Conventional wisdom holds that all eyes will be on the bride, and for the most part, they will be. But the groom will certainly have his share of the spotlight and should look his best. Arrange to have a haircut two weeks before the wedding to give the cut time to fill in. Consider having a facial a week before the wedding and a manicure the day before. Many fine men's salons offer such services. Above all, you should have a good, close shave two hours before the wedding. You can have it done by a barber, but the closest shaves are those you give yourself. Fine shaving accoutrements - pre and aftershave lotions, shaving soap or cream, a badger-hair brush, and a well-balanced razor - provide an excellent shave.
Take a hot shower before you shave to open your pores and soften your whiskers. Apply pre-shave lotion to tone your skin and lift the whiskers away from your face. Apply a layer of shaving soap or cream to your still-wet face, and lather. Shave with the grain to reduce irritation. For stubborn patches, shave from the side. If you still need to get closer, apply a second layer of shaving soap or cream, and shave again, at a right angle to the beard. Rinse and apply an aftershave or moisturizer. Treat any nicks or cuts with a styptic pencil and let dry before you put on your shirt.