The Groom's Guide to the Tuxedo

You can Rent or you can Buy Either way, picking out a tuxedo is tricky. If you're like most guys, donning formal wear is not part of everyday life. Why is a tuxedo different? What color does it need to be? Will I look like a penguin? What groomsmen gifts can I get so my buddies don't look like they just rolled off the couch? These are all important questions to ask. Prepare to watch your step because GroomStand is dropping some straight tux tips. What is a Tuxedo? The tux is used for semi-formal to formal events. Sometimes it's called black tie, and in Britain, it's called a dinner jacket. If you want to pull off the look of 007, the tux will need these elements: A dinner jacket with silk facings (that means the lapel is shinny) Trousers with silk braids matching the lapels A white dress shirt with a stiff cotton or pleated front Engraved cufflinks (silver square or silver oval are a classic touch) A black silk bow tie Black dress socks Black shoes, either patent or high polish leather Black cummerbund or low-cut waist coat (this isn't a make or break rule) Jacket Tips Since a black jacket shows hues of green under artificial light, the only other acceptable dinner jacket color is midnight blue. Don't pull a Father of the Bride moment; if everyone is wearing black and you wear blue, you will stand out. Otherwise, guys can rock the white dinner jacket in warm climates during the summer months. Stylin' Groomsmen Gifts As for your groomsman, they need to make a good impression too. Sometimes you only look as good as the friends around you. If they follow this advice and they're dressed to the nines, make sure you've got their back with stylin' groomsmen gifts like personalized money clips or flasks to go with their tux. The rules of a tuxedo are a little ridged, but it's for good reason. If the groom wears a tux, it is to look good, but not better than the bride. This is her big day, and she gets all the attention. So when all eyes are on her, keep these tips in mind so you look your best when her eyes are on you.

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The Answer for the Shoe Obsessed

Are you obsessed with your shoes? Are you the non-homosexual Imelda Marcos in your neighborhood? Do you find that twenty-five pairs of shoes are still somehow just not quite enough to get the job done day in and day out and you're considering getting your best friends groomsmen gifts of super-rare Nikes just so they'll understand? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you just might be shoe obsessed. Now, I offer you no real cure for your addiction. I can't come up with any solid reasons for you to "just say no" when you feel the overwhelming need to add a fifteenth pair of Aldo's or Rockports. What I can tell you is that to take care of these hush puppies the right way, you'll need to feed and water them (so to speak) properly. The best way to do this is to make sure you have the proper shoe shine kit to keep your leather beauties in primo condition, and give them as groomsmen gifts, too. If you took an hour and grabbed a dozen of your favorite pair of shoes and utilized the tools in this well thought out shoe care kit while absorbing your favorite show, you'd be amazed at what you would come away with. Basically you'd think you just went shopping and bought a dozen awesome looking new shoes! How do I know this to be fact? Because I'm that closet shoe sicko that I described above, and a few buddies and I received these kits as groomsmen gifts a few months ago. The only difference is that I have about fifty pairs of shoes and I use the kit at least once a month to insure that I roam the streets freely and without a scuff mark to be seen anywhere. With my own wedding coming up, I got these kits as groomsmen gifts for my guys so they could stand up at the altar with me and match my flawless leather shoes. You must also be sure you don't just run out to the drug store and buy some off the shelf shoe polish. You need the whole shebang including an applicator, brushes, polish cloth and a shoehorn. That's right a shoe horn, stop cramming your index finger into the heel of your shoe while you do the toe to heel jiggle to get your shoe on. I know you know what I'm talking about too. Give our shoe care kit a try. If these aren't the best groomsmen gifts you've ever seen, we'll buy all of your old...wait...I've just been told we can't make that offer. Just buy the dang thing, and consider them for your guys for groomsmen gifts, too. From one shoe sicko to another, you'll love it, trust me.

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Off-the-Cuff Groomsmen Gifts: World's Weirdest Cufflinks

Step right up for the world's weirdest cufflinks! Stonehenge Cufflinks We get why everyone loves Stonehenge. But part of the Stonehenge mystery is its massiveness and it loses that when zapped down to cufflink size. When you show people your sleeves, you'll have to explain your cufflinks. "Look it's Stonehenge," and the person ultimately answers, "oh...I guess I could see it." Who wants to do that all night? A groomsman gift gone wrong. (Cufflinks found at Squidoo. Antler Cufflinks We like antlers just as much as the next guy. But not enough to sport them on the sleeves. Set these antler cufflinks free! They're unsightly, look uncomfortable, and remind us of Bambi. Can you say Redneck Wedding? If you can't, these will. (Antler cufflinks from Coto Luxe.) PacMan Cufflinks PacMan has the irresistible cuteness some appreciate in a cufflink. But these cufflinks make a childish statement and give the impression that instead of going on dates, you spent every night of your ephemeral teenage years in the arcade, hunched over games. Not sexy. Not suave. But if you want everyone to know you were once a PacMan-playing, pimple-faced geek, go for it. (Pac-Man Cufflinks found at Geek Alerts). Bull and Bear Cufflinks It's a brutal economy. What a wonderful time to get $6,700 bull-and-bear cufflinks with freaky diamond eyes! Let's wait until there's harmony in the market before we bring these two stubborn animals together. (Bull and Bear Cufflinks from Elite Choice). Cell Phone Cufflinks Are we past the whole obsession with the cell phone? It's not even the latest technology. Now you can wear miniature cell-phone cufflinks. Seriously lame. These cufflinks are better suited for chatty teenage girls than men. (Cell Phone Cufflinks from Geek Alerts. Tire Cufflinks Cufflinks should make you feel like the Great Gatsby not the Michelin Man. Tire cufflinks should only be worn by men who work as a mechanic, or watch NASCAR religiously. Casual cufflinks won't go over well with the bride. Unless your wedding reception includes the words "Pitt Stop." (Tire Cufflinks from Etsy) Pair of Pigs Cufflinks Homer J. Simpson owns the weirdest cufflinks ever! Who could forget his pair of pigs? These bride and groom pig cufflinks will be in your nightmares tonight. Is that blood next to the groom pig's mouth? And is it just us, or does it look like someone tried to roast these pigs? Shudder. (Pig Cufflinks from iCraft.ca). You're in luck. GroomStand has a wide selection of handsome engraved cufflinks. When you give these cufflinks as groomsmen gifts, you don't have to worry about your Best Man and his pin-up girl cufflinks. Shop GroomStand.com for groomsmen gifts and everything else you'll need on the Big Day!

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Groomstand Gallery of Great 'Stashes

And Groomsmen Gifts for a Grizzly Movember It's that time of year again. No, we're not talking about the holidays or the election. It's November, the month of mustaches. All during the month, we'll focus some of our blogs on facial hair. Movember is a mustache-growing charity event during November each year that raises funds for men's health. Like you care about men's health. Admit it, you just want to grow a cool 'stash, don't you? GroomStand Gallery of Great 'Staches Jason Lee. Your name is Earl? With that fabulous piece of fuzz, we now anoint you mustacheo. Kudos to Earl for not only pulling off a perfect 'stash but for rockin' Western wear and not looking like a hipster. Tom Selleck. Once again, we're forcing you to gaze in admiration of the Tom Selleck 'stash: It's thick, it's beautiful, it's a legend. Either he waxes it with growth hormones or he's over flowing with testosterone. This guy. Not sure who this man is, but he belongs in a mustache hall of fame. Look at the way the mustache curls in perfect symmetry with the beard. That's no accident. Moses. We believe the seas parted not for Moses, but for his facial hair. It took him forty years to grow this beard of biblical proportions. Must we say, the black mustache with the white beard is a nice touch. Salvador Dali. He might be the world's greatest surrealist painter, but his greatest achievement is a mustache that defies gravity. Sculpting a stash like this takes an artistic genius. Groomsmen Gifts for a Grizzly Movember As you can see from our gallery, the mustache makes the man. Whether you are celebrating Movember or not, keep your facial hair groomed not grizzly. Moses is the only exception. The man wandered through the desert for 40 years - he gets a pass. Here are groomsmen gifts to get your 'stash to Tom Selleck status. There's something about an old-fashioned shave. This personalized MachThree Razor and soap dish is a great gift for the hygiene-obsessed guys. You know the type: the one with twenty-five different types of aftershave. Every guy could use this luxe personalized manicure set. This groomsmen gift is a subtle hint to clean up before the Big Day. It's perfect if you want your best man to tweeze those unsightly chin and nose hairs but don't know how to tell him how. For the guy on the go (Moses), this personalized Mac3 Razor works wonders. Now when he's on the road, he won't be mistaken for a panhandler. Stay tuned for our next facial hair post. And while you're waiting for us to complete the blog, shop for personalized groomsmen gifts and more at GroomStand.

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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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Even Ugly Ties Need Love

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

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A New Outlook on Men's Jewelry

When shopping for groomsmen gifts, don't count out men's jewelry. Our guest blogger from the Gemological Institute of America provides keen insight into the latest men's jewelry trends. Carlsbad, Calif. With all the cultural conversation of today's "metrosexual" man - well groomed, sophisticated, and cosmopolitan - it's no wonder that men's jewelry is approaching center stage in the fashion world.Jewelry design experts at the world renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America) say men's jewelry is not just a passing fad. In fact, designers and retailers are devoting more time, attention, and store space to men's jewelry than ever before. "Men today are demonstrating increasing fashion sophistication among themselves. They are undoubtedly more comfortable wearing jewelry - non-wedding rings, necklaces, and bracelets, for instance - than their fathers were," said jewelry design instructors for GIA, where students from all over the world learn to design and manufacture jewelry. According to historians in GIA's library, the emergence of men's jewelry is not a recent phenomenon. Early monarchs and noblemen wore extravagantly bejeweled items--clothes lavished with diamonds, pearls, and gold buttons; fashionable pearl stickpins; ornamental timepieces; ornate diamond necklaces; and swords set with decorative gemstones. Handcrafted men's designer chain necklaces in silver are a popular trend in men's jewelry. Men today are showing the same desire to want to show their identity to the world, and they're at ease and confident enough to complement a watch with a bracelet, necklace, or ring. And, now more varied forms of jewelry have become socially acceptable for them, said GIA. But what kind of jewelry do modern men want? What catches their eye? What do they think catches the ladies' eyes? GIA design experts say old and new styles are merging. Recognizably masculine pieces are being paired with a fresh, feminine twist, and designers are taking advantage of the growing trend of genderless fashions. Soft and lustrous Tahitian pearls - a tradition in women's pieces - are being incorporated with leather for a sensuous male touch. White gold and rubber is an emerging combination seen in bracelets and necklaces for men. Cufflinks are more popular than ever. Classic designs in gold, silver or platinum are always a big hit for the conservative businessman. Integrating diamonds, black onyx, malachite, garnets, rubies or sapphires represents a novel departure for the sophisticated man who likes to match accessories with his attire. And, men don't have to be professional athletes or rock stars to wear earrings these days. Handcrafted designer pieces in silver or platinum can create an elegant blend of contemporary masculinity. A diamond stud is perfect for a night out on the town. The attractiveness of stainless steel has found its way into men's jewelry. The attractiveness of stainless steel, most prominently seen in the watch segment, has found its way into fine jewelry for men. It has the same high-polish appearance of platinum - and the durability - but is much more affordable. Stainless steel and other metals, such as silver and titanium, are gaining popularity in rings. Chain necklaces are designed for an industrial, manly look. Steel pendants can also be combined with a leather cord for a nouveau bracelet or necklace. Some designers are even setting diamonds into stainless steel pieces. Any diamond purchased should come with a GIA grading report, which gives details of the quality of the diamond based on the Four Cs--cut, color, clarity and carat weight. For more information on these topics, visit GIA at www.gia4cs.gia.edu, or call 800-421-7250.

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6 winter wedding trends in 2014

Thanks to the Polar Vortex, we had a proper winter this year. And what better than a snowy white background for your winter wedding? The white color allows for a lot of variation and experimentation, so each year there are new winter wedding trends. Here are 6 trends you can use for your wedding. Flowers This year's trend in flowers is said to be bouquets of white flowers, decorated with seasonal greenery and other winter elements such as pinecones, hypercium berries or china berries. The flower experts at FiftyFlowers suggest a mixture of Polo White Roses, Vendela Ivory Roses and White Veronica. Wrap them into bouquets using dark plaid ribbons, add pinecones and you have an elegant yet rustic touch to your wedding. For an extra wintery feeling, consider snowy wedding tables. FlowersByMeredith / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Baked Goodies Comfort food is appealing in the winter like no other time of the year, so your guests are going to expect something to warm them up on the inside. The Knot, a website about wedding inspiration and ideas, suggests pot pie, mac and cheese or a course of warm cheese, such as baked brie, garnished with blueberries. For the sweet part, try chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread man... well, any kind of cookies for that matter. In the drinks section think hot chocolate, mulled wine and spiced apple cider. mellowfood / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Wedding Invitations In an interview for Bridal Guide, celebrity wedding planner David Tutera says that the traditional creamy-colored wedding invitations are falling out of fashion. They are being replaced by richer and bolder colors such as: “bronze, copper, and golden hues; earthy blends of burgundy, sienna, and chocolate brown; and deep shades of purple.” Still, don't be afraid to experiment if you think a particular color conveys your personality. zoe.wang / Foter / CC BY Music Goes Indie David Tutera is noticing another interesting trend. People are shifting away from the “evergreen” love songs, typically played during the reception or the first dance. Their place is increasingly being taken by “quirky, playful, and upbeat—alternative or indie selections”. One of the explanations is that this way both the guests and the happy couple will remember that dance as something exceptional. Bridesmaid Dresses Bridesmaid fashion is not to be underestimated. Bridesmaids whose dresses and colors are matching will bring more esthetics to the wedding. The experts of The Knot say this year jewel tones such as navy or eggplant will be making a strong presence. A black dress is always a good choice too, because it can be worn for other occasions too. At the same time the typically winter hues of ice blue, silver and ivory will remain popular embellishments of the snowy setting. Jackal of all trades / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA Wedding Cakes Many bakeries go for a cake that is decorated with traditional colors such as green and red. These can put too much emphasis on the winter holidays, so opt for something different. Many wedding experts now agree that white cakes dusted with edible silver powder are a great stylistic addition to a winter wedding. As for the flavor, you can experiment with fragrances that speak of winter, such as cinnamon, ginger or caramel. henry alva / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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10 Hottest Celebrity Brides of All-time

When it comes to brides, they are truly gorgeous. Finding the top celebrity brides, however, is no easy task. They are already beautiful, now add the celebrity factor and the iconic dresses that they wear down the aisle and you have something that is right of a holy book. Angelic, beautiful, and amazingly sexy, these are the 10 hottest celebrity brides that you're going to remember for a lifetime. Their husbands are no doubt lucky, lucky men. 10. Kate Middleton: Kate Middleton may have been an average woman before she caught the eye of a royal, but in her elegant, and somewhat modest dress, she truly looked radiant. What about the hot meter? Smoking hot? Probably not for some, but when you look at her in her dress from 2011, it's hard not to dream. 9. Cindy Crawford: From royalty to super model beauty, Cindy Crawford was married in 1998 and she had a dress that resembled a piece of lingerie more than a dress. Of course she got married on the beach, but wow, she showed some skin and gets a nod to the 10 hottest celebrity brides. 8. Keira Knightley: Keira Knightley had a dress that showed off her shoulders, and lengthy body quite nicely. The top seems wrapped on and skin tight, creating a stunning contrast to the informal style of her gown. She's down right hot, and it's plain to see. 7. Mariah Carey: Nick Cannon, who would've guessed? Carey's dress showed off her curves and bust, and all man who saw her sighed at the notion that Cannon landed such a desirable woman. She's hot, in a whole lot of different ways gentlemen. 6. Hilary Duff: Hilary Duff got all grown up and her strapless wedding gown only sparked more fire to her hotness. Showing off her bust, and slender frame, this dress will drive you nuts. 5. Salma Hayek: The fiery Mexican actress shows of her bust line in her wedding dress, and she is hot all around. What man wouldn't want her? She looked stunning in her dress and ranks high on the hot meter for sure. 4. Kate Bosworth: Another classic dress, with an amazing smile to boot. This is one hot bride, and the dress just gives you enough to gauge her true hotness. Every man's dream is definitely found with this lovely lady. 3. Jessica Simpson: It may have ended in divorce, but when Jessica Simpson's first marriage went through, she wore a strapless dress that showed off her bust and waist in a very elegant manner. Every man could appreciate her natural beauty, even if her intelligence wasn't so hot during her short lived television show. 2. Kim Kardashian: Love her or hate her, one has to admit that she makes for a beautiful bride. Kim K stunned with her strapless gown that showed off her bust in quite a lovely manner. Definitely a hot bride. 1. Marilyn Monroe: Marilyn may have been one of the sexiest women ever, but when she got married on a whim, she wasn't wearing white or showing off. She wore a smile and a secretary look that makes glasses heat up and men drool. Even all clothed up she's hot. There you have it, the hottest celebrity brides. Of course, they are just some of the hottest, there's so many that it's hard to determine just 10. What do you think?

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10 Wackiest Bride/Groom Attire

When you think of wedding attire, what comes to mind is her in a white dress and him in a tuxedo in black, gray or white, but that's not what you'll find in all wedding portraits. Some couples decide to take personalizing their wedding day to a whole new level by wearing wacky, non traditional attire. Here's a look at 10 memorable wacky bride and groom ensembles that we found: 1. An Epic Wedding Han and Leia don't get married during the onscreen action of the movies, but one pair of fans decided to act out the moment at their own wedding. Han the groom and Leia the bride were joined by their wedding party, including the Best Man Chewbacca and the Maid of Honor Luke Skywalker. 2. Camo Chic Apparently, many brides and grooms decide to wear camo for the big day, but this particular wedding was our favorite. No one can wear a camo gown quite like Honey Boo Boo's mom. 3. Never Never Land Love Imagine being invited to the wedding of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell! That's the experience that the family and friends of this couple were treated to at their big day. 4. Ogre Nuptials Cartoon movies seem to inspire plenty of couples' wedding days. This bride and groom dressed as Shrek and Fiona to make their big day a literal fairy tale wedding. 5. Clowning Around Clowns get married, too, and when they do, they sometimes do it in their clown costumes like this couple did. 6. Furry Fun Furries are men and women who associate strongly with animals and enjoy dressing up as animal alter egos. Sometimes, they even get married as them, which you can see with these two horses tying the knot before a rabbit preacher. 7. Undead I Do This bride and groom and their officiant all appear to be extras from the Walking Dead. Both the bride and groom wore white with plenty of blood for that just-returned-from-the-grave zombie event. 8. A Super Affair The groom at this wedding wore a complete Superman costume when he said "I Do" to his bride. Although she wore a traditional white wedding gown, there were plenty of other superheroes on-hand for the event; the Best Man dressed as Robin, while the Maid of Honor was dolled up as Wonder Woman. 9. Bare Essentials What do nudists wear when they get married? Practically nothing! For this nudist double wedding, the attire consisted of a bowtie, a cup-less bra, two veils and some jewelry. 10. Disney Fantasy Some may find this couple's idea more sweet than wacky. For this wedding, the bride and groom dressed as Ariel and Prince Eric from "The Little Mermaid" with the bridal party all dressed as various princesses and princes from the animated films. >At Groomstand, we believe that weddings should be fun for the bride, groom and the bridal party. While you may not be ready to wear a Halloween costume or a red rubber nose when you say, "I do!" you can help to make the day more memorable with the gifts you choose to give the bridal party. Check out our selection of personalized groomsmen gifts to see all of the fun finds in our collection.

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