It's a guy thing

Women seem to think that men can just throw some clothes on and be ready, even on their wedding day. Maybe that used to be the case, but the growth of the male grooming industry into a multi-billion pound monster should convince them otherwise. The modern man knows his face cream from his hand cream, at least.

Even so, the big day is a special one and just a few small touches will go a long way with your new wife. Here's a couple of do's and don'ts to remember.

Don't use a new product that day, no matter what it is. If you fancy trying something new, give it a trial run before the day, or you might find yourself coming out in a rash or worse. Believe me, it can happen to anyone. Even a new hair product can have an unwanted reaction, though it may just manifest itself as rubbish hair. It's just not worth the risk and the potential discomfort. The wedding day is not only special, it's very, very long.

Do use a new razorblade when you shave that day. It makes a huge difference to the quality of the shave. In fact, put a new blade in about ten days in advance, then change it again on the day (depending on how frequently you shave - if you shave every morning, then you might want to throw another one in there in the middle!). Basically, older, blunted blades can cause irritation and spots, and newer blades get a closer, cleaner shave. Trust me, she'll thank you for it.

Do try, in the weeks up to the wedding, a moisturiser. Not just on the face, but on the whole body. Or even a combination of products; in your local Boots you'll find Sanctuary Salt Scrub, which is great for exfoliating and moisturising, for example. Or if that's not quite manly enough, buy a big bottle of Nivea Aftersun Lotion, which is a superb moisturiser and is very affordable. Your new wife will definitely notice the difference in your skin – especially later in the evening…

Don't go for any extreme changes – no radical new deodorant, or a surprise haircut. If you know how your partner likes you best, go for that. And if you don't, ask.

Do smell nice, but not overpowering. Instead of a traditional deodorant, why not try something like King of Shaves Pro Deo, a non-aerosol, very lightly fragranced solution. It basically stops you smelling in the first place, and the scent is so light, you can wear eau de toilette or similar over it. Of course, try it out before the big day to make sure it works for you.

Do wear the right shoes. You'll have to be smart, but if you're wearing formal shoes all day you'll be in agony. Take the time to really break them in beforehand. Rather than making creases in the leather, use a softener like Dubbin to feed the leather, then wear them, and wear them a lot. Also, invest in some insoles. When you're getting your kit off later that night, you don't want to make the missus' eyes water for the wrong reasons. Also, wear natural fabric socks, ideally cotton, and sprinkle a little bit of talc on your feet before you put them on to keep your feet drier for longer.

Do choose underwear carefully – think about the trousers you're in and what's going to work with them, and make damn sure it's comfortable. Trunk-style boxers should work with most trousers and if they fit snugly on the leg, they won't ride up so you'll be spared embarrassing wedding photos of you digging your undercrackers out of your arse.

Do polish any earrings you wear normally. Sterling silver tarnishes quickly, and a quick wipe with a silver cloth will bring them up a treat.

Do have a clean mouth. If you don't floss normally, get used to it. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes to your breath. And so will your wife! Combine flossing with mouthwash and traditional brushing (ideally with a soft brush) to leave you super-kissable when it matters most.

Do think about having a manicure and/or a pedicure. Your hands are the second thing a woman looks at, and this includes your wife-to-be. Surprise her by turning up with immaculate, soft hands. If you do physical labour, this might take a couple of trips, but she'll love it!

Do get rid of excess hair. Nose, ears, neck, anywhere visible. If your partner likes it elsewhere, that's up to her, but make that extra effort for the photos.

If you wear glasses and you can afford it, think about getting some non-reflective coated lenses. With those, you'll be able to see your eyes in all of the photographs. Without, you'll look like an extra from CHiPs. Otherwise, could disposable contact lenses be an option?

Don't get so drunk you can't function. You'll never be allowed to forget it.