica headed out on a much-needed vacation with special plans to attend their first-ever Cubs baseball game. But watching baseball wasnÍt the only thing Greg had planned for the day. In razzle-dazzle style, he had called ahead to make arrangements for the Jumbotron to flash his marriage proposal during the fifth inning.

If you are reading this, you may be thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend. Or, perhaps you are newly engaged and just chomping at the bits to find the perfect groomsmen gifts and gear for your bachelor party. Asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is a big deal on any day of the year. But, according to some, there is an “official” time when it is best. Apparently a guy named John Michael O'Loughlin came up with this designated day to “seal the deal” after his cousin's boyfriend repeatedly failed to ask that life-changing question for more than a decade of dating.

Whether you legitimately think your future mother-in-law is awesome or the feelings are less that warm and fuzzy, the plain fact is that you’re stuck with her for life when you marry your bride! In order to stay (or get) on her good side, you need to be mindful about what you say to this “other mother.” And, it wouldn’t hurt to ply her with a few thoughtful mother-in-law gifts. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to get a gift for the bride to show just what a thoughtful guy you are. Here are some topics to stay away from: