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

“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 Bradbury
Photo by Whitney Bower Imaging

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

David Bearden
Photo by Miss Bey Photography

“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 by 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 inflexible in regard to wedding colors, officiants, venues and other aspects of the ceremony.”

Ryan Howard
Photo by Drew Cason Photography

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

Zachary Neel
Photo by Erin Pierce

“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 by Christopher Nolan Photography

“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 by Danielle Davis Art/Photography