Groomsman Gift Blog

Take My Wife (Please) and Other Marriage Advice

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:34:20 GMT

Getting married? In addition to being bestowed with wedding gifts, I bet you’ve heard your fair share of advice from well-meaning family and friends. From “It’s okay to argue, but don’t go to sleep angry” to “remember to always put the seat down on the toilet,” most marriage advice is well meaning and on point. Some advice is truly a valuable gift for the groom and heeding it can save you tons of heartache and money! Sometimes a witty piece of advice might stay in your memory longer or a funny joke about marriage – even though you might not share those exact sentiments about marriage, something in the saying really resonates with you. Here are some of our favorite wedding, marriage and love inspired sayings (some serious, some silly) from celebrities and famous people:

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Take Your Last Bachelor Dip at Pool Party

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:15:58 GMT

Even though summer has just barely started, temperatures are sure to remain hot for a few more months, especial in the south and west regions of the US. If you are trying to plan a bachelor party or guy’s weekend party in honor of an upcoming wedding, staying cool may be just as much of a priority as having fun. We have a great idea that is sure to make a splash with you and the guys – a Pool Cabana Party.

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Grooms, Put Best Foot Forward

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:55:19 GMT

Your wedding day is fast approaching and we know you want to put your best foot forward in every sense of the phrase. Today, there are quite a few choices when it comes to picking the right shoes for the groom and groomsmen. Color and comfort of course are key, but another important consideration is the formality of your wedding. Converse sneakers or cowboy boots may be a statement of fashion (and function) at casual weddings, but more traditional affairs usually require a dressier shoe. Below, check out the different types of shoes that may work with your tuxedo, dark suit or event sports coat.

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Unusual Marriage Laws Around the World

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:39:08 GMT

In our last blog post, we reported about the unusual law in India requiring a groom to provide proof to the state that he will be providing his future with toilet accommodations. This seemingly odd demand (which actually has public sanitation and safety implications) had us wondering about other strange-but-true wedding requirements across the world.

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With This Toilet, I Thee Wed

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:31:17 GMT

In India, getting married comes with a price. Oh, yes, I’m sure your saying, “getting married always comes with a price – an engagement ring, a big mortgage or even just putting up with a nagging wife.” Well, that may be how it is in the US, but in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, that price in the cost of a toilet. Yes, a toilet.

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Top 10 Places for Newlyweds to Live

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:20:16 GMT

Getting married and building a life with another person has a lot of challenges that require compromise. Not only do you have to set up a physical home address and decide where to put all the wedding gifts, but finding the right city to plant roots in can be one of the biggest negotiations couples face. Some newlyweds have been living across the country from each other before getting married and are looking for a neutral home base. Other couples are looking for the best city for their up-and-coming careers or desire the most affordable city in which to start a family. In their annual list of the 10 best cities for newlyweds, Rent.com rattles off locations for you to fall in love with. These prime picks were selected for a number of criteria including rental availability, number of married couples, number of children under six, mean annual income and cost of living.

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So Many Reasons to Get Married

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:51:30 GMT

Current research suggests a person’s level of happiness is related to whether or whether not that person is married. The Office of National Statistics in the UK polled 165,000 British people about their overall satisfaction with life and anxiety levels. What they discovered is that being married is 20 times more important to happiness levels than salary and 13 times more important than being a home owner. If you think about it, getting married could be the best gift you could ever give yourself – this wedding gift keeps on giving!

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Reel Fun - Bachelor Fishing Party

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:00:03 GMT

Do you have buddies whose idea of a good time is waking up before dawn to get a prime fishing spot? Or maybe the early bird who catches the worm . . . er, fish, is you. If you and your friends love to fish, you are not alone. Thousands and thousands of men fish for fun and sport across our beautiful country’s numerous lakes, rivers and oceans. Most men like to fish with a reel and rod or fly fishing, although some brave guys will get out there and go “noodling.” If you’ve never seen this crazy sport, noodling requires the fisherman to pull out bottom-dwelling fish from the holes that they hide in underwater with his bare hands. Big game fishing for marlin, shark and other large fish is also a popular pastime with outdoorsmen types.

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Getting Married in Vegas

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:27:19 GMT

Getting married in Las Vegas is a great option for couples looking to get hitched quickly but without the dull ambiance of a hometown justice of the peace. For folks who don’t want a lot of fuss and family, a Vegas wedding is one of the best wedding presents ever! There is no waiting period or blood test required to get a marriage license in Nevada which means that long-time lovebirds or even those who have just recently met can be married quicker than you can say “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.”

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Work Out Your Wedding Jitters

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:32:17 GMT

Having trouble sleeping, eating and staying focused? Does your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of your chest or are your feet cold, literally and figuratively? Don’t worry; you’re not dying – at least not yet. If you are weeks, days or just hours away from getting hitched, the overwhelming odds are that you are suffering from pre-wedding jitters. Some might call this condition “cold feet,” anxiety, nerves, doubts, or what-have-you, but when distilled down to the basics, this normal feeling of nervousness is just your body’s way of coping with stress.

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Is This Anyway to Start "Until Death Do We Part"

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:50:15 GMT

Are you too busy to attend your own wedding? Perhaps you have a business meeting at corporate headquarters, are enjoying a vacation and don’t want to come back or, more likely, been deployed overseas with the military. Well, never fear, for if you live in California, Colorado, Texas or Montana you can get married “by proxy.” In a marriage by proxy, either the bride or the groom does not appear in person for the wedding ceremony. During the solemnization of the marriage, another person stands in for the absent party, acting on a power of attorney. And, in certain counties of Montana, both the bride AND the groom do not have to be physically present to get married – this is called a “double proxy” marriage. One of the most famous unions created by double proxy was that of Emperor Napoleon and Archduchess Marie Louise in 1810.

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Best-Ever Beer Cocktail for a Summer Wedding

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:32:32 GMT

Now that I have caught the attention of beer-loving grooms everywhere, let me elaborate. I’m talking about the Michelada, the Mexican beer cocktail that is made with beer, tomato juice, spices, sauces and such. A good way to describe it is as a Bloody Mary made with beer instead of vodka. And, if you failed high school Spanish and are stumbling over the pronunciation, just say “mee-che-LAH-dah.”

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Groomsmen Gifts for the Hip Home Bar

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:29:44 GMT

When furnishing a home bar with serving pieces and implements, the obvious and more conventional choices come to mind. Nice weighty beer mugs able to hold a full pint of brew, shot glasses to get the party started (or keep it going) and even a serviceable flask ready to top off for an outing. All of these have traditionally been (and really still are) great gifts for groomsmen.

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Tuxedo Time – How to Wear it Well

Tue, 28 May 2013 22:31:41 GMT

If you want to look sharp in your tuxedo, you need to make sure it fits perfectly. Even the most expensive formal wear can look sub-par if it doesn’t fall just so over the wear’s physique. Without a doubt, fit is the most important factor in a tux regardless of if you are renting or having one custom-made. Remember to give yourself enough lead time when securing your tux, keeping into mind that tuxedos take time to alter – it can’t just be done while you stand there and wait. Make sure all the groomsmen know about this too! Also, if you can afford to, it is a very nice gesture to pick up the rent tab on the groomsmen tuxedos – in addition to their groomsmen gifts. Share the following fit tips and every one in your wedding party will look good and feel good on the big day.

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Marrying Man of the Month: Michael Jordan

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:51 GMT

Our Marrying Man of the Month (although he actually got hitched last month) is basketball icon Michael Jordan. Considered by many to be the best basketball player of all time, Jordan – often called MJ by his friends, tied the knot with this girlfriend of five years, Yvette Prieto. The wedding, the second for Jordan, took place on April 27, 2013 in a massively huge party tent pitched near his Palm Beach home.

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Twelve Symbols of Life to Incorporate into Weddings

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:43:16 GMT

A wedding is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows to each other before their god, their friends and their family. Not only is a lifetime commitment being made between the couple, marriage also weave together two previously unrelated families forever. Many in the African-American culture choose to include special elements in their wedding ceremony that represent the traditions and customs of their ancestors.

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King of the Pins – Bowling Bachelor Party

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:57:36 GMT

A few years ago, the mere mention of bowling brought up images of beer-gutted, middle-aged guys wearing bad shoes and matching shirts. Let’s just say that it would be a tragically uncool way to spend the groom’s last big hurrah of bachelorhood. But, flash forward to 2013 and all of a sudden bowling has undergone a transformation, making it all the rage with the hipsters. Old school bowling alleys are experience record numbers and new, upscale bowling “lounges” (alley sounds so shabby) are popping up in bigger metropolitan areas.

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Groomsmen Gifts for Christian Weddings

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:28:43 GMT

In the Christian faith, groomsmen have long played an important role in the wedding ceremony. For years, these friends have served as loyal companions, close confidants, and as your moral compass in times when you’ve stepped slightly astray.

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Smokeless Tobacco, Baseball Trivia & Groomsmen Gifts to Chew On

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:17:04 GMT

With baseball season is in full swing and splatters of spittle are hitting the ground, our minds have momentarily become distracted from all things groomsmen gift and best man gift related. Baseball season got us thinking about how one of the most enduring rituals of this all-American sport came to be. We’re talking about chaw, chew, snu, gator lip, dip, wad, redman, skoal and grit, that big pouch of gross gunk that baseball players like to stick between their lip, cheek and gums.

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Smoke to infinity and beyond! Gigantic Cigar Sold for $185K

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:34:21 GMT

Do you and your groomsmen like cigars? I mean, really, really like cigars? If so, you may have just missed out on aquiring the granddaddy of all smokes – the Gran Habano #5 “El Gigante cigar.” It’s hard to believe that this 19-foot bad boy with a 3-foot circumference is really rolled fermented tobacco because it looks strikingly similar to a timbered tree trunk being hauled out of the woods.

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Bachelor Party Paradise: Self-Serve Beer Taps

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:55:14 GMT

Times are a changing, we are doing more and more stuff for ourselves. Most people under forty or fifty don’t even know that gas-station attendants used to pump fuel into your car or that elevator attendants were in control of the lift to ensure safe arrival and the desired floor of a high-rise. Help was also required for getting money out of the bank, now we self-serve at ATMs grocery store check outs and a host of other locations. Another sign of the future, the role of the bartender may also be changing . . . . make that vanishing thanks to the integration of new technology in bar and food establishments.

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Seven Strange-But-True Wedding Laws

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:36:47 GMT

Laws can be very weird. We’ve found some doozies when it comes to getting married. For example, men in Saudi Arabia, despite their exalted status, have to make sure the bride gets her daily grind. Coffee, that is. Apparently, there is a law on the books that says woman in this country may divorce her husband if he does not keep her supplied with coffee. We say, give her a monogrammed coffee mug as a wedding gift to make sure she knows where her bread is buttered, err, where her java is brewed. Some might expect international laws to be strange to the American culture, but here are some very strange-but-true laws from states right in in the USA.

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Honeymoon Travel Tips

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:09:12 GMT

Every groom and his bride can expect the honeymoon to be a memorable trip, wherever the location. Memorable for most honeymoons conjures up images of romance, relaxation and few worries. But, keep in mind that “memorable” can also mean “events have gone disastrously wrong.” Make sure you recall your honeymoon with fondness in the years to come by being aware of issues during travel that could arise and screw things up. And, remember, if the bride’s not happy, you’re not happy!

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Having a “Best Dog” in your Wedding

Tue, 07 May 2013 23:48:39 GMT

Sometimes inviting your “best friend” to be in the wedding means stocking up on jerky treats and squeak toys. No, we’re not talking about your college roommate (even though he has been known to drink out of the toilet bowl), but about that fearless and faithful friend, Fido. Because many guys consider their dog to be part of the family, it only makes logical sense to make them part of your joyous celebration.

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How Grooms Can Help Out With Wedding Planning

Mon, 06 May 2013 22:10:41 GMT

Even though the wedding day is billed as “the bride’s day,” it doesn’t mean that the groom’s role is unimportant. In fact, the groom’s role is very important – he’s one-half of the union that is about to take place. Without the groom, the bride would be marrying an imagined husband – and that’s called crazy-makings in our book. So, if you take the point of view that it is also “the groom’s day” (which you should), you need to be aware of the responsibilities of your role. Brush up on the traditional responsibilities of a bridegroom below. However, if wedding planning appeals to you and want to break with tradition, talk to the bride about other tasks you can take on other than those listed below. Sharing the wedding workload a great way to start your marriage!

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A Dream Come True, JFK Cigar Box

Thu, 02 May 2013 23:21:48 GMT

If you’ve ever watched the hit History Channel show, “Pawn Stars," you’ve no doubt seen the random parade of memorabilia, paraphernalia and just plain junk that comes rolling in. I love to sit back and watch this colorful reality show that centers on the real-life pawn business “Gold & Silver Pawn Shop,” now a popular landmark on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Folks from all walks of life haul in their antiquities, artifacts and, er . . . well, junk and negotiate with the savvy three-generational pawn shop owners, grandfather Richard, son Rick and grandson Corey.

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Grooms, Make the Rehearsal Dinner Yours

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:14:45 GMT

It’s pretty obvious the wedding is about the bride; that is, if you listen to most people. Phrases like “it’s the bride’s day” and “all eyes on the bride” make it seem like the groom is quite expendable and should take a backseat in the decision-making process. It seems like all guys get to do are order the tuxedos and pick out the groomsmen gifts. Women get bridal showers (although couple and groom showers are catching on), get to wear something out of the ordinary, and basically get treated like queens through the whole wedding process. If you are a guy getting married stand up and make a statement that your opinions count to, and that it is “the groom’s day” too. The rehearsal dinner is one event that you can plan and execute how you see fit. Especially considering that it’s the groom’s parents and/or the groom who pays for and hosts the event.

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A Big World of Beer Mug Options

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:51:56 GMT

The Japanese are just so inventive. From the car to the video game console, this clever country is always on the cutting edge of the next trend. That’s why when we saw the commercial for the Professional Beer Foam Making Mug, they had us memorized at “super gadget.” We just had to track one of these down.

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Stay Calm and Carry On at the Wedding Ceremony

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:18:15 GMT

Grooms, even if you didn’t have an ounce of worry or anxiety during the engagement process, things may feel much different at the wedding ceremony. I speak from experience when I say that the enormity of the actual wedding day will give even the most laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy heart palpitations . . . and this heart skipping is not caused by love for your betrothed (but, of course you adore her in every way) but is instead a by-product of the nerves, anxiety and worry that you may not have even realized were building up.

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Social Media Mania Hits Weddings

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:28:23 GMT

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You could spend countless hours online, mixing and mingling with old buddies and new friends alike. Both Twitter and Facebook report having more than 1 billion unique visitors per month. Facebook alone reports having more than 50 million active pages. Everyone’s doing it from home computers, tablets and smart phones. For celebrities (think about the whole Aston and Demi drama) to regular Joes like us, the trend for interacting via social media just keeps growing exponentially. At Groomstand.com, we even have several groomsmen gifts that would be apropos for the guy who doesn’t like to be far from his virtual friends. A popular choice in gifts for groomsmen who tweet and Facebook from their cells is a monogramed iPhone case. If you want to splurge on your Best Man, consider our city-style urban briefcase crafted from genuine leather, the perfect parking spot for his laptop when not in use!

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Study Says Curved Beer Mugs Increases Quantity Consumed

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:28:22 GMT

They say if you use a smaller plate, you’ll eat less. You would think the same theory probably holds true for the size of your glass. But, a new study of British beer drinkers has found that drinking beer from a curved glass dramatically increases the speed at which a person “swills” – that is, to “drink or eat freely, greedily, or to excess.”

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An Indestructable Man Cave

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:13:19 GMT

Along a desolate stretch of South Florida lies what could possibly be your ultimate man cave and one heck of a place to host a bachelor party! Of course, you’ll have to have deep pockets and a fondness for decorating because this utilitarian underground abode is on the market for nearly five million dollars and (to put it mildly) needs an overhaul of epic proportions to make it comfortable enough for a hangout.

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Marrying Men (and a Woman) of the Month

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:45:27 GMT

Spring and sprung and love is suddenly in the air! Engagement news has been confirmed for a couple of bachelors and a long-time super model too. Celebrity weddings just make our hearts go aflutter (insert sarcastic tone here), we can’t wait to see who’s wearing what and how over the top all the details go. Okay, we pretend that we don’t care about which stars are getting hitched, but really we do. When a male celebrity gets engaged, it reminds us regular Joes that getting married isn’t really that bad of a deal. Chances are the girl you’ve proposed to really loves you for you and not you’re a-list bank account. And, when a Sports Illustrated bikini supermodel gets married, we all just sigh a collective “what if.”

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How NOT to faint at your wedding

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:35:06 GMT

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications.

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Groom Trends, What’s Hot in 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:12:06 GMT

Grooms are no longer taking second seat to the brides. Everywhere you look it’s groom this and groom that. While it may be your fiancée’s ‘Big Day,’ isn’t it a landmark day in your life too? Yes it is, so why not man up and take charge! If you want to make wedding planning and the entire wedding planning experience more ‘equal opportunity,’ then check out these trends that men who are getting married in 2013 can’t stop talking about.

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Beard or No Beard, That is the Question

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:44:54 GMT

Thinking of wearing a beard on your Big Day? You’re not alone in this fascination for facial hair; beards seem to be enjoying a revival of sorts. Beards, it’s said, are making a comeback and GroomStand.com is behind a guy’s choice to wear or not wear facial hair. The furry face look is found on hipsters, folksy musicians and even celebrities -- Brad Pitt wears that goat-like beard with no apologies. More often than not, these beards are sported Sasquatch-style, the days of the subtle five-o’clock shadow has come and gone. Even the once clean-shaven star, George Cooney, was spotted recently at the Oscars sporting a silvery beard.

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Re-Tying the Knot - Vow Renewal Ceremonies

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:44:53 GMT

Looking to say “I do” again with the same woman? The trend for vow renewal ceremonies is has been on the rise in the last 10 years with some wedding vendors reporting that these recommitment ceremonies represent between five and 10 percent of their total business. A vow renewal is a great way to honor a landmark anniversary (such as 5, 10, 25 or 50), as a reaffirmation after a rocky road, or just a good excuse to celebrate your spouse and a healthy relationship.

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Mixing Drinks with Speed and Cocktail Shakers

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:44:52 GMT

There are many skills a guy should have and one of the most essential is being able to mix up a mean drink. Most men pick up this absolute must-have ability during their bachelorhood, such as in college or in the early work years. Nothing imparts sophisticated swagger and attracts the women more than being able to mix up a wide range of adult beverages. It’s a win-win; not only are drinks made, but women are met! Perhaps it’s even how you charmed your significant other!

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Flash Mob Dance and Marching Band Proposal

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:44:38 GMT

When a guy orchestrates a public proposal, he certainly has to be sure that the object of his affection is not going to turn him down. Just think of how embarrassing it would be to get a rejection on the Jumbotron at a basketball game or, worse yet, on a reality television show. Spoiler alert, this viral video we found on youtube.com has a happy ending -- the girl says “yes.”

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Say "Yes" to Proposal Day

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:58:08 GMT

If you are reading this, you may be thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend. Or, perhaps you are newly engaged and just chomping at the bits to find the perfect groomsmen gifts and gear for your bachelor party. Asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is a big deal on any day of the year. But, according to some, there is an “official” time when it is best. Apparently a guy named John Michael O'Loughlin came up with this designated day to “seal the deal” after his cousin's boyfriend repeatedly failed to ask that life-changing question for more than a decade of dating.

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When in Rome - Ancient Wedding Traditions

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:05:19 GMT

They say ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ and we’re all for that, especially when it comes to eating gelato and watching gladiators battle each other. But, when it comes to wedding rituals, we’re not so sure that we want to mimic some of the unusual goings-on that took place before, during, and after the marriage ceremony in this ancient civilization. It seems like every culture has its strange wedding customs, and here are the weirdest I found for the ancient Romans.

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April Fool's Day Pranks for a Wedding

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:05:25 GMT

While getting married is a serious matter, there’s no reason not to add a little fun to the festivities, especially on and around April Fool’s Day. Or, if you have a reputation for pranks and practical jokes, you could get away with a shenanigan or two at a celebration any time of the year. While it probably isn’t in good taste to pull off a prank at the actual ceremony, the other wedding events are fair game – such as the bachelor party, wedding showers, bridal events, family lunches, and so on.

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