Bow Tie, Neck Tie or Neither - A Groom's Quandry

Bow tie, neck tie or neither? This has become a common question with men deciding on their wedding day attire; which to choose, which to choose? Some men might say “neither,” and point to the fact that both are still like a noose around the neck. We say poppycock to those peeps, that’s a sad commentary on getting married As far as tradition and dress code etiquette are concerned, bow ties are to be worn to formal events or when a tuxedo is called into action and neckties are to be worn at more casual affairs usually with suits. Today, just like with certain bridal traditions, this “dress code” is being left on the curb as the importance individuality takes over! More men are choosing to call attention to their personalities and style preferences on their big day! A man who wears a bow tie is prestigious, elegant and exudes class! Not to mention, he’s viewed as unique, intelligent and indifferent to other people’s opinions. There have been many men throughout history who have used the bow tie as their signature piece, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Steve Jobs and Pee-Wee Herman, just to name just a few. I’ve heard many women say that they love the old school bow tie look, especially when the bowtie is left undone and hanging around the neck, a la Cary Grant. A bow tie is a great fashion choice if you will be wearing a tux at your wedding, but even if you are wearing a less dressy business suit or sports jacket, a bow tie can still make a sophisticated, smart statement. A humorous way to look at the bow tie is that it is the topper on your wrapping (the suit or tuxedo) – underneath awaits an awesome groom! If you plan on wearing a bow tie, check out our absolutely fitting pair of bow tie cufflinks – these would also make a clever choice in groomsmen gifts. Now, onto the neckties. Neckties have been around forever in some form or fashion. In ancient times, a slip of fabric or scarf worn around the neck identified the wearer as belonging to a certain group -- you could call this the early way to declare your title or wealth (today it might be the car we drive or the watch we wear). Some ties were also just a straightforward necessity used to sop up sweat. Modern neckties date back to King Lousi XIV of France who popularize the “cravat” after spotting a similar look on Croatian soldiers from the 1600s. Today a necktie can convey a variety of messages, depending on the scenario and your intent. Wearing a necktie in a professional setting shows that you are in charge and are a leader – especially if your tie is a power color such as red. Wearing a tie can also signify respect, such as in church or at a memorial event. However, in a more formal setting, wearing a traditional neck tie shoes you aren’t necessarily tied to the rules of proper dress, but are still sophisticated in a laid-back way. If you are planning to wear a necktie with your tuxedo or suit, there are literally thousands and thousands of choice in color and pattern. Pick a tie that suits your personality, whether that is bright purple with yellow polka-dots or a subtle herringbone plaid. Accessories can be worn with your neck tie including a personalized tie clip, a tie tack or even matching cufflinks. Tie clips, cufflinks and other men’s accessories make great groomsmen gifts, especially if they are personalized. Adding a personalization to the groomsman gift shows that you have put extra thought and consideration into the recipient’s give, thus helping to seal its fate as an instant heirloom. So, what type of tie are you wearing with your wedding day attire? What does your tie say about YOUR personality? Please share in the comments below.

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Get Your Groom On

There is no excuse for being a slob . . . or as your bride-to-be might diplomatically say, “looking disheveled.” Maybe it’s just fine to show off shadowy stubble and a squirrel’s nest of hair on a lazy weekend morning, a late bachelor night or even at work if you have a boss with a loose interpretation of “casual Friday,” but never, ever at any of your wedding events – especially the big day. Your wedding day is the first day of the rest of your life with your new bride and, believe you me; it will be recorded and photographed for posterity by both sides of the family. And then, in this day and age, it will be shared on Facebook, twitter, personal blogs, and Instagram to hundreds of friends and family and maybe even thousands or millions of perfect strangers. So, of course, you want to look your best. Make a dashing impression at your wedding events by taking those grooming habits to the next level – or, even just making grooming a habit! Didn’t your mother always tell you to comb your hair and wash behind your ears? Now’s the time to do it! Follow our tips for the groom on how to get groomed for a wedding. Good luck! Get a Hair Repair: You don’t have to look like the 70s Breck Shampoo hair model, to come off as the handsome groom at your wedding. Some guys just aren’t gifted with those kinds of soft, silky hair genes. We liken going to the barber like getting the oil changed in your car; you have to do it at least every three months to keep things going smoothly. A guy’s hair that hasn’t been cut (we’ll refrain from saying “styled” in a while can be really unruly. You don’t want to look like Cousin It when it’s time to say “I do.” Consider a blow dryer; try out some styling gels, steal a bit of your fiancées hairspray if the day is exceptionally humid. We won’t tell. Keep everything hidden in a handsome monogrammed toiletry kit, a nice choice in groomsmen gifts as well. Don’t Sweat It: No matter how chill you are, you’re probably going to be at least a little nervous at during all the social obligations of the wedding – especially up there at the altar saying your vows. Even if you’re not a profuse sweater, you may get a little shiny on the brow and sweaty under the arms. It’s a pesky problem, but one that can be alleviated on the face with some blotting papers or powder (ask your bride, she’ll know). For all-over body perspiration, that’s a sign of the “fight or flight” response, it will probably happen. Make sure you wear a cotton undershirt under your dress shirt to mop up the downpour, take a fresh one to change into for the reception. If you’re a confirmed mega-sweater, take an extra tuxedo shirt too. Don’t forget to swap out your cufflinks. Another common sense tip that will prevent any unpleasant scents is to remember the deodorant – please! Suck it up and get a “man-icure”. Don’t dismiss the starring role your hands will play on the wedding day. You’ll be holding hands, wearing a new wedding ring (and being photographed up-close in it), and getting a congratulatory handshake from everyone. A do-it-yourself manly manicure will get all the dirt and grease out from under your nails and keep your cuticles in presentable order. After a shower, use a nail brush to get slough off dead cells and debris from your hands and then gently push back cuticles and neatly trim nails. Use implements from a manicure set for safety. In fact, pass out manicure sets to your buddies for groomsmen gifts so you all look well-groomed. If you have an excess of callousing on the palms of your hands from working out or manual labor, soak them a little longer in warm water and then vigorously rub them together to get off as much dead skin as you can. If needed, then very carefully use a razor to peel off the rest. Lotion up your hands ad dab a bit of baby oil into the cuticles, and you’ll look like a magazine hand model.

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Pinterest for Grooms

Guys, have you been on Pinterest.com? You know, that social media site your girlfriend is probably totally into and creating all sorts of wedding boards. If you are a total Pinterest newbie, the idea is that people “pin” images or videos to their “boards” – it’s like a virtual visual scrapbook right on your computer. All the images link back to their original source so you can just click through to get the entire dose of information whenever you want. And, if you’re into being popular on social media (come on, I know you secretly want a million followers), the beauty of all stuff that you pin is that it can be “re-pinned” by others and get you exponential exposure as it gets repined and repined. Brides-to-be seem to love Pinterest as a way to organize their ideas for a dream wedding, from photos of bridal gowns and hairstyles to examples of cakes and floral arrangements. Believe it or not, if you type in “groom ideas” into the search bar, a lot of really cool pictures come up. Now, some of these photos are pinned by actual men, although many are woman-generated images as in “Honey, this is what you’ll be wearing on the wedding day – hope you like it.” If you weed through the girly stuff, you may actually find some useful ideas that will make your wedding day unique from a groom’s perspective. Here are some ideas for grooms I found on Pinterest that I think are well worth sharing: A Stitch in Time: Commemorate the day, month and year of your wedding by having the date embroidered onto your wedding day attire. Many brides also do this with their wedding gowns. I’m not talking about embroidered with big letters on the front of your tuxedo, but rather discretely under the back collar of your suit (hidden where it folds down) or on the same spot of your dress shirt. You can be ultra-conservative by using the same thread color as the garment or pay tribute to your bride’s theme by using the official wedding color. And, yes – there will be an official wedding color! If you are looking for great groomsmen gifts and best man gifts, consider purchasing (instead of renting) each man’s dress shirt and doing the same for him! Not-So-Basic Boutonnieres: The arrival of a wedding day means a lot of accessorizing, more than most males have ever done – personalized cufflinks, tie clips, lapel pins . . . . and that newest accessory, the wedding ring! The majority of guys might not even realize that they will have a flower pinned onto their lapel until the last minute, when it’s too late to have a say so in the matter. I don’t know how many carnations and rose bud boutonnieres there have been in the history of weddings; I’m sure many millions. Why not try something unique, inspired by Pinterest, such as paper origami flower boutonnieres, boutonnieres made from dried pods, bark and other manly outdoor materials, or steampunk-inspired boutonnieres whirly-gigging with brassy gears and gadgets. I’m sure that most of your buddies will appreciate your unique spin on a boutonniere – you could almost consider it a gift for groomsmen. Man Tags: Everyone knows you and the groomsmen are men – we hope! However, long-lost relatives and random acquaintances may not know who is who in the groom’s party. A “man tag” is a useful way to label the guys as ushers, groomsmen, father-of the bride, groom and so on in an ice-breaker sort of way. It’s kind of like the bachelor party t-shirt idea, but more appropriate for the sanctity of the ceremony. Very discrete lapel pins can be made that spell out the man’s role in the wedding at it can be worn under the boutonniere, on the lapel or shirt pocket. Pair with some engraved cufflinks and you have the perfect groomsmen gifts.

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Pull it Together, Man! Get Cufflinks

A little bit of bling, that’s not too over-the-top is the perfect way for grooms to show their individuality and style. Some about-to-be-married men might opt for a snazzy necktie or pocket square to add a pop of color to a dark suit, others prefer a personalized tie pin or pair of distinguished engraved cufflinks. Well-chosen accessories can help a groom and his groomsmen stand apart from the dozens of others who also wearing a similar dark suit or tuxedo. Today, we’re talking about the cufflink. Personalized cufflinks and novelty cufflinks are great choice in groomsmen gifts for many reasons. First, the small little fasteners offer straightforward function for the dress shirt by bringing together the cuff ends of a French cuff shirt. Depending on the style of fastener the cuff link is designed with, a guy can finish getting dressed to the nines with these classy alternatives to buttons. Second, personalized cufflinks add a fashionable touch to the shirt sleeves, so much more than a plain button can offer. When a gentleman prefers a classic, round cufflink or an unusual novelty cufflink, the little glint of metal on the cuffs adds a dashing style point peeking from the jacket sleeves. Third, when gifting a man with a pair of custom cufflinks, as in the giving of groomsmen gifts, the recipient will feel genuinely touched with the personal nature of the gift. By taking the time to have an engraved monogram, initials, a special message added – or even to pick out novelty cufflinks that speak to his unique personality, shows that you put a lot of thought and effort into your groomsman gift gesture. Traditional cufflinks have a classic face, often round or square, that offer a conservative look with dark suits and tuxedos. A pair of traditional cufflinks might remind you of the sophisticated spy style of James Bond. Can’t you just picture him pulling up to a hotel casino, jumping out of his sports car and ordering a martini “stirred, not shaken” – all while his exquisite cufflinks say “I am a man of means and mystery,” without ushering a word. Who knows, maybe James Bond even received his cufflinks as a groomsmen gift somewhere along the way. Novelty cufflinks, however, can be divisive. Some people love them; others think they’re not appropriate for certain formal dress situations. If giving a pair of novelty cufflinks as gifts for groomsmen, such as a set featuring a skull and crossbones or pair of dice, make sure the cufflinks fit the personality of the recipient – this ensures they will be worn time and time again. Now some novelty cufflinks are so crazy that they’ll start a conversation anywhere. For example, tech lovers will appreciate the iCufflinks I found while surfing around the internet. Designed to look just like the glowing standby-symbol on an Apple MacBook, these LED accessories are so nerdy, they’re cool. Other unusual cuff links include tiny lighters that actually produce a flame, timers that will allow the wearer to check how many seconds it takes for friends and co-workers to say “wow, how cool” when they see them. One of the weirdest sets of cufflinks ever made was created from some guy’s gallbladder stones. Please don’t give those best man gifts or groomsmen gifts! So which do you prefer, traditional cufflinks or novelty cufflinks? Let us know in the comments below.

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Mustache Mania for Grooms

Mustaches seem to be all the rage in pop culture today. But, why the resurgence in popularity with the hairy upper lip? Really mustaches hark from the dawn of time, do you think the cavemen shaved off facial hair? We think not. My guess is that ‘staches are back on the scene because of a renewed interest in all things from 70s and 80s eras. Everything old becomes new, hip and cool again, including mustaches flashing back to the days of Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit, Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., and the legendary runner Steve “Pre” Prefontaine. A physical feature unlike no other, the mustache has been the common denominator forever linking dictators with porn stars and artists with potheads. It’s the universal equalizer yet, if worn right, imparts a certain swagger that a clean-shaven face just can’t pull off. Are you thinking for growing (or keeping) your mustache for the big wedding day? Depending on the fondness your betrothed has for sprouted whiskers, growing facial hair could be considered a gift for the bride . . . . or, if she is just allowing you to grow it, then a gift for the groom! If she’s against the ‘stache, just tell her the word “mustache” is French and having one (you, not her) will add loads of oh-la-la class to the Big Day. Rally the guys to grow a display of distinguished mustaches. Your groomsmen will be all (hairy) smiles as the walk down the aisle to support you. But don’t let them go all mountain man on you; mustaches need to be tended to and groomed. Thanks why a classic shaving set with razor, badger brush and bowl for whisking up frothy soap makes the perfect choice in groomsmen gifts. Having trouble deciding what type of mustache to grow? Some of the uncertainty will be answered just by the amount of hair you’re able to grow and your facial hair pattern – the majority of facial hair growing prowess comes from your genetic makeup. However, some will say that what you eat can play a role in it too. For example, eating lots of soy and green tea will reduce hormones that you need to grow hair while some facial hair fanatics say that taking deer or elk velvet extract will give you a big, beautiful, bushy burst of growth. However, some well-known styles of mustaches include the Dali, the Imperial, the English mustache, the Fu Man Chu, the Handlebar, the Horseshoe, the Pencil, the Chevron, the Walrus and the Toothbrush. Rock out that mustache, man. It’s the groom’s day to and you should present an image that suits your style. Have some fun with the mustache, both in the wearing of it and the honoring of it. With the all the mustache mania that’s going on, you’ll be able to find tons of party favors that are imprinted with mustaches – like napkins, accessories, buttons and even faux-fur stick-on mustaches that every man, woman and child at the wedding can wear for a fun photo opportunity. The men with facial fringe deserve some fitting groomsmen gifts including our awesomely cool Mustache Flask. This stainless-steel flask features a black mustache motif on the front for a fittingly testosterone-infused tribute. Or, enjoy a parade of perfectly coiffed ‘staches in different styles with our set of Gentleman’s Mustache Pilsners. We love how when these 20-ounce beer mugs are lifted up for a sip, the mustache almost seems to jump off the glass and onto the face! What is your favorite style of mustache? Let us know in the comments below.

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Grooms, Put Best Foot Forward

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. Plus, remember that shoe-centric gifts for groomsmen are a unique and quite practical way to say “thanks.” One of the shoe-inspired groomsmen gifts at Groomstand.com is our personalized teak and brass shoe horn, an exceptional piece made with every attention to detail – it looks as if it belongs in the chambers of a well-dressed, well-monied gentleman. Shoe shine kits also make great groomsmen gifts and help ensure that the guys show up on the big day and pass “inspection.” Two of our favorite shoe shine kits to give as groomsmen gifts include our personalized shoe shine kit in black and stainless case and personalized ultra-suede and leather shoe shine kit. Oxfords: First known as Balmorals in England, this type of shoe traditionally has a relatively low instep, closed lacing and a non-rubber sole. Today, suede or synthetic materials may also be used in the construction. One notable about oxfords is that they have virtually no embellishments, making them a sound choice for a number of suit styles. Tuxedos look great with a pair of high-polished black oxfords. Loafers: Loafers have been in fashion since the beginning of the 20th century and can be either dressy or worn as a dressy sport shoe – imagine yachting, not basketball. An identifying feature of loafers is that they have no laces or buckles. Leather loafers slip on and have a moccasin-like top and wide and fairly flat heel. Loafers can have adornments including or decorative strap across the top – think penny loafers. Although they have a more casual connotation, nice loafers can work well for dressier, although not white tie, events. Cap Toes: The basic construction of a cap toe resembles an oxford; the main difference that the cap toe has leather pieced into the toe of the shoe that can be plain or trimmed by a band of leather that can be perforated or have sheared edges. Dress Boots: Dress boots are a far cry from cowboy boots or army boots. Dress boots have a streamlined silhouette and rise up to the ankle. These more formal boots, that can be plain with high-polished or feature a wing-tip design, have a slight heel making them perfect to wear with your wedding day attire if you’re looking for a little lift. Monk Strap: This style of shoe refers to dress shoes that are similar to loafers in that they don’t have laces. But, instead of having tassels like loafers, monk strap shoes have a metallic buckle and a leather strap on the upper portion of the shoe. While quite sophisticated, the buckle and wider heel give this type of shoe a slightly more casual look, making them great for a wedding with sports coats and khakis. Have you decided on a shoe style for your wedding day attire yet? Or are you giving useful shoe-inspired groomsmen gifts? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tuxedo Time _ How to Wear it Well

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. The Jacket: A tuxedo jacket should always fit comfortably around the neck and shoulders, regardless of the style. Also make sure you can easily fasten it and there is no straining at the buttons. Also, sit down wearing the jacket buttoned to make sure it’s not too tight. Hold your arms overhead to make sure that the chest and should offer enough room for mobility – there should be no pulling in the front or stretching across the back. The jacket sleeve should end where the thumb meets the wrist, showing ½” of the shirt cuff. Also make sure that the bottom hem covers your rear and the back vent doesn’t pull open. Tuxedo jackets with tails should fall to the back of your knee. The Trousers: The pants must button with ease, you don’t want too snug of a fit and risk popping off a button during the vows. The pant crease should fall in a straight, unbroken vertical line to the bottom hem. The pants should hit the top of your shoe tops, falling slightly to just above the laces of the shoe. If you are looking to slim your silhouette, choose flat-front pants over pleated pants. The Shirt: Whatever the color, choose a shirt that fits comfortably around the neck, shoulders and waist. As mentioned earlier, cuffs should pop out to ½” from the jacket sleeve. The collar should lie flat around all sides of the neck and not gap in any way. If you are wearing a traditional tie instead of a bow tie, a tie clip may be worn. The Vest: You may or may not be wearing a vest, but if you are, make sure it covers the waistband of the pants and is worn completely buttoned up. Use the adjustment straps on the sides or back for a perfect fit. Shoes: Tradition dictates black shoes and can be whatever style you like, from wingtip to loafer to boot. Some grooms may choose to show their independent spirit with another footwear choice – like black Converse sneakers. Cummerbund: The cummerbund is the pleated fabric belt that is worn around the middle, covering the waistband of your pants. Remember to face the pleats upward for the official look – some have said to think of movie ushers sticking ticket stubs in the cummerbund to remember the orientation of the cummerbund. Socks: Again, tradition dictates black socks but bright, colorful socks are a modern way to add personality to your tuxedo look. You can keep fun color and not look like a clown! Jewelry: Many grooms and groomsmen choose to wear cufflinks on their tuxedo shirts. French cuff style cuffs don’t have buttons and need an alternative way to fasten – hence, cufflinks. Cufflinks also make a great choice in groomsmen gifts and way to unify the look of all the gentlemen in your wedding party. Groomstand.com has a large selection from traditional engraved cufflinks with a monogram to novelty cufflinks (such as skulls or dice) that can represent the personality of the recipient. Are you and your groomsmen dressing up in tuxedos? Or, are you opting for the anit-groom, casual look? Let us know your wedding day attire in the comments below.

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Groom Trends, What's Hot in 2014

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. Groom Blogs: Guys are coming out of the woodwork, men who aren’t ashamed to say that they enjoy the wedding planning process. Some love it maybe even more than the bride-to-be. From the selection of the bands (both rings and musical entertainment) to the styling the fashion profile of the groomsmen, these sites can be useful to gather practical tips and enjoy laughs as well. While there is admittedly a fine selection of groom blogs out there, we’re partial to this blog at GroomStand.com. Bourbon Bars: You can tell a man has had a hand in the reception planning if you see a bourbon bar. It’s becoming increasingly popular to designate a drink station serving the groom’s favorite bourbon, scotch or whiskey. Arrange for comfortable upholstered chairs to be set up in pairs and small groupings to encourage conversation and lounging. Serve full high-balls of bourbon on the rocks or offer several samples of various whiskies in shot glasses. Our mini whiskey barrel creates the ambiance of the aging cellar in a distillery; set several out on the bar filled with different varieties of the spirit. You can treat your friends each to their own as tasteful groomsmen gifts. Socks: In 2012, fun and flashy ties were all the rage. This year the party has moved downward to the feet – socks! Not just for preventing ‘cold feet,’ socks are a way for grooms to make a fashion statement when wearing a conservative suit or tuxedo. Women shouldn’t have all the fun with accessorizing. Add a little zing with socks in bright colors with strips, polka-dots or other novelty looks. Make sure to gather up the groomsmen for a group photo where all the guys are pulling up their pant legs to show off the fun! Co-ed Bachelor(ette) Parties: It almost sounds unheard of, but many of today’s couples are merging the bachelor and bachelorette parties into a single mega event. Organizing a boy-girl group event such as a dinner party, camping weekend, wine-tasting tour or pool party will give a chance for the bride’s party to meet and bond with groom’s party. Who knows, maybe a new engagement will come out of the cross mingling. Some of the best groomsmen gifts and bridesmaid gifts will be having everyone together – of course, you’ll want to treat them to a personalized gift from the event as a remembrance. Male Engagement Rings: Even though many might dismiss the male engagement ring trend as a marketing ploy put forth by jewelers to rake in more money, there is some sound reasoning behind the idea to wear one. If the woman is wearing a ring to symbolize her dedication to her fiancé, why shouldn’t the man? If you are the kind of guy who is not comfortable wearing jewelry on the hands, another special piece of jewelry could be substituted like engraved cufflinks personalized with a special message. Do you plan on incorporating any of these groom trends in your wedding planning? Let us know in the comments below.

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Beard or No Beard, That is the Question

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. So what’s behind this fad that’s covering handsome chins and cheeks with wild and wooly whiskers? Some say its Man rebelling against corporate conformity other’s say it’s guys embracing a whole new “retrosexuality.” Before you either start sprouting whiskers or shaving them off, here are some hairy issues to take into consideration: Pros: Sun Protection: Wearing a beard is especially handy if you are planning a tropical honeymoon. No need to shave, you’ll already have that man-deserted-on-an-island look. Some research has even indicated that beard-wearers live longer because they have a lower incidence of skin cancer on their faces. With this in mind, perhaps you should stop waxing your back. Warmth: While man has evolved from our hairier ancestors, you can’t deny the fact that wearing a beard is like wearing a ski mask over your face. It’s provides a level of insulation that can keep frost-bite away and if especially long can even be wrapped around the neck like a scarf. Also, a beard will keep moisture locked in, meaning skin stays actually quite baby soft under there. Save Time and Resources: Even the shaggiest beards will require some grooming. But, over a lifetime, the hours saved from the daily grind of lathering up and shaving count up to be weeks or months that you could be spending doing something much more interesting (although using a fancy shave set makes the chore much more tolerable). Aside from saving time grooming, growing a beard also prevents 5 gallons of water going down the drain each day – that saves both the planet and the bills in all you guys’ wallets and money clips. Cons: Backlash from the Bride: Your betrothed may not be as impressed by your ability to grow hair and may start issuing ultimatums so that your “don’t mess up the wedding photos.” She’s sure to tell you that if you wear a beard, it sets a precedent for all the groomsmen to “go all ZZ Top” and embarrass her in front of her family and friends. You say, “Don’t worry, honey. I got them all retro shave sets as groomsmen gifts and we’re taking them off after the bachelor party.” That’s a reasonable compromise. Suspicion in the Eyes of Bride’s Family: Even if your fiancée is embracing the beard wholeheartedly and not even complaining when you make out, her love alone may not be enough to win over her family. With a beard, her extended family and friends, those you don’t know very well like Great Aunt Edna and her BFF from church camp, may find the look a little off-putting – or worse. Heck, with a big, bushy beard you could be some sort of wacko survivalist, pot-smoking hippie or hardened criminal. Hygiene: Let’s face it, with a beard there is always beard hair in your food and food on your beard hair. It’s a no-win situation. There’s a reason why beards are nicknamed crumb-catchers, soup moppers and food savers. And, if you stop taking care of your beard with shampoo, conditioner and grooming implements, you could be mistaken for a homeless person when you stop to enjoy the day on a park bench. So, what’s a guy to do? Ultimately it comes down to personal choice and sometimes compromise. Let us know if you’ll be wearing whiskers to the wedding in the comment section below.

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Groom Trends, What's Hot in 2014

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. Groom Blogs: Guys are coming out of the woodwork, men who aren’t ashamed to say that they enjoy the wedding planning process. Some love it maybe even more than the bride-to-be. From the selection of the bands (both rings and musical entertainment) to the styling the fashion profile of the groomsmen, these sites can be useful to gather practical tips and enjoy laughs as well. While there is admittedly a fine selection of groom blogs out there, we’re partial to this blog at http://www.branddepot.com/collections/groomstand/. Bourbon Bars: You can tell a man has had a hand in the reception planning if you see a bourbon bar. It’s becoming increasingly popular to designate a drink station serving the groom’s favorite bourbon, scotch or whiskey. Arrange for comfortable upholstered chairs to be set up in pairs and small groupings to encourage conversation and lounging. Serve full high-balls of bourbon on the rocks or offer several samples of various whiskies in shot glasses. Our mini whiskey barrel creates the ambiance of the aging cellar in a distillery; set several out on the bar filled with different varieties of the spirit. You can treat your friends each to their own as tasteful groomsmen gifts. Socks: In 2012, fun and flashy ties were all the rage. This year the party has moved downward to the feet – socks! Not just for preventing ‘cold feet,’ socks are a way for grooms to make a fashion statement when wearing a conservative suit or tuxedo. Women shouldn’t have all the fun with accessorizing. Add a little zing with socks in bright colors with strips, polka-dots or other novelty looks. Make sure to gather up the groomsmen for a group photo where all the guys are pulling up their pant legs to show off the fun! Co-ed Bachelor(ette) Parties: It almost sounds unheard of, but many of today’s couples are merging the bachelor and bachelorette parties into a single mega event. Organizing a boy-girl group event such as a dinner party, camping weekend, wine-tasting tour or pool party will give a chance for the bride’s party to meet and bond with groom’s party. Who knows, maybe a new engagement will come out of the cross mingling. Some of the best groomsmen gifts and bridesmaid gifts will be having everyone together – of course, you’ll want to treat them to a personalized gift from the event as a remembrance. Male Engagement Rings: Even though many might dismiss the male engagement ring trend as a marketing ploy put forth by jewelers to rake in more money, there is some sound reasoning behind the idea to wear one. If the woman is wearing a ring to symbolize her dedication to her fiancé, why shouldn’t the man? If you are the kind of guy who is not comfortable wearing jewelry on the hands, another special piece of jewelry could be substituted like engraved cufflinks personalized with a special message. Do you plan on incorporating any of these groom trends in your wedding planning? Let us know in the comments below.

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Beard or No Beard, That is the Question

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. So what’s behind this fad that’s covering handsome chins and cheeks with wild and wooly whiskers? Some say its Man rebelling against corporate conformity other’s say it’s guys embracing a whole new “retrosexuality.” Before you either start sprouting whiskers or shaving them off, here are some hairy issues to take into consideration: Pros: Sun Protection: Wearing a beard is especially handy if you are planning a tropical honeymoon. No need to shave, you’ll already have that man-deserted-on-an-island look. Some research has even indicated that beard-wearers live longer because they have a lower incidence of skin cancer on their faces. With this in mind, perhaps you should stop waxing your back. Warmth: While man has evolved from our hairier ancestors, you can’t deny the fact that wearing a beard is like wearing a ski mask over your face. It’s provides a level of insulation that can keep frost-bite away and if especially long can even be wrapped around the neck like a scarf. Also, a beard will keep moisture locked in, meaning skin stays actually quite baby soft under there. Save Time and Resources: Even the shaggiest beards will require some grooming. But, over a lifetime, the hours saved from the daily grind of lathering up and shaving count up to be weeks or months that you could be spending doing something much more interesting (although using a fancy shave set makes the chore much more tolerable). Aside from saving time grooming, growing a beard also prevents 5 gallons of water going down the drain each day – that saves both the planet and the bills in all you guys’ wallets and money clips. Cons: Backlash from the Bride: Your betrothed may not be as impressed by your ability to grow hair and may start issuing ultimatums so that your “don’t mess up the wedding photos.” She’s sure to tell you that if you wear a beard, it sets a precedent for all the groomsmen to “go all ZZ Top” and embarrass her in front of her family and friends. You say, “Don’t worry, honey. I got them all retro shave sets as groomsmen gifts and we’re taking them off after the bachelor party.” That’s a reasonable compromise. Suspicion in the Eyes of Bride’s Family: Even if your fiancée is embracing the beard wholeheartedly and not even complaining when you make out, her love alone may not be enough to win over her family. With a beard, her extended family and friends, those you don’t know very well like Great Aunt Edna and her BFF from church camp, may find the look a little off-putting – or worse. Heck, with a big, bushy beard you could be some sort of wacko survivalist, pot-smoking hippie or hardened criminal. Hygiene: Let’s face it, with a beard there is always beard hair in your food and food on your beard hair. It’s a no-win situation. There’s a reason why beards are nicknamed crumb-catchers, soup moppers and food savers. And, if you stop taking care of your beard with shampoo, conditioner and grooming implements, you could be mistaken for a homeless person when you stop to enjoy the day on a park bench. So, what’s a guy to do? Ultimately it comes down to personal choice and sometimes compromise. Let us know if you’ll be wearing whiskers to the wedding in the comment section below.

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Mix and Match Wedding Attire for the Groom

Note to the groom and groomsmen, the bride and her bridesmaidÍs donÍt hold the exclusive right to set the tone and vibe for wedding day attire. Men, this is your time to speak up and get in on the ñnon-uniformî trend that is going on in weddings all over creation. For the past decade, non-matching attire has been acceptable wear for the bridesmaids, and now itÍs time for the guys to literally follow suit. A reasonable groom knows that not all men have the same personality; so why make all the groomsmen dress up in carbon copy? Give your buddies an intangible but oh-so welcomed groomsmen gift, the opportunity to be unique! Today it is completely okay to mix and match the wedding attire for your groomsmen, but there are some ground rules to follow to keep ñstyleî from running amok. In order to prevent a hodge-podged posse of pals, you need to stick keep things somewhat related. For example, when it comes to suits, use the same color family but different cuts or vice-versa. Or, for accessories such as ties, go for ñthemesî such as all bright colors, all earthy colors, monochromatic colors, and so on. Here are some ideas on how you and your groomsmen can get in on the mix: Mix up colors or styles of vests Wear different novelty or engraved cufflinks Mix up colors of ties in same pattern family (all polka dots, all plaids, all collegiate stripes) Wear unique boutonnieres Wear different hats in the same theme (fedoras, newsboy, cowboy) Wear different suits but all in the same color Wear socks in a theme, but each with a different pop of color (stripes, argyles, solids) Wear unique striped or plaid shirts that work well together Mix up footwear, each wears favorite pair of cowboy boots or skater shoes

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