It's interesting that so many people talk about the women in their lives asking them to shave. I have shaved my beard once in the time I've been married and my wife refused to kiss me until it grew back (she said it felt too much like kissing another man).
Mike's recommendations are all excellent, but I'll add that moustache wax is a wonderful thing, both for style and for keeping longer hair out of your mouth!
As for ideas, here's a link to a blog about beard styles; there are quite a few options! If you're not sure you can trim it to shape yourself, do like Mike suggested and find a good barber to do it for you.

Best of luck to you AND your beard!