You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

Regardless of whether you love ïem or hate ïem, we have another bride and groom dancing video gone viral on Youtube.com. Since the video sharing site was created in 2005, people have uploaded every kind of clip imaginable, from laughing babies to firework fails. One type of video that always seems to go viral is choreographed dances at a wedding, either by the bride and groom or by the groom and all his groomsmen or the bride and all her bridesmaid. WeÍve yet to see a video of a preacher moonwalking yet. Post to the comments if you find one! This video features a cute bride and groom in very causal wedding attire, heÍs wearing khaki shorts and an untucked button-down and sheÍs wearing a white sundress and bare feet! With guests looking on the newlyweds start off their ñfirst danceî to a traditional slow song. Everything seems normal; the pair is making ga-ga eyes at each other and seem to be whispering sweet nothings. But, then it happens. The music changes to a medley of shoes, ñEverybody Dance Nowî by C+C Music Factory, the seemingly mandatory wedding dance song ñThrillerî by Michael Jackson, ñItÍs Not Unusualî by Tom Jones, ñFootlooseî by Kenny Loggins and more. It was a crowd please and the dancing duo seems to be having a really great time. In the video notes, the bride and groom mention what a fun experience it was to choreograph and practice the dance before the big day; it really took some of the stress out of all the wedding planning. So, there you go. Another day, another viral wedding video. I think some couples seem to find it mandatory to come up with something they can video and upload to Youtube or Vine. If you are more of a private person and putting yourself out there on social media isnÍt your thing, no worries! You can still have a great wedding experience without trying to get as many hits on your YouTube channel as possible. If you do want to make a video, make it memorable! DonÍt try to make a carbon copy of someone elseÍs idea, be creative and let it reflect your personality as a couple. Grooms, if you have all the groomsmen doing a dance for the ladies, hook them up with some dashing groomsmen gives like engraved cufflinks, funky argyle socks or fedora hats. Great dance routines need great accessories! Even one of our very distinguished groomsmen gifts, an extra-long brass and mahogany shoe horn, could be used like a baton! After showing off your moves, youÍre probably going to be thirsty. First, rehydrate with cold water waiting in one of our personalized canteens. Then feel free to take some sips of the hard stuff out of an engraved flask, you deserve it! Both of these items also make welcomed gifts for groomsmen. Long after you wedding reception these best man and groomsmen gifts will be used at many events, from tailgating and camping to keeping thirst quenched at the gym. So, what do you think of choreographic a dance to perform at your wedding. ñYes,î ñMaybe,î or ñNo Way.î Let us know in the comments below.

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No-Fail Foil Way to Wrap Groomsmen Gifts

During the months leading up to the wedding, there are plenty of ñhoney-doî tasks that the bride may ask you to step up and take over. Better get used to it. Some of these chores may be items on her to-do list, while others may be responsibilities that were yours to start with _ only you were oblivious. For example, did you know that YOU, the groom, are supposed to shop for the best man gift and all of the groomsmen gifts. Yes, thatÍs right. Even though the bride is most likely the super shopper in the relationship, able to run faster than your speeding heart and leap tall turnstiles in order to be first in line at a sale, hunting out and buying groomsmen gifts is your job. There is an obvious reason why the groom is put in charge of this check off box on the wedding to-do list. ItÍs not a punishment or even a preview that you have to take over all household shopping in the future. Instead, itÍs just that you know the best man and groomsmen better than her, plain and simple. I mean, would you really want to select the bridesmaid gifts? And, if you were part of the groomÍs wedding party, would you really get a warm fuzzy from some random groomsmen gift your buddyÍs fianc_ picked out? We think the answer to both question is a resounding ñnoî! We also have other news you may not like to hear and that is you should probably also take charge of wrapping the groomsmen gifts. However, never fear. If you are present-wrapping challenged guy, you love this news. A man named Martin Grix recently invented a fool-proof paper that is so easy to use that even a... well, a man like you, could use it. DonÍt take offense at this dumbed-down version of present wrapping, simply take it for what it is _ a genius, super-fast way to wrap gifts for any occasion without the need of scissors, tapes, or a Ph.d. in bows and embellishments. The wrap is actually colorfully printed foil with red or blue stars that is rolled up on a handled dispenser that is ready to accommodate your clumsy man paws. Even if you have an odd-shaped gift like one of our personalized baseball bats, the Man Wrap will come to the rescue. All you do is roll out a length of the foil and plop your groomsmen gift down in the center; wrap the foil around the gift and smash in the sides to secure. Voila, your gift is wrapped and ready to impress the recipient with both your sentiments and your skills. Check out this short video that demonstrates how Man Wrap can solve all your pre-wedding, gift-wrapping problems. The guy is able to wrap up five items in a mere 60 seconds. It takes longer to get up from the lazy boy to go retrieve a cold beer out of the fridge. Now if youÍre sold on the Man Wrap, the bad news is that we donÍt sell it (yet). It looks like itÍs primarily a UK product. But, hey, you can always raid the kitchen drawer for the ReynoldÍs Wrap. If you still donÍt know what youÍll wrap up for groomsmen gifts, donÍt worry. GroomStand.com has loads of best man gifts, groomsmen gifts, ring bearer gifts, gifts for fathers and gifts for virtually everyone on your list. The cool thing is that you can shop from the comfort and convenience of your own home, whenever you like. We ship the loot straight to your door. You wrap in foil. You pop open a beer to celebrate having the job done.

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A Big World of Beer Mug Options

The Japanese are just so inventive. From the car to the video game console, this clever country is always on the cutting edge of the next trend. ThatÍs why when we saw the commercial for the Professional Beer Foam Making Mug, they had us memorized at ñsuper gadget.î We just had to track one of these down. By the sound of all the happy affirmations from the folks using the self-fizzing glass, the mug must be a real winner. From business men and college guys to a womenÍs get-together, it seems like everyone in Japan is having a grand ole time and enjoying, as they put it, ñjoys for all people.î No batteries required on this product manufactured by Brando, simply flick the lever on top of the handle and a hammer on the bottom of the mug sends of the bubbles vigorously rising to the top. When the frothy, foamy head wears off, simply hit the lever again _ itÍs endless fun atop your beer. The print advertisement suggests that you will ñNot Only have fun, but also make your beer more delicious! Happy hour, party, BBQ, dining and gathering. Just get rid of all those trifles; let's have your private great fun time!!î How can you say no?! Okay, so if these beer mugs are a little too novelty, too cheesy to give to your beer-guzzling buddies as groomsmen gifts, GroomStand.com has plenty of other options to support the suds-loving guys in your wedding party. Really, you canÍt go wrong with a beer-inspired best man gift or groomsman gift; what guy doesnÍt practically live off the stuff? Barware always makes a practical choice for groomsmen gifts; not only can glasses be used for drinking beer on the weekends or after work, they can also be used for a host of other beverages including soda, ice tea, or some wholesome milk. Our classic sports mug is a must-have for the man cave; fill with up to 12-ounces of brew (conveniently a can) and toast to good friends and good times. If you have a bigger thirst to quench, this traditional glass much also comes in a 25-ounce size _ no more running back and forth to the fridge and missing the big game, 25 ounces should keep you busy until the next commercial break! For football enthusiasts, our NFL pint glasses are real winners! Featuring the classic silhouette of a traditional pint glass, these vessels are kicked up to epic proportions with an officially-licensed logo of the recipientÍs favorite professional football team. Once heÍs polished off his beer, heÍll find a surprise at the bottom of the glass _ a molded glass imprint of a football! Also, consider the custom glass football tumbler as an option for sporty groomsmen gifts; the unique shape and personalization is sure to make this one a favorite during football season and beyond. Not all beer mugs are made from glass. Materials like pewter and ceramic are also frequently used to provide a distinctive look. For example, our personalized gunmetal medallion mug is made from pewter and keeps contents nice and icy cold. Plus, the center medallion can be engraved with the recipientÍs name to create a lasting keepsake from your wedding. If youÍd like to honor each guyÍs specific interests, a ceramic beer mug featuring a bold graphic on the front will make any man toast to your fine taste. Designs in nearly early every hobby, pastime, sport and diversion can be found at GroomStand.com. Cheers!

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Social Media Mania Hits Weddings

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You could spend countless hours online, mixing and mingling with old buddies and new friends alike. Both Twitter and Facebook report having more than 1 billion unique visitors per month. Facebook alone reports having more than 50 million active pages. Everyone’s doing it from home computers, tablets and smart phones. For celebrities (think about the whole Aston and Demi drama) to regular Joes like us, the trend for interacting via social media just keeps growing exponentially. At Groomstand.com, we even have several groomsmen gifts that would be apropos for the guy who doesn’t like to be far from his virtual friends. A popular choice in gifts for groomsmen who tweet and Facebook from their cells is a monogramed iPhone case. If you want to splurge on your Best Man, consider our city-style urban briefcase crafted from genuine leather, the perfect parking spot for his laptop when not in use! You know that social media has gone too far when a groom breaks out his cell phone at the wedding altar to update is Facebook status. Well, that’s exactly what a man from Maryland did after exchanging vows with his newly anointed wife. Apparently he wrote “Standing at the altar with (bride’s name) where just a second ago, she became my wife! Gotta go, time to kiss my bride!” Even the preacher got in on the joke by saying “It’s now official on Facebook. It’s official in my book. You may kiss your bride.” We’re not sure, but we suspect he might have had on a pair of our personalized cufflinks that resemble miniature iPhones – yes, iPhone cufflinks! You could hear the laughter and chatter from the guests sitting in the pews as the preacher announces what the groom is doing. But, is this one of those things that you just politely laugh along to, or is it really funny? Something seems odd about making everyone wait (including the preacher, although he didn’t seem to mind) while you thumb-type in a message meant to be sent out across the Internet. For goodness sakes, they were at the altar in a church! A house of God! We hope that he didn’t also use Twitter to mention every little detail of the honeymoon. Unfortunately, Facebook can also be a way to break up with a spouse. Can you believe a woman actually found out her marriage was over via a message her husband posted on the social networking site? Well, actually the wife didn’t see it first, her friends did. A concerned friend called by a friend to “see if she was alright” and when she seemed to not know what she was talking about, the friend advised her to check online. Upon logging into Facebook, she found out her obviously-now-estranged husband had posted “that he had ended his marriage.” When the man was questioned, he added that he’d “had enough of her.” So, what do you think of this use of Facebook? It reminds us of when Big from “Sex in the City” broke up with Carrie Bradshaw on a Post-it note. Another wedding Facebook story with a happier ending involves two people with same exact name. Kelly Hildebrant, a guy from Texas, met a girl from Florida named Kelly Hildebrant and now the two are happily married. The whole coincidence happened when the girl decided to look up her own name of Facebook and the male Kelly was the only other face that popped up. She friended him, he friended back and now the lovebirds are hitched happily ever after.

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An Indestructable Man Cave

Along a desolate stretch of South Florida lies what could possibly be your ultimate man cave and one heck of a place to host a bachelor party! Of course, youÍll have to have deep pockets and a fondness for decorating because this utilitarian underground abode is on the market for nearly five million dollars and (to put it mildly) needs an overhaul of epic proportions to make it comfortable enough for a hangout. Originally built in 1967 by AT&T as a corporate bomb shelter, this sprawling complex was intended to support up to five people (including state-of-the-arts communications systems for the era) for 30 days in the event of a nuclear disaster. ItÍs the bomb! A graduated block faade with blast-proof doors is what you see from ground up, but underneath the mound of 30-inch concrete walls is a doomsday hideout decked out with all the must-haves to survive an atomic event. This includes decontamination showers upon entry, 200-kilowatt generators, massive air-intake tunnels and a custom ventilation system. Even though the structure has been abandoned since the 1980s, the pantry shelves are still stocked with cans of sugar and milk solids. Okay, you might want to toss those along with everything else! But even though none of the power or equipment works, sellers insist that this space could make the transformation into the most deluxe of bachelor pads. If you donÍt mind dropping a ton of dough and expending some elbow grease on this fixer-upper, then you definitely could have one of the coolest man caves ever. Just imagine having a hang-out where not many people could track you down; itÍs the ultimate escape! So, how would you decorate this 7,000 square-foot fall-out shelter? Here are some of our ideas: Add a rich, mahogany pool table to encourage friendly competition with your buddies. Playing pool can really pass the time if you are whiling away the hours until the radiation clears, or just having a guyÍs night! A personalized sign for billiards should most definitely be hanging on the nearest wall. Install an epic bar area where you can treat guests to any and every drink they could possible imagine. Stock assorted barware (personalized with your monogram of course) such as martini glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, wine glasses and more. Set up a massive big screen television for watching sports games, action movies and video game contests. If you should prefer a little old-school entertainment, retire to the poker table and break out professional-grade poker supplies, perfect for wheeling and dealing way into the wee hours. Even a personalized domino set makes a nice diversion when stuck underground. This sort of man cave is also perfect for the enjoyment of cigars. Stock the finest in your collection in a top-of-the-line cigar humidor to ensure that proper moisture levels are maintained and leave about handsome cigar ashtrays to make sure the floor isnÍt sullied with ashes. DonÍt forget about cigar cutters, Zippo lighters and all the other necessary supplies. Hint, if youÍre getting together with your friends before the Big Day, any of these cool man-cave supplies also make excellent groomsmen gifts. And, since most can be personalized with an initial, monogram, name or special message, they make thoughtful keepsakes from your bachelor event. Come on guys, do you have any other ideas on decking out this man cave? Share them in the comments below.

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How NOT to faint at your wedding

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications. So what is fainting anyway? The medical condition is actually called ñsyncope,î and it is a sudden yet brief loss of consciousness followed by a spontaneous return to awareness. Fainting is caused by lack of blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain. When you ïblack outÍ without warning like this, it can be quite harmful because you lose muscle control and will fall to the ground. Here are some important rules to follow to keep you or your groomsmen from fainting at the alter: DonÍt drink: Getting wasted the night before is a no-no. This means plan the bachelor party to happen several days, even weeks before the actual ceremony. Put away those bottle openers and groomsmen flasks. Alcohol can cause dehydration and dehydration is a known trigger in fainting. As a precaution, even if you havenÍt consumed any beer, wine or liquor, keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it frequently as you wait for the wedding processional to being. Also, have a carafe filled with water waiting near the area where you will say your vows, just in case. Eat a meal: Consuming food before the ceremony will also minimize the chance of fainting. Hunger pangs and low blood sugar shakes (combined with nerves) can make a guy feel like fainting. So, ensure that you have had a good meal several hours before the event and a small snack just before you walk down the aisle. Please, for everyoneÍs sake, avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, cauliflower and broccoli. This is a great chance for the guys to tryout their groomsmen gifts and use those engraved pocket knives to peel you an apple. Remain calm: Use positive visualization techniques and rely on the help of your groomsmen to keep anxiety and nerves at bay. Fear, adrenaline surges, and extreme panic can all divert blood flow away from your brain, causing you to faint. Most menÍs reactions to stress as being fight, flight or faint. None of them are helpful. But if you focus on the good things about getting married and/or have your friends take your mind off the worry (even just playing video games together helps), you can remain calm and carry on without falling to the floor. DonÍt lock knees: You can also decrease your blood supply to the brain by ñlockingÍ your knees. Long ago, choir members discovered that keeping their lower extremities rigid often caused them to get dizzy and fall off the bleachers. Can you imagine that sight? To keep from fainting in this way, simply remember to stand with your legs almost shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent forward. If necessary, shift your weight around from foot to foot. Other triggers: There are many other things that can generate a fainting spell including a change in medications, undiagnosed health issues, assaults to the senses (like smelling Aunt GerdieÍs perfume), and constrictive clothing and shoes. If you do feel like you are going to keel over (most get signs of dizziness, light-headedness and dilated pupils), then whisper to the officiant that you might faint and he will guide you to a chair until you feel better. There is no need to feel embarrassed; it would be way worse to fall backward and get a concussion, spending the wedding night in a hospital bed. Are you worried about fainting in your wedding? Have you ever seen anyone ñgo downî in a wedding? Let us know in the comments below.

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Never Ending Beer Glass

In the quest for a nice pint glass of beer that would never need refilling, I Googled the search terms ñnever ending beer mug.î Unfortunately for my easy to nauseate constitution, the first link I clicked through was a video of a completely wasted guy drinking about half of his pint glass and then puking it back up into the mug. Over and over again. You will be spared the disgustingness of having to view this on the GroomStand.com blog, but it you are compelled to seek it out yourself, itÍs a free world. Belch. Finally, after a littler more searching, I found what might be the solution to my desire to drink beer through an entire football game without ever having to get up and grab another. Now this is quite possible the ultimate gift for the groom. Some beer-loving dudes actually came up with a product called the Bottoms Up beer dispenser that will be your perpetual bar maid from the comfort and convenience of your home. Some might call it slothful to not want to get up out of an easy-boy chair, but I call it oh-so-very smart to have my glass continuously filled as I set it back down on the table. Check out the video of the contraption being put together and demonstrated: So, what do you think about this invention? It works thanks to a hole in the bottom of your cup. Wait, what? A hole in the bottom of your pint glass? Well, the hole is sealed with a magnet and when you place the specially designed cup on the beer dispenser, it breaks the seal, and fills the glass from the bottom up. That's right. In theory, you could fill up your beer mug and walk away to some other area of the house or just sit there and take a sip, set it down, watch it refill, pick it up, and never get thirsty again. Imagine the reaction if you presented these as creative groomsmen gifts? One flaw; the wives, brides-to-be or significant others of your buddies may eventually start complaining about the big keg defiling the d_cor in the living room. Now, itÍs hard to believe that the inventors expect to release the product this month (March 2013) with a price tag of $1,149. Looks like itÍs made with a bunch of old stuff found piling up in the garage. And, no this hefty price tag does not include never-ending beer. Actually buying the beer is up to you. According to my rough calculations, you could hire some neighborhood kid for $5/hour to come over to your house and shuttle beer back and forth from the fridge for a four hour shift every weekend of the year! This covers all the sports seasons (basketball, football, baseball _ you name it) and youÍd still have a little money left over the beer fund too! If you canÍt live the dream and purchase the never-ending beer machine, you can still enjoy your favorite brew in a big way. A jumbo-sized monster beer mug will do the job. Get a personalized beer mug that holds two pints (32 ounces) and you wonÍt miss a game-defining play or clever commercial until you have to get up and visit the facilities (and afterwards, you can run by the kitchen for a refill). Another idea for groomsmen gifts? The Joe Six-Pack Belt literally straps on six cans of brew around the mid-section of your favorite suds-sucker so heÍll never be without. So, what is your hydration plan when it comes to watching sports games? Do you keep a cooler by the TV? Do you run back and forth to the fridge? Do your drink out of super-sized mugs? Let us know in the comments below.

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Flash Mob Dance and Marching Band Proposal

When a guy orchestrates a public proposal, he certainly has to be sure that the object of his affection is not going to turn him down. Just think of how embarrassing it would be to get a rejection on the Jumbotron at a basketball game or, worse yet, on a reality television show. Spoiler alert, this viral video we found on youtube.com has a happy ending -- the girl says ñyes.î So, apparently on June 9, 2012 a young man proposed to girlfriend in Bryant Park. It wasnÍt the typical proposal one might expect in a park, like asking ñwill you marry meî after a romantic picnic lunch or stroll around the flower gardens. It was a proposal with a lot, a LOT of pomp and circumstance. It was a dancing flash mob, whoohoo! The groom-to-be invited his girlfriend to meet him for an alfresco lunch; he said why you donÍt bring your best friend along too. So, as the two young ladies arrived at the park, an unfamiliar woman ushered them to a patio table on the square decked out for the event with a table cloth and small bouquet of roses. This was the first sign that something unusual was up. Then, the girl moved into the grassy area and started to dance. I bet the bride-top-be was mortified, was the beginning of some sort of strip show? Thank goodness, dozens of other men and women joined into the choreographed dance routine to Michael JacksonÍs ñThe Way You Make Me Feel.î It was a moving, grooving love poem. It was an early gift from the groom to the bride. Take a look for yourself! Wow, what is going on! As the flash mob dance ended, an entire marching band from Port Chester High School came bounding down the lawn playing ñHey Baby, I Wanna Know if YouÍll Be My Girl.î Trumpets, trombones, tubas, snare drums and all! We think there may have even been a harmonica! At the same time, hidden in the vicinity of the park, all of the bride-to-beÍs friends and relatives revealed themselves and joined in the spectacle. You could tell she was putting two-and-two together just as her boyfriend revealed himself _ as the uniformed drum major! He got down on one knee and asked the fateful question _ thankfully as we mentioned earlier, she said ñyesî and he popped the top on the engagement ring box to reveal the bling. The credits at the end of the video list ñKusturiss Jewelersî as part of the day. WeÍre wondering if this showman arranged a trade-off _ a ring for publicity! This is not a bad idea. Approach a jeweler and say, IÍm planning a viral video and hoping for 2 million hits (which is about what this guy got), why donÍt you give me a mega-buck diamond ring and IÍll mention your name. If you have great video skills, an outgoing personality and what it takes to make internet video connoisseurs flock to your clever clip, this might be an excellent way to fund an elaborate and over-the-top wedding. You could approach all types of vendors for ñproduct placement,î not just for the engagement ring. What about wheeling and dealing for the honeymoon, the tuxedos, the groomsmen gifts, or heck, that new red sports car youÍve had your eye on! Are you planning on bartering like this for any of your wedding-related expenses? Give us tips in the comments below.

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Tips for Making Surprise Groom Dance a Video Hit

If I had a dollar for every viral video IÍve watched, IÍd be able to retire and do something worthwhile with my life. Seems like every bride and groom are trying to make it big by putting out a funny video based on the proposal, walk down the wedding aisle or at the reception. Recently I stumbled upon this reception video where the groom planned a surprise dance for the bride. Set to an eclectic mix of songs declaring his love like ñBaby, Babyî by Justin Bieber and Motown classic ñAinÍt No Mountain High Enough,î the video is just so fun and crazy, I couldnÍt resist. So after watching it through to the hokey end (it is actually pretty entertaining), I decided to give you the top tips for making sure any stunt you pull like this dance is a video success. Drinks for everyone! No matter how good a dancer you are, the production will be much more entertaining if the bar is open and everyone is feeling good. Plus, youÍll be a little more loosened up for your big dance floor debut if youÍve snuck a few sips out of a groomsmen flask. Set up the bride with a glass of champagne in an engraved toasting flute to make sure sheÍs on board and ready to boogie. Get a good song. Make sure the song is ones your audience will be familiar with, reflects your personality, and shares your feelings for the bride. We thought the song mix the groom had in this video was brilliant because it combined current songs with old-time golden oldies; guests of all generations will be tapping their toes. Enlist the groomsmen. DonÍt be a one-man act. Of course, youÍll be the star attraction (as any groom should be during his moment in the spotlight), but enlist the help of your groomsmen to be the backup dancers. Whether they are awesome dancers or donÍt have that gene, theyÍll provide support, comic relief, and share in the laughs. If your buddies are reluctant, do whatever you have to get them in on the gig. Promise them some of the best groomsmen gifts ever, like a personalized golf putter or a first-class cigar humidor. You are what you wear. You and the groomsmen are going to be dressed to the nines (hint, give the guys engraved cufflinks as groomsmen gifts), but consider adding extra props like sunglasses, crazy wigs, or wild socks that will be seen with every high kick. At some point in any good surprise groom dance, a PG strip tease gets the audience riled up and the bride blushing. At least slip out of your tuxedo jacket, spin it around your head, and toss it over to the bride. Add stunts and tricks. We have every confidence your dance moves will be enviable, but ensure the performance gets a standing ovation by adding stunts and tricks. If you can break dance, walk on your hands, leapfrog over the best manÍs back or some other doozy, add it in to the routine! Practice, practice, practice. At least a month before the wedding start memorizing and practicing the routine at least one time per week. If anything, itÍs a good reason to invite the guys over to the man cave for a few last hurrahs before bachelorhood ends. If some of the guys are out of town, dial in on Skype and get the dance party started. Post it on Youtube.com. Assuming the surprise groom dance was a success, post it on youtube.com and keep your fingers crossed it goes viral. DonÍt worry about any snafus that happen during the execution of your routine; those funny mishaps will make the video even funnier. So, in the comments below, let us know if you are planning and special surprise dance for the bride at your wedding reception. Or, share the link to one of the funniest wedding videos youÍve surfed across on the internet.

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Viral Video: Groom Sings His Wedding Toast & Tips for Yours

Okay, this British guy, Tome Fletcher, has made it really tough for all of the future grooms out there. As the lead singer and songwriter for the popular European band, Mcfly, Fletcher admitted to the wedding guests that he wasnÍt any good at making speeches, but he did know a thing or two about crafting a tune. So, cleverly, he gave his toast in the form of a ballad and, of course, uploaded it to YouTube like any other 20-something creative guy would do. Entitled, ñMy Wedding Speech,î the video performance has gone completely viral and shot up to about 8 million views in just one week. Most viral videos seem to be mainly of meathead guys doing stupid and silly stuff. But, this groomÍs video puts a heartfelt and sweetly romantic spin on the wedding toast. IÍve written a groomÍs toast in my day, but this groomÍs speech is really, really good _ and heÍs singing it! Starting with a light-hearted ditty that soon turns sentimental, Fletcher thanks everyone involved in the wedding day including his ushers and groomsmen, the bridesmaids, his sister and new sister-in-law, both sets of parents and finally to the bride, Giovanna. Warning, itÍs a long video (like 15 minutes!) but well worth the watch. Also, if you get choked up easily, youÍll want to keep a box of tissue nearby. WeÍre pretty sure that after viewing, youÍll get a few ideas for your own time at the podium during the wedding reception. If you are planning to give a wedding toast as the groom, here is the rough game plan. Follow the suggestions below, but make it your own and youÍll be just fine up there. First, as a collective, thank the guests from near and far for attending and how much their love and support means to you. Next, youÍll want to talk about the bride and all her splendidness; she is after all now your official wife. You want the guests and her family to know just how much you love her and that sheÍs made all your dreams come true. And, regarding the bride; donÍt ever, ever say anything embarrassing about her or make any salacious illusions. SheÍll freeze you out on the wedding night; that is, if she doesnÍt kill you right then and there. YouÍll also want to thank the in-laws for parenting such a wonderful girl and for (most likely) footing the bill for the glorious celebration. Refrain from humor, sarcasm, questionable stories and other risky dialogue. Sincerity is the only way to go when it comes to addressing your new in-laws. YouÍll also want to briefly thank your own parents, but not in a way that overshadows the brideÍs mom and dad. But enough to let them know how special they are to you on this milestone day of your life. If you didnÍt make a toast to them at the rehearsal dinner the night before, you can lengthen this part of your speech. A light-hearted and playful plug for the bridesmaids is always appreciated as well as thumbs up for any ring bears and flower girls who helped out. And, finally, the ñfunî part of the groomÍs toast is a little roasting and toasting of your best friends. Goodness knows theyÍre going to do it to you! Just keep it G rated, please! YouÍll also want to have lined up unique groomsmen gifts to give your buddies as a tangible thank you for their support. GroomStand.com has nearly every type of groomsmen gift you can imagine including sports gifts, personalized flasks, money clips and numerous other man gifts. YouÍll certainly find groomsmen gift ideas that will please the varied personalities of your friends. Finally, speak to your bride directly again, and seal the deal again with a sweet kiss; the crowd always likes this. DonÍt worry if you seem a little nervous or choked up. Unlike in business, this peek into your sentimental side is viewed as a positive. Now, if youÍre totally stumped for ñhowî to say these words, you can always ask a trusted friend or family member to help you craft the words or you can hire a professional service such as ThePerfectToast.com. Let us know! Have you written your groomÍs toast yet? Would you consider hiring a professional to do it for you? WhatÍs the most embarrassing thing youÍve ever heard a groom say in his speech? Prying minds want to know. Answer any or all of these questions in the comment section below.

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An Indestructable Man Cave

Along a desolate stretch of South Florida lies what could possibly be your ultimate man cave and one heck of a place to host a bachelor party! Of course, youÍll have to have deep pockets and a fondness for decorating because this utilitarian underground abode is on the market for nearly five million dollars and (to put it mildly) needs an overhaul of epic proportions to make it comfortable enough for a hangout. Originally built in 1967 by AT&T as a corporate bomb shelter, this sprawling complex was intended to support up to five people (including state-of-the-arts communications systems for the era) for 30 days in the event of a nuclear disaster. ItÍs the bomb! A graduated block faade with blast-proof doors is what you see from ground up, but underneath the mound of 30-inch concrete walls is a doomsday hideout decked out with all the must-haves to survive an atomic event. This includes decontamination showers upon entry, 200-kilowatt generators, massive air-intake tunnels and a custom ventilation system. Even though the structure has been abandoned since the 1980s, the pantry shelves are still stocked with cans of sugar and milk solids. Okay, you might want to toss those along with everything else! But even though none of the power or equipment works, sellers insist that this space could make the transformation into the most deluxe of bachelor pads. If you donÍt mind dropping a ton of dough and expending some elbow grease on this fixer-upper, then you definitely could have one of the coolest man caves ever. Just imagine having a hang-out where not many people could track you down; itÍs the ultimate escape! So, how would you decorate this 7,000 square-foot fall-out shelter? Here are some of our ideas: Add a rich, mahogany pool table to encourage friendly competition with your buddies. Playing pool can really pass the time if you are whiling away the hours until the radiation clears, or just having a guyÍs night! A personalized sign for billiards should most definitely be hanging on the nearest wall. Install an epic bar area where you can treat guests to any and every drink they could possible imagine. Stock assorted barware (personalized with your monogram of course) such as martini glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, wine glasses and more. Set up a massive big screen television for watching sports games, action movies and video game contests. If you should prefer a little old-school entertainment, retire to the poker table and break out professional-grade poker supplies, perfect for wheeling and dealing way into the wee hours. Even a personalized domino set makes a nice diversion when stuck underground. This sort of man cave is also perfect for the enjoyment of cigars. Stock the finest in your collection in a top-of-the-line cigar humidor to ensure that proper moisture levels are maintained and leave about handsome cigar ashtrays to make sure the floor isnÍt sullied with ashes. DonÍt forget about cigar cutters, Zippo lighters and all the other necessary supplies. Hint, if youÍre getting together with your friends before the Big Day, any of these cool man-cave supplies also make excellent groomsmen gifts. And, since most can be personalized with an initial, monogram, name or special message, they make thoughtful keepsakes from your bachelor event. Come on guys, do you have any other ideas on decking out this man cave? Share them in the comments below.

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How NOT to faint at your wedding

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications. So what is fainting anyway? The medical condition is actually called ñsyncope,î and it is a sudden yet brief loss of consciousness followed by a spontaneous return to awareness. Fainting is caused by lack of blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain. When you ïblack outÍ without warning like this, it can be quite harmful because you lose muscle control and will fall to the ground. Here are some important rules to follow to keep you or your groomsmen from fainting at the alter: DonÍt drink: Getting wasted the night before is a no-no. This means plan the bachelor party to happen several days, even weeks before the actual ceremony. Put away those bottle openers and groomsmen flasks. Alcohol can cause dehydration and dehydration is a known trigger in fainting. As a precaution, even if you havenÍt consumed any beer, wine or liquor, keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it frequently as you wait for the wedding processional to being. Also, have a carafe filled with water waiting near the area where you will say your vows, just in case. Eat a meal: Consuming food before the ceremony will also minimize the chance of fainting. Hunger pangs and low blood sugar shakes (combined with nerves) can make a guy feel like fainting. So, ensure that you have had a good meal several hours before the event and a small snack just before you walk down the aisle. Please, for everyoneÍs sake, avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, cauliflower and broccoli. This is a great chance for the guys to tryout their groomsmen gifts and use those engraved pocket knives to peel you an apple. Remain calm: Use positive visualization techniques and rely on the help of your groomsmen to keep anxiety and nerves at bay. Fear, adrenaline surges, and extreme panic can all divert blood flow away from your brain, causing you to faint. Most menÍs reactions to stress as being fight, flight or faint. None of them are helpful. But if you focus on the good things about getting married and/or have your friends take your mind off the worry (even just playing video games together helps), you can remain calm and carry on without falling to the floor. DonÍt lock knees: You can also decrease your blood supply to the brain by ñlockingÍ your knees. Long ago, choir members discovered that keeping their lower extremities rigid often caused them to get dizzy and fall off the bleachers. Can you imagine that sight? To keep from fainting in this way, simply remember to stand with your legs almost shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent forward. If necessary, shift your weight around from foot to foot. Other triggers: There are many other things that can generate a fainting spell including a change in medications, undiagnosed health issues, assaults to the senses (like smelling Aunt GerdieÍs perfume), and constrictive clothing and shoes. If you do feel like you are going to keel over (most get signs of dizziness, light-headedness and dilated pupils), then whisper to the officiant that you might faint and he will guide you to a chair until you feel better. There is no need to feel embarrassed; it would be way worse to fall backward and get a concussion, spending the wedding night in a hospital bed. Are you worried about fainting in your wedding? Have you ever seen anyone ñgo downî in a wedding? Let us know in the comments below.

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