Thirty to Wife

Craig Michaels
Authorhouse  (2006)
ISBN 1569242968
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)


Weddings are stressful to all involved.  This is a how to survive planning the wedding when you are the groom.  Craig Michaels has written a real winner.  In the midst of planning his own wedding Craig Michaels has taken time to write an instruction handbook for grooms.  He uses his own experiences to warn…help other men.  Mr. Michaels writing style is humorous and interesting.  He manages to look at the mundane details and laugh about them.

Every groom needs to know his financial responsibilities.  The groom pays for the: “Marriage license, Officiant’s fee, Brides’ bouquet, Boutonnieres and corsages for groom’s family and groomsmen, Bride’s engagement and wedding rings, Gifts for groomsmen, Gift for bride, Tuxedo, and Honeymoon.”  Who think to inform the groom of these responsibilities?  Everyone just assumes that he already knows this.  Included are money saving tips.

Mr. Michaels even includes tips on how to tie a bowtie. And key body measurements for your tux.  His suggestions for gifts for the groomsmen include:  beer of the month club, Ski lift tickets and Massage certificates. 

Craig shares the antics “Couple’s Shower” and the “Bachelor Party.”  He discusses the pressure he felt when he procrastinated on his to-do list.  He seems to have enjoyed both. 

Suddenly it hits him “time is running out!”  “It’s clear that showing up to the wedding isn’t enough.  My opinion matters.  That’s sweet.  Time to give Deb my undivided attention.  She deserves it.”  It’s time to discuss all those things Craig has been avoiding, “DJ, Videographer, Photographer, Food, drinks, limos, infrastructure and talk. 

Craig’s biggest fear was dancing.  Deb, his fiancée, is pleased but surprised that he actually books lessons.  Craig manages to learn a basic box step and does not harm Deb when he violently spins her across the room.

An important to do that most men wouldn’t think of is to dump things before your households merge.  Among the things Craig suggests discarding are, porn, suggestive photos of yourself, blow up furniture, blow up roommates, and everything in your refrigerator.

The BEATTITUDES for dealing with in-laws are great.  Be patient, be supportive, be involved, be diplomatic, and be aware.  Don’t forget that your parents have opinions and feelings also.    Then there’s your wife to be, you need to please her also.

I found this book funny and interesting.  I have two sons getting married this year.  I think both need a copy of this book. This book is needed.  Much is written for the bride, books that tell her what to do and when to do it and how to do it.  But this is the first helpful book I’ve seen for grooms.  Mr. Michaels, well done!

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