Thirty to Wife: The Tell-All Groom's Guide to Weddings - How to Get Hitched Without Losing Your Mind or Your Fiancee [Paperback]

Craig Michaels (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

You've met the perfect woman, you've summoned the courage to propose, she actually said yes...now what? Craig Michaels' Thirty to Wife is a funny and informative wild ride through one soon-to-be-groom's last month of bachelorhood. Being more of a "let's elope" kind of guy, but wanting fulfill his fiancee's dream of a fairy tale wedding, Craig embarks on a crash course in schooling himself on what to do (default), what not to do (habit) and how to stay sane when the wedding plans get out of hand.

Thirty to Wife isn’t just about one guy's journey; it's a field guide for all grooms and brides (care and feeding tips included). Navigating the treacherous waters of wedding details (including responsibilities, budgeting, and traditions), Craig shares his triumphs and tragedies in valiant effort to help grooms-to-be avoid making the same mistakes he did. Brides-to-be will better understand what their mates are going through--and will take comfort in knowing that things could be worse.

Beginning thirty days before The Big Day, Craig manages to get himself to the altar without losing his mind--or his fiancee. Charming and chock full of useful tips and ideas, Thirty to Wife will have every prospective groom--and bride--not only laughing in the aisles, but walking down them too.

About the Author

Craig Michaels, a graduate of the University of Virginia and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, is a happily married man, but the sting of his wedding planning can still be felt. Craig owns and operates Groom411.com, an extensive website serving as a sounding board to help grooms not make the same mistakes he did. Craig lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Debora and Lucy, their Labrador. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Marlowe & Company (July 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569242968
• ISBN-13: 978-1569242964
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,352,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A graduate of the University of Virginia and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Currently, Director of Content Programming for Akimbo Systems, an Internet-delivered Video on Demand Service. Craig owns and operates Groom411.com, an extensive website serving as a sounding board for 'Grooms to look good. Or at least not dumb.' Craig lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Debora and Lucy, their Labrador.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS A "MUST" FOR ALL GROOMS-TO-BE!, September 11, 2006

By 

Steve Nakamoto "The Friendly Voice of the... (Huntington Beach, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thirty to Wife: The Tell-All Groom's Guide to Weddings - How to Get Hitched Without Losing Your Mind or Your Fiancee (Paperback)

Here's a surprisingly humorous, yet helpful book that's not just another "to-do" book.
It's actually a personal story that's happens to include all the necessary lists, tips and advice that every groom will (desperately) need.


I say desperately because the information in this book is something you can learn a lot less painfully from someone else's experience. The greatest benefit for a man is learning that, in the end, it isn't about one thing that'll save the day...the "answer" is much simpler -- by helping out a little, the payback will be a lot. By finishing the book early enough in one's own wedding planning, men will get the benefit of Craig's missteps and prevent missing out doing the right thing for their big day (which isn't just one day, but the start of many days to come).

I'm sure that a lot of enlightened brides-to-be can find tremendous value in this book, too. She'll get a glimpse inside the mind of a marrying man and find out what her mate is actually thinking about...without having to ask him. While groom-oriented, the book is very bride-friendly, so women might get a kick out of the book as well. And maybe be able to take a whole new approach at getting their mates to participate more.

What I found particularly interesting was that the "backbone" of the book is a complete story. Not just anecdotes, leaving you wanting more. The reader gets to experience one groom's world from start to finish. And the story is really an everyman's story which makes it very relatable.

This is one of the best designed books on the market today which makes it an easy read for almost any guy. Men aren't typically big buyers of relationship book so it's a great gift for women to give to their guys in their lives whether it's a fiancé, friend, son, brother, etc..

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Right Stuff!!!!!, August 11, 2006

By 

Young Man (L.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thirty to Wife: The Tell-All Groom's Guide to Weddings - How to Get Hitched Without Losing Your Mind or Your Fiancee (Paperback)

For starters let me just tell you that I watch sports on TV for exercise so the idea of reading any book that I don't have to isn't high on my priority list. That said THANK GOD I read this little Gem!!! The only reason I picked it up in the first place is because The Diamond Guy gave it two thumbs up!! In his article "Who is Craig Michaels?" he made it sound like I was missing the opportunity of a life time if I raced through engagementville. And boy was he right! Ever since I changed my attitude about my last days of bachelorhood Sally (my girl) and I have been closer than ever! I'm even having a good time. My favorite part is being introduced to everyone as the perfect husband-to-be!! Thanks for the book Craig!!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Hilarious Read!, August 9, 2006

By 

Nicole Murphy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thirty to Wife: The Tell-All Groom's Guide to Weddings - How to Get Hitched Without Losing Your Mind or Your Fiancee (Paperback)

I was kept in constant giggles. A very funny tell-all, that has left me craving for more. A must read not just for grooms, but for anyone looking for a laugh.