Groomsman Gift Blog

Weekly WTF: Couple Relishes 42 pound Wedding Burger

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:26:59 -0800

Mmmmm...hamburger. Americans aren't the only ones who love burgers. Fast food addicts, Tom and Kerry Watts of the UK commissioned Zak's American Diner to grill up a giant burger for their Big Day. Let's make this clear - it's not a wedding cake that looks like a burger, it's a real burger. And we thought the whole world looked down on Americans for our fatty cuisine. WTF? Maybe Americans should serve over-sized Haggis cakes at our weddings.

If your buddies like burgers as much as this groom check out these grilling accessories for groomsmen gifts.

We've seen burger cakes before (take a look at our past post on groom's cakes) but this wedding burger weighed in at 42 pounds. Zak's restaurant didn't skimp on the garnishes either. Twelve onions, 30 tomatoes, 48 slices of dill pickle, and about 2 1/2 pounds of cheese topped the burger. It took three chefs to lift it out of the oven.

Guests were also treated to other items from Zak's American restaurant, including a combination of the couple's favorite burgers: surf and turf for Mr. Watts and a cheeseburger for Mrs. Watts.Thankfully, no one suffered a heart attack.

Firefighter Tom, 26 said: "Not only did I get to marry the woman of my dreams but I also got to have the burger of my dreams in the same day."

Read the full article here.

Inspired by Tom and Kerry's humongous hamburger? Construct your own giant burger groom's cake. Remember, it's a groom's cake so don't give your bride-to-be veto power.

Pssst....don't forget those groomsmen gifts. Shop Groomstand for groomsmen gifts and other Big Day accessories.

The Mad Men Guide to Groomsmen Gifts

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:29:16 -0800

You may not work in a glossy Madison Avenue ad agency, but other than that you and your buddies are pretty much identical to the guys on Mad Men. You drink. You make risque jokes. You're totally brilliant yet critically under-appreciated. If you are at a loss for what to get your guys as groomsmen gifts, take a cue from AMC's surprise hit show Mad Men. Not only can you get great gift inspiration, you can bill your hours spent in front of the tube as "groomsmen gifts' research." Roger Sterling would be proud. Speaking of which, let's read on..... Groomsmen Gifts for the Roger Sterling of the Group Every groomsmen posse includes a wizened elderly mentor who regales his younger cronies with war stories of fast times, beautiful women and daring brushes with danger. The groomsmen look up to him. The bride has her doubts about the so-called "wisdom" but can never help but squelch a smile over the old guy's charm. For the Roger Sterling in the group, it's all about iconic groomsmen gifts that pay homage to his classic bachelor status. (On a marital note: did you know the actress Talia Balsam that plays Roger's wife Mona on Mad Men is his wife in real life too!? Awww...) For Roger, only these elegant monogrammed drinking tumblers will do! Add elegance to your buddy's liquid lunches (is there any other kind?) with these refined personalized groomsmen gifts. Groomsmen Gifts for the Ken Cosgrove in Your Group Next up, what else to get for the golden boy but a gold-plated golf club? Ken Cosgrove ("I'm Ken!") is arguably the most All-American of the Mad Men bunch. Cosgrove is the smooth-talking account manager with all the swagger that natural athletic ability provides-although his writing success does suggest hidden depths. For the all-around "good guy" in your group, you can't lose with sports groomsmen gifts to remind him of his favorite pastimes. Unless you're Salvatore, in which case you'll probably want to get him this pen to remind him of his more...."literary" side. Groomsmen Gifts for the Don Draper in the Group From the golden boy to the dark horse! There is only one brand of groomsmen gifts that work for the enigma that is Don Draper. They have to be classic, dapper, and not-to-personal. When it comes to groomsmen gifts for the man in the gray flannel suit, there is only one choice. We speak of course, of the ever classy, ever ubiquitous personalized Zippo lighter. From the second Don lights up in the Mad Men pilot "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" it's hard to tell through the smokescreen what drives this mysterious, occasionally compassionate character. The lighter is the perfect present for such a smoldering guy, and the personalization will be a helpful hint when he's stealing identities. If you've got a man with a past in your groomsmen party, a guy a little more strong and silent than the rest, classic smoking groomsmen gifts are a good non-invasive choice. Groomsmen Gifts for the Salvatore in the Group For the man who watches Jackie Kennedy's fashion with anything but abject boredom, only personalized grooming accessories will do. Salvatore may be suffering the repression of the not-yet-swinging sixties, but that doesn't mean he can't appreciate beauty and pampering in his own home. For your buddy who's cool with "manscaping" and who doesn't mind a little good-natured ribbing about his Planet Beach membership, grooming groomsmen gifts are the way to go! Follow these instructions, and your groomsmen gifts can also be a surprise hit! Shop Groomstand for personalized groomsmen gifts for the whole cast.

Astros Pitcher Arrested in Wedding Brawl

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:11:32 -0800

Nothing says, "I'm getting married," like a good ol' wedding riot. Houston Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a wedding day ruckus in Galveston, Texas. The bride's father and brother were also detained. One person was sent to the hospital and police tazed one guest. The "riot" broke out after the reception at a bar in the St. Luis Hotel. This isn't your typical wedding reception melee. Not only was a famous baseball player arrested, police got physical as they took on the wedding guests, which prompted internal affairs to launch an investigation. Many witnesses say that the blue meanies used excessive force. According to the article: "One officer said he hit Backe twice in the face before handcuffing him. Both the officer and Backe sustained minor injuries during the fight."
Backe was charged with interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest. Both charges are misdemeanors. He was released on $1,500 bond. We suspect the beat down would have been worse if the groom gave his attendants baseball bats as groomsmen gifts. Seriously, what about weddings bring out the worst in people? Is it the endlessly flowing booze or is there something in the cake? Read the full article here. Don't forget about those groomsmen gifts or you'll have to face the bride's wrath. Hopefully, she's a little more forgiving than the police at this wedding day beat down. GroomStand rule: never fist fight in a tuxedo. Not only will you probably have to buy it, fighting in a tux is only classy for guys like James Bond. Shop GroomStand for groomsmen gifts, gifts for the bride, and other wedding-day accessories.

8 Weird Dating Sites You Never Knew Existed

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:45:49 -0800

If you're soon to wed, you've probably been off the singles' market for awhile now. Things have changed since you last approached a woman with your trusty back pocket pick-up line: "Hey lady, are those space pants? Because your butt is out of this world." No wonder why online dating attracts more men than before.

Modern bachelors have it easy. Instead of going to the nightclub, they sit comfortably behind a computer screen, typing in lol, brb, ttyl, and luv u 4ever at all the right moments. And if the guy can't think of anything to say, he has a couple minutes before the IM icon starts flashing. No uncomfortable silences or face-to-face rejection. No public breakups - simply delete the little lady from the buddy list.

Since you found your bride-to-be, give your bachelor groomsmen a membership to one of these dating sites as groomsmen gifts. Even if he doesn't find the girl of his dreams, these sites are good for laugh. Out loud.

Love Me Love My Pets - If your buddy gives a longing look at his terrier like the guy in this picture, he might have a problem. The idea behind LoveMeLoveMyPets is fine if you want to date the creepy lady with 17 cats. E-Amish - Amish, Mennonite and Bretheren Dating Site. "I would like to meet a nice guy from among the Amish. Must be a non-drinker, non-smoker, non-wife beater, hard worker." Whoa - high standards. Shouldn't she automatically assume that if her mate is Amish, he'll be a hard worker? And since when do the Amish use computers? At least there will be no surprises when he picks her up in the old horse-and-buggy. Democratic Singles - No more going to dinner with a lady and finding out that she's dun... dun...dun...a Republican. The horror. Now Democrats can meet someone that appreciates political bumper stickers and shares their disdain for George Bush (pretty much the whole country). Groomsmen Gifts Hint: If your bachelor buddy sets up a profile, prepare him for date night with this democrat steak brand. He can wow her with a branded tofu burger. Such are the things of lasting love. Nerd Passions - "Boldly eschewing the shackles of conventional popularity, Nerd Passions is a place to embrace your nerdiness!" A nerd definitely wrote that poetic declaration. Nerds are forever trying to rid themselves of that taped-glasses, high-jeans wearing, pocket calculator image from the 1980's (thanks Revenge of the Nerds). This dating site lets you put your inner geek out there. Nerd passions makes it OK to mention World of WarCraft on your very first chat. Check out the profiles. Wait a second...some of these people don't even know what a newbie is- impostors! No Longer Lonely - "We are a welcoming community that understands the trials and pitfalls of managing a mental illness." Feeling a little lonely since your stay at the state mental institution? Come here and find someone just as unstable as you. Image the love story: "We met online on No Longer Lonely and now we're crazy...about each other." The couple that hears voices together stays together. Women Behind Bars - If the women are behind bars, what are they doing on a computer? More importantly, do men behind bars know about this site? Best chat-up line for the incarcerated: "Baby, let's not go out together." Sugar Daddie - "Where the classy, attractive and affluent meet." Our translation: "I have money. Date me. I'll pay for things." You better have a fat wallet if you're going on this dating website. Is income listed on the profile? Ladies, where was this website 10 years ago? Groomsmen Gifts Hint: If your groomsmen thinks he's a sugar daddy, set him up with a wallet or money clip. Scientific Match - "ScientificMatch uses your DNA to maximize the chances of finding chemistry--actual, physical chemistry--with your matches." Wait - what kind of dating website asks for DNA? Our hypothesis: sending DNA to a future partner is probably a bad idea; it's kind-of a romance killer.

Good thing you already found your fiance. Imagine the slim pickings in these chat rooms! Celebrate that you never have to go through the misery of dating again. Online and in person, it's tough out there. Being a married man does have its perks. Shop GroomStand for groomsmen gifts and everything else you'll need on the wedding day.

Groomstand Wedding News: Mac and Sweet Dee Get Married

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:14:51 -0800

You do watch "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" don't you? If not, stop looking for those groomsmen gifts and put "It's Always Sunny" in the Tivo. Critics tout this show as the next Seinfeld, so if you like your sitcoms with a hearty dose of cynicism, it's perfect for you. And now for some "It's Always Sunny" wedding news. South Philly raised Rob McElhenney (Mac) and funny girl Kaitlin Olson (Sweet Dee) recently wed in Malibu, California. Congratulations to the happy couple! The wedding took place in a vineyard and Danny DeVito, Fred Savage, and Glenn Howerton were among the famous attendees. They aren't the only co-stars on the show that married each other. Charlie Day's real-life bride is "the waitress", played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Who would think two marriages could come from an irreverent show like "It's Always Sunny?" Maybe Cupid is flying around on set. Take cues from Mac and the rest of the gang at Paddy's Pub for your groomsmen gifts. Create your own Irish-themed hangout with this personalized lucky clover pub sign. When Mac, Sweet Dee, Dennis, and Charlie aren't up to their usual schemes, they like to knock back a few. These pilsner glasses make the best groomsmen gifts for your drinking buddies. And if your group loves the Philadelphia Eagles as much as Mac, check out our football shot glasses. Feeling Inspired? Shop Groomstand for more great wedding gifts.

The Weekly WTF: Great Pumpkin Goes Missing

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:56:39 -0800

Every Friday, Groomstand will feature a WTF. Before you read on, get your mind out of the gutter - WTF means Work Time Fun. Each week, we'll feature wedding news, odd stories, hideous wedding cakes, and anything else that makes you ask, wtf? Finally, relief from your hectic workweek and a break from shopping for those groomsmen gifts.

This week's WTF - According to the The Flint Journal, a giant gourd is missing in Michigan. Bill Teer, the owner of the pumpkin suspects thieves pilfered it from his front yard. Preposterous - it weighs 450 pounds! How come a nosy neighbor didn't see the pumpkin being driven away in a pickup truck or being rolled down the street? It's a little suspicious that no one saw anything. WTF?

Missing posters are up. Teer is offering $200 for the pumpkin's safe return. Hopefully, the pumpkin is returned safely before someone carves it up, digs out the pumpkin seeds, or worse - smashes it on a teacher's driveway. Poor pumpkin, it's probably shivering all alone in a basement somewhere. In the immortal words of Linus Van Pelt, "oh Great Pumpkin, wtf are you?"

Glad to provide you with a weekly wtf. But now it's time to get back to those groomsmen gifts. Shop GroomStand. for everything you'll need on the Big Day. And if you're in Michigan keep a look out for that gargantuan gourd.

GroomStand Challenge: Create Your Own Debate Drinking Game

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:04:12 -0800

Weeks ago, we suggested you throw your own debate party.

For tonight's VP debate and the upcoming debates, why not create a presidential drinking game? Alcohol makes bad debates go down easy. Stock up on party-themed groomsmen gifts, like shot glasses, pilsners, and beer steins.

Use this debate drinking game as your inspiration. We'll publish the best debate drinking games before the October 15 debate.

Since Congress failed (miserably) to bail us out, don't forget about GroomStand's own bailout plan. Despite the dropping dow, now is the perfect time to get those groomsmen gifts!

Palin Vs. Biden: What are your Predictions for the VP Debate?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:47:26 -0800

Get the political steak brands ready! Don't miss the Palin vs. Biden debate this Thursday, October 2. If you can watch only one debate, tune in for this one. And don't forget to gather your groomsmen for a rockin' debate party.

In most elections, the veep faceoff takes second stage to the presidential debates. Not this time. Remember when Tyson fought Holyfield? Yeah....the VP debate will be bigger than that. Will Palin get a smackdown or surprise us with a sudden burst of wit? Vote below for whatever candidate you think will come out the strongest. We'll remain impartial.

If politics put you in a shopping mood, now is the perfect time to search for those groomsmen gifts. Big news: after the dow's dramatic drop, we came out with a bailout package of our own. Check out our groomsmen gifts bailout package and save cash on shipping.

Three Bachelor Parties on a Budget

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:47:45 -0800

The Best Groomsen Gifts? Cheap Bachelor Parties!

Everyone is feeling the pinch from the dropping dow and miserable housing market. This doesn't mean you should wear potato sacks instead of tuxes or head to the dollar store for your groomsmen gifts. However, when it comes to your bachelor party, keep it simple and inexpensive. Here are three budget alternatives to the VIP bachelor party. Poker Night vs. Vegas

Like a moth to a flame, grooms are lured to Sin City for their bachelor parties. There's nothing wrong with Vegas, but you won't miss out on anything by skipping it this year - except a ruthless hangover and empty pockets. Movies like Very Bad Things wrongly convinced men that nothing tops a Vegas bachelor party. Save your money (or win some more) by throwing a poker party at your best man's place. Lame, you say? Think again. Puff on stogies, put the World Poker Tour on TV, and get your game face on. Suggestion for groomsmen gifts: personalized poker sets. Movie to Watch: Rounders. Total savings by skipping Vegas: $500 on craps, $150 per night for a room on the strip, and don't forget to subtract the sum of what you intended to spend at the Vegas strip club. Wink, wink.

Camp Out vs. Club

When you were little, camping out was the ultimate activity - that is, until you learned about girls. If inclement weather forced you inside, you built forts out of bedsheets! Those were good times, weren't they? Wax nostalgia and take your guys on a camping trip. Pack the baked beans, s'mores, chili, and MoonShine. Groomsmen gifts: personalized hip flasks. Movie to Watch: It's a camp out, you know, in the wildness? If you must watch a movie, make it Stand By Me. Total savings by skipping the night club: $150 to rent out the VIP room, $20 per car for parking, and $9 per drink.

BBQ on the Beach vs. South Beach

Guys are heading to South Beach in droves to celebrate their last night of singledom. South Beach rivals Vegas as one of the hottest bachelor party destinations. Sure, Miami's white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and pulsing nightlife sound tempting, but when you come home, there's an angry fiancé and zero account balance to deal with. Head to your local beach - it might not have white sand and turquoise waves, but so what? Grill up some burgers and brats or make your cookout competitive with a barbecue-sauce taste test. Groomsmen gifts: Grilling accessories. Movie to Watch: Weekend at Bernies. Total savings by skipping South Beach: $200 per night on an Ocean View Hotel Room, $100 for just about every South Beach meal, and $50 for an "I'm sorry," gift to your bride-to-be (many brides frown on South Beach bachelor parties). Now that we saved you a bundle, shop GrooomStand for affordable groomsmen gifts and more.

Groomsmen Gifts Get Political

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:31:09 -0800

Shopping for groomsmen gifts, especially when you're helping plan a wedding can be more painful than a root canal. Since there's so much discussion about the 2008 election, you can easily shop according to your buddy's favorite politicians. Think about it - Palin is an adventurer and Obama is a democratic debonair. Here's how to shop for wedding party gifts by political party. Democrats Barack Obama (shop, "the debonair")- He's an eloquent speaker and a suave, socially-conscious gentleman. If your guy likes Barack Obama, he probably embodies some of these characteristics. Fun facts: Barack Obama penned two memoirs. Your Barack-loving groomsmen is a great candidate for personalized pens, a shaving set, and of course, this donkey steak-brand iron. Trust us, if your groomsmen admires Barack, he'll relish these gifts. Joe Biden (shop, "the mogul") - Joe Biden has somehow managed to stay out of the limelight. While Tina Fey does impression after impression of Sarah Palin, we have yet to see any spoofs of Joe Biden. Fun Facts: Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania (yes, it's the setting for the Office). He received his J.D. from Syracuse and practiced law before being elected to the senate. If your buddy has Joe Biden tenancies, take a look at our executive groomsmen gifts. This flask, business card, and money clip set brings out the Biden in anyone. Another suggestion for your mogul friends? Check out our golf gifts for groomsmen. With these golf gifts, your friend is on course for a career in politics. Republicans John McCain (shop "the adventurer") - Politics aside, John McCain is the tough guy of the 2008 election. Pocket knives and multitools are the way to go when it comes to the McCain types out there. Fun Facts: John McCain graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958. He has a reputation for being a "maverick," as he often disagrees with his own party. The word maverick comes from Samual Maverick, a rancher who refused to use steak branding irons on his cattle. This Elephant steak branding iron is perfect for your groomsmen who dares to be different. Sarah Palin (shop the life of the party and the adventurer) - Sarah Palin won't go for girly gifts. She's from Alaska remember? Fun facts: Sarah Palin is Alaska's first female governor. Consider this camo flask if your friend can't get enough of the great outdoors. These rustic picture frames and these personalized cabin signs are ideal for Sarah Palin fans. Now that you know how to shop by political party, get gifts for your wedding party. Groomstand has everything you'll need to say "thanks" to your supporters. You don't even have to kiss any babies! These groomsmen gifts win them over every time.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:52:48 -0800

Show Some Team Spirit with a Football Cake Topper and Groomsmen Gifts

Toss that traditional (boring) bride and groom cake topper. In our previous blog, we featured hilarious grooms cakes. This custom mascot football cake topper from Magic Mud tops off your football-themed cake. If your lady's not the biggest fan of football cake toppers for the wedding cake (few brides are), put it on the groom's cake.

Once you have a football cake topper in mind, check out our football groomsmen gifts. If your buddy claimed victory over his fantasy football pool, check out this fantasy football beer stein and this fantasy football plaque. Football groomsmen gifts make every guy feel like a winner, even if his team lost the game.

Now, are you ready for some shopping? Find everything you'll need for the big day (football or otherwise) at Groomstand.com.

Make the Most Out of Your Man Cave (Hint: Use Groomsmen Gifts)

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:15:26 -0800

Three flat-screen TVs, all tuned to football. A deer head mounted on the wall. A full bar with neon-lit pub signs, beer steins, and shot glasses. Sound like a dream? No - that's a man cave my friend. The beauty of the man cave is this: while your fiance spends all her time picking out throw pillows and duvets, you can steak your claim in the basement or with a few of your friends, a "no-girls allowed sign", and some manly groomsmen gifts.

Welcome to Man Town Before you go spelunking inside the man-cave, mark your territory so your new wife doesn't turn it into a lady's lounge. We recommend you don't lift your leg like a wild beast. A personalized pub sign does the trick. Hanging up a pub sign sets the tone for rowdy times yet to come. For instance, this football pub sign says, "Superbowl" and this Tiki tavern sign says "Surfs Up." If you select multiple pub signs, make sure they coordinate with the same theme.

Inside the Man Cave

You want a man cave fit for a king, not a caveman. Start with a giant, over-stuffed couch. Buy leather if you can afford it. We know, the wedding and those groomsmen gifts cost a lot. But leather means easy clean up after your drunken buddies. To make it a true man-cave, you'll also need a wet bar and multiple televisions - so you can watch two (or even three) football games at the same time. When your man-cave is finally furnished, add the finishing touch with barware. These football beer steins and shot glasses are perfect for heavy drinkers. Or you could bring out these wine glasses for the wusses in your group.

Just because it's a man cave doesn't mean it has to look like a cave. You can make it upscale a la Hugh Hefner (sans polygamy) with a few smoking jackets, a giant theater, and cigar humidors.

Every guy needs time to unwind away from his wife's girly world. A man cave provides a place where men can yell at the tv, burp, grunt, and fart without scowls from the ladies. We like to think of it as paradise. Decorate your man cave the right way with groomsmen gifts and more from Groomstand.

Groomsmen Gifts: 3 Must Haves for the Cigar Aficionado

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:49:35 -0800

At Groomstand, it's no secret that we're big cigar aficionados. And whether you've been an aficionado for a long time, or you're just breaking in to the realm of fine tobacco products, there are 3 notable cigar essentials. If your buddy thinks of himself as a cigar aficionado, consider these essentials when shopping for your groomsmen gifts. Humidor. Air tight, with stable humidity. You come home from the cigar shop; the first thing that you should be concerned about is storage - namely, humidors. The average good smoke can run you anywhere from $10-$15 and without proper humidification, a tasty Macanudo can turn into a disgusting Swisher Sweet in a matter of days (or hours, depending on where you live). That's money down the drain and turning your moment of relaxation into a moment of frustration. Cutter. Clean cuts make for the best draw. As a general rule, the cleaner the cut, the more enjoyable the cigar is. There's several options for cutting a cigar: Punches will bore a predictable recess into the cigar cap from which you can draw steady air through - but punches only work on rounded edges. They just plain won't work on torpedo-shaped cigars. Double Guillotine cutters employ a blade on either end. They meet in the middle to make an accurately placed cut on the stick. When the blades start to dull though, double guillotines tend to pinch the wrapper (and often tear it) making for a bad smoking experience. Single Guillotine cigar cutters use a single blade. They can be tricky to line up, but when used quickly and with a steady hand, they're the most reliable option. Lighter. Burn evenly for a consistent smoke. Once you're ready to light the cigar, you have a couple options too. Matches are tried and true, but if you live somewhere really windy you might just go through so many of them trying to get the smoke burning that you'll wonder why you even tried. Kerosene/Butane Lighters provide a more controllable flame source than matches. The downside is that if you smoke regularly, you'll have to go through the hassle of refilling too. Piezoelectric Lighters are the granddaddy of all lighters. These generate a voltaic arc (whatever that means), but suffice it to say that these torches are nearly impervious to the elements and almost always give you an even burn. Enjoy! The great thing about cigars is that when you're finally properly equipped, they're one of the most pleasurable pastimes. So pick up these important aficionado must haves for your buddies as groomsmen gifts.

When Wedding Toasts Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:25:47 -0800

Now that you found those groomsmen gifts, sit back and watch the worst wedding toasts of all time.

Is this a toast or a roast? When choosing your best man, don't forget that he is responsible for the wedding toast. With the pressure to be as funny as Dane Cook and as eloquent as Barack Obama, the best man probably feels more wedding-day jitters than the groom. If you think your best man will blow it like the boneheads below, refer him to the The Perfect Toast. It only takes 10 minutes to ruin a wedding. Don't let these bad wedding toasts happen to you!

I Have an Announcement.....the Bride is Pregnant

"The best man at a wedding I was in said during his toast, 'Congratulations to the new parents!' No one except a select few knew the bride was pregnant -- not even her parents!" ~ Via MSN Relationships

The Wedding Singer Not even the Wedding Singer could pacify Steve Buschemi's character in this clip. He grabs the mic and angrily divulges all his brother's secrets. Why the bad blood between these two? Did the brother skimp out on his groomsmen gifts? Warning: Best men and booze don't mix.

The Toast Goes Down in Flames...Literally Miranda from Sex and the City tries to give a beautiful toast, but lights in on fire. We recommend you keep candles far, far away from your groomsmen. Nervous Best Man What made him so nervous? He's just giving a speech in front of 200 people. Oh wait...that's probably it. Best man tip: have a glass of wine before the speech. Only one, not six. And practice your speech a couple times beforehand.

Improv - Never a Good Idea

Best men aren't the only ones that have trouble pulling off a perfect speech. This female groomswoman tries to wing it and ends up talking all about herself and mentioning divorce....twice.

Now that you've seen what happens when wedding toasts go horribly, horribly wrong, give your best men a couple of rules. Absolutely no talk of ex-girlfriends, stay away from booze and candles, and call the bride by the right name. To avoid a speech catastrophe, sign up for our newsletter and get a free personalized wedding toast. Remember, practice, practice, practice and you'll be a toastmaster in no time! And if you still have to find those groomsmen gifts, there's still time. Shop Groomstand for everything you'll need on the Big Day.

Who's Who in your Group? Groomsmen Gifts for the Looks, the Brains, and the Wild Card

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:26:13 -0800

Last week's episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia brought to light an astonishing male paradigm. According to the show, male crews must have several key members to operate successfully: the looks, the brains, the muscle, the wild card, and the token girl. If you don't believe it, think about the most famous male crews of all time: Seinfeld, the A-Team, Ghostbusters, Entourage, the Ninja Turtles, the Chipmunks, Anchor Man, Animal House, The Goonies- too many to list. It's impossible for a crew to function without some or all of these important roles. Where would Jerry be without George? And Alvin without Simon? Are you the "looks" or the "brains"? Sticking to the paradigm, here are groomsmen gifts that suit every guy in your group. Groomsmen Gifts for "the Looks"

Onlookers admire his cleft-chin and glossy hair. People stop and stare when he walks down the street. If you get into trouble, he bats his big blue eyes and you're out of it. Famous "the looks," include Dennis in It's Always Sunny and Dr. Venkman in Ghostbusters. Do you have one of these guys in your group? Get "the looks" groomsmen gifts that enhance his personal style. Men's grooming accessories or engraved cufflinks are perfect. If he's a narcissist (they usually are) personalize it with his name or initials.

Groomsmen Gifts for "the Brains"

He's super resourceful and gets you out of jams by crafting inventions in a drop of a hat. Famous "the brains" include: Leonardo from Ninja Turtles, Simon of Alvin and The Chipmunks, and Richard Data Wang of The Goonies. If your buddy is a brain, how about groomsmen gifts like these personalized pens?

Groomsmen Gifts for "the Muscle"

Every crew needs one guy that can bench over 200 pounds. He's the guy who gets you out of deadly jams by lifting up a car or fighting three guys at once. Famous "the muscle" include: Mr. T of the A-Team, Champ Kind of Anchorman, and Raphael of the Ninja Turtles. Groomsmen gifts like this personalized lock back knife or engraved baseball bats are ideal for "the muscle" in your group.

Groomsmen Gifts for "the Wild Card"

Wild cards are the toughest crew members to buy for because you'll never know what they'll say or do. Unlike the brains, muscles, or looks, wild cards get you into jams. Examples of wild cards include: Charlie from It's Always Sunny, Kramer from Seinfeld, and Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock of the A-Team. We recommend not getting groomsmen gifts like knives or baseball bats for the wild card in your group. Play it safe with wallets, engraved barware, or personalized poker sets - again, you never know what to expect from the wild card.

Attendant Gifts for "the Token Girl"

There's room for only one girl in every all-male crew. She's the April of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Elaine on Seinfeld, the PJ on My Boys, the Sarah Palin of the 2008 Election. Basically, she's just one of the guys - except she's a girl. If she's a true-blue crew member, ask her to stand up with you at the wedding. These days, it's perfectly acceptable to have female attendants. Get her an attendant gift that suits her tom-boy style, like a cute hooded sweatshirt or ask your fiance to help come up with ideas.

Once you figure out who's who in your bunch, it's easy to find groomsmen gifts! GroomStand has you covered with gifts for every member of your entourage.

Groom's Cake Gallery: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:49:06 -0800

When it comes to weddings, the bride gives the groom complete control over three things: picking the groomsmen gifts, planning the bachelor party (if she lets him have one), and the groom's cake. If you never heard of a groom's cake, take a look at our groom's cake gallery. Here are grooms cakes for geeks, hunters and sports fans, Homer Simpson types, and the world's worst cakes just for fun. Bon appetit! Best Grooms Cakes for Geeks: Is there a better love story for geeks than Mario and the Princess? Look at how cute they look at top of the castle! This geeky groom's cake comes from the WeddingBee.

Now you can have your XBOX and eat it too. Most women only dream about smashing the XBOX; this bride got to take her frustrations out on the cake. Sweet.

From CakeWrecks.com, this Wall-E masterpiece takes the cake for being the geekiest and the most amazing. There is some serious food art going on with this cake. But who wants to eat Wall-E?

Best Grooms cakes for Hunters and Sports Fans:

Another hilarious groom's cake disaster from CakeWrecks. Nothing says "I'm getting married" better than a severed head in a helmet. Do you think he has helmet hair? Creepy.

We hope there's not a live duck hiding out in this groom's cake. This camo cake comes from Who Made the Cake.

Remind you of someone? You and your groomsmen perhaps? If so, think about getting your "dogs," personalized poker sets for groomsmen gifts.

New groom's cake rule: no cake should ever have eyes. Who wants to devour a cake when it's staring at you? Shudder.

Most Unhealthy Grooms Cakes:

Instead of that cupcake tower your bride-to-be begged for, why not pick donuts for your groom's cake? In the immortal mumblings of Homer J. Simpson, "mmm...donuts." Here we have a donut-burger concoction. If only the baker could incorporate beer!

If you have a favorite donut in mind, giant-size it for your groom's cake. Check out this huge Krispy Creme replica. Does it have the same pillowy goodness as a real Krispy Creme? If so, we'll take two.

Worst Wedding Cakes EVER:

Either this is a cake wreck or it is the most brilliantly crafted cake ever made. What happens when the bride and groom cut the top tier off and freeze it for their first year anniversary? Does the bride's head sit in the freezer for a whole year? Yikes.

This health hazard of a cake from TackyWeddings. Did it ever occur to the bride and groom that money carries germs? Think about where those dollars were before they ended up on the cake. Our bet: Vegas bachelor party. Shudder.

We imagine the guests weren't pleased with this sashimi surprise. That's right, this rainbow cake is crafted entirely out of sushi! Whatever happened to fondant?

If you had your fill of tacky cakes, shop Groomstand for tasteful groomsmen gifts and more. Remember guys, don't make your groom's cake a replica of yourself or your bride. Unless of course, you're throwing a Halloween wedding.

4 FoolProof Tips for Buying Groomsmen Gifts in a Dismal Economy

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:59:14 -0800

Yes, the Dow is deflating, but your spirits don't have to. If you are a groom who has yet to purchase groomsmen gifts,here are a few groomsmen gift-buying tips to help your new marriage from going the way of the Lehman Brothers. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #1: Buy in bulk. This practice works for saving money on bananas at the grocery store, and it can work for buying groomsmen gifts as well! Find a site that offers quantity discounts, and feel confident that you are getting as good a deal as possible on your groomsmen gifts. This tip is especially helpful for grooms with big families or friendship circles. Some groomsmen gifts retailers do consider a minimum order to qualify for quantity discounts, but if you've got the whole frat house in your wedding, this groomsmen gifts strategy is perfect for you. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #2: Look for Freebies While it's unlikely you can find actual free groomsmen gifts, many retailers will throw in free extras to make your gifts seem extra special. Remember, retailers need to stay in business during a rough economy, so don't be afraid to negotiate for free perks or bonuses. For example, several groomsmen gifts' retailers offer free personalization on their groomsmen gifts. This free perk is especially beneficial because customization gives the illusion of very expensive, hand-coutured groomsmen gifts...all at nada extra cost to you! Clever! Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #3: Sign up for the Newsletter Men are usually less likely than women to sign up for the newsletter when shopping for groomsmen gifts. Most likely they fear getting bombarded with glossies promoting "man-icures" and "wed-iquette." But the truth is, these newsletters are often hidden troves of discounts, rebates, and offers available only to subscribers. A little wediquette is a small price to pay when you realize you can get great groomsmen gifts at a sweet discount. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #4: Never settle for less than free shipping. In this day and age, paying for shipping is as anachronistic as paying for CD's. Free shipping is practically a given, and certainly plentiful enough that you should be able to find groomsmen gifts that include this offer. After all, online retailers want you to choose them over bricks-and-mortar stores, and they know alleviating shipping costs is a key way to do that. Choosing a groomsmen gifts retailer that offers free shipping means a better deal for you, and also gets you out of hours of excruciating in-store shopping with your otherwise-lovely bride. Score.

Would You Rather? Special Sports Edition

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:37:24 -0800

Hey Sport! Now that you've got those groomsmen gifts, it's time to let the games begin.

We all know football and sex, we mean, love, make the perfect marriage. But if it came down to the wire, which would you really choose? In this amazing wedding-themed version of "Would You Rather?" GroomStand asks the most intimate, intrepid, and excruciating questions to find out how far you would go for your two loves: your girl and your game. First Quarter

Would you Rather? Wake up on the morning of your wedding with.... ( polls)

Second Quarter
And the questions get only harder. Stay tuned for more "would you rather" conundrums after halftime. Third Quarter

Would you rather? Serve Roethlisburgers or Tony Romo Ribs at your wedding ( polls)

Fourth Quarter
Now it's your chance to ask GroomStand some questions! Comment below with your own "would you rathers." Remember, not all football questions are this tough. Check out our array of football groomsmen gifts for an easy touchdown.

Whoopsadasie: How to use the Hochuli Approach to Diffuse a Wedding Day Fumble

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:39:41 -0800

When you think about it, grooms and referees have a lot in common. They both call the shots on the big day. They both moderate a group of noisy, boisterous dudes with a crucial common goal. They both...wear black and white. As you can see, there are plenty of grounds for grooms to take advice from the acclaimed referee Ed Hochuli to avoid a wedding day fumble. So let's get started. *metaphorical whistle blow* 1) Do not crack under pressure. The wedding day is huge, and there are going to be tons of fans in the audience making sure everyone in the wedding party plays their coordinated part. Keep your eye on the goal, don't make any sudden moves, and if a crisis arises (ringbearer forgets the ring, Grandpa falls asleep) don't react prematurely. Think about what's happening and weigh the odds before act. If we've learned anything from Hochuli, it's that it's easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment, so be on guard. 2) If you do, own up. Perhaps even more important than number one, if you do have a wedding day fumble (forgot the groomsmen gifts, left the DJ's speakers at home) address the issue on the spot with a sincere apology. Don't let the reception crowd create a mutiny against you. Those "I can't believe it's a cash bar" grumbles can get ugly if they get out of hand. Grab the mike, jump on the stage, do whatever you have to do to diffuse the wedding day snafu and apologize for your dumbarsery. As Hochuli easily proves, if you are transparent and accountable, even the biggest wedding day sins can be forgiven. 3) Let your experience speak for you. Even if you do do something dumb at your wedding (one too many performances of the worm on the dance floor, a few too many karaoke renditions of Fiona Apple's "Criminal"), much like Hochuli, your track record of 19+ odd years of being a pretty great guy will speak for you, so don't beat yourself up over one slip-up. And if none of these tactics work, smooth things over with some Hochuli-inspired football groomsmen gifts! The beloved ref may not approve of bribery, but at GroomStand we think a few sports-themed groomsmen gifts are always a good call.

How to Throw a Perfect Political Debate Party

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:42:34 -0800

Groomsmen Gifts and More for Debate Parties

Have your parents ever told you never to talk politics at the dinner table? This rule likely stems from a particularly heated Democratic vs. Republican food fight. Throw a debate party and find out if dinner plates and political discussion can peacefully coexist. But don't invite THAT guy - you know, your one friend who is so passionate about politics he gets red in the face if he sees a certain someone on TV. Only invite people that agree on the important issues or can discuss the election calmly.

The 2008 election features a cast of characters: Sarah Palin, John McCain, Barack Obama and what's that guy's name again? Oh yeah - Joe Biden. Instead of hosting another stuffy dinner party and talking about the current mortgage crisis (blah), invite your groomsmen over for a political party and watch the upcoming debates. According to CNN, there are three debates scheduled this fall: September 26, October 7, and October 15. And don't forget about the Vice Presidential debate on Oct. 2. Watching Obama face off with McCain makes Ultimate Fighting seem dull. Read on and find out how to make your political debate party better than last year's Superbowl soirée. Hint: LOTS of snacks.

Be the Moderator, not the Instigator

Remember, you didn't invite your friends over for a political intervention. Let your guests know the evening will be fun and informative - all opinions welcome. If your groomsmen get fired up over certain issues, don't yell "you're an fool...get out!" Hold a mock election before the candidate showdown. Afterwards, count the votes and see if the debates changed your guests' views at all. Promote healthy political discussion and don't let the drinking get out of hand.

If you invite guests of all political persuasions (and we hope you do), be prepared for heated discussions. To lighten the mood, show "Saturday Night Live" clips during intermission. Tina Fey's impression of Sarah Palin will make anyone giggle - Democrat or Republican. Sarah Palin even laughed at the spoof!

Get Political with Food, Attire, and Groomsmen Gifts

No matter if your guests are liberal, conservative, or somewhere in-between, everyone can agree on food (unless of course, it involves fair trade). Don't skimp on snacks. Serve classic American fare, such as cupcakes, chicken wings, burgers, and chili. Go with obvious decor: red and blue cups, plates, napkins, banners and balloons. Or make your party a hit with a political pinata! Get one of each and let your guests bash the party of their choice. Destroying a pinata gets rid of pent up aggression and the last pinata standing represents our next President. Ok, maybe not, but it's a fun thought.

Don't stop there. Make your fare extra festive with these Democratic and Republican steak brands. Serve your Republicans tasty t-bones branded with their favorite animal - the elephant. And for Democrats? A tiny tofu burger should do. Anyway you cut it, there's nothing more American than politically branded meat!

As for attire, on the invitations request that your guests come clothed in red or blue. Don't dress like Uncle Sam unless it's Halloween, he's frightening. If you have a few independents in the mix ~~tell them to vote for Obama~~ give them the option of wearing green or purple. You'll find hilarious political tee-shirts at CafePress and fun Donkey ties and hats on this political blog. And get kids into politics early on with this adorable political baby tee.

Whether you're a die-hard Democrat or rabid Republican, host a debate party and find out if politics can be discussed at the dinner table. Warning: mention global warming, welfare reform, or health insurance and you might end up with a fork in your forehead. May the best candidate win!

Kick Off your Tailgate Party with These Groomsmen Gifts

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:29:39 -0800

Touchdown! It's football season and time for tailgating. If you're planning a fall wedding, stake out the stadium parking lot for your bachelor party. Tailgate parties may not have Vegas's glitz, glam, or scantily clad women, but they are fiance pre-approved. And you can always hit the clubs after watching the Big Game. Note: host your tailgate bachelor party the Saturday or Sunday a week before your wedding, never the day of; overtime could get you left at the alter.

Here's how to throw the ultimate tailgate party and thank your best men with sports-themed groomsmen gifts. Remember the three "b"s: blankets, burgers, and beer.

There's No Place Like Home

Tailgators strive to make their parking spot look just like home. Bring blankets and your favorite recliner. Place camping chairs around a portable radio or TV (don't forget batteries). The only thing missing? The bar! Set up a cooler with football beer steins and coasters for your guests. Or go all out with personalized pub signs. Bonus points if the sign lights up!

Groomsmen Gifts for Grilling Out

Tailgate parties were made for outdoor cooking - as long as the menu includes meat! Sausages, burgers, and steaks, oh my. Before your next tailgate bash, stock up on grilling gifts for groomsmen. For festive party fare, brand burgers with your favorite player's initials using this custom steak brand. And there's no better time than a tailgate party to present those personalized hip flasks. Or wash down the chips and dips with whiskey held in these NFL shot glasses of course.

Groomsmen Gifts for Pre-Game Entertainment

Before the game begins and during halftime, provide pre-game entertainment. True tailgaters prefer dominoes, but any game will do. Another popular pastime is tailgate trivia - write down your favorite sports trivia questions and ask your groomsmen for the answers. Play tailgate trivia before the beer sets in so the game is fair. And to earn major kudos, give the winner a prize.

Finally, football-themed gifts that won't have your groomsmen calling for an audible! For more great sports-themed gifts and bachelor party accouterments, shop Groomstand.

10 Commandments of Steak Brands (Hint: Don't Use These Groomsmen Gifts on Living Things)

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:04:34 -0800

Steak brands and grilling accessories make the best groomsmen gifts for carnivores. But when you hold a steak brand in your hand, certain temptations arise. Should you brand your cousin, your doorknob, your dog?

Here are 10 things never to brand, no matter how hilarious. Print these commandments out and give them to your buddies with these grilling gifts for groomsmen. And never be the first one to fall asleep, just in case your boys get brand happy.

Thou Shalt Not Brand

I Your Boss's Forehead - If your boss falls asleep at the office, you might be tempted to use this custom steak brand on his forehead. What better way to get him back for making you work over the weekend? Using a steak brand on your boss it the quickest way to get fired. It's also the quickest way to become an office legend.

II Your Neighbor's Cat - Your neighbor's cat hangs out in your yard and you're a dog person. Should you mark the beast with a steak branding iron and send it packing? Not unless you want to be arrested for animal cruelty! Use these branding irons on hamburgers and steaks only. And keep a garden hose nearby for the cat.

III The Sun - If you can face the sun's fiery surface, go ahead and make your mark. But unless you're a superhero, we advise against it. The moon is fair game.

IV Your Drunken Buddy - Every guy who owns a steak brand iron once looked at his passed-out buddy and thought to himself, "should I brand his arm, leg, or forehead?" Drunken buddies are the forbidden fruit of the steak brand commandments. Stick to markers if you can't resist the urge to decorate your sleeping friends. Nothing ends a party faster than a trip to the emergency room.

V Your Sister's Obnoxious Boyfriend - He might be skeevy, but he does not deserve a steak brand to the head. At your next family barbecue, treat him to a loogie burger branded with your initials. He'll get the hint.

VI Politicians - You might be tempted to use these republican and democrat steak brand irons on politicians that oppose your views (or even to brand yourself a loyal party member) but don't do it! Instead, brand a steak and serve it up on election night. Warning: expect a heated debate if you serve a republican steak to an Obama fan.

VII Your Arm (or any other limb) - Don't use these grilling groomsmen gifts to brand your arm or any other limb. The only thing worse than a bad tattoo is a brand with your initials. Can you say narcissist?

VIII Important Documents - It's tempting to use this single letter steak brand anytime you see "initial here," on a document. Go back to elementary school science and research what happens with paper and fire. Still tempting? Think about how you'll explain to your fiance that you lit the marriage license on fire.

IX Your TV - Yes, it's yours, but you don't have to mark it with your initials. A simple sign that reads, "don't touch," will do.

X Your Fiance - It's sexist and the fastest way to get dumped. Read this perfect husband guide book and get help if you even considered branding your girlfriend.

If you can't trust your boys with these steak brands search for groomsmen gifts that don't involve fire. Remember guys, safety first.

Hacker Proposal Leads to Labor Day Wedding

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:44:38 -0800

There's nothing like two gamers in love - date night spent geeking out with a new game, exploring Mario worlds together, cute arguments about who gets to hold the controller - it's gamers' paradise. Software programmer, Bernie Peng took his love of games to a new level when he popped the question using his girlfriend's favorite video game, "Bejeweled."

The Programmer's Proposal Peng rigged "Bejeweled, " a popular video game, so a ring and marriage proposal appeared when his girlfriend Tammy Li reached a certain score. When she finally reached the score, she said, "yes," to Bernie's proposal and scored a partner for life. For "Bejeweled" fans like Li, a virtual diamond beats a real rock.

Rigging Bejeweled turned out to be a tricky task even for programmer Peng. It took a month to hack into the game. The couple married over Labor Day weekend and gave out copies of the game as wedding favors. Their wedding cake was shaped like a video game console. PopCap, the Seattle-based company that makes "Bejeweled" plans to fly the couple to Seattle for the honeymoon.

Groomsmen Gifts for Gamers

Luckily, you don't have to hack a video game to show your groomsmen appreciation. In this section of Sports and Games, you'll find groomsmen gifts for your gaming buddies. And if your bride-to-be is a hardcore gamer like Li, maybe you'll find something for her too.

Get the full scoop on the software programmer and his bejeweled bride here.

Batters Up! You Won't Strike Out with These Groomsmen Gifts

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:05:21 -0800

As the leaves change from green to gold, you might be tempted to trade in your favorite baseball cap for a football jersey. But not so fast! August and September are exciting months for baseball. Playoffs and the World Series are right around the corner. Is it going to be White Sox vs. Diamond Backs? Or Angels vs. Cubs? While you're making predictions for the big game, don't forget about the Big Day. Fall is an excellent time to shop for wedding presents. Get out on the field with these groomsmen gifts and take advantage of the last few months of baseball season.

Engraved Baseball Bats, a Must-Have For Groomsmen Gifts

When it comes to groomsmen gifts, you truly can't go wrong with engraved baseball bats. Every fervid baseball fan will relish his own Louisville Slugger complete with his name and favorite team's logo. (Warning: if you've been feuding about your season picks, make sure he doesn't swing it at your head). Nothing says to a best man, "you're the MVP of my team," like this engraved baseball bat complete with an MVP barrel. And don't forget about your junior groomsman. This miniature replica baseball bat lets little guys join in on the fun. Teach him your best batting techniques and you'll always have someone around who is willing to play the game.

Create a Boys-Only Baseball Hangout

When the weather gets cold and playing baseball outside is no longer an option, create your own baseball-themed watering hole. There's nothing like sharing baseball and beer with your best buds. This vintage baseball tavern sign will remind you of days spent at the stadium, even if it's the off-season. Give the pub sign to your best man and these baseball beer steins to your groomsmen and you're ready to watch the World Series (assuming at least one of you has HD TV). Keep your new man cave clean with these Rawlings home plate coasters.

Custom Bobble Heads, the Grand Slam of Groomsmen Gifts

All your other groomsmen gift ideas pale in comparison to this custom bobble head. That's right - you can customize this bobble head to make miniature versions of your guys. This is the best kind of gift for any serious sports fan. Who wants a bobble head of Derek Jeter when they could have one of themselves? It's outrageous, hilarious and definitely worthy of fireplace display.

We might be near the end of another baseball season, but you're probably not finished checking off that Honey-Do list. Find groomsmen gifts and something for yourself (a custom bobblehead perhaps) at Groomstand.

A Judge, A Scrabble Match, and Gambling Groomsmen Gifts

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:40:09 -0800

In a fling that puts the "court" in courtship, judge Thomas Gehret, 59, and Teresa Giuliana, 52, were united in marriage today.

Grammatical Groomsmen Gifts?

The two met online, and though Gehret's initial lack of spelling and punctuation turned Giuliana off, his challenge to a Scrabble game he was sure to win sparked her interest enough to agree to a first date. Little did she know, it would be in his courtroom. "I walked in, and he's in the middle of the hearing," Terez said. "He knew what I looked like, because I sent him a photo. I figured he'd be the guy in the big chair wearing a black dress." Though it was hardly dinner-and-a-movie, some cozy in-chamber canoodling convinced Giuliana that Gehret was someone she'd like to see again. Things looked promising, but the judge and his lady still had trials ahead. It turned out Gehret-for all his gavel-pounding day job-was surprisingly indecisive in life and had in fact been engaged four times prior with no actual marriages under his belt. Would the runaway groom pull it together to say "I do?" Things looked rocky at first, with one romantic Manhattan marriage proposal that failed to officially pop. But after a surprising health scare, Gehret proposed to Giuliana at a post-ER dinner.

The verdict was marriage

The happy couple got married in Gehret's courtroom, courtroom 603 at the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. A judge colleague who was also a Baptist deacon, presided. And with that, Gehret, the former 100-time officiant, became a first time groom.

Gambling Groomsmen Gifts....

The couple is headed to a happy honeymoon in Vegas, where Gehret plans to participate in the World Series of Poker. Why not send them some poker-themed groomsmen gifts for luck? Read the full story here. And if you're ready for those groomsmen gifts, shop Groomstand.com

Groomsmen Gifts For a True VIP Experience

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:09:29 -0800

Let's face it: until recently, groomsmen duty was a pretty corny gig. You dutifully donned the penguin suit, plastered a big cheesy smile on your face, and gave a highly censored wedding toast, and for what? A few generic groomsmen gifts and a slew of staged pictures where you grin valiantly in an attempt to block out how goon-like you truly look. If you've been there and done that during your own groomsmen tenure, now that you are the groom, it's time to turn the tables with a truly VIP groomsmen experience. Groomsmen Gifts Part 1: Ditch the 80's Tux in Favor of Flashy New Suit Colors While the black and white suit has been a staple of men's wedding wear of yesteryear, this is thankfully finally changing. Just as brides are finally realizing styrofoam white may not be the most flattering color after all, grooms are likewise realizing that a color scheme lifted from a Michael Jackson song might also be best left in the King of Pop past. Instead, it's all about bringing splashes of color into the groomsmen ensemble. Typical tuxes are being replaced with chocolate brown or tan suits, offset by turquoise, fuchsia, or orange vests and bow ties. If you are looking to give your groomsmen truly meaningful groomsmen gifts, start by hooking them with stylish ensembles that won't make them resemble plastic cake toppers. They will love this look and actually be able to wear it again. Groomsmen Gifts Part 2: A Sweet Ride to the Church Now that you've bid adieu to the penguin suit, the next eighties icon to go must surely be the limo. For millennium groomsmen, limos should go the way of Miami Vice and sideburns. Surely there is swanker transportation available in this day and age. A stretch hummer, a hybrid SUV or a party bus are all fun options that make groomsmen duty a little grander for your guys. Groomsmen Gifts Part 3: Take the Pain out of Wedding Toast Writing For many groomsmen, writing the wedding toast is the most painful part. Not only does it go against the official male credo of never talking about your feelings, but even an outgoing guy does not enjoy giving a falsely hearty speech in front of such a mixed crowd. If you're looking for truly creative groomsmen gifts, hook him up with The Perfect Toast, a professional speech writing service. He plugs in the personal details, they whip up a professional, polished speech to win the crowd over, and everyone's happy...including your future in-laws. Groomsmen Gifts Part 4: A Crazy-Candid Photo Shoot A huge trend now is to ditch the formal prom-type wedding pictures in favor of candid, impromptu, and off-the-cuff wedding photography. Instead of strained smiles and endless awkward squatting, do something unique like a black tie touch football game or a juggling contest. Your groomsmen will have a blast, score some wedding pictures they are actually proud to display, and you will have a unique wedding album that feels modern and meaningful. Bonus Tip: Find the greatest shots of each guy in their personal glory, and have them framed as groomsmen gifts. For more great advice on wedding preparation and groomsmen gifts from a guy's perspective, check out GroomStand.

Couple Takes Love to New Heights with a Wing-Walk Wedding

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:12:46 -0800

Why tie the knot on the ground when you can say "I Do" 1,000 feet above the ground on the wings of a biplane? This article about British lovebirds and their wing-walk nuptials makes other "extreme" weddings seem like a walk in the park. Katie, 23 and her groom, Darren, 24, flew side-by-side harnessed to identical biplanes while the Rev. George Bringham, 67 soared ahead and married the couple over a communications system. Before heading into the heavens, the couple exchanged vows on firm ground. When it came time to say "I do," Katie and Darren took to the skies. Guests listened in from loudspeakers.
Given the windy conditions, we imagine the couple couldn't exchange rings or their first kiss as a married couple until they came back down to earth. No groomsmen or bridesmaids joined them in the skies. Maybe the wedding party is afraid of heights or maybe the groom didn't spring for those extra-special groomsmen gifts (shame)!

To capture the spirit of the wing-walking couple, why not take the plunge aboard a hot air balloon? It's safer and slightly more romantic than wing walking. If you have thrill-seeking friends, like newlyweds Katie and Darren McWalters, check out these Groomsmen gifts for the adventurer.

Ready to find those groomsmen gifts? Shop GroomStand for everything you'll need on the big day.

Global Groomsmen Gifts: Wedding Customs from Around the World

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:53:46 -0800

If you think the chicken dance is weird (it is) wait until you see these wedding customs. Better buy your groomsmen top-notch groomsmen gifts or you risk kidnapping, public humiliation, or worse. Keep in mind that every wedding ritual comes from somewhere, but we think most are used solely to embarrass the bride and groom. Blackening the Bride In Scotland, the bride is kidnapped and covered with eggs, feathers, and other gooey substances. Then, she is paraded through town and into the local pubs. Warning: this video might cause a sudden flashback to hazing week. Stealing the Groom's Shoes Bengali weddings are elaborate, three-day affairs. And you thought planning for your one-day wedding was a nightmare! In Bengali custom, the bride's younger siblings and cousins steal the groom's shoes at the celebration. To get his shoes back, he has to pay the kids off promptly or go barefoot.

Log Sawing Out of all the weird wedding traditions, German log sawing takes the cake. The bride and groom, (in formal wedding garb) must work together to saw a log in half. If they can do it without turning on each other, they'll look forward to a happy married life. The couple that saws together stays together! Break a Dish and Make a Wish As another German wedding tradition, friends of the bride and groom shatter dishes before the wedding and the couple cleans up the shattered pieces afterwards. This tradition prepares the couple for married life and gives them good luck. We think it's used to test the groom's domestic prowess. If he sits down and lets the lady clean up, it wasn't meant to be. But if he gets up with a broom, a good groom you'll see.

Now that you know about the other wedding customs out there, the garter toss and dollar dance don't seem so bad. Neither does the stag party. In case your wedding party plans to kidnap and humiliate you, bribe them with groomsmen gifts and more from GroomStand.

Beyond Groomsmen Gifts: 5 Marriage Missions Every Man Must Complete

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:25:12 -0800

Operation: happy groom. Your mission if you choose to accept it is to get ready to walk down the aisle. Bonus points if you can find groomsmen gifts before finishing these five missions.

Mission One - Global Boys Only Bash Operation: Get out of town with the boys. Vegas, South Beach, Cancun, or any party destination. Take the liquor undercover with these camo flasks and equip your guys personalized pub signs or travel accessories as groomsmen gifts. Stat. Mission Accomplished: When you stagger back to the hotel room and are still talking about the trip months later. Mission Failed: If you get arrested or do anything outside the realm of good fiance behavior.

Mission Two - Groomsmen Clean Up Operation: Clean up your groomsmen before the wedding. Give your boys groomsmen gifts this shaving set or these grooming accessories as groomsmen gifts and give them the order to "scrub up." Mission Accomplished: When you have clean-shaven, dapper groomsmen by your side. Mission Failed: If anyone looks like "the Dude" from The Big Lebowski.

Mission Three - Be the Perfect Fiance Operation: Assist the bride. Don't let her carry the weight of the wedding on her shoulders. Help her with the seating charts, invitations, and anything on her "honey-do" list. The only materials you'll need for this mission is a winning personality and this perfect husband guide book. Mission Accomplished: A smiling bride. Mission Failed: If you make her shop for groomsmen gifts for your boys because you "never got around to it".

Mission Four - Schmooze with Future Father in Law Operation: Impress the father of the bride. Plan an outing, just the two of you. When shopping for groomsmen gifts, pick him up a personalized putter and take him to the local country club. Let him know how much you appreciate his daughter. Mission Accomplished: When he puts his hand on your shoulder and calls you son. Mission Failed: If instead of swinging the golf club at the ball, he swings it at your head.

Mission Five - Live Like you Never Lived Before Operation: Make a "bucket list" of things to do before your single life kicks the bucket. Use this blog as an example. Go cliff diving, jump out of a plane, or learn to hang glide. Walk around the house in your underwear and drink straight out of the milk carton. Play video games or poker with your friends until the sun comes up. Blog about your experiences as you complete each task. Mission Accomplished: When you're ready to say farewell to the single guy inside. Mission Failed: If you ever say, "Before I was married, I wish I would have ....."

Success! You completed our five missions and none ended in a trip to the hospital. Now that you're ready for marriage, shop Groom Stand for groomsmen gifts or pick up something to congratulate yourself for a job well done.

Beyond Beer Pong: Fun "Guy Time" Ideas for Married Men

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:13:46 -0800

If you're a married man and run with single guys, expect some teasing when you get back from the honeymoon. Certain crew members might wonder why you'd rather spend time with the new wife than close out the neighborhood watering hole. Every guy has to adjust to married life and so do his friends. Keep them occupied with a few groomsmen gifts while you settle into married life. And start a regular guy's night wit these fun, wife-approved activities.

Combat Boredom with Camo Combat boredom by paint balling the days away! Adventurous and outdoorsy guys live for paint balling. Running through the woods, pretending to be GI Joe and giving friends welts with paintballs happens to be every guy's idea of a good time. Stock up on rustic groomsmen gifts like this pocket knife or personalized green camouflage flask and make paint ball your new weekend tradition.

Batters Up - Start a Softball League Remember those endless summer days when you played baseball until the sun went down? Maybe you were on a little league team or maybe you played with the neighborhood kids, like in the movie The Sandlot. Friendly competition never hurt anyone. Get involved with a formal league or start your own. Kick it off before the wedding with a baseball-themed groomsmen gifts like engraved baseball bats. Once you win the championship, congratulate your MVP with a custom bobblehead.

Get your Groomsmen Go-Karting Before you started thinking about girls, where did you spend Friday and Saturday night? For many guys, the answer is, "in a go-kart, of course!" If your boys have a need for speed, put down the Mario Kart and get them out on the track. Grown-up go-karts are much faster and more fun than the kiddie karts, plus there isn't a backseat driver telling you to slow down. And you can turn it into a competition with demolition derby challenges.

Just because you're married, doesn't mean you have to spend every night on the couch with your wife. Guy time doesn't have to end anytime soon. Now that it's settled, shop Groomstand for groomsmen gifts to go along with these activities.

Looking Good - Best Wearable Groomsmen Gifts

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:47:12 -0800

When it comes to weddings, brides and bridesmaids steal the show. Unless you plan to arrive in kilts, the attention goes to those fancy dresses. But even if all eyes are on the bride, you don't want your boys to roll out of bed and saunter into the ceremony wearing stained tuxes. A few carefully selected groomsmen gifts give your guys the subtle hint to clean up before the wedding.

While your bride-to-be embarks on a treasure hunt for matching jewelry sets, you should pay equal attention to your groomsmen. Not only do wearable groomsmen gifts polish your pals' style, most of them can be worn year long. Here are four of our favorite wearable groomsmen gift ideas.

Wallets and Money Clips: You can't go wrong with wallets as groomsmen gifts. Maybe he's the man who tries to cram everything into an aging wallet until it's the size of a brick. Or maybe he likes to flash his cash in a money clip. Once he has a new wallet in his hands, he'll beg to be carded at the bar, just so he could show it off.

Engraved Cufflinks: Elegant. Timeless. Refined. Cufflinks are like jewelry for men. With these cufflinks, he'll be one dapper dude at your wedding. Theseengraved cufflinks make great gifts for fathers and grandfathers too, so while you're selecting your groomsmen gifts, pick up a pair for gramps.

Bachelor Party T-Shirts: Hopefully, he'll know enough not to wear his bachelor party t-shirt to the wedding. Bachelor party t-shirts make fun groomsmen gifts for your party animal pals. After the celebration, he can wear it to bed or future stag parties.

Bags and Briefcases: Let's face it, he needs to toss the backpack. Messenger bags, attaches, and briefcases are the hippest thing in male fashion. Take his look from juvenile to gentleman with this saddle bag briefcase or this sleek business attache.

Every guy needs wardrobe updates from time to time. Get your guys up on the latest trends before the wedding with these wearable groomsmen gifts. Shop Groomstand for fashionable gifts for groomsmen and more.

Groomsmen Gifts with a Twist: How to Make a Dirty Martini

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:10:36 -0800

If you are old enough to say "I do", keg stands and blurry beer pong games are most likely a thing of the past. Leave them there. Don't try to recreate your college years by forming a frat with your groomsmen a la the movie Old School. With a few groomsmen gifts, some engraved bar accessories, and a mixology lesson, your boys can go from sloppy to suave.

Ah, the martini. What could be said about this classic cocktail that hasn't been said before? E.B. White called it "the elixir of quietude." James Bond preferred his martinis "shaken, not stirred." A martini instantly makes a man seem sexy and mysterious. What secret ingredient makes a martini "dirty"? The olive juice!

Some guys prefer shaken and some prefer stirred. Options for both are listed below. Before you shake or stir anything, start with the ingredients. You'll need:

2 1/2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. dry vermouth
3/4 oz. Olive Juice (or to taste)
Olive for garnish

Stirred: Pour the gin and dry vermouth into a mixing glass. Slowly add the olive juice. Stir, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the olive.

Shaken: Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the olive.

After you perfect the dirty martini, find groomsmen gifts and create a martini lounge. Start with this personalized martini glass set or this personalized martini after hours sign. For more groomsmen gifts and engraved bar accessories, shop Groomstand.

Whoops! Best Wedding Bloopers Ever Caught on Tape

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:18:45 -0800

Baseball bloopers don't hold a candle to these hilarious wedding bloopers. What's with all the grooms fainting before the vows? If your best men pass out or extinguish a fire at your wedding, give them some top-notch groomsmen gifts to say thanks. The right groomsman gift makes that trip to the hospital seem a little less painful.

And don't show your fiance these outtakes until after the wedding. The last thing she wants to worry about is losing her veil or (shudder) teeth.

Gain a Husband, Lose your Teeth Grooms and groomsmen who get grossed out easily should not watch this video. We hope the groom already knew about her false teeth. That's one surprise that should be revealed before the wedding day.

Wedding Day Falls and Fainting This compilation has some of the best wedding carnage ever caught on tape. If your guys are this clumsy, give them groomsmen gifts like first aid kits and bandages.

A Groom Possessed We aren't sure what exactly happened to this groom but it makes one hilarious outtake. During the vows, a spirit takes over his body. Luckily, the "holy ghost" leaves before the minister announces them man and wife.

Wild Wedding Moments From misbehaving ring bearers to out-of-control bouquet tosses, this compilation includes everything that could go wrong during a wedding.

Now that you've seen the best wedding bloopers, prepare yourself for your own wedding. Shop GroomStand for everything you'll need on the Big Day.

To Shave or Not to Shave - Wedding Facial Hair Trends

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:50:48 -0800

Conan O'Brien and David Letterman refused to shave during the writers' strike. Hockey players sprout full beards during the playoffs every year. And who could forget in 2004 when the clean-shaven Yankees lost the American League Championship to the grizzly Red Sox? Seems like solidarity beards and mustaches are the newest way to bond with your boys. Mustache Mania

Requesting your guys not to shave might make you seem like a groomzilla, so sweeten the deal with quality groomsmen gifts. Bridesmaids flaunt "go bride," spirit with matching glitter tank tops and jewelery. You and your groomsmen can show solidarity with Tom Selleck mustaches and these groomsmen t-shirts. If you decide matching mustaches are the way to go, keep them nicely trimmed. There is nothing worse than unkempt facial hair.

Grizzly Groomsmen

Whether you and your groomsmen grow goatees, soul patches, or 5 o'clock shadows, get the bride's approval first. She probably won't want pictures of you and your handlebar mustache, no matter how fantastic it is. To avoid such a scenario (and many, many tears) shave off the stubble as part of a bachelor party ritual. Give your guys the luxury of an old-fashioned shave with this shaving kit.

Wedding Facial Hair Ins and Outs

You don't have to study pogonology to know what's in and what's out. Just look around. Pencil-thin mustaches and chin straps are out. Short, bristly beards and five o'clock shadows (think George Clooney) stay in style. When in doubt, go au naturel or ask your best men what looks best. For shaving kits, groomsmen gifts, and more shop GroomStand.

Cool Groomsmen Gifts for Guy Getaways

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:09:20 -0800

Sometimes guys need to take a trip with their buddies, without the bride to be. Guys-only trips have been done since hunters went out in groups to search for food. Whether your band of buddies is like the Rough Riders or Miles and Jack in Sideways, planning your last harrah doesn't have to be a hassle. Bring along some cool groomsmen gifts to make your "mancation" truly memorable.

Groomsmen Gifts for Wine Tasting Trips Wine tasting might seem like a snooze, but biking through Napa Valley or Santa Ynez might be ideal for your guy getaway. With all the debauchery in Vegas, your fiance will be happy to know you'll be strolling through vineyards instead of down the strip. But wine tasting can be wild. Drink Merlot to your heart's content, followed by an afternoon of golfing, and end the night with some premium stogies. Surprise your wannabe sommeliers with these glasses and this wine presentation case as groomsmen gifts.

Groomsmen Gifts for Mountain Mancations

Did you grow a beard to purposely look more like Chuck Norris? Do you and your buddies have weekly gatherings to watch Man vs. Wild? If so, it might be time to take on the outdoors. A wild guy getaway starts in the wild. Hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, it's all good. But definitely bring provisions like these pocket knives as groomsmen gifts. Missing the wedding because you were lost in the Yukon is not cool.

Batter Up Boys There is no better time for a guy getaway then baseball season. Pick a stadium you haven't seen before and take your bachelor party on the road. To celebrate your team's victory (and your upcoming nuptials) head out on the town. Find the nearest neighborhood sports bar and rile up the fans. Just in case your guy get-together turns too rowdy, bring a baseball bat for protection. Joking aside, engraved baseball bats and this personalized baseball make great groomsmen gifts for your sports-obsessed friends.

Whether you're going to catch waves in Cabo or a game at Fenway Park, a guy getaway is a rite of passage. Before you embark on your next adventure shop for some cool groomsmen gifts at GroomStand.

The Perfect Pitch: Best Proposals from the Baseball Diamond

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:06:46 -0800

She said, "Yes." What a relief! Now you can sit back and watch these nervous grooms-to-be make their pitch. Even though you're done with the big proposal, you still have to ask your friends and family to stand up for you on the Big Day. What better way to persuade your buddies then with these stunning baseball groomsmen gifts? You could throw in box seats as extra incentive! Or get down on one knee with an engraved baseball bat.

Watching these baseball proposals can help you get up the nerve to "propose" to your buddies. We promise, they won't sob uncontrollably like these soon-to-be brides.

Miners Engagement This is no minor-league proposal. Meghann was picked at "random" to throw the opening pitch at the Miner's game. But she is thrown a real curve ball when the catcher turns out to be her boyfriend and suddenly gets down on one knee.

Astros Kiss Cam Proposal Most guys hate the kiss cam. You're trying to watch the game and all of a sudden, you're on a big screen with mustard all over your face. Your girlfriend leans in for a kiss and you lean back, not wanting her to smell the hot dog you just devoured. Not cool. This guy scores extra points for using the dreaded kiss cam to his advantage. Simply genius.

Proposal Gone Wrong This baseball proposal gone wrong involves a runaway girlfriend and a mascot strip tease. Need we say more?

Sweet Surprise Who doesn't like a good surprise? This baseball proposal is sugary sweet. Take cues from this proposal pro and surprise your guys with baseball-themed groomsmen gifts.

Now that you saw the best proposals on the baseball diamond, it's time to get back to business. Shop Groomstand for groomsmen gifts and more.

Cigar Night - Start a Cigar Club with the Guys

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:03:04 -0800

Remember that scene in "Knocked Up", when Pete went behind his wife's back to participate in that nerdy baseball draft? Poor Pete! We all know guys (especially married ones) long for male camaraderie. From boy scouts to fraternities to the mob, the boys-only club is an American institution. But now that you're married guys' night doesn't have to end. With a few groomsmen gifts and some creative ideas, you can start you're own cigar club and hang with the guys, without being as secretive as Tony Soprano.

Set up a Smokescreen Hate to say it, but she probably disapproves of your stinky cigar habit. There is nothing worse than going in for a kiss and catching a whiff of a stale Swisher. To appease your new wife and your best buds, designate one room as your man lair and take your stogies underground. Deck it out in wood paneling and Cuban furniture. Then, mark your territory with this classic pub sign. As an invitation into the brotherhood, enroll your groomsmen into a cigar of the month club. Or present club members with these personalized humidors and cigar holders as groomsmen gifts. Just don't forget the lighters!

Initiation Rituals What's any club without initiation? We definitely don't suggest anything as serious as a hell week hazing from your frat days, but do have a little fun with club initiation. Make your club members smoke the worst tasting cigar you can find. Or have them dress in classic Havana costumes for a night. Once all members have passed initiation, throw a party and pass out the latest issue of Cigar Aficionado and these cigar-related groomsmen gifts. Your buddies will be super proud to belong to the most exclusive club in town. Cigars, Scotch, and Golf: A Debonair's Dream Although puffing stogies while shooting the breeze with your boys sounds entertaining, you'll need more than that to keep your buddies entertained. Nothing goes better with a premium cigar than premium scotch. Definitely have an endless supply ready for your guys and give out these flasks as groomsmen gifts, so you won't get stuck washing out their glasses. And if it's a sunny day, take a club field trip to the golf course. Cigar smoking isn't legal everywhere, but there is nothing wrong with a cigar in the car (unless of course, your new bride disagrees). For more cigar items and groomsmen gifts, shop GroomStand.

Best Wedding Dances Video Round Up

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:56:08 -0800

What do you get when you have a dance floor, inebriated guests, and rockin' wedding songs? A hilarious wedding video! These wedding guests shimmied into Internet stardom with their awesome (and not so awesome) moves. Turn the music up, pop the popcorn, and get down with these hilarious wedding dances. Warning: after viewing, you might want to buy all your guys dance lessons as groomsmen gifts.

Soul Train Splits The antics begin once the groom moves into the Soul Train. He has some old school moves and at one point breaks into his own rendition of the running man (a must at any wedding). Note: if you are going to attempt these moves, plan to stretch first.

Hip Hop Hilarity These kids aren't even old enough to drink and they are breaking it down circa 1976. How does a kid under 12 learn the robot? Impressive. Show Stealer This time, it isn't a jealous bridesmaid that steals the bride's thunder, it is the groom. He gyrates to the music in a whirlwind of limbs, while she sways from side to side, obviously embarrassed. Hey, the groom might not be Kevin Bacon, but he is definitely footloose. Break Dance Surprise This bride and groom surprise their guests by stopping their romantic (see dull) first dance and breaking into an old-school break dance. Unfortunately the bride doesn't spin on her head, but this is definitely one entertaining wedding video. The Thrill of Thriller Nothing says wedding like a zombie bridal party. Although the Thriller dance has been done to death, this bridal party does an exceptional job replicating Michael Jackson's moves. Not an easy feat. Let's hope that these groomsmen received extra-special groomsmen gifts for spending all that time in rehearsal.

Now that you had a good laugh, it's time to get back to business. Shop Groomstand for wedding-day accessories and more.

Baseball Wedding Cake Hall of Fame

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:50:25 -0800

Incorporate your love of the game in more than just groomsmen gifts

For many men, spring means two things: getting engaged and baseball. Sports-loving grooms generally relegate their love of the sport into their bachelor party, groomsmen gifts and possibly their wedding reception. But with the rise of groom cakes, it's possible to incorporate your passion for baseball in a whole new way. Check out this gallery of baseball-themed grooms cakes here for inspiration for your own wedding. Vote on your favorite in the comments! Before you peruse our baseball wedding cake hall of fame, shop GroomStand for baseball-themed groomsmen gifts and more.

Ghostly Groomsmen Gifts: Take a Bachelor Party Road Trip to Haunted Baseball Parks

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:04:59 -0800

Step 1: Withhold their groomsmen gifts until they agree to a ghostly adventure�?�

Getting married in a ball park is a classic fantasy for any baseball lover-right up there with proposing on the Jumbotron, getting engraved bats as groomsmen gifts, and having your bachelor party in a suite at your favorite team�??s game. But if your bride-to-be�??s not a baseball fan, it might be time to think outside the box seat when incorporating your love of the game into your upcoming nuptials. On that note, how about having your bachelor party be a cross-country tour of haunted baseball parks? No one could accuse you of being unoriginal, and it turns out there may be plenty to choose from, according to the book Haunted Baseball by co-authors Dan Gordon and Mickey Bradley.

Over a period of two years, the two authors interviewed over 800 past and present major league baseball players including Jim Thome, Derek Jeter, Jason Varitek, Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez, Omar Vizquel, Chipper Jones, Jay Gibbons, Mike Piazza, Michael Young, Derek Lee, Paul Konerko, David Wright, and many others. Their freaky findings would chill the blood of any baseball fan, so read on�?�.

Step 2: Arm your guys with Louisville sluggers as ghost-busting groomsmen gifts, and head out to�?�.

Yankee Stadium. After conducting these interviews, the authors were surprised to find how many baseball players swore that the ghosts of Yankee greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehri, Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle, still lurk at Yankee Stadium. It is believed these friendly spirits are responsible for helpful ghostly hijinks: getting balls to slip through an infielder�??s legs, land in the outfield for hits, or clear the way for a well-timed home run.

Wrigley Field. Night shift security guards at Wrigley report spooky occurrences as well: a voice calling out their name in the dead of night, the bullpen phone ringing despite an empty dugout. The guards believe these antics are the handiwork of the ghost of Chicago Cubs manager Charlie Grimm. On the other hand, paranormal investigators believe that the late spirits of bleacher bums may be the resident ghosts at Wrigley.

Dodger Stadium. Bridezillas in the midst? Past and present stadium employees at Dodger Stadium described seeing a misty apparition waver across the field at three in the morning, as well as a woman in stilettos clattering late at night along the top deck of the empty ballpark.

Step 3: Make it out of their alive, clutching your hard-won groomsmen gifts. Then send your stories to www.hauntedbaseball.com and become part of baseball history.

Groomsmen Gift Ideas for the Mogul

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:44:50 -0800

He bails you out after every "skirmish" with the law and helps you turn your amazing ice cream taco into a patented business venture. He always invites you to his boxed seats at the baseball game and, like all good moguls, has a never ending supply of fancy imported bottled water. You tease him about being the "dad' of the groomsmen group but secretly you admire his ambition and his cutthroat negotiation skills. When it comes to groomsmen gift ideas for such a shrewd investor, only the best will earn his buy-in. That's where GroomStand comes in.... Groomsmen Gift Ideas for your Primary Shareholder

Personalized Multi-Function Corkscrew. Help him put the "wine" in wining and dining with this multi-function corkscrew! Whether he's dazzling clients over drinks or unwinding after a long day in the office, this smooth satin-finish tool is a mogul's trusty companion! Featuring ingenious features like a foil cutter, a knife and a bottle opener, this is one of our most clever groomsmen gift ideas! A CEO (or aspiring CEO) will always look cool and together when his carries this compact gadget with him. An affordable groomsmen gift with plenty of bells and whistles, we are sure the tycoon groomsman will pat you on the back for a sound investment.
Personalized Silver Plated Dollar Paperweight. You've already nicknamed him "Ch-ching" so these dollar sign paperweights make perfect groomsmen gifts for your hardworkin' homeboy. He can compile his many contracts beneath this CEO good luck charm. It's like the business equivalent of blowing on dice! If you want groomsmen gifts with character, look no further than this blingin' paperweight.
Personalized Business Attache Case. This trusty attache case exudes modern style and masculinity. The perfect travel bag and business companion, this functional case holds all his essential documents and personal affects. For truly meaningful groomsmen gifts, personalize with your guys' initials.
The Rawlings Portfolio. A great pitch is all in the presentation. That's why we proudly present the Rawlings Portfolio, one of our greatest groomsmen gift ideas ever. With this cool classic-glove portfolio, the Mogul will be the envy of all his colleagues. Perfect for safeguarding company documents and concealing his fantasy roster at the same time. Hey, CEO's can get away with that sort of thing.
Personalized Leather Five Watch Box. He's the only guy you know who is actually travels regularly to five different time zones, so the five slot watch box helps him make a smooth transition when doing business across the pond. Constantly re-setting his watch just compounds the jet lag-better to slip into a brand new timepiece for each country. The five watch box allows the mogul to show off his vast collection of fancy timepieces, while providing a safe place for these valuables when in a foreign city.

Where can I find more great groomsmen ideas like these?

here

Groomsmen Gift Ideas for the Life of the Party Groomsmen

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:52:53 -0800

Looking for groomsmen gift ideas for the life of the party groomsmen can be daunting, considering he is the host who has everything. But don't worry, Groomstand has you covered! For this generous and spontaneous friend who is always good for the random Vegas trip and let you crash at his pad when the bride threw you out during the Great Reception Music Dispute, here are a couple of groomsmen gift ideas for the man's man who's still in touch with his college lifestyle.

Groomsmen Gift Ideas for the Perennial Bachelor

Art Form Money Clip and Wallet. The Life of the Party is always a Big Spender, partially because his bachelor pad is often located in his mother's basement. At any rate, showing everyone a good time is his mantra, and this artsy money clip makes it easy for him to whip out his wad and spring for another round. The perfect clubbing accessory, he can hold his ID, credit cards and cash, and won't have to worry about bringing a bulky wallet. Bribing the bouncer at the door is easy with the Art Form Money Clip! Personalized Pub Signs. If you are looking for groomsmen gift ideas that will promptly launch you into the Brotherhood of Great Grooms, personalized pub signs are the way to go. These wildly popular groomsmen gifts can be personalized with your buddy's moniker, from full names, to team names and nicknames. Customize further with his favorite pastimes, ethnic background, or preferred stomping grounds. From a Tiki bar motif to a cabin in the woods, there is a personalized pub sign for everyone who likes the idea of "owning" his own bar. Grand Pilsner with Pewter Medallion. Beneath their gruff exterior, male bonding and pride is extremely important to the Life of the Party. This is the guy who is a staple at every manly pastime, from sporting events to camping trips. He lives for his buddies, and likes to be acknowledged for his loyalty and establishes place in the pack (although he would never admit it). That's why these groomsmen gifts bearing the "groomsmen" distinction are a perfect choice for the Life of the Party. Both sentimental and sinful, this Pilsner glass is perfect for pouring a cold one and reminiscing over past adventures.The glass is always full when you are drinking with the Life of the Party! Personalized Smoke Shop Sign. Nothing says celebration like a fine cigar, so if the Life of the Party is bawling like a proud papa on the day they give you away from the clutches of bachelorhood, help smooth things over when you give these personalized smoke shop signs as groomsmen gifts. A calming stogie and the Life of the Party will be out on the dance floor doing his best John Travolta impression in no time! Personalized Poker Sets. For the Life of the Party, the biggest concern is that there will still be plenty of opportunities for guy's nights after the garter is tossed. Allay his fears with groomsmen gifts that celebrate a premiere male bonding pastime: poker! These personalized poker sets are just the thing to ensure that weekly guy's nights bluffing, bonding and robbing one another will still be in the cards.

Now that I've got all these great groomsmen gift ideas, what do I do?

Great question! Find the groomsmen gifts that caught your fancy, order them in a snap on GroomStand.com, and go back to couch-surfing. Aint life grand?!

Groomsmen Gift Ideas for the Debonair Groomsman

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:13:51 -0800

Do you have a dapper fellow in your entourage for whom you need debonair groomsmen gift ideas? Of course you do! No groomsmen party would be complete without this smooth-talking pal who can convince the bartender to stay open past two and the reluctant bridesmaid to date his �??good personality�?? friend. Reward his many contributions by checking out the suave groomsmen gifts below:

The Debonair Groomsmen Gift Ideas LeaderBoard

Engraved Silver Square Cuff Links. If you're looking for debonair groomsmen gift ideas, cuff links are a can't-lose choice. Cuff links make great groomsmen gifts, adding instant class and a polished look to your guy's three piece suit. Any rogue will appear suddenly civilized when you add a pair of these elegant engraved silver square cuff links to his Big-Day ensemble. With their flashy modern aesthetic, the silver square style is one of our most popular groomsmen gifts. Add his initials for personalized groomsmen gifts that distinguish your elegant gent from the pack.
Personalized Lock-Back Knife. Even a debonair has occasional use for a dagger-even if it's only for removing the rind on a wheel of Brie! At any rate, these jaunty pocket knives define cutting-edge groomsmen gifts, ha ha ha. Seriously, from opening bottles to unscrewing hard-to-coax screws to defending a bridesmaid's honor, these personalized lock-back knives make a rakish statement the debonair groomsmen is sure to love! These stainless steel knives can be be customized with fifteen characters for personalized groomsmen gifts that make a bold statement.
Personalized Men's Micro-Fiber Toiletry Bag. As the one who puts the "groom" in groomsmen, the debonair will bring plenty of toiletries to the Big Day. If you're looking for creative groomsmen gift ideas for this well-kept character, a personalized toiletry bag is a handsome and practical choice. Help him tote his cologne, tweezers, shaving equipment and more with this manly messenger bag. With a sturdy belted exterior and four zipped inner compartments, your guy's valuables will be organized and secure during the ceremony and beyond. These popular groomsmen gifts can also be personalized to avoid mix-ups!
Rhodium Rectangle Cuff Links. When it comes to cuff links, rhodium is the new titanium! This silvery-white metal is the latest member of the platinum family to be highlighted for groomsmen gifts and accessories. Coupled with the unique rectangle shape, these groomsmen gifts take your classic fella from debonair to true iconoclast (every debonair's dream!) These groomsmen gifts will have heads turning with their trend-setting style.
Personalized Drinking Glasses. The sound of clinking glasses is the debonair's personal soundtrack, so don't forget these personalized drinking glasses when you are scouting for groomsmen gift ideas. These jazzy tumblers each hold 14 oz of his favorite libation, and can be personalized with a bold initial so there will be no doubts about who to toast with each sip. CHEE-UHS!

Wow, what Great Groomsmen Gift Ideas I�??ve just Gotten!

From Dugout to Doghouse: How to Win Over your Bride-to-Be During Baseball Season

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:44:25 -0800

Don't let baseball season drive you and your fiancee apart! Here are some tips for having the both of best worlds.

Remind her of the increasing celebrity angle to sports. With celeb/sports marriages like Posh and David Beckham and Eva and Tony Parker, each play-by-play is potential Perez Hilton fodder. By tapping her into all the glamor and gossip that surrounds the sports world, she�??ll warm up to being one of the Baseballer�??s Wives in no time!
Use your fantasy baseball earnings towards the wedding. This will help her see your fantasy league less as a fratty hobby, and more as a side job (which she should give you absolute peace and quiet to concentrate on). Once you can afford to upgrade the reception menu to three courses or finally buy those groomsmen gifts she�??s been pestering you about, she�??ll be much forgiving about a little internet "investment".
A league of her own. Hook her up with the ever-famous Celebrity League so she can understand the thrill of the bracket first hand. You two can spend many happy hours hunkered over your laptops on the couch, and the tension will totally dissipate.
Keep a separate browser window open so that when you hear her come in the room, you can quickly change your screen from your fantasy scores to perusing the groomsmen gifts right here at Groomstand. We�??ve got your back, buddy!
Propose to her on the big screen at the ballpark. With one swift move, a stinky old stadium quickly turns into �??your�?? spot. She�??ll be so mushy she won�??t even mind when you spring on engraved baseball bats as groomsmen gifts. If you don�??t think she�??s the type to be wowed by a sports proposal, remind her of the scene from Legally Blonde 2 When Elle and Emmett plan to wed on the baseball field via a �??recently ordained umpire.�?? Even the girliest girl will not be able to fall for this fool-proof logic.
Bring your bride-to-be an entourage of baseball comforts. A cute baseball hat, a comfy pillow to sit on, and a nice cashmere blanket will make her feel like royalty and nix all the complaints about the Spartan conditions of the baseball stadium. Your pals may be thrilled with the ankle flasks you bought them as groomsmen gifts, but women need a little more luxury to enjoy a lengthy sporting event.
Be attentive when you are in the wedding planning. When you are out cake tasting and band auditioning, don�??t check your Iphone every five minutes to see your stats. Setting these limits and being attentive when it�??s important to her will go a long way to keeping the peace during this prime sports season.

Berlin Blooms with Brand New Golf Courses

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:02:35 -0800

This striking travel article relates the seeming anomaly like this: "But let me offer a more mundane example of the way in which a visitor�??s interests differ from those of an inhabitant. In Berlin I meet my friend Karin in a long narrow restaurant off Savignyplatz. It�??s Saturday noon and I eat a late German breakfast of cheese and wurst and rolls, while she contents herself with a glass of champagne. She�??s an agent and I�??m a hack, and so mostly we talk books, what we�??re reading, the things I�??ve reviewed, the German novels she�??s lately sold to American publishers. But we talk about Berlin as well, and she gives me a tip, something I should look into, something about Berlin that�??s both new and not obvious. Golf courses." The article goes on to describe how Berlin was of course, not a golf playing city, not until 1989 commemorated the opening of the Wall and more land became suddenly available. But thanks to Berlin regaining the capital, and more well-known companies opening up international shops, golf courses are springing up all over the once desolate Brandenburg farmland. The author points out that while he was at first incredulous at the ideas of golf courses in Germany, he could reconcile it in his mind as a symbol of Berlin's reunification. On that note, why not do a little reunifying of your own when you plan a destination golf bachelor party in Berlin? If it's caught on somewhere as incongruous as Germany, no doubt the golf trend is truly huge. Celebrate the globalization of golf when you give our personalized golf putters as groomsmen gifts. The author of this article also describes the "cool Pilsner tingle" he equates with Germany. Pilsner and putters? If that doesn't spell awesome bachelor party, we don't know what does.

Wedded Couple Trades Electric Slide for Electric Shock

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:12:43 -0800

It was a pretty traditional wedding-until the tasering began. See how one Vallejo couple ended up spending their wedding night in jail after being stunned and subdued by taser-bearing police. Highlights include quotes like this, "Them do what they do," said astute observer JB Burroughs."It's they wedding night!"They gotta have fun!" as well as a commentator who sounds suspiciously like Ryan Seacrest. Check it out here!

Celebrate Your Wedding and Baseball Season with Groomstand�??s Help

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:01:22 -0800

Finding the right gift for your groomsmen can be a very sucky process. After all, the average male would rather sit on the couch in boredom than shop for gifts, especially when they�??re for other guys! But buying the gift this time of year is really easy. It�??s springtime, after all, which means improving weather, uncovering the grill, and most importantly the start of baseball season! That�??s right, the sport you�??ve missed so much the last 5 months is finally back at a local of major league ball park near you. The fact that you�??re getting married soon makes buying the right groomsmen gift a simple task. Why not commemorate the happiness of your marriage-to- be with the arrival of baseball season? Your one-stop source for baseball apparel is groomstand.com. Want a personalized gift? Groomstand has a full line of authentic Louisville Slugger miniature and full-sized bats that can be personally engraved right on the �??sweet spot.�?? After the memorable wedding festivities the bat will be sure to become a cool souvenir taking an honorary place on a prominent shelf or resting comfortably in a corner. If you�??re interested in something smaller a personalized baseball & holder is the ticket. With the personalized baseball a great friend can be commended with a �??The Man�?? or a �??Cool Dude�?? personalization. Of course, if you�??re the joking and playful type the �??Bat Boy�?? or �??Worst Ever�?? route above his name could draw some laughs. Interested in something that can be used on an everyday basis? Look no further than a Rawlings mouse pad or a Rawlings drink coaster (works especially great for beer!). For those who have buddies that are constantly traveling the Rawlings travel wallet holds can hold a passport, travel tickets, 5 credit cards, ID, and currency. These features coupled with the soothing baseball glove smell the wallet boasts will go a long way towards minimizing the stresses of travel. What�??s the best part of buying all of these gifts, though? They�??re all available at groomstand.com so just pull out your laptop and you won�??t even have to leave the couch to buy them!

Baseball Groomsmen Gifts for Good Sports

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:01:33 -0800

Opening day is just around the corner, and the beauty of baseball season is about to begin! True sports fans are thinking of nothing else, and GroomStand has some great ways to show your sportsmanship both in and out of the stadium. First off is our all-star selection of baseball bats. From Louisville sluggers to Rawlings big sticks, our stellar lumber selection make for sweet groomsmen gifts to celebrate your two great loves! For your ace, spring for the Engraved Baseball Bat MVP Barrel. All of our groomsmen gifts are bad-ass, but this handsome baseball bat is truly best man quality.
Even the most die-hard fan can�??t carry a baseball bat everywhere. But that doesn�??t mean you still can�??t show your team spirit with other sporty accessories. For a slightly subtler approach, the business men in your life would love getting these Rawlings travel wallets as groomsmen gifts. The next best thing to your perfectly broken-in mitt, this Rawlings wallet recalls his love of the glove. Made of real Rawlings leather, this groomsmen gift will help him display his sports pride while providing him a practical home for his passport, plane tickets and credit cards. Score! Last but not least, help him bring the excitement of the stadium right to his personal sports bar (aka his living room) with Rawlings Home Plate coasters. From the comfort of home, not only can your fellas enjoy a cold brew at half the price, these glove leather coasters keep the baseball spirit alive and thriving. With signature stitching and real leather, the beer marks these coasters accrue will only add to the weathered baseball glove feel! Personalize for increased player pride. Watching each play on his plasma big screen, you and your groomsmen will feel every inch the sports fans, right from your lazy-boys. These are just a few of the great baseball-themed gifts GroomStand offers. Check out the whole collection here.

March Madness and Marriage: The Championship Edition

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:28:27 -0800

I'm a good planner. It's one of those reasons my fiancée brags about me to her girlfriends. I'm always on time; I plan romantic dinners; I'm good with numbers; I've always got a pen handy. To top it off, I've been dutifully helping out with the logistics of our upcoming wedding for over a year now. She tells me her friends are so jealous when she regales them with stories of my planning abilities. She says she has no worries about the wedding going off without a hitch. "Don't forget about the honeymoon, too!" I remind her. She nods and goes back goes back to perusing the guest RSVP list. We're less than two weeks away, and our wedding is on April 5th. Yes, I know, that's NCAA Final Four Saturday! The culmination of March/April Madness! It's near sacrilege! But worry not. Like I said, I'm a good planner, and I've got it all covered: Exhibit A, the big video screen: Yes, we'll have to cut away for the weepy slideshow during the broadcast commercial breaks, but the rest of the time we'll have semifinal game action, twenty feet high! Can't wait for that first slam dunk! Exhibit B, hors d'oeuvres: I negotiated a deal. She got to choose the dinner menu if I got to select the snackables. How do hot wings, potato poppers and li'l smokies sausages tickle your tastebud palate? All fancied up by our caterer of course! They sound so good to me I just might pass on the main entree! Exhibit C, a little friendly competition: What else? A Pop-a-Shot Three Point game for the kids to play with (I might take a turn or two myself). Sounds more fun than tossing a bouquet, don't you think? And for the pièce de résistance, did I mention our honeymoon is in Las Vegas? When I plan an event, I plan it right! I didn't get to choose the date of our wedding (do you really think I would purposefully dishonor the Basketball Gods with a selection like that?), but there's no way I'm going to miss watching the championship game in the greatest gambling city of all time! I've got it planned to the last detail. We're staying at the New York New York Hotel, which just happens to house the ESPN Zone Restaurant. Wall-to-wall TVs and game grub galore. My groomsmen are flying in on the sly for a little casino sports book gambling party too. I'm sweetening the pot by giving these personalized poker sets as groomsmen gifts. I've got 15 filled out tournament brackets on the line, and I'm hoping at least one of them comes through! And if not, I'm sure it won't hurt to make a wager or two as well. We'll soon be cutting down the nets in our first home together, with a little luck! One of my groomsmen asked me if I shouldn't actually tell my fiancée about all these plans, but I don't think that's necessary quite yet. Besides, I've sacrificed so much for this wedding already. Like, the other day I was on hold with the limousine company and I totally missed the the end of the West Virginia-Duke upset! Some things are just sacred to a sports fan. Missing the championship is out of the question. When she finally does find out, I hope she'll understand. The final touch of my plan is to explain it to her this way: "At least we're not having the bachelor party in Las Vegas as well!"

March Madness: How to Get Your Bride on Board!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:19:23 -0800

Why do men nation-wide love this time of year? Because the wonderful annual event known as the Men�??s Division 1 NCAA Basketball Championship, aka March Madness, can be viewed live on TVs across the land. Gentleman, let�??s face it �?? the build-up to getting married can be stressful as hell! Planning is something we�??re great at when it comes to a fishing trip, a business dinner, or a horror movie marathon. But guest invitations and candles? Not so much. During this period, a little recreational time can work wonders in the �??maintaining your sanity�?? department, and the tourney can be that instant remedy you so desperately crave. A little time parked with a beer-in- hand in front of the tube can help you feeling refreshed when it�??s time to tackle the wedding plans once again. Get some buddies involved and your time will be even better spent. �??But my fiancée doesn�??t like it when I divert my attention from her for too long�?? you say. Well, she�??ll love the fact that the experience will leave you as a refreshed and enthusiastic husband-to-be, and here�??s a list that details how the tournament can make that happen. 1. Your planning struggles will be gone �?? yelling at the TV will help release that pent-up frustration! 2. You can subtly prod your buddies to figure out which direction to go with their groomsmen gifts 3. Your bracket victory in the office pool will help fund the wedding! 4. It�??s a chance to spend time with your friends �?? remind her that they�??re also a key to happiness. 5. The married life lessons you�??ll learn �?? teamwork, sacrifice, etc. 6. It will help your Grad-school search and a better career �?? Suddenly you�??re considering previously unknown schools like Davidson and Western Kentucky. 7. Being decked out from head to toe in your favorite school�??s apparel will remind her of your ability to be dedicated to a cause. 8. You can get all of the crude jokes and behavior out of you before the wedding�?�.ok, maybe some at least 9. It will be a chance to get wedding pointers from your experienced married friends. 10. The cleaning benefits - you�??ll be obligated to clean the living room before and probably after your friends leave 11. Articulating why your team has a better shot at the title with your friends will help your public speaking abilities (comes in handy when it�??s time for the vows). 12. She�??ll know exactly where to find you if something important comes up�?�..preferably after the day�??s games of course. 13. Deciding what chips and beer to buy will give you practice in being more decisive �?? comes in handy when choosing which shade of pink the napkins should be. 14. The victors will inspire you to be at your best everyday�?�..alright, so this one�??s a bit of a stretch. 15. Most importantly, it will give her some free time too! Think of this list as a mere starting point. After all, any way you can turn enjoying March Madness into a positive pre-wedding device is a victory in my book. Easier said than done? Possibly, but those sweet hours of basketball glee will definitely be worth the effort.

A Lady's Proposal Puts a New Groom on Unexpected Groomsmen Gift Duty

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:00:08 -0800

Submitted on 2/17/08 I am what you would consider "live in the moment" and much less of a planner. I had been dating this incredible, strong woman for about three years and I knew she was anticipating a proposal at any time. Though I had every intention of proposing I let many opportunities pass me by, Christmas, New years, Valentines Day, you get the point. The day before Mothers Day out of the blue she walked in the door like a little kid with the tip of her finger in her mouth and said "you are going to be mad" in a little girl voice. I asked why and she looked at the floor and said "I spent a lot of money today". Not seeing what was about to unfold I asked how much money and why would I be mad. She looked me in the eye and with a smile like a cat said "$6000.00" I was shocked by the amount and while laughing I said well why would I be mad? Once more the tip of the finger went back to her mouth as she said "because it was your $6000.00" I did not understand, I asked what could you have possibly spent that kind of money on? She told me that she had fallen in love with a ring, I was buying it and we are engaged. At this point (currently saving money to buy her a ring) I decided to make her sweat a little. I told her to put it up for when the time was right. She stomped her feet and proclaimed that we already lived the life of a married couple, she practically just proposed to me and it was unacceptable to her that we were not moving towards the inevitable future as quickly as she felt we should. Her behavior was hysterical to me. She ploped down and pulled off the best pout face I ever seen. Not wanting to ruin the moment I smiled and said well I didn't actually hear you propose. She smiled at me, got down on one knee and said "Casey, you are the most wonderful man I have ever met and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?" I said yes... Later I told her I was saving money to buy her a ring and I told her how excited I was to spend the rest of my life with her. I am so lucky that my lady knows what she wants and that she was willing to give up the proposal that every girl dreams of to get what she wants. Even though I did not propose first I was planning to and I think this gave us an amousing and original story to pass down for years to come. Instead of the stories you hear over and over, I took her to a fancy resturant and asked in front of a bunch of strangers, while iceskating, in a hot air balloon or at a game on the marque. Think you've got what it takes to win the title "Marrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

When Groomsmen Gifts Met Groomsmen Gaffes: Ultimate Wedding Mishaps

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:21:22 -0800

After seeing that cake yesterday we decided to go find some other laughable wedding clips. Enjoy! Oh those silly Brits..
Bitty Wedding - Little Britain - For more amazing video clips, click here ...make me smile...
Teeth - The funniest home videos are here ...at wedding mishaps and humor.
Great Moments in Weddings - More amazing video clips are a click away

Bridezilla cake teaches the evil of garrish groomsmen gifts

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:35:19 -0800

If you keep up with our postings you'll know we try and preach a unique fanfare to your wedding and the planning of it, but something has come to our attention that brings us to another point. Something extremely necessary when being unique and pushing boundaries. That thing would be common sense. We all have it. Some of us don't use it all the time, or at all, but it is an important ability to develop correctly. When being unique you're able to be creative and have fun and put a little more of yourself into whatever task is at hand. Some rules for uniqueness? Your creativity shouldn't hurt anyone, it shouldn't increase your workload massively, unless you have the time and want for it, and it definitely, one hundred freaking percent, should not, under any circumstances, scare the bejesus out of people. Enter Chidi Ogbuta of Allen, Texas, who always wanted to have a doll modeled after her. So what's the next best thing to a doll in your liking? Apparently a wedding cake will suffice. This woman represents everything that is scary and bridezilla-ish about weddings. God help us when the last piece left to eat is that magical nether place...who's going to eat that piece? Guys, let this be a lesson. Creativity is great, but when it comes to groomsmen gifts, a little common sense and um...humility, doesn't hurt either.

Something old, something new: How traditional will your groomsmen gifts be?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:21:52 -0800

Tradition is a funny thing. Actually it's not that funny, at least in this case. Or maybe you do find it funny. The point being that tradition is a thing of the past and nowadays it is completely open to interpretation and action. Because something was a certain way in the past doesn't mean that it has to be that way now. You don't have to get married in a big church or have everything structured a classical way. You don't have to wear "proper wedding attire." Dress nice obviously, but who says that a big white dress is necessary? Get a light blue dress or some other color. White was supposed to symbolize the purity of the bride and chances are she didn't hold to tradition if you get my meaning. Same goes for the groom and groomsmen, though guys tend to look clean and sharp in something simple, but still be unique. Wear matching ties that are a little crazy. Mix it up. Go crazy with the groomsmen gifts. Just realize that tradition isn't necessary. You live in a different day and age, so do something different. This is even more true for traditions that involve kidnapping the girl you're interested in, those crazy commie russians.. Exactly, be different.

The Best Groomsmen Gifts? Bridesmaids, Amigo

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:38:30 -0800

Of all the weddings taking place there is one thing that can be related to each, the lack of attention placed on groomsmen. In most weddings people simply observe how lovely the bride and bridesmaids look, while they chit-chat about how cute the flower girls and ring bearers are when they walk in the wrong direction a few times, oh so cute. So of course the tots and ladies are going to be noticed, that's just how it is. And this works for most guys just fine, being the center of attention isn't what they want. They're there to support you on your big day. They're there for you. Give them your respect and admiration. Time and money have come out of their schedules and checkbooks and you owe it to them to get groomsmen gifts that will capture you're gratitude for that. There are plenty of options, it's just a matter of choosing something that your groomsmen will appreciate. It might be a nice personalized shaving set, or a stylish flask, or maybe just a classy money clip and knife combo, each thank-worthy in its own right. On the other hand your groomsmen may just want the attention, which means you get to play quick matchmaker at the reception for them, hello bridesmaids!

Groomsmen Gifts? A Hmong tradition says Bride Prices Instead

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:53:25 -0800

You're the groom and you're about to empty your bank account for a wedding with however many guests, gifts, a wedding ring, etc. All adding up to quite a bit, but true love has no price, right? Wrong, if you consider the bride price. What's that you ask? The bride price (aka the dowry) where the groom is expected to pay for his bride based on her "value" as a wife (somewhere between five and ten grand) still is practiced as demonstrated by the Hmong culture. Oh yea love is sweet isn't it. The Hmong aren't the only who practice this tradition though. Dowries and bride prices date back in text as far as King Hammurabi of Mesopotamia and can still be found in other cultures and religions around the world. However some places like India have moved past the monetary marriage atonement where it was considered a social evil and cast down in the early 20th century. In today's world though it all boils down to a matter of opinion and firmness in beliefs and traditions on whether money gets passed around and how much of it. It might be more the opinion of the brides parents, but don't worry, it's a wise investment. Still, some advice for you Hmong grooms, remember to spend wisely, you won't know what lump sum will be leaving your wallet till you're getting married, so careful. The rest of you guys can go to town with the wedding, ring, and groomsmen gifts though, you're up at least $5,000!

Groomsmen Gifts in HD: Where do you stand on Webcam Weddings?

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:12:16 -0800

Marriage is a time-tried tradition that has lots of baggage to go with it, namely a ceremony to consummate the relationship in the eyes of the couples' friends and family. They are lovely occasions that have an amazing atmosphere, that of two people promising their lives to each other. Being there for that moment is equally as moving, but in this day and age of technology what really is attendance? You are now able to webcast your weddings for guests that are unable to attend. The problem with that is how much does it really show you care for the couple that invited you to share in what might be the happiest day they'll ever have? In the past couples have distributed wedding videos after the fact and those, though fun to watch, obviously don't hold the same emotions and atmosphere as the wedding itself. So how is watching a live digital wedding better? And is it rude to not go and just watch the cast when it costs the couple hundreds more? We'd like some feedback on this, where do you stand?

Groomsmen Gifts on Ice

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:57:45 -0800

Submitted on 12/26/07 It is December 8th. New York City, 4:00. 9,000 people gathered at Rockafeller Center. 150 ice skaters swirling around. The rink clears. Our song plays. Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts. Dave takes Suzanne's hand. She knows. This is it. "You have to wait to the end of the song" he teases. We skate. We talk. We joke. "If I fall we'll be on YouTube on Monday". The 2nd verse starts. The crowd quiets. They pause in the middle of the rink. Dave takes out the little black box. Suzanne tears up. He lowers to one knee (on skates!). The crowd explodes. Suzanne takes off her glove and throws it behind her. He holds her shaky, bare hand. "Will you marry me?" "Yes!" They embrace, the crowd erupts again. Skating off, Suzanne's mom and brother at the exit - video camera in hand. Surprise! My fiance definately earns a nomination for Marrying Man of the Month!! Think you've got what it takes to win the title "Marrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

9 to 5 Groomsmen Gifts for Busy Groomsmen

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:22:34 -0800

Your quest among the groomsman gift choices is sure to take you many places, through blogs and web-stores and cozy little downtown boutiques, but why should it be that long of a process? You just need to find something about your groomsmen that involves day to day use. This is made especially easy when they happen to be a businessman or you know that they spend time at a desk. Desk gifts encompass a wide array of items, picture frames, desk caddies, maybe a nice keepsake box. You can even expand your options off the desk and give a little more tech savvy personalized gift or just something fun that any guy, groomsmen or no, would want to have handy in his office. Your options are many, but don't fret over it, all of your groomsmen gifts are just a click away with personalization just another after you've found that perfect gift.

Piece of Cake: After the Groomsmen Gifts, It's all about the Wedding Dessert

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:07:44 -0800

It is a special day, full of family, friends, and other related guests, so here's an idea: don't be white trash. Even if you're not white, having a hostess wedding cake or a crispy cream donut cake makes you trash. They aren't cost-effective alternatives to an expensive wedding cake and they most definitely are not a tasty and convenient dish. If the cake budget is low though there is a way to go about things, purchase a smaller decorative cake for the cutting and pictures and then get flat cakes to serve to the guests. The presentation of the cake obviously affects the price, but a couple of layers, a nice frost job, and some delicate sugar flowers (or whatever spun-sugar creation will fit your wedding) will come in respectfully lower than if you were to take all of that and make a cake large enough for everyone. The flat cakes will come in way way lower and your guests will all get their fill of some delicious wedding cake. Of course if it's still too much money and white trash is the way to go then so be it. The good part about that is if you plan on postponing the wedding indefinitely you won't have to worry, the cake has a shelf life of 600 years. We know your first priority is buying groomsmen gifts, but don't forget to save a little room in the budget for a classy cake.

Evert & Norman Engaged: Championship Groomsmen Gifts to Ensue

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:26:31 -0800

New news on the groom news front! Christ Evert and Greg Norman are engaged after less than a year apart from their now divorced long-time love partners; Norman ending his and Ms. Andrassy's marriage to the tune of $600 million in Florida's Martin County court in September, with Ms. Andrassy reportedly receiving almost half the $600 million fortune. Evert's past marriages include former husband Andy Mill, a World Cup and Olympic skier from Colorado, whom she divorced last December after 18 years of marriage. Prior to that she was married to British tennis player John Lloyd. But the divorces should be taken as a good sign, the couple knows what they don't want and what they do want, which should mean that this is a decision that will last (they don't have much time left anyways). Plus Evert is banking on the old third-times-the-charm bit. Things should go smooth, we'll keep you updated.

Set The Mood Mr. Groom

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:37:08 -0800

Let's face it, the wedding always has and probably always will be all about the bride and what she wants, but this doesn't mean you, as the groom, can't get a few wins in. Let's start with something easy, music. Not to be a chauvinist, but men usually know their music better than women do (go ahead and prove me wrong). As the groom you can put your foot down and guide the type of music played at your wedding and weather it'll be a band or a DJ, just make sure you consult with the bride on the first dance (like you'll have a choice). If you decide to go the band route then may we suggest booking The Dan Band. If you haven't heard their name, I'm sure you'll know the music. They are in fact the band that played in the movie Old School (at the wedding reception). Now they might be a little too risqué for your wedding, but what we're trying to say is when you pick what music you want played at your wedding make sure to keep it fun and light hearted. After all, you'll only do this once. To quote one of the wedding toast lines from from Old School, "Alright, let me be the first to say congratulations to them. You get one vagina for the rest of your life. Real smart Frank. Way to work it through."

The Best Man of Best Men

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:47:28 -0800

There are certain duties that the best man takes on when he agrees to be the best man, namely to toast the bride and groom. Getting up in front of all the wedding guests to deliver such an important speech can be utterly nerve racking, even with a good wine buzz going. Knowing that behind death, public speaking is what people fear the most, we bring a solution that is sure to help dry up those puddles of sweat...The Perfect Toast. The site offers plenty of options including a semi-personalized toast and a custom wedding toast for those who really want to deliver the ultimate wedding toast (remember the video camera will be watching). The site is run by a professional corporate speech and comedy writer, so you are bound to get a good mix of sincerity and humor in your wedding toast. For those who just can't bring themselves to hire a professional toast writer, then if you and the groom are good friends we suggest sticking to a personal story like this this guy did.

Save It For Later

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:12:53 -0800

No, we're not talking about that gum you keep behind your ear, that's just disgusting. How about saving some money now on your groomsmen gifts so you'll have something left to play with when you're married. With so many options to choose from you might as well go for the best quality around and get a gift that's inexpensive, functional and cool. Heck, go ahead and add personalization for that extra special touch. What more could you want or need from a groomsmen gift? Our special offers consist of gifts for groomsmen under $20, between $20 and $50, and between $50 and $80 as well as wedding gifts under $20. Browse the selection and see if something catches your eye. Can't find anything, call our customer service department at 1-866-527-1362, option 2 (M-F 9am-5pm PST) and they'll help you find the right gift.

By The Way...

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:55:29 -0800

Submitted on 12/13/07 i went to build a bear and got a red sox championship outfit for the bear that i made. she loves football and baseball. so i had a voice box put inside with my voice on it. it was our 6 month aniversary and she thought the bear alone was a great gift. little did she know was when she squeezed the hand it said "happy aniversary honey i love you very much. (pause) oh by the way will you marry me. and i was on the side of the bed on one knee holding the ring out for her. she said yes Think you've got what it takes to win the title �??Marrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

Smoke Signals: Thanks

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:36:27 -0800

Your groomsmen are an important and essential part of your wedding. They are the guys who you call your closest, guys who will be and are there for you. Now they may not be completely involved with your wedding, but what can you expect, they're guys. Yes they'll be there when you ask for something, but that doesn't mean you need to push or "delegate" any preparatory work their way, no matter what the wifey suggests. Just do your work and keep them there outside of that stress so you have something to go to when things get too hectic. They'll understand what's up and be fine doing their part to have fun, regardless of whether they're prepping too. That is the kind of bond that will last for a long time, making it even more important that you thank them when the wedding is all said and done. Nice groomsmen gifts can take many routes with you trying to match gifts to their likes and dislikes, but classic is always a good way to go. Cigars are a gift that most guys don't mind indulging in every now and then and all the joy and happiness at the wedding makes it a prime time to do so. The cigars are left up to you, quality and legality if you're looking to go cubano, but giving them the goodies to go with the stoogie is really where it's at. a four piece cigar set will get things going nicely for on the go, maybe a cherry wood humidor for at home, and regardless of location they're going to need something to spark up with, a sleek zippo lighter maybe? Even better is that you can get everything personalized so no matter how many similar gifts you have they'll each be for one person, a specific acknowledgment and thanks.

Personal Wedding Leash

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:42:52 -0800

That's right, hire a wedding planner. According to Susan Kinzie of The Washington Post, spending on weddings has nearly doubled in the past 15 years rising to an estimated $80-$161 Billion nationally. In the last four years, almost every expense has increased more than 20 percent as people added days of events, gifts for all the guests, elaborate lighting, and all other sorts of extras promoted by magazines, TV shows and the rest of the marital-industrial complex. With figures like that it's not a surprise that more than a third of couples outspend their wedding budget. An industry booming as much as this means a demand for wedding planners who know their peau de soie from their charmeuse and who are able to coordinate timing and details such as flowers, music and hors d'oeuvres is vital. One important thing to do if you decide to hire a wedding planner is continue to research costs on your own. Not every wedding planner for hire is a good one who will be fighting to keep your costs down. Still, having a wedding planner will help get a majority of the work off of your plate which is something that will make you both very happy. So if you decide you need to trim some costs from your wedding, a planner might not be the place to trim. Just something to keep in mind.

Redneck Wedding For Real

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:58:13 -0800

All of you wedding planners should be happy to hear about this, Country Music Television is planning to air "My Redneck Wedding" early next year. They will be including the wedding of Gail Brittingham, who will marry fiancee John Myers at Bargain Bill's Flea Market in Laurel Saturday. Quite the charming event. The groom and groomsmen will be wearing John Deere t-shirts and jeans, while newspapers will be laid down for table clothes and basset hounds will serve as ring and flower bearers. In an attempt to balance out the redneck-osity of the wedding a mechanical bull was added as a reception feature. Things were looking bleak (if you couldn't tell) when Myers lost his job as a plumber and there wasn't going to be money for their wedding, but luckily the show came through for some publicity and a radio station show later they had received all the donations they needed to cover wedding photos, cake, and entertainment along with a growing list of other necessities. Just goes to show that if you're ever having financial troubles with your big day there's always the media and business to generate some cash flow and gifts.

O.W.A. - Organizational Wedding Assistance

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:06:52 -0800

In getting ready and planning his wedding, what more could a groom need than this: My Wedding Hero. A first-of-its-kind Internet-based software program that acts as a comprehensive wedding planning tool, this guy will keep your plans running along smooth and organized. It obviously wont help a groom get the courage to confront his mother-in-law or restrain himself later on in his bachelor party, but what can? What My Wedding Hero does allow is for the groom to create a list of To-Do wedding items by date and the person responsible for the task (if you don't know yet this includes getting fitted for a tux, booking honeymoon travel, planning the rehearsal dinner, showing up at the bachelor party, buying the groomsmen gifts and getting ready for the big day). The online software allows the groom to tag similar items to create a group and send email reminders to himself, his bride-to-be, and anyone in the wedding party or on the guest list. Now it does cost $25 a month to use (after its free 5-day trial), but keeping stress free and well organized for 25 bucks sounds a lot better than struggling to manage everything and saving a couple bucks. Check it out though and see if it's something in your ballpark.

Mistakes, Divine And Otherwise

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:45:12 -0800

Yesterday we had a big wedding day no-no, though the fact that they downed that thing between the two of them that fast is pretty impressive. But we didn't want the groomsmen to be the only ones on the spot so today we thought that maybe a video of some more lighthearted wedding mishaps would bring you some smiles. More importantly, you'll get to see how necessary it is to have a good priest, something that often goes over looked in wedding arrangements. Whomever is going to be leading the ceremony and acknowledging your marriage should be someone you know and are comfortable with. And if you don't know them that well then you better sit down and meet them because your wedding day starts with the priest (minus all of the getting ready business). Anyways here's a laugh on us here at Groomstand. Enjoy!

Do. Not. Do. This.

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:29:31 -0800

Fear of marriage comes in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you express your fear at the bachelor party when at the end of the night your groomsmen find you curled up in the fetal position sobbing like a baby. Or maybe you express fear by doing something manly and physical like jumping out of plane or climbing a mountain before the big day. Or you might be the spiritual type and a nice day of meditation and spa treatments allows you to make peace with your marriage fears (seriously?). Then again you could be just a plain old idiot like this groom who felt drinking 8 hours before D-day in front of his family was a brilliant idea - let alone record and load it up for everybody to see. After watching this video all we could think of was, whether or not this guy was going to at least personalize some shot glasses for he and his groomsmen should his fear rear its ugly head again.

Present Yo Self

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:42:34 -0800

Welcome to Groomstand.com! The wedding gift shopping experience that brings you great products, great prices, updates from the wedding world, and a few laughs to brighten your day. Lucky for you today's one of those laugh days and we've got a two-course video of funky chicken that'll fill you with laughter (and maybe some ideas for your own wedding). Enough dancing around it though, here's the wedding footage:

Tags: groomstand, groom, gifts, groomsmen, first dance, laugh,

Polka Face

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:06:12 -0800

That's poker face with a new england accent, funny how that works. Winter is here though and so are the holidays, which means family and friends are gathering to spend time together and exchange gifts. Now, even with the holiday time, you might not always be able to hang out with the guys, but here's one way to try and get away for a break and some beer, "it's groomsmen bonding time!" The lady might not buy that though so you'll probably be better off with something like "groomsmen wedding planning". Whatever the case, once you're out there's one thing you should be ready for: Poker night. Sitting around with your buddies and soon to be groomsmen and throwing some cards and chips around is some fun and relaxing competition. A few brews and/or drinks to go with the game and you'll really feel yourself unwind and have some fun. It'll be even more fun when you've got an amazing poker set to play with too. Or all of you. Your groomsman gift will be easy to find and decide on with such a wide selection of poker sets available. With the sets ranging from surfside bar to sportsman and tiki set to biker design and every other sport and pub style available you'll have a fun time selecting sets to match your individual groomsmen, not to mention the free personalization they'll get with it. Poker nights will be an entirely new kind of night when you all get to decide what the poker theme will be. Yet, somehow we're sure it'll still include some beer and other drink!

Love Might Be Ensured But It Sure Isn't Insured

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:25:49 -0800

Figuring that first bit out is probably something better kept between you and your lover, but insurance is something we all can discuss. Insurance claims for canceled and postponed weddings have more than doubled in the last year rocketing up to 47.5% from its prior 22%, according to Debenhams Wedding Insurance. In fact couples were more than twice as likely to claim for their nuptials being called off as they were for damage to the bride or groom's outfits, which, coming in at 20%, was the second most common reason for a claim. The other claims came out over supplier bankruptcies, damaged and stolen wedding-wear/ware, and car troubles. Holding true to ensured love though, the group doing the insurance study did find that although wedding cancellations and postponements had soared it wasn't because the couples had suffered a change of heart, but rather because a close relative was too ill to attend the ceremony. Or at the very least something along those lines. What this is all boiling down to is go ahead and postpone the wedding, but try and do it soon! At least before the insurance companies start messing with the coverage. All this makes us wonder if your bridesmaids gifts and groomsmen gifts are covered under these policies

Scientific Love Rocks

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:54:01 -0800

So the cost to mass ratio of your wedding just got a whole lot cheaper for you, at least where your rings are concerned. Lab-grown diamonds are coming into the market with wide-spread approval and finally some acceptance. That would be acceptance by diamond purveyors like De Beers who have contested the diamonds credibility and the GIA grading results of the lab-beauties for years. But all of their snobbery aside, sales have really taken off with people looking for diamonds that are environmentally friendly and socio-politically neutral, basically not from any open-pit mines or consisting of blood diamonds, something the De Beers' monopoly doesn't quite try to be conscious of ($). So try going out and supporting the little guys, though any little guy dealing with diamonds probably isn't that little. As far as getting a lab-grown diamond try and look for diamonds from companies like Gemesis. They aren't the ones selling retail, but there are links to retailers on their site. One thing to be aware of...watch out for their homepage music! (You'll see) Here are 5 Reasons to Buy a Gemesis Laboratory-Grown Diamond�?� (from their site of course): 1. It is a Diamond. GIA, IGI, EGL, and other grading laboratories certify a Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond as a diamond, having the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as a mined diamond. 2. It is Extraordinarily Beautiful. A Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond has the same, even surpasses, the fire, sparkle, brilliance and scintillation of a mined diamond - a rare beauty. 3. It makes a Strong Fashion Statement. Fancy color diamonds represent the fastest growing trend in the diamond jewelry marketplace. Yellow diamonds like those grown by Gemesis are the most sought after - a must have! 4. It Distinguishes the Wearer. A fancy yellow cultured diamond, an American original creation by Gemesis, definitely sets one apart from others and uniquely instills a sense of independence, confidence and pride. 5. It Offers Exceptional Value. What woman doesn't cherish value? A Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond of yellow hues satisfies the most discriminating value conscious customer - not only rare in its availability but also rare in its value!

Cyber Monday Wedding Sales

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:40:02 -0800

Cyber Monday is here today and so are the groomsman gift sales! Planning ahead for a wedding can never start too early so hop on these sales and get your wedding (or at least your groomsmen gifts) taken care of. You may have just spent Friday with your significant other doing some of the shopping, but that shouldn't stop you from realizing the deals that are offered here on the Internet. Among the many things, and we stress many, being offered for the sale are Golf Tool Key Holders that can be personalized with initials or even a distinctly classy 7 piece Shoe Care Kit that comes with the same personal addition as the key holder. These gifts are going to be nice with personalization whether they're bought on sale or not, and personalization is free. What more could you be asking for from anyone when getting ready for the big day? Cheap quality is what it's all about and this Cyber Monday is going to do it for you, so let's celebrate!

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, cyber, monday, sale, gift,

Great Gifts Under $20 For Your Groomsmen

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:53:10 -0800

Spending a lot getting ready for your wedding is going to happen, so there are plenty of reasons why you'd need an affordable groomsman gift. Either you're thinking ahead on spending and budgeting or it's a last minute thing and you're trying to stay in that budget. That can be difficult to stick to though with all of the really nice gifts out there with prices that aren't so much, so what's to choose from that works as a cheap gift but isn't going to be under appreciated? We've made a quick link-list to gifts for your groomsmen under $20 to make it easier for you to browse things.. quickly. Pocket Knives and Multi tools Engraved Glassware, Flasks, and Barware Travel Accessories, Sports & Outdoor Men's Accessories and Grooming Cigar Aficionado Golf Accessories Executive Groomsmen Gifts Wallets and Money Clips Rawlings Leather Accessories Bachelor Party T-Shirts, Books & Cards Engraved Bar Accessories Personalized Pens & Writing Accouterments

All In A League Of Their Own

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:31:04 -0800

At least that's true when you're the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh. Buckingham Palace recently unveiled 60 facts about the couple to mark their diamond wedding anniversary. The facts go as far back as their four month engagement all the way up to the present and their anniversary celebrations. It's interesting to read about the details, like say a platinum and diamond engagement ring. Or maybe reading about some special wedding guests to attend (King and Queen of Denmark, the King and Queen of Yugoslavia, the Kings of Norway, Romania and the Shah of Iran). But from all of the information about the two, one of the coolest has to be that Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (the Duke) had not one, but two stag parties. For the first one the press were invited to tag along and then afterwards, that same night, he went with his groomsmen and the rest of his closest friends over to the Belfry Club. Nice. Now whatever gifts he got for his groomsmen were probably out of most people's leagues, but that's not to say that there aren't some cool major league ones available for us (those European leagues never get things right). Like for instance an NFL team money clip or even their own home run slugger with their name on it. Whatever the case just be relieved that you don't have to get gifts as expensive as the ones Philip did, I mean that would suck having that much money...

It's Good To Be a Groomsman!

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:33:23 -0800

It may be difficult thinking of what kind of gift to get your groomsmen to properly thank them for everything they have and will be doing for you to help with your marriage. Chances are they all enjoy something similar, but how does that translate into giving a gift? Obviously you can't be giving them all computers and video games or cases of beer or anything like that. It's just too impersonal and simple. It's not Christmas time or their birthday, it's your wedding. There are all kinds of groomsmen gifts out there but it can be difficult finding the ones that have class and are, to put it simply, good gifts. As far as deciding on that gift usually means looking that one step ahead from your first thought. For example, if they like drinking, instead of beer get them a personalized stein. If they enjoy puffing cigars you can go the step beyond and get them a personalized humidor for them to keep it in. When it comes down to it though, you know your friends best, choose something that fits them (a little hint: personalizations can go a long way in making a gift special and more appreciated). But even if you know what gift they'd really like don't try and write off your groomsmen gifts, namely if they're single.

Duties Shouldn't Always Tax

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:47:38 -0800

Your groomsmen should have more of a part in your wedding than the bachelor party and the ceremony and it's important to make sure that they know what those responsibilities are (hopefully they're reading this too!). The groom has some of the responsibility too though, picking guys that are reliable, that are friendly, and above all good friends. Once they've been asked and have decided to participate the ball is in their court. A more detailed description of what should be expected can be found here, but we'll go ahead and give you a quick run down of what your groomsmen will be getting ready for: - Rent wedding attire per Groomâ�?��?�s request and at your own expense. - Assists Best Man with planning and paying for the Bachelor Party. - Assist with picking out and paying for a gift separate from the one given to the Couple. - Helping with anything that needs to be done on the wedding weekend. Ask if there is anything you can help with. Insist on this. There will be plenty that needs to be done. - Pass out Bulletins or Programs. - Escort guests to pews and to the proper side of the ceremony room. - Escort bridesmaids in the ceremony procession and recession. - Ensure that the ceremony site in clean and nothing or no one is left behind. - Ensure that everyone has rides to reception. - Assist guests in anyway needed. - Seating Family Members in the appropriate arrangements so it runs smoothly between people. - Help guard and transport the wedding gifts. - What with all this your groomsmen will be doing too, another responsibility is given to the groom, gifts for his groomsmen. There are plenty of options, but something personal and something that captures a thanks for all the hard work is exactly what is needed. The rest is up to you.

Ok Children, Go Get Married

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:41:22 -0800

Honestly now, marriage means that you've grown up at least enough that you're willing to dedicate your life to someone you love. That takes a mature person to really contemplate and consciously make the right decision. What this is boiling down to is that marriage isn't all just fun and games. There is a lot of work and a lot of stress that can make life trying at times and being grown up enough to deal with that and work through it is something very necessary. Now that's not to say that love won't do it, but Halo 3? Apparently this guy proposed on Halo 3. Yea. You can guess what that wedding is going to be like. The groomsmen and bridesmaids will be dressed up as Marines and Covenant Elites. God that's an ugly thought. The only thing the guests will be doing are checking their watches and taking swigs. Really though how else are you supposed to stutter through a ceremony like that. It'll be curious to see what groomsmen gifts the groom gets for them too. They'll all be sure to have Halo 3 already meaning he's going to have to enter the real world and get them a great gift that isn't virtual. Lucky for him there's a place he can do that quick and easy.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, Halo_3, proposal, mature, gift,

Driven To Groomstand

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:46:30 -0800

Chances are that you're groomsmen aren't all going to be so close that they can be walking everywhere, especially to the wedding, which means another way of travel will be in order. Seeing as there are 250+ million cars in the US alone, the odds are leaning towards a trip by automobile. In fact they're sure to be driving around to a lot more places than just the wedding. The thing about driving is that with all that cruising fun comes a lot of responsibility, and paperwork. Good thing your groomsmen gift choices are wide and varied, because knowing how much they will be, and do, drive means you can choose to influence that driving in a good many ways. It would probably be a good idea to stay away from flasks for now, however nice, and stick to something a little more driver friendly. The gift should be personal and usable (not something that's going to get thrown in a drawer or closet) which should line up a few great choices, namely a CD holder or glove compartment organizer, though you could always be a little less pushy on the organization and give them gifts that are similarly organizational but with a few bits of hardware that any guy will wish he had when he needs to figure something out with his car. And with a little personalization your groomsmen will feel your thanks and be thankful themselves, just the way any friendship should be.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, car, automobile, organize, helpful,

Smokin' Decisions

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:42:06 -0800

Weddings are one of those occasions where cigars are mandatory. It doesn't even matter what type or brand you get, though that depends on who and how many. Inexpensive brands such as Roly and Baccarat are economically feasible for many and still have a great taste, but you'll notice that not everyone really enjoys cigars to the full extent. Some guests will simply hold on to the cigar as a gift, others will take a few puffs and put it out. Really it all boils down to knowing who you're buying for. If you want to get some for your groomsmen gifts it would probably be a better idea to pick up some nicer cigars from Fuente Fuente Opus X or Padron Anniversary. You can be pretty sure that your groomsmen won't have cutters either making it a simple decision for what else to get. A great gift could just be a cigar cutter or if you want to make it a better personalized gift you could go with a cigar and flask combination, whatever works for your gift plan. Just be sure not to give cigars and not be prepared with however you choose to cut them, think ahead and plan it out.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, cigar, type, enjoy, gift,

Wedding Thrills

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:34:45 -0800

Now a question you probably wouldn't ask yourself, but is getting asked now is what reason would Michael Jackson have to be at a wedding that wasn't for children? Too soon? Well he wouldn't, except in spirit. A little thriller spirit that surely gave that day another reason for remembrance: Nice huh? You and your groomsmen could do something like this too if you wanted. It just takes a little practice but with it you'll have fun entertainment..for free! Dancing always looks better when it's smooth though and some loosening up might be in order for your groomsmen and you, wherever it needs to happen. A little creativity at the wedding will be sure to make everyone happy.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, dance, original, fun, gift,

Smart Saving And Giving

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:15:30 -0800

Wedding costs are always getting higher and it's important to keep an eye out for cost-cutting possibilities. There aren't many that are straight up savings, but taking the time to shop around and find the best price really works, though it does take up a lot of time. There are a few other ways where a little creativity can save you a bundle, namely stationary and centerpieces. You can have cheaper invitations made or you can get some okay ones beef them up to the quality you want on your own, just be creative. Same goes for the centerpieces. One lady put a bowl with rocks and a goldfish as her centerpiece. A goldfish is kind of cheap and easy, but if you wanted to put a more elegant fish in its still only a couple bucks, much cheaper than a flower arrangement. You can also manage your purchases concerning the cake by getting flat cake. You can have your tall and beautiful wedding cake still but with all the guests to serve it would work just as well to get a smaller wedding cake and have a flat cake of the same kind of cake to serve to guests. These savings don't stop there, you still have gifts, groomsmen gifts for you. Shopping sales works on this too, but that might not be the best idea for a personal gift. You want something that is suited just for whoever it is for, maybe a wallet (for all that money saved!) or something for drinking or even a hobby-based gift like golf. Maybe they aren't that personal to begin with either, but with an engraved name or message you can turn it into something special, regardless of cost.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, camping, cut_costs, personal, gift,

Street Corner Proposal

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:43:57 -0800

Submitted on Nov 5, 2007 I wanted to do something special for our engagement but, everytime I had an idea she would mention it and I would have to think of something else. So I decided to do it when she was least expecting it. It had just happend on a Friday night. I picked her up from the train and brought a huge purple (favorite color) flower arrangement. She just thought I was getting thoes flower for our year anniversary which was the next and which she thought she was going to get the ring. So we went to dinner nothng fancy didn't want to think anything. We got back to her house. I took her out of the car and told her I want to show her something on the corner of her block. I told her that this is were I first saw you and were we met for the first time and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I ask her to marry me. She had a shocking face, with an out of breath yes from screaming so much. Her eyes light up with the sign of the ring. Think you've got what it takes to win the title �??Marrying Man of the Month?

The Intrepid Groomsmen

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:41:17 -0800

Your intrepid groomsmen, led by the most intrepid of all, yourself (well it is you that's getting married!), are going to be there for you through all of your adventures and explorations. Basically that "all" boils down to the occasional couples vacation where the ladies are present too. That steam that comes off though is the result of some good old camping with the guys. Nothing is more relaxing and fun than the forest with close friends, regardless of the activities. Guaranteed though your groomsmen and you will be out having fun and, at least for them, using their groomsmen gifts. This is of course relative to the foresight you had when choosing their gifts. It is safe to say that this hasn't happened yet with you being here, but why not check out some options for the outdoors. Two of the most essential components to outdoor functioning are a solid compass and steel multitool. Knowing direction and being able to interact with things are important while out camping, making this gift the perfect mix of the two. No matter where you go with these gifts though your groomsmen and you will be glad for your camping companionship.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, camping, adventure, personal,

Why Is There A Difference?

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:46:54 -0800

Vanity gifts for groomsmen are a good way to reclaim the groom's rightful place in the wedding. Having read multiple articles on couples' weddings and all of their fancy and unique details one thing stands out the most, why do they only describe the women in detail? We'll do a super brief mock description of a bride: blah blah wedding dress from blah, custom tailoring, lace and pearls, roses, earrings, all jewelry. You guys get the idea though and that's where you and your groomsmen come in. When you dress for your wedding you'll probably have a nice tux or suit, something clean and sharp, but what about your little accessories? Guys don't usually go deep into grooming accessories, but nothing is stopping them. You can help yourself and your groomsmen too. Their gifts can still be personal, but they can also be the stylish little accessories such as personalized cufflinks or, if you really want to win at accessorizing, personalized collar stays. However you go about your wedding though keep in mind that the ladies will love the style. And your friends will thank you for buying these gifts so they have an excuse to wear them.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, style, cufflinks,

Weddings-Go-Healthy?

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:52:48 -0800

Apparently Korea is having a little revolution on wedding gifts, or more specifically the alcohol that they gift. The popular drinks to consume, and thus gift, are/were whiskey and soju, a hard liquor distilled from grains and potatoes, but with people looking to show a little more class and make a healthy drinking alternative they are shifting over to wine. It is making a huge upsurge in corporate and wedding gifts and has even become popular enough that a gas and energy company is offering a free bottle of wine for every 650,000 won ($690) they purchase. This increase in wine doesn't stop in Korea though, it is a global increase. Perhaps it is because of better harvests or maybe just an increase in people's attitude of sophistication. Whatever the case wine is being drunk and there is sure to be groomsmen that wouldn't mind a nice personalized gift to do with that vine candy. Maybe a glass or a whole set or as a really nice groomsmen gift you could try a picnic accessory, a wine presentation case. However you go about your gifting make sure to keep in mind that wine is the classy drink, extend that class.

Baseball Leather Livin'

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:54:18 -0800

Leather bags are one of those accouterments that can last forever with the proper care, and that's just regular leather. Baseball leather is still the same stuff, but it gets tossed around and beat up day in and day out and still holds strong and looks sharp. And who better to put out baseball leather products than Rawlings themselves. Pushing the evolution of baseball leather since 1887, they know a thing or two and now they've turned that excellence to everyday accessories. Knowing the quality ensured by those years of work, it's only fitting that you give your groomsmen gifts of a caliber to match their friendship. The options are many, but one of the leather gifts that stands out is the Rawlings Messenger Bag. Simple and clean, they'll surely be toting it over there shoulder wherever they roam. Your even able to personalize your bags to create a truly unique groomsmen gift for each person. It will be your appreciation that they carry at their side.

Vegas And Matrimony

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:46:20 -0800

Marriage is an important event, but everyone has definitely heard of how Las Vegas runs things. Whims and lusts dominate the wedding scene down there what with 120,000 couples wedded each year, but that's not at all to say that a wedding with family and friends doesn't exist down there. In fact even if the wedding isn't in Vegas (due to whatever reasons, there's probably a lot) many people still have a casino theme to their day of vows. Lots of planning goes into creating an atmosphere though and it's important not to overlook a part of the wedding that is actually really easy to take care of. Your groomsmen gifts are sometimes hard to pick, but really all you need is a professional poker set for everyone. It's easy to distinguish your groomsmen too with personalization. If you're not sure that personalization is enough you can even get a classy leather poker set, though you can personalize that too. One thing you can be certain of though, whether it's casino themed or no, every guy likes to have their own poker set and where better to get it than as a wedding gift from the groom.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, Vegas, poker,

Magic Kingdom Proposal

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:33:04 -0800

Submission received on 10/27/07: I have been with my now fiacee for five years. She is obessed with Cinderella and Disney. I knew that it would be had to get to Disney with her in school. We had a planned a trip to Flordia for the month of October but no trip to Disney. She was upset that we were not able to go to Disney but she understood that we had limited time in Florida since she was going to miss some school and we were on vacation on a holiday weekend. What she did not know was that I had her ring for a couple of weeks and everyone knew that I was going to propose to her at Disney. The finally came and I surprised her with a really nice dinner and told her that we had some time and I was able to get really good tickets to Disney. She was so excited and ask me it we were going to the Magic Kingdom to the castle. I told her maybe we will go see the fireworks. We walked around the Magic Kingdom for a while when my friends who were in on the plan said that we should take a photo in front of the castle. My lovely wife to be walked over to the castle and I slowly walked over to her. I told her I loved her very much and she said she loved me but she wanted to take the photo. I then proceeded to tell her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and got on one knee. She still had no idea what was going on until I pulled out the box and opened it to show a 1.5 carat diamond ring. She started to cry and I asked her to marry me. She said she loved me very much but I told her you didn't give me an answer. She finally said yes and my friends were able to get the proposal on the camera. It was the best night ever. Think you've got what it takes to win the title �??Marrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

Putt It There Sport

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:49:02 -0800

There's something about golf that just feels classy. Perhaps it's the wide expanse of wasted, but well manicured land. The thrill of driving the ball down the course, judging the wind perfectly and leaving your ball in the middle of the fairway. Or maybe it's the fact that you get to drive a little cart around. I don't know, it just has that feeling and that is one thing that every gentleman should agree on. Your groomsmen gifts should try and keep that in mind. Personalized and useful the most refined bit of the game can be given to them as a beautiful wood case with a brass handle. That's right the Executive Putter Set captures all of that class in golfing and puts it on the go. Be careful when you get them this though, you're gonna have to be getting in your own putt time to keep up with their skills on the green. If your groomsmen and you spend a lot of time on the big courses though they might like a Leather Golf Bag Accessory Caddy to throw on their bags. It's got tees, ball markers, and a stainless steel flask. With both of those together you wont be slicing anything but your scores.

Weekend Getaway

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:49:37 -0800

Submitted on Oct 24, 2007 Written by Sarah (fiance): When I got home from work on Friday, Will had our suitcases packed and sitting by the door. He told me that we were going on a surprise weekend getaway. He had already arranged for the dog to be picked up, so we left about a minute after I got home. We took off driving (I had no idea where we were going), and he said we were going to be in the car for a long time, so maybe we could stop in Nashville for some dinner. So after dinner in Nashville he turned the wrong way out of the restaurant- when I pointed this out he said he was going to turn around, and turned into the parking lot of one of the nicest hotels in Nashville- The Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza. But instead of turning around he valet parked! He explained that Nashville was the place where we met each other (when I was at Vanderbilt) and so he wanted to bring me back here. He then led me up to one of the best suites in the hotel- I felt like such a high-roller! We even had to enter in a special key card to make the elevator stop on our floor! The suite was awesome! It had a separate sitting room and bedroom, and was one of only 4 rooms in hotel that had a balcony, and of course, ours looked out onto the Nashville skyline! Sitting on the table in our room was a bouquet of calla lilies and roses that Will had delivered. The card read " Je t'aime", which means I love you in French. The special part about this message is that it is the same message that was on the very first bouquet of flowers that he sent me over 5 years ago! He also had champagne and strawberries with chocolate sent up! The next day (Saturday) he had massage therapists come up to our room and give us both massages (awesome!). Meanwhile, everyone in the hotel knew who he was- the kept greeting him by name everywhere we went, and we also had the car brought around to us every time we wanted to go out - It was so cool! That night I was looking for something to wear for dinner and since Will had packed my bag for me, I had nothing nice to wear. So when I asked Will what I should wear, he said that jeans were fine, and I didn't need any makeup. In my head I was thinking "where in the hell is he taking me for dinner??" After driving around Nashville, he pulls up to the South Street Original Crab Shack and Authentic Dive Bar- the place where we had our first date! I understood now why I didn't need to dress up!! So we walk into this totally laid back place where they don't accept reservations and where everyone is dressed in jeans and t-shirts, drinking beer, and eating oysters on their wooden tables. Up on the second floor there was one table that had a fancy black tablecloth on it with Pinot Noir, wine glasses, and candles (all stolen from the nice restaurant next door). About this time, I was beginning to get the sentimental picture- he brought me to Nashville because it was the city we met in, we stayed in the Lowe's Vanderbilt Hotel which is across from the where I lived when we first me, he sent me flowers that had the same message as the first bouquet he ever sent, and now we were at the place of our first date.... I never knew a man could be so thoughtful! Unbeknownst to me, the waitress was in on the whole surprise, and Will had given her my camera..... so while we were walking out of the restaurant and crossing the street, Will stopped in the middle of the road, and grabbed my hand, got down on one knee, pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen and said "I love you, Will you marry me?" Of course I said yes! I was so flustered I forgot to give him my hand so he could put the ring on! He had to remind me to put out my hand! Apparently the waitress had told everyone in the restaurant the plan, so now the entire two floors of the restaurant were cheering for us and clapping. So then the waitress came out with my camera and I realized that Will had arranged for her to take pictures of the whole thing!! :) To top the whole night off, when we got back to the hotel, we went to the lobby bar to celebrate, and Will had arranged with the musicians to let him sing a song, so as I sat down at a table, Will went up on stage and took the guitar from the musician and said "I proposed to my girlfriend tonight, and I am going to sing her a song because I love her" He then sang the song "Forever" by Ben Harper. It was awesome! The next day (Sunday) we were going to have lunch and then head out of town. Will had planned one last surprise and had some of our bridal party that lived in TN meet us for lunch -his sister, Jera (my matron of honor), his brother in law, Kevin (groomsman) and our friend Matt (groomsman)- the guy we met through! It was a fantastic weekend! I am so proud that Will is going to be my husband! It means so much to me that he went through all this planning and trouble to carry out a wonderful weekend! Think you've got what it takes to win the title �??Marrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

World Series For Groomsmen

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:49:19 -0800

The World Series is just about here and that means one thing is on everyone's mind, the wedding. There's no time for baseball hi-jinks and hooligans! You need to be planning and making calls and reservations! Of course you'll get those done, but you need another plan other than how to guarantee the best bachelor party. To the groomsmen places! That's right, a little World Series escape with the guys so you can unwind and get things set up more efficiently the next day. And what better way to thank your groomsmen than with personalized baseball gear. Whether it's just a mini bat or a personalized baseball, or maybe you went all out with an Engraved Hall of Fame Baseball Bat, they'll be happy to know that they are appreciated for everything they did for the wedding. That's including the game, but you can go ahead and keep that on the down low.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, baseball, world series,

Clean Lovin'

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:33:04 -0800

So your soon-to-be wife just saved a load of money by switching to Geico. Huh? Oh, I guess she just made her wedding dress out of toilet paper. Huh. Nothing too odd about that, minus every single joke that can and will be made come wedding day. Honestly though for a contest that deals with how they look on their wedding day these women really got into it. The dresses that a couple of the ladies were wearing make it hard to believe that they are really made from TP. If it can be done that well I'd have to propose that the next step is to do the bridesmaids and groomsmen with TP. And whether it's just the bride or all of them toilet paper doesn't last, which means that pictures are going to be a focus for the wedding. With all the pictures the number one bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts are going to have to be picture frames for each person. What better groomsmen gifts are there to save the memory save throwing everything over a mannequin and shrink wrapping your toilet paper love clothes?

Tags: wedding, dresses, groomsmen, gifts, toilet paper,

Cabernet, Cabaret, We'll Stick With Cabernet

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:45:51 -0800

Great gifts come in all shapes and forms, but it's always great to get your gifts for your groomsmen that they'll enjoy and use, but more importantly something personal that carries the weight of your thanks. One of those great items to give them is wine. Some might choose to gift liquors and other spirits, but a nice bottle of wine is more casual and definitely more classy. It's a gift that they can hold on to as long as they like and cherish the memory. When they finally do drink it though they'll be able to relive a part of your wedding day and every other day that might be memorable with you. It's important that they enjoy that bottle of wine and a little extra effort could mean a world of difference. The Premiere Four Piece Wine Set offers a heavy duty corkscrew, a bottleneck ring to catch the drips, a spout to make pouring effortless and a stopper if they want to cherish the memories. That touch that wouldn't be offered with just a bottle comes wrapped up in this set, which can also be personalized with up to 40 characters for free, letting you give great gifts with a great message: Thank You.

Oiled Balls And Lanes Make For Strikes

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:49:13 -0800

Rain and snow are falling now. That's right it's finally winter weather, which means bowling is going to be the prime indoor activity. That means it's time for you and your groomsmen to head out to the lanes and get your frame-fix in. You know, hang out with the guys, enjoy a few drinks, maybe stay for the extreme bowling with all the black lights and some good 80's rock. Whatever the case when it's finally time to leave it's going to be a bummer. The solution? Get a lane at home for all of your groomsmen! If that doesn't seem to work out though there are plenty of other cool gifts that will tickle their bowling fancy. These great pub signs are available in normal and vintage styles and can be personalized with names and dates, making for well-received gifts for your groomsmen. And if you want to make it into a personalized "Team Groomsman" gifts for each guy then you'll need to check out the bowling team design. Whatever the case they won't be as upset having to leave the alley when they know they've still got a little bit of bowling to come home to.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, bowling, alley, pub, signs,

Wedding Solutions Episode One

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:46:32 -0800

After spending some time reading stories from brides and bridesmaids and mothers and any other woman that can possibly be involved in a wedding, it seems there are a lot of party poopers out there, specifically women in these stories, that can't seem to get across the fact that two people are celebrating one of the most important days of there waking lives. Maybe it's a need for attention or maybe they just aren't that cheery a person to be around. Whatever the case there are solutions. Solution One: They need attention and you just need to show them (hopefully just once) that they are important in the wedding. A quick talk or a nice gift with a little note will probably solve that up quick. Solution Two: They aren't cheery and you realize this is the reason for groomsmen. Hopefully you've got them gifts that are able to carry a friendly intoxicant we like to call liquor. After enjoying their friendly gifts they'll probably be likely to approach Ms. Unruly and get a little something going. If their charm still can't seem to penetrate the rusty mood, and once all the guests are a bit tired of her, then hopefully by that time your groomsmen will be willing make a few sharp comments. You'll probably have to deal with an angry face and a few tears at first, but after that she's either gone or in a much better mood. Problem solved. Thanks groomsmen!

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, groom, unruly, guest, solution,

I Do...Not Know Why I Said That

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:26:45 -0800

There are always do's and do not's for your wedding, but we ran across a fun list of some things not to say on your wedding night. Here are a few that were pretty good: 1. But everybody looks funny naked! 2. You woke me up for that? 3. (in a janitor's closet) And they say romance is dead... 4. Try breathing through your nose. 5. But whipped cream makes me break out. 6. Person 1: This is your first time..right? Person 2: Yeah.. today 7. Hurry up! This room rents by the hour! 8. Can you please pass me the remote control? 9. They're not cracker crumbs, it's just a rash. 10. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ 11. On second thought, let's turn off the lights. 12. And to think- I was really trying to pick up your friend! 13. So much for mouth-to-mouth. 14. Hope you're as good looking when I'm sober... 15. (holding a banana) It's just a little trick I learned at the zoo! 16. Try not to smear my make-up, will ya! 17. Got any penicillin? 18. I want a baby! 19. Did you know the ceiling needs painting? 20. You're good enough to do this for a living! 21. Is that blood on the headboard? 22. Did I remember to take my pill? 23. Are you sure I don't know you from somewhere? 24. Did I tell you my Aunt Martha died in this bed? 25. No, really... I do this part better myself! 26. It's nice being in bed with a woman I don't have to inflate! 27. This would be more fun with a few more people.. 28. You're almost as good as my ex! 29. Is that you I smell or is this mattress stuffed with rotten potatoes? 30. You look younger than you feel. 31. Now I know why he/she dumped you... 32. What tampon? So hopefully you won't be hearing any of these coming out of you or your partner's mouth anytime soon, but it's bound to happen eventually. You can help yourselves out with some husband and wife guidebooks that offer a lot of helpful suggestions. You might even consider them as a groomsmen gift or, though this might be a little risky, for the bridesmaids.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, things, not to say, partner,

Game Day Picks Are Important

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:36:46 -0800

You get your fantasy teams picked out as fast as they're ready to be made, so why not get the drop on picking your groomsmen too? We're not saying to rush into any decisions, but earlier is better in this situation (just ask your soon to be wife!). In fact a little story about a guy getting married and calling up one of his old school friends, who remembered him to be something of a big practical joker, and asking him to be best man shows just how important not rushing is. Anyways the best man got a hold of the groom's lottery ticket prior to the wedding and jotted down the numbers. He held onto them for his best man speech and announced that all of them as friends followed the lottery and he was going to read off today's winning numbers. So as he's reading them off the groom is really starting to get excited until finally he jumps up and yells "I'm rich!" and starts running around showing it off. His wife is excited too, congratulating him and telling him how happy she is that they are rich. The groom just asks "we're rich? No I'm rich, and I've been sleeping with your sister for the last two months!" as he runs down and grabs her sister's hand and leaves the reception. Basically sums up the idea to give thought to who you choose as groomsmen. Not necessarily ones that won't play a joke on you, but if you do just make sure not to make a fool of yourself or ruin anything. In fact if they do pull one you can get back at them with any gifts that might make a good inside joke. Getting your groomsmen personalized gifts would even let you throw a little message in there so whenever they use it they'll have to remember the joke. That's probably how any wedding day jokes would go so it's only fair!

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, groom, best man, jokes,

Tit For Tat And Tool For Set

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:09:28 -0800

Things are made to be broken. It's not a fun fact of life, but it sure is true. Or maybe a less cynical way to take that phrase is things are made to work, but will eventually break. Regardless of how you look at it the end result is the same. The question you need to ask is how long? Everyone needs to be able to fix things and your groomsmen aren't an exception to this case. In fact the perfect gifts for them would probably be some kind of tool set. They'll want one that has it all, making it easy to keep for home use or keep in the car if a situation ever comes up when they'll need tools, and it will come up. It's always better to have something you'll really need when the time comes and receiving sets like this will just make it that much more appreciated.

Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, groom, tool, set,

African Wedding Crashers

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:17:13 -0800

A crazy little story came out recently about the fate of a couple of brothers in Africa who decided to crash a wedding. Anyway the story goes that Hlakkaniphani and Sithembiso Ziqubu arrived at a wedding in Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and were enjoying the activities up until the guests finally discovered them. They were politely asked to leave, but apparently that courtesy didn't extend to all of those present at the wedding. Upon leaving the brothers were chased and attacked by a group of wedding goers (aka vigilantes). One of the brothers was stabbed to death, while the other got away with a few injuries. Kind of crazy down there in Africa, but at least we can hope to assume it wasn't any of the groomsmen that went vigilante, especially if the groom had purchased them gifts of a certain knife because with knives of that kind of quality there would be two less wedding crashers to worry about.

Tags: groomsmen_gifts, groomsmen, gifts, groom, knives, wedding, crashers,

Number One Wiidding Gift

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:31:27 -0800

A nice little article from joystiq gave us an update on the most requested newlywed gift at amazon.com, and we think they'd work as gifts for your groomsmen too if you want your buddies to love you forever. Their wedding registry shows that it is no other than Nintendo's Wii gaming console. It's probably because of the Wii sports games that anyone of any age can enjoy, not to mention the fun a little competition brings to any relationship. There are plenty of other games that the groom and groomsmen can enjoy now, or will soon, in addition to the games the ladies will be wanting to play (i.e. Metroid, Resident Evil, Medal of Honor). The one downside is that it's out of stock on amazon.com, but you can always go for Amazon's number two: a pyrex 10-piece food storage set! Instead you might just want to try someplace else for newlywed gifts, but of course you never know when that tupperware might come in handy. Perhaps it'll be when you only have time to be eating leftovers during your few-and-far-between breaks from the Wii.

Tags: groomsmen_gifts, groomsmen, gifts, groom, newlywed, Wii,

Homegrown Pub Time

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:34:45 -0800

Winter's rolling around again guys, which means the backyard parties are wrapping up. Obviously that doesn't mean the end of them, just that they're moving inside. That does mean it's time to start working on getting the bar supplies stocked and ready, whether it's for you or as gifts for your groomsmen. They've got to have the complete setup for the barroom though, we're talking rustic-style wall signs to give it that authentic pub look and feel, and personalized glasses for their favorite drink would fit right in there too, whether its martinis or brews. They might also be an on the rocks kind of guy in which case they'd need some glasses for that, personalized for some extra class while you're sipping scotch. The drinks will need to be stocked too, but the groomsmen can probably take care of that. A personalized shot glass would be a good accent to a bottle though. Yes sir, these homegrown bars will be stocked and ready for any drinking occasion.

Tags: groomsmen, gifts, bar, pub, drinking,

Harmony Is For Harmonicas, Not Fidelity

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:37:31 -0800

Alright so apparently this happened, but you all can relate to the situation somehow. Anyways, it's a huge wedding with 300 guests and after the wedding reception, while everyone is still sitting at their tables, the groom gets up on stage and grabs the microphone. He's courteous and thanks the guests and family for coming, some from long distances, to support them on their wedding day. He gives special thanks for the bride's and groom's families for coming. He goes on to tell everyone that he's giving them a gift to show his appreciation of their support and that they can find it under their chairs. Everyone reaches under and pulls out a manila envelope with an 8x10 of the bride screwing the best man. Apparently the groom had been suspicious weeks before and hired a private investigator to follow them around. No groomsmen gifts for that guy! After the guests had all pulled them out and had a chance to understand what they were seeing, the groom turned to his wife and then his best man, giving each of them a "F**k you" before he bounces out of there. He got the marriage annulled the next day. How awesome is that, takes his cheating wife and best man and embarrasses them in front of everyone with a well planned and executed plan, and what better way to throw that out into the world than with a personalized steel harmonica. That would have been the perfect exit, skipping away from a stunned and embarrassed gathering playing some catchy little tune. The best man probably could have done with one too, and possibly would have had one seeing as it's great for groomsmen gifts, except his tunes would be for later on when he could be whistling like one of those old lonely cowboys.

Groomsmen Gifts Are For Afterwards

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:26:51 -0800

Here's a nice little pre-ceremony story involving a bride walking with her father as he gives her a quick little rundown of what's been happening while she was getting ready. Apparently her soon-to-be-husband's father, also the best man, had lost her ring. He put ring on his pinkie finger, thinking it was the safest place to keep it until it was time to hand it over to his son. Apparently this was a horrible plan as he ended up losing the ring. Now we can only speculate what caused him to lose the ring on the wedding day, so here are some speculations. First the facts: he's the best man so he'll be getting a gift along with all the other groomsmen. He's older and wiser so we probably wouldn't be amiss to say he'd be down for a nice game of chess. That's it! Our speculation has given us an answer. He was playing with his groomsman gift before the ceremony! But this isn't just any gift, it's a chess set...with shot glasses as the chess pieces. There we go, we solved it. Maybe next time dad just needs to wait till after the ceremony before he uses his awesome new chess set. Oh, by the way, the bride's mother found the ring in the hallway on her own way to the ceremony.

Creepy Wedding Thieves

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:00:32 -0800

Not quite the smooth talking character of Vince Vaughn or Owen Wilson, nor nearly as fun loving, a Miss Kimberly Cooper wasarrested for crashing a wedding and stealing gifts given to the couple (at least she left the groomsmen gifts alone). According to News Channel 6, she apparently showed up with her daughter and then worked to blend in, going so far as to decorate the car and cut the cake, though she ate it before the bride and groom. She was quite the guest up until the rest of the gathering crowded around the couple and their cake, when she left and had her little 12-year-old grab all of those envelopes. Always one to celebrate it seems, she decided to go to Target and use the gift cards and money the day after. The bride and groom were of course upset when they found their gifts missing, but upon her arrest the police were able to grab all of the cards and Target purchases and return them to the couple. Honestly, psychos like her are the reason grooms and groomsmen need to be ready with their wedding crasher deterrents. They might want to kick back and relax after with a nice Churchill from their triple leather cigar case. Whatever the case just make sure to be on the lookout for these wedding creepers, or arm your guys with groomsmen gifts of engraved baseball bats. Just kiddingâ�?�¦mostly.

The Importance of Wedding Coordinators

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:23:52 -0800

Interesting story out of the McClatchy - Tribune recently. Apparently there is a way to ensure your wedding gifts donâ�?��?�t get stolen and you donâ�?��?�t run out of ice. The article talks about the importance of wedding coordinators and how it basically ensures that most weddings only end up with tiny glitches at worst when they've brought in a qualified (check references, people!) wedding coordinator to handle the brunt of the responsibility load, i.e. the boring stuff that doesn't involve planning your bachelor party and buying cool groomsmen gifts. That load, by the way, includes securing the location up to a year in advance, handling all of the check distribution to all the plethora of vendors. How awful to be the groom and have to be in charge of picking up the groomsmen gifts, paying the DJ, the caterer, the flower guy, the cake and the list goes on and on and on. As the Tribune reported - a coordinator, Teresa Hutchinson also makes sure she has in her trusty handbag, a safety pin, scissors, a lighter (for candles), a pocketknife, mints, an extra cell phone and tissues to pass out to weepy guests. Now that woman is on her game! We'd like to add one more responsibility to the coordinator and that is to house the many valuable groomsmen gifts that are going to bring big smiles to the boys' faces. In order to really ensure that Teresa and all good wedding coordinators really have the right item in their purse, they should consider adding this awesome three piece cigar and flask kit. Because you never know who is going to burst into tears, and you never know when you're going to run into a nervous groom who is going to need a last minute drink and smoke!

Technorati Tags: flasks, groomsmen gifts, puppy, wedding coordinators

Even Ugly Ties Need Love

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:21:27 -0800

Seen an uprising in ugly ties as gifts? This article might be responsible. Recently the Colorado Springs Gazette did an article on an "Ode to the Ugly Tie." They started off by sharing a story about a best man who tricked his groom into thinking the dark brown, fraying tie with the ducks on it was a custom - the groom always wears something different than his groomsmen. What gifts do you get for practical jokers, we wonder? It wasn't until right before taking his vows did they let him in on the secret and give him the real tie to wear. Let's face it, there is an art to tying and wearing a tie and many of us guys don't have that talent mastered. How many times have you seen a heavy set guy with the super fat tie that is tied way too short and barely goes to his navel? Too many times, right. Well, if the wedding is on the way, then let us make some suggestions for awesome gifts for your boys this year. For starters, a Stayclip Collar Organizer will be a great gift, but also works as a useful everyday item for the handsome suit (that's what we call white collar guys these days). Add to that a handsome pair of Rhodium Cuff Links and you're well on your way to being the handsomest guy at the wedding, reunion, anniversary, and the office.

Technorati Tags: cuff links, groomsmen gifts, collar stays