Personalized Cufflinks - An Evolved Accessory

It makes evolutionary sense to see cufflinks at a wedding. Back in more primitive times, a man would attract a mate with his fine ability to club an animal over the head, start a fire and provide a cave as a place to hide. But thanks to supermarket meat counters, gas lighters, the invention of the wheel and other "modern" conveniences, men further up the timeline have had to find flashier ways to get the attention of women. It has been shown that the perceived affluence of a man has a positive impact on his status as marriage material. Whether you are rich or still aspiring for greatness, a pair of elegant personalized cufflinks peeking out from French cuffs will help you attract the opposite sex and get noticed as a sophisticated and successful man. So, of course, you'll want to keep up the image as polished provider and knight-in-shining-armor by wearing engraved cufflinks with your wedding day tuxedo. Today, the variety of personalized cufflinks for your wedding day is almost endless. From the timeless look of silver oval or square shaped cufflinks engraved with a monogram just like your grandfather might have worn to novelty cufflinks that summarize your own unique personality, wearing "man jewelry" is not at all as fussy as it might seem. Instead, sporting a pair of engraved cufflinks shows that you know how to bait the honey trap with sparkly, shiny things! Since you'll soon be settling down, why not share this insight into attracting women with "bling" by giving your buddies really nice engraved cufflinks as groomsmen gifts? You can choose a pair of these men's accessories that is specifically suited to each guy's interests or your bachelor party theme such as Vegas-inspired dice, all sorts of professional sports logos, miniature compasses and many more.

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Suited Up for Wedding Success

Forget about a tux and tails; suits are becoming quite acceptable as the wardrobe for the man and his wedding entourage. While a more casual approach to dressing the groom and his groomsmen, the suit still imparts a respectable level of formality for the 21st century gentleman. Today, many guys don’t even wear a suit and tie to work or church, society has just become much more tolerant of dressing down. For this reason, a nice dark suit is considered ‘dressing up’ in many circles. Plus, if groom is more comfortable in a suit, he’ll be more at ease during the ceremony and reception and that will make everyone happier. Plus, upon hearing that they don’t have to wear a stuffy tux, your buddies will say this is one of the best gifts for groomsmen ever! When shopping for suits to wear to a wedding, you’ll want to keep a number of things in mind. First, a proper fitting coat will not be baggy; it should be cut closer to the body and, in fact, feel slightly constricting. It’s not a sweat suit with a full range of motion; so if you do need to bust out a few moves on the dance floor, just take off your jacket before you do. Another thing to remember about your jacket is to have the sleeves altered, if needed, so that exactly ½-inch of your shirt cuff shows when your arms are hanging down. Pair your suit jacket with a fitted shirt; otherwise, the sides will be billowing out like a balloon when you move about. A nicely tailored shirt is universally flattering on all body types so don’t assume you need a fuller cut shirt if you are heavier. Instead, you just need a tailored shirt in a larger size. Accessories are also important to the look of your wedding suit and make nice groomsmen gifts, as well. The easiest way to bring in a pop of color to your look is with a necktie, bowtie, cravat or pocket square. Coordinate with the bridesmaids wearing accessories that match, or at least coordinate, with the gowns. Another way to make a modest suit look like a million bucks is with a dashing pair of engraved cufflinks. Personalized cufflinks come in a wide array of styles, from traditional to trendy, to suit the personality of the groom and his wedding attendants. By engraving the recipient’s monogram or initial on the face of the cufflinks,you’ll have created a thoughtful groomsmen gift that will be worn for years to come.

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Put Some Polish On It - Tuxedo Shoes

Imagine sitting in the pews, watching the bride and groom ceremoniously walk down the aisle, getting a little misty-eyed and then busting out laughing when you see the groom's shoes. This little put-a-joke-message-on-the-bottom-of-your-shoes trick isn't exactly new, but it is still likely to get a few laughs during your wedding vows - if that's the mood you are trying to set. At first glance, most might think that he is pleading to be rescued from the life-long commitment he is about to enter into. But, on the other hand, the groom could just be looking for some "sole"-searching advice on wedding day fashion. What kind of shoes should a groom wear on this day when he makes perhaps the most important step of his life - the gigantic leap into marriage. Typically, if a tuxedo is being rented, the shop will try to throw in some pretty ugly patent leather loafers at an additional expense. Really, unless you have no black dress shoes at all, this is not the most attractive option. But, a pair of slip-on loafer or lace-up dress shoes like wingtips will give you adequate style for your wedding tuxedo. Remember to wear black or dark socks so that you don't have a high-contrast flash of white sticking out from your pant hem. In fact, it's a good idea to bring along extra pairs of dark socks to give to your forgetful groomsmen who often look over these small wedding-day details. In addition to being the dark sock fairy, you might like to treat your buddies to personalized shoeshine kits as groomsmen gifts. Not only will this help ensure that their footwear is spiffy and scuff-free for your Big Day, but will also keep them looking their best for other important events in the future. This is one of those retro man gifts that is making a come back with well-heeled men. Who knows, one of your wedding attendants may land his dream job or bump into his future wife while wearing shoes that have been polished with these purposeful groomsmen gifts.

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Wearable Trends for the Marrying Man and Groomsmen

The great thing about getting married in 2012 is that there are so many great trends to incorporate into your big day. No longer is the “perfect wedding” based on some cookie cutter ideal; instead, some of the most memorable weddings are those that show a little personal flair. Here are some great trends for wedding attire worn and accessories by the groom and other men in the wedding that will create a meaningful moment updated for today. Alternative ties: No longer are the groom and his groomsmen expected to wear a black or white bow tie. Longer neck ties, in an array of colors, have become a modern touch with a tuxedo – add a tie clip. For gentlemen wearing suits or sports coasts, fun ties with colorful collegiate stripes or polka dots make a fun touch to the wedding day attire that can be easily coordinated with the colors of the bridesmaid dresses. Unexpected boutonnières: For a unique touch, have the groomsmen wear boutonnières that each feature a different flower featured in the bridal bouquet. Or, have the same flower, but in different colors. Another, interesting choice would be to pin a simple green leaf or fern frond on the lapel for an eco-aware touch. Or, have them wear “medals of honor” pinned to the lapel on striped grosgrain ribbon. Groomsmen gifts to wear: Give your guys groomsmen gifts they can wear on your big day and beyond. Of course, engraved cufflinks have always been a popular choice in best man gifts and are becoming increasingly in vogue to wear out on the town or to work. Giving colorful socks – think stripes or argyles – is a quirky choice in wearable groomsmen gifts. Just imagine how fun the wedding photos will be when, on cue, your ushers and groomsmen lift up their pant legs to show a pop of personality.

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Manly Groom Trends

Groom trends, they come and go and such is the nature of trends! One year ruffled tuxedo shirts are all the rage, the next year they are an embarrassment. The next year it’s all about plaid bow ties, and quickly they’re passé. – pretty much a groom just does as the bride instructs, right? Well, no longer! One trend for grooms that we’d like to see stick around for good is the groom sticking up for himself in the wedding planning process and “getting his balls back” to put it less delicately. So basically, if you don’t want to take ballroom dancing lessons to get ready for the “first dance, you don’t have to. If you want to show up at the wedding with a 5 ‘o-clock shadow, you can! Here are other man-centric things we’d like to see more of this wedding season and beyond: Less herb-crusted salmon, more steak. From filet to t-bone, any cut of beef has got to be better that a fussy little 3-ounce serving of fish. Trust us; no guy really wants to eat fish on the most important day of his life. Make the whole reception meat-fest even more awesome by serving of steak brands and other grilling items as gifts for the groomsmen. Less mimosas, more scotch. The bride may double-insist on some sort of girly drink to be served at the wedding such as a mimosa, cosmopolitan or some other fruity concoction. Man up and say that you require a scotch bar for your peeps, complete with some really good aged stuff and monogrammed barware like these personalized double old-fashioneds, perfect for serving up a few fingers of the best stuff. Less kumbaya male-bonding, more old-school bachelor parties. Say “No” to a guy’s getaway at the spa that your bride has conjured up for you and your buds under the premise of “I just want you all to look your best for the wedding.” Having your cuticles cut and nails buffed is no way to end your bachelorhood. Instead, a proper bachelor party with tons of booze, cigars and rowdy revelry is more appropriate for a guy with normal testosterone levels. If you're looking for groomsmen gifts for this type of outing, think on the terms of a personalized flask or engraved cigar case – both filled, of course!

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Tuxedo Guide: How To Tie a Bow Tie

Men about to get married need to know how to tie a bow tie - and so does their posse of groomsmen. Tying this men's accessory into a dapper, little bow isn't really as hard of a task as it appears. But, because men rarely wear this type of neck embellishment except at formal events, this may be your first time tying one on! If you are a newbie to bow tie tying, never fear. Just check out this video from GQ style correspondent Brett Fahgren and Howdini's Jennifer Morris, and you'll be wedding-ready in mere minutes. Steps To Tie a Bow Tie 1. Lay the bow tie around your neck so both ends fall evenly on your chest. 2. Cross the right end of the bow tie over the left end. Next, loop the right end under to form a simple knot. 3. Tug on the tie so that the knot is fashioned snuggly against your neck and rest the top end on your left shoulder. 4. Pick up the other end of the bow tie and fold it across the knot. Now it is starting to look like this could actually turn into a bow tie! 5. Take the top end (that is resting on your left shoulder) and pull it down in front so that it crosses the center of the bow shape. 6. Firmly set your left finger on the front of the bow tie to keep it securely in place and reach behind with your right index finger to find the hole where the free end of the bow tie will slip through. 7. Important: do not thread the tip of the free end through the hole. Rather, use your left index finger to push the part that is closest to the center of the bow through the hole. 8. Initially, it may feel like the whole bow tie is going to fall apart, but it won't. Pull enough through to make even with the opposite side and adjust as needed. 9. The process is almost complete. Pull the bow down towards the front and tighten, tidy up and flatten as required to look sharp. If your bow tie doesn't look perfect, don't worry. Run and get the wedding planner and she'll surely be able to fix you up quick! Before you walk down the aisle, give your wedding attendants any help they may require with your newly acquired skills. To complete the dashing look that a bow tie brings, give your buddies a pair of cufflinks as groomsmen gifts that will complement their tip-to-tail formal flair.

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What's the Deal With Cummerbunds?

ItÍs not too often that you see a man sporting a colorful swath of fabric around his waist; that is, unless heÍs performing under the big top, trekking through a Middle Eastern desert or, perhaps in your near future, walking down the aisle in a wedding ceremony. In the Western world, the ñcummerbundî is an accessory to menÍs clothing that is most often worn with a tuxedo at formal events. The first cummerbunds worn by Europeans were part of the British military uniform during time spent in India and were inspired by the bright scarves tied around the loose tunics worn by indigenous men. Entomologically speaking, the word ñcummerbundî has roots in the Persian language, translating into ñto enclose the waist.î The pleats on the cummerbund also have a back story. In India, men used the cummerbund more for function than for fashion, pointing the pleated front upward to serve as cargo area for small items. In todayÍs formal dress, the cummerbund is simply a statement of style, so you donÍt have to worry about which way to orient the pleats. But, itÍs nice to know that you could point them up and stash away your credit cards, to-do lists and even to hide the brideÍs wedding ring. If youÍre heading to opening night at the opera or some other black-tie society event, youÍll most likely see plain black or white cummerbunds worn with tuxedos. However, at weddings, grooms often like to express their individuality by wearing a colorful cummerbund that matches the bridesmaid dresses, an alma matter school color, or even prints of paisley, plaid and polka-dots. Give your formal look even more flair with a matching bow tie and pair off dashing engraved cufflinks punctuating your French cuffs. Perfect as groomsmen gifts, too _ you can give all the guys a formal makeover.

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Funny Laundry Label Bad Advice For Grooms

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes . . . . a wife to take care of your laundry. What?!!! We just couldnÍt believe our eyes (but had a good chuckle anyway) to find this care label on the inside of a menÍs shirt. YouÍve probably done the drill before, ïMachine wash in warm water with like colors. Tumble dry on medium. Medium hot iron.Í But read on a bit further and the care label gives you the option to ïGive it to your wife. ItÍs her job.Í ItÍs hard to believe that in the 21st century that such a sexist statement could be uttered, let alone embroidered and sewn into the inside collar of a shirt. These days, especially with both spouses working, it can be up to either of the couple to get the laundry done. In fact, grooms, itÍs a good show of sensitivity to go ahead and offer to do the laundry when you get married. The bride will think that youÍre the most helpful husband, and that pays off in so many ways that outweigh the drudgery of sorting and folding your own undershirts and socks. In fact, you can get started practicing with our bachelor party t-shirts, always top pick in groomsmen gifts for your guysÍ night out. We know youÍd give these stand-up guys the shirt off your own back, but please do get them their own! Deck out the stags in your party with these wearable gifts for groomsmen and watch them go wild. ThereÍs just something special about having everyone advertise your upcoming adventure by wearing the details printed across the front. If you have the luxury of bachelor partying during the entire weekend, grab up the already worn shirts you passed out as

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Would You Wear A Male Engagment Ring?

Recently, a guy friend of mine came to me in a quandary of such that I had never heard before. Apparently, his newly-minted finance, a lovely and thoroughly modern girl, had responded to his popping of the question and presentation of a diamond engagement ring with an unexpected twist. No, she didnÍt turn his proposal down, quite the opposite. After he slipped the sparkler on her finger, she ran off to the bedroom and came back with a little hinged box for him _ a male engagement ring. While the ring was subtle and not at all gaudy, a simple band of gold similar to an actual wedding ring, it seemed completely contrary to his traditional way of doing things _ including a man wearing any type of jewelry except for a watch. With lovey-dovey eyes, she said that it was a choice in engraved cufflinks? Not knowing what to say, I told him to wear the darn thing, he was essentially off the market anyway. And, for the ñfinger irritationî he was claiming to be caused by the ring, I explained that over time, the body just gives in and accepts the shackling --- you just build up calluses or let go of some manliness, or a little of both. So, would you wear a male engagement ring? Experts in the wedding jewelry industry have noted a rising trend, saying that more and more grooms-to-be are sporting this type oof betrothal bauble. A few years ago, a major jeweler in the U.K. introduced a titanium ring embedded with a small diamond and specifically marketed it as a menÍs engagement band and the popularity for a ñmangagment ringî has hopped over the pond. Actually, a male engagement band has been around for quite some time in some other countries. For example, in Brazil, both the groom- and bride-to-be wear a plain ring on the right hand while engaged and then move it to the left hand after the wedding. So, if you find yourself having to deal with the ring thing, just give her the finger. Please, not the offensive gesture though! Find comfort knowing that you are not the first man to wear an engagement band, nor the last. Acclimate to the experience by wearing it a few days a week (and always in her presence) or just dive in for full-custody. If you need to find peace with the whole guys-wearing-jewelry thing, then consider getting your buddies some bling as early

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Grooming with Jewelry

By Michael O'Connor, Jewelry and Style Expert It may be the bride's day, but the groom should look good for his wedding, too. Although no one is fussing over the guy issues, many men today are not afraid to show emotion (the room might get a little dusty when he gives out his groomsmen gifts). Whether he's a jeans-and-T-shirts man or a "wouldn't be caught dead sweats" guy, the wedding day is a time to show a more polished side. Jewelry can be a subtle way of making a strong personal statement. Men's Jewelry Trends Men are more open to jewelry these days, opting for platinum that offer a masculine look, feel and weight while providing durability, lasting luster. Because platinum jewelry is generally 95% pure, unlike 18k-gold that is only 75% pure, it is hypoallergenic. In the past few years, jewelry designers step increase their collections for men by giving them more options to express their personalities. This extensive gent's line from Precious Platinum has a timeless selection of in handsome and masculine finished platinum including tie pins and rings, pendants, and cufflinks. The tie accent is a simple way to make your tie pop with any suit you wear. When it's time to pick out your groomsmen gifts, don't overlook designer dog tags, cuff bracelets, and belt buckles. Resurfacing a quarter century past its heyday, the ID bracelet is back, but in personalized versions engraved with names, dates or mantras that mean something special to the groom and his buddies.

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We Solve a Cufflink Conundrum

Dear Groomstand: I am treating myself to a pair of engraved cufflinks to wear with my tuxedo and also to present as groomsmen gifts to my good buddies. With so many styles, IÍm confused about picking out a perfect pair that will look great at both the wedding and in the years to come. Can you help? Mr.Cufflink Conundrum Dear Mr. Cufflink Conundrum: There is no reason to be worried about presenting engraved cufflinks as groomsmen gifts; there is really no way to go wrong with this traditional gift (that can still be quite trendy). Your first choice is to decide if you want to give your best man, groomsmen and ushers with identical pairs of engraved cufflinks or mix-it up based on their role in the wedding. Or, you can mix it up even more by choosing novelty cufflinks that pack a little punch of personality _ a pair of dice cufflinks for the gamblers, dashing dollar sign cufflinks for the business tycoons or even skull and crossbones cufflinks for those more rogue wedding attendants. Another point to consider when picking out cufflinks as groomsmen gifts is that some men like to coordinate the tone of their engraved cufflinks to the metal of the wristwatch being worn. For example, silver tones match with silver, stainless steel or platinum watches and golden links work well with gold watches. Many men wear mixed-metal watches which are easily complemented by almost any cufflink youÍll find at https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand Adding an engraved personalization always makes a welcomed touch, whether itÍs just a simple single initial, a traditional monogram, or a full name, date or message. This thoughtful touch to your groomsmen gift will transform an ordinary pair of cufflinks into an instant heirloom that each man will enjoy wearing on your wedding weekend as well as to work and formal affairs for years to come.

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Trends in Groomsmen Attire

With all eyes on the bride, many grooms and groomsmen discount the importance of their appearance during the wedding festivities. Even though your eyes might be affixed on your stunning wife-to-be and your groomsmen may be ogling the bridesmaids, donÍt overlook the fact that plenty of other people will be focused on the style of the groom and his wedding posse. Here are some stand-out groomsmen attire trends for your stand-up guys: Bow Tie Be Gone: Many of todayÍs modern groomsmen are opting out of the traditional bow tie when it comes to the formal tuxedo look. Experts in the tux industry say that men are choosing long ties, such as cravats, in lieu of the classic bow tie. A thoughtful choice in inexpensive groomsmen gifts would be to gift each personalized tie clip to wear with their wedding ensemble. Tossing the Tux: In other weddings, grooms have given their groomsmen the exciting news that a tuxedo is not needed for the big day. Instead, a more casual and contemporary look is trending this year such as coordinating everyone in matching khakis and sports jackets and adding a unifying touch such as matching pocket squares, ties or socks. Even snazzy engraved cufflinks are a welcomed choice in groomsmen gifts that can be worn on your special day and for many years to come. For example, personalized cufflinks engraved with a monogram are the perfect pick for the executives in your line-up who are sure to wear them again to many important business meetings. Plus, if you get cufflinks that suit each recipientÍs personality, youÍll appear to be the thoughtful groom who doesnÍt give one-size-fit-all, cookie-cutter groomsmen gifts.

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