EVERY aspect of the bride’s appearance is meticulously planned and executed, from her gown and accessories to her hair and makeup.
It is no surprise that couples often pay greater attention to the bride’s preparation for the big day.
However, it is essential to remember that the groom also plays an equally significant role in the wedding celebration.
While the spotlight may shine brighter on the bride, groom stylist Mohammad Nizam Abarahim believes that more attention should be given to the groom’s appearance in the couple’s preparation process as well.
He emphasizes that the groom’s attire, grooming, and demeanour must be carefully considered to complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
According to him, “Whether it is the solemnization ceremony or the wedding reception, the groom’s choice of attire or suit along with his accessories, such as cufflinks and boutonnieres, requires thoughtful planning too.
Similar to how the bride would select a wedding gown or accessories that reflect her personality, the groom’s outfit not only reflects his personality but also his style,” as he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
Humble beginnings
Mohammad Nizam, popularly known as Ejump Abarahim, started his involvement in grooming and styling in 2009 while working as a sales assistant at a bridal studio in Kuching.
Zainab Retee, a renowned figure in the bridal industry, approached him to assist her in preparing male clients for events.
Initially lacking confidence due to the novelty of grooming and styling, Mohammad Nizam embraced the opportunity to learn from Zainab.
He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful to Zainab as she taught me everything from scratch. It is through the knowledge she imparted to me that I was able to pursue becoming a groom stylist as my part-time job.”
After three years of learning from Zainab, he began working independently in 2012. In addition to providing services for grooms, Mohammad Nizam also assists clients with events like corporate and themed dinners.
Eye for fashion and styling
Mohammad Nizam has always had a passion for fashion, and he finds great satisfaction in helping his clients look their best.
He believes that his role goes beyond dressing up individuals; it is about helping them showcase their unique style and personality on one of the most significant days of their lives.
He says, “To me, it is not just about dressing up. It is about helping individuals showcase their unique style and personality on one of the most significant days of their lives.
“It is my goal to not only make my clients happy but also to ensure that they walk down the aisle with confidence and pride, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime with their beloved partner.”
To stay updated with the latest fashion and styling trends, Mohammad Nizam often conducts research through various Instagram accounts and pays attention to his clients’ inspirational looks.
During the consultation process, Mohammad Nizam provides advice to clients, especially regarding the tailoring process of their attire.
Clients often send him pictures and seek his input on the choice of colours, fabrics, and accessories.
He encourages clients to keep him informed about the tailoring process, as it helps him visualize how he will groom and style them on their big day.
The process and behind the scenes
Similar to the bride’s getting ready process, Mohammad Nizam advises his clients to ensure that they have a bare face.
He prepares the groom’s face by using moisturizer, serum, and a little bit of foundation and compact powder to achieve a natural look.
For clients who prefer to keep their beard, he suggests trimming it to avoid a messy appearance.
Mohammad Nizam describes himself as a perfectionist and takes his time during the groomyling process, paying attention to every little detail.
The grooming and styling session typically takes approximately two hours, depending on the groom’s attire and the accessories required to complete the ensemble.
He only takes two clients in a day to provide his undivided attention and avoid rushing.
Traditional songket attire may require additional time due to the incorporation of various accessories and the styling of the “kain sampling.”
Noting that many couples tend to overlook the role of groom stylists, Mohammad Nizam emphasizes the benefits of engaging professional help.
He says, “Our role is not just about making clients look their best at their wedding, but we also ensure that they feel confident, relaxed, and ready to embrace the life-changing moments that lie ahead.”
Customer service and trust
Clients often discover Mohammad Nizam’s services through word of mouth and his Instagram profile (@ejumpabarahim).
While the number of bookings varies throughout the year, he encourages potential clients to book at least three months in advance.
He shares a heartwarming example, saying, “In fact, one of my previous clients booked my services seven years in advance. Back then, he had just started dating his wife, and they recently got married earlier this year.”
Mohammad Nizam acknowledges the significance of personal recommendations from trusted family members in the decision-making process and ensures that he provides excellent customer service to maintain the trust and satisfaction of his clients.
Plans and aspirations
Looking to the future, Mohammad Nizam aims to expand his services by collaborating with other professionals in the wedding industry, such as photographers, videographers, and event planners.
He believes that such collaborations can create a more holistic and seamless experience for couples, ensuring that every aspect of their wedding is well-coordinated and visually appealing.
Additionally, he aspires to conduct grooming and styling workshops to share his knowledge and skills with aspiring groom stylists, enabling them to excel in their craft.
All in all, it can be summed up that the role of the groom stylist is often overlooked, but professionals like Mohammad Nizam Abarahim are changing that perception.
With his passion for fashion and styling, Mohammad Nizam ensures that grooms look their best and feel confident on their wedding day.
Through his meticulous attention to detail and personalized approach, he helps grooms showcase their unique style and personality.
As the wedding industry continues to evolve, groom stylists like Mohammad Nizam play a crucial role in ensuring that every couple’s big day is truly memorable and visually stunning.
