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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Home Run Weddings

Well before you met your beautiful wife, you and the guys shared a love for baseball in all its glory. From playing together as children on the little league team to many winning seasons of hitting and fielding balls for the high school squad, you and your now groomsmen were always revered as the quintessential boys of summer. Now that your baseball experience may have been sidelined to the fan stands, it doesn't make the love of the sport any less authentic. Just because you're getting married doesn't mean that you have to strike the sport out of your life. You can incorporate your fondness of the "diamond" into your upcoming wedding in many fun ways - even if your wife-to-be won't let you have the actual ceremony in the stadium. First, put together a wedding weekend baseball game where you, the groomsmen, father of the bride and other men involved in the Big Day can gather for casual yet still competitive match up - think the "bride's guys" against the "groom's guys". Of course, serve roasted peanuts, popcorn beer and all the other tasty treats you'd find at the baseball concession stand. Have baseball jerseys printed up with each guy's name on the back and after the last inning, pass out personalize miniature baseball bats as groomsmen gifts - sure to be a big hit! A tasty way to incorporate your love for baseball into the wedding is to have a baseball themed groom's cake. A groom's cake is a southern tradition (thankfully now appreciated around the country) that is often a gift for the groom from the bride - so drop a hint that you want a baseball groom's cake. Served at the reception or sent home in slices as party favors, a groom's cake can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. With the popularity of cake shows like "Ace of Cakes" and "Cake Boss", the groom's cake has become very elaborate. Sports-themed cakes often take on a 3-D shape of the entire stadium or can feature cake sculptures of players and gear. Yum!

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When Beer Drinking Really Bites and Groomsmen Gifts to Help

When the weather warms up, the great outdoors becomes a popular wedding reception venue for new couples. From feeling the sand under your toes to hearing the breeze lightly waft past your ears, there's nothing like celebrating with hundreds of your closest friends, family - and mosquitoes! Those pesky little insects that literally multiply exponentially during the summer months don't mind and are even giddily lead by their appetites to crash your wedding. The bad news for you, especially if you and the groomsmen are beer-lovers, is that mosquitoes are scientifically proven to be more attracted to people who've been drinking some suds. Apparently, to mosquitoes, the body odor of a beer drinker is just much more tantalizing than that scent of a tee-totaller. Or, perhaps they're looking to catch their own buzz by slurping alcohol infused blood! So what's a guy to do about this nagging, biting problem which could put a damper on the festivities? First of all, encourage your guests to wear light colored clothing; mosquitoes seem to prefer dark colors because the trap in body heat - really all the guys need to do is take off their tuxedo jackets once the party starts. Second, ditch the dirty socks. Studies have also shown that these nasty insects also like smelly socks (along with perfume, soaps smells and other strong aromas). Perhaps you could treat the guys to a nice pair of clean pair of socks as one of your groomsmen gifts or treat them to a grooming kit and instruct them to use it before they show up! And lastly, you can switch out the beer for some other equally refreshing libation like mugs of ice-cold water or sweet ice tea (yeah, right). Or, here's another way to look at the mosquito vs. beer predicament - the more beer you drink, the less you care about being bitten, so no worries (until the morning)!

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Vegas Wedding: Sure-Bet Stress Buster

If the bride is about to crack under the pressure of planning ñtheî wedding event of the year, whisper this sly little suggestion in her ear _ ñletÍs just scrap the shin dig and get hitched in Vegas, baby.î Kitschy, perhaps. Clich_, maybe. Stress-relieving, you bet! Getting married in Las Vegas, Nevada is an easy way to get hitched; heck, more than 110,000 marriage licenses are issued each year in this party city. You can literally rent the tux and wedding dress, pull strangers off the street to serve as witnesses, and even drive through the service in a decked out white Cadillac convertible. One of the most popular places to get hitched on the Vegas Strip is the Graceland Chapel, home of the original Elvis wedding ceremony. For more than 50 years, this little, white clapboard chapel has seen countless brides and grooms walk down the aisle including many celebrities. Musicians such as Bon Jovi, Billy Ray Cyrus and Aaron Neville have all said ñI doÍsî to their respective wives here as have socialites, Blaine and Robert Trump, and television personality, Jay Leno. So, put on your blue suede shoes, trim up those mutton chops and shake up your wedding Vegas-style. With all the money you save on an expensive wedding reception you can be a big spender at the black jack table. Bring your buddies along for the weekend and make a bachelor party out of it, too! If the bride agrees, sheÍs a definite keeper. Vegas-inspired groomsmen giftswill get the party started -- try personalized poker sets, bachelor party t-shirts or beer mugs all emblazoned with the iconic Las Vegas ñWelcome Sign.î

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Is it Halo Heaven? A Video Game Wedding

Just because youÍre getting married doesnÍt mean that you have to give up on your favorite hobby. And, if youÍre anything like the typical guy, you love video games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, a video game player is typically male and is, on average, 35 years old -- playing for the last 13 years! So, itÍs shouldnÍt be surprising to learn that some die-hard video game fans are incorporating a love for this type of entertainment into the biggest day of their lives. From the family-friendly Mario franchise of video games to the more combat-oriented genres, video game themed weddings are sure to get guests talking. If fact, one couple in Orlando, Florida recently planned their whole marriage around the explosion-filled video game, Halo. While the couple wore traditional wedding garb, the man uniting them in a matrimonial bond was outfitted in green amour and a helmet, just like the gameÍs hero -- Master Chief. The couple feels that ñlife should be funî and decided that a video game wedding was definitely for them. After the unusual exchanging of vows, the couple was introduced as ñteammates for lifeî and the guests partied all night at the ñRock Bandî video band jam. The event, largely paid for by a video game development festival called Otronicon, also featured a Halo-inspired wedding cake and the theme music from the soundtrack of this wildly popular pastime. As wedding gift, Halo developers from creator Bungie Studios, presented the newlyweds with a virtual gift for the groomand bride, the ultra-rare Recon amour that is coveted by game-players everywhere. Cool, dude!

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Eat, Drink and Get Married (Especially Drink)

Attention, grooms. Speak up and be heard about your preferences on the most important part of your wedding reception _ the adult beverages. If the bride has taken charge of the wedding cake details down to the last dark-chocolate-with-raspberry-filling detail, then by all accounts of fairness the selection of liquor should be appointed to the groom. Just like the cake and the reception food, the choices you pick for beverages reflect on the overall style of your wedding. ?xml:namespace> Beer: This is always the go-to choice for the groom who is no-frills. Beer can be incorporated into the menu and is sure to quaff the thirst of your wedding attendants and old college fraternity brothers _ toss in personalized beer mugsand it can be your groomsmen gifts! Consider using local beers that capture the spirit of your location for out-of-town guests. But, unless you are having a wedding reception where beer universally fits the mood, such as at a BBQ or the groomsmen are wearing Lederhosen, it is probably best to include other libations. ?xml:namespace> Champagne and Wine: It is traditional for the bride and groom to be toasted during the reception with a glass of champagne served to each guest. For the guests that choose not to consumer alcohol, it is always a nice gesture to have a sparkling juice available so that they do not feel left out of the festivities. Wine is also an expected choice for weddings, but can also be used in an unexpected way. Consider having a wine-tasting area set up at the bar where guests are served small portions of several various types of wine. ?xml:namespace> ?xml:namespace> Signature Drinks: Creating a signature cocktail a fun way to show your personality and tie in the theme of the event. It can be a tried-and-true drink, like a hot toddy with monogrammed swizzles, or a completely new recipe. Think of a fun name for the drink and serve in fitting barware, even personalized glasses that can be taken home as a wedding favor. For example, a drink made with Blue Curacau could be served in a hurricane glass and called ñSomething Blue.î Or, a white chocolate and vodka concoction could be poured in a cocoa-rimmed martini glass and named the ñNow Married-tini.î With so many choices and so little time, you may want to start your taste testing now!

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Weird Places to Wed and Groomsmen Gifts to Match

To some brides and grooms getting hitched in a chapel is just so predictable. Why marry in a place where you spend so little time (insert lightening bolt strike), when you can take your vows in a place where you feel more at home. We've recieved reports of some wild and wacky places to get hitched, as uncommon and unique as the couples themselves. Plus, wouldn't you love to shake it up for your buddies, the groomsmen who are usually bored to tears in a traditional ceremony? Pick one of the weird places to wed and treat your wedding party to our coordinating suggestions in groomsmen gifts. Hamburger Joint: Your wedding guests are going to flip for a ceremony and reception combo in the local hamburger joint. After your I-do's under a canopy of checkered tablecloths, your friends and family can chow down on burgers, fries and frothy shakes served up in those red plastic baskets. For groomsmen gifts, the guys will appreciate their own stainless-steel spatula engraved with the details of the day. Zoo: Get hitched in front of the Love Bird exhibit; the guests will be a flutter with the aviary ambiance. Or, go savannah style with your wedding, lions sunning themselves in the background. Whatever section of the zoo you choose (please, not the snakes), it's going to be hot and sticky. Quaff the thirsts of your buddies by presenting pre-filled flasks as your groomsmen gifts. Airport: Maybe you're a pilot or a flight attendant -- or a jet-setting traveler. Tying the knot at the airport is unusual, but has a unique benefit. You'll be just that much closer to making the signature bride and groom getaway - just hop straight on a plane and head toward your honeymoon. Travel accessories will make fitting groomsmen gifts, from personalized passport covers to dopp kits Brew Pub: The nerves of an anxious groom will definitely be soothed if he is wed near the production of beer. While it's not okay to get married under the influence, there's no reason to teetotal afterward -- celebrate with the suds! Your friends will be high-fiving you all night, wondering how you pulled this venue off. Of course, personalized beer mugs or tavern signs make toast-worthy groomsmen gifts for the pub wedding.

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Robot Says, "You May Now Kiss the Bride"

The bride was blushing in white, the groom quite dapper in his formal, black tuxedo, and the official joining the two in holy matrimony -- a robot! This recent wedding, held in Tokyo, Japan, was typical in so many ways except for the 4-foot robot named "I-Fairy" which helped the happy couple say their "I do's". According to manufacturer Kokoro Company, this was the first time that a robot has conducted a marriage; and we bet not the last in robot-happy Japan! Those Japanese seem to always be one step ahead when it comes to all things high-tech, they have some of the most advanced robotic and artificial intelligence technologies in the world. With robotic research typically supported by the government, robots are common in factories and, in the last decade, becoming more and more present in peoples every day life. Honda has a small human-like robot and recently teddy bear and pet robots have been designed to provide companionship for the elderly and children. So, why not an I-Fairy for your wedding?! According to the Kokoro spokesperson, she has 18 degrees of motion in the arms and can repeat pre-programmed movements and sounds. Not the most advanced robot on the market by any means, she will come dressed for the event, wearing a wreath of flowers around her head. However, don't think you'll be saving money by cutting the services of a human minister or justice of the peace out of the event -- I-Fairy will set you back $68, 000! That's the price of an awesome wedding experience including the groomsmen gifts and bachelor party; so unless she cooks, cleans, irons and walks the dog, we're passing!

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Searing Steak With Style _ Groomsmen Gift Suggestion

The entire month of May is dedicated to sizzling up good food on the grill, itÍs National Barbeque Month! According to a consumer poll by the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association, enjoying the company with family and friends (94%) combined with the desire to be outside (22%) is the reason why barbeque season heats up this time of year. And really, the launch of the outdoor cooking couldnÍt be better timed considering how many soon-to-be-married couples are launching their pre-wedding entertaining schedules for all the important members of the wedding party. If you are hosting a bachelor barbeque this month, youÍll want to check over your gear and supplies to make sure everything is in order. Pull off the cover under which your grill has been hibernating all winter and give it a look-see to determine whether is still up to the manufacturerÍs safety guidelines. Anything rusty or wobbly needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, youÍll need to stock up with a freshly filled propane tank or plenty of charcoal briquettes along with all the other consumables you plan on grilling up. This year, why not break with tradition and try a new marinade or dry rub to shake up the taste buds of your carnivorous friends and family?! For the men at your backyard cookout, it is always a thoughtful idea to bring along personalized groomsmen gifts, especially BBQ gifts, to show your appreciation for their willingness to eat, drink and be merry at your upcoming wedding. Sure to make a searing impression with your groomsmen is a steak iron which can be used to make a personalized mark on beef, chicken, pork _ even tofu! There are many styles of steak brands to choose from including steak irons forged with the recipientÍs monogram letters or a sports team or military logo held near and dear.

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Thumbs Up for Multi-Function Tools _ Manly Groomsmen Gifts

Men werenÍt given opposable thumbs for nothing. Thumbs are called opposable because this digit can be moved around to touch the other fingers, enabling the grasping mechanism. YouÍve enjoyed the use of your opposable thumbs for many worthy tasks, popping the lid on a beer can, holding your golf club, and snapping to your favorite tune. However, the most important event you can thank your thumb for is using it to flip open the lid on the velvet ring box when you made the big proposal to your fianc_. You groomsmen are also sure to be quite pleased with the physical adaptation provided by the thumb. WeÍre not saying the guys are monkeys or anything, but they couldnÍt peel a banana if it wasnÍt for this first-rate finger. Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans also all have opposable thumbs just like your loveably knuckle-dragging buddies. One choice in groomsmen gifts that is sure to get a round of Tim Allen-eque grunts and groans of admiration is a multi-function tool. Like a pocket knife but better, these must-have implements are outfitted with lots of gear such as a blade, a screwdriver, a serrated saw, a corkscrew, a flashlight and more. A total thumbs-up for groomsmen gifts, your friends will enjoy keeping a multi-function tool on hand for DIY projects, emergency situations and all those other unexpected times when you need a special gadget.

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The Secret Language of the Beer Glass

Crack a cold one, and you will soon realize that all beer receptacles were not created equal. Or will you? A stein is not a pilsner is not a tankard for a reason! There is purpose and history behind varied glass designs, often to showcase beers to the fullest. Understand these subtleties and match glass-type with each groomsman's beer preference - your groomsmen gifts will be personalized in more ways than one. The Pint Glass and Tumbler The pint glass or tumbler is the most common beer container. Typically sporting a slight taper to a wide mouth, these glasses are either 16 oz (commonplace in the United States) or 20 oz (to account for large crowning heads in beers like Guinness). The are cheap to make, easy to drink out of, and their hint of a conical shape means they are convenient for bartenders to stack. A set of personalized tumblers is perfect for the beer-loving groomsman who will break one out for his daily brewsky. The Beer Mug and Stein Built thick, strong, and made to last. The stein traditionally was made of stone and came with a cover (to prevent any dirty flies from falling in during the Black Plague), but today the term stein covers mugs in all shapes and materials. They are generally hefty, hold a heck of a lot of beer, and have a handle for easy swigging. Their sturdy structure makes a set of personalized beer mugs ideal for the burly groomsman who enjoys clinking bashing glasses with his drinking buddies. The Pilsner or Weizen Glass A tall, classy beer glass, the Pilsner does it all. It retains a beer's foamy head. It rockets the beer's aroma straight into your nostrils. It showcases a beers Three C's: color, clarity and carbonation. In a Pilsner, a beer will sparkle and demand to be appreciated. It is typically 12 oz and sometimes only 8 oz, so a set of personalized Pilsner glasses will be best suited as a groomsman gift for the refined beer drinker. The Ferdinand Mug A glorious combination of the beer mug and the Pilsner, this 18 oz personalized Ferdinand mug makes the supreme groomsmen gift for a beer gulper with a hint of sophistication. It has the sturdiness of a well-built stein, but with a touch of the debonair in its sleek form. The Can Can't get the college boy out of your groomsman? Kick up his class by gifting personalized leather beer caddies. In any event, his Miller Lite will stay refreshingly chilled, right?

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Tis' the season for Groomsmen Gifts

GroomStand would like to wish a Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all the future grooms and groomsmen of 2010. Since you stocked up on groomsmen gifts, you can lounge around and watch every bowl game with all those personalized college football signs you got for your buddies. Savor. This. Moment. Before you know it, wedding season will be in full swing. You'll see so many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress that you'll know an A-line skirt with an empire waist is the best dress for your body type. Before that happens, make the best of this non-wedding planning week and be marry before you get married. Happy Holidays!

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