Take My Wife (Please) and Other Marriage Advice

Getting married? In addition to being bestowed with wedding gifts, I bet youÍve heard your fair share of advice from well-meaning family and friends. From ñItÍs okay to argue, but donÍt go to sleep angryî to ñremember to always put the seat down on the toilet,î most marriage advice is well meaning and on point. Some advice is truly a valuable gift for the groom and heeding it can save you tons of heartache and money! Sometimes a witty piece of advice might stay in your memory longer or a funny joke about marriage _ even though you might not share those exact sentiments about marriage, something in the saying really resonates with you. Here are some of our favorite wedding, marriage and love inspired sayings (some serious, some silly) from celebrities and famous people:   Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot. --Groucho Marx I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. --Groucho Max In Hollywood, brides keep the bouquets and throw away the groom. --Groucho Marx A man in love is incomplete until he is married. Then he's finished. --ZaZa Gabor Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. --Albert Einstein Marriage is an alliance entered into by a man who can't sleep with the window shut, and a woman who can't sleep with the window open. --George Bernard Shaw Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. --Katherine Hepburn Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century. --Mark Twain Bigamy is having one husband or wife too many. Monogamy is the same. --Oscar Wilde Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women have a more subtle instinct: What they like is to be a man's last romance. --Oscar Wilde Never marry for money. Ye'll borrow it cheaper. --Scottish Proverb We have a couple of rules in our relationship. The first rule is that I make her feel like sheÍs getting everything. The second rule is that I actually do let her have her way in everything. And, so far, itÍs working. --Justin Timberlake There are two things for a marriage to be good. One is to work hard on it. The other one is to marry above you. And I succeeded at both of those.„ --Ben Affleck It's confusing. I've had so many wives and so many children that I don't know which hose to go first on Christmas. --Mickey Rooney Marriage is about the most expensive way for the average man to get laundry done. --Burt Reynolds Getting married is a lot like getting into a tub of hot water. After you get used to it, it ainÍt so bad. --Minnie Pearl The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him. _ Oscar Wilde I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. _Rita Rudner My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. _ Rodney Dangerfield Take my wife. Please. _ Rodney Dangerfield Marriage is an institution, but who wants to live in an institution? -- Groucho Marx Have you heard a great piece of love, wedding or marriage advice? Let us know in the comments below:

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Grooms, Put Best Foot Forward

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

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So Many Reasons to Get Married

Current research suggests a person’s level of happiness is related to whether or whether not that person is married. The Office of National Statistics in the UK polled 165,000 British people about their overall satisfaction with life and anxiety levels. What they discovered is that being married is 20 times more important to happiness levels than salary and 13 times more important than being a home owner. If you think about it, getting married could be the best gift you could ever give yourself – this wedding gift keeps on giving! According to the survey results, being married was the third most deciding factor related to happiness and overall well-being, after health and employment status. Marriage as a factor in happiness even came in ahead of religion and having children. In addition, people who are married report being happier than couples who are cohabitating, single, divorced or widowed. Other studies have linked marital status with overall life satisfaction. One study conducted in 2012, discovered that being married protects against an age-related reduction in happiness. So, getting older is more bearable when you have someone to do it with! Groomstand.com suggest marking each passing anniversary with a special personalized gift to commemorate your shared love and happiness! Being united with another person in marriage also has significant health perks, too. Research has shown that singles who were never married were more than twice as likely die early as people in a long-term relationship. You’ve probably heard this benefit of getting married before, but it bears repeating. Married couples, even more so than couples just co-habitating, are healthier. Research has shown that married couples report fewer incidences of cancer, heart disease, depression and stress. Being married can be likened to a bottle of fine wine, it gets better and more worthwhile over time. In fact, break out that personalized corkscrew you received as a wedding gift and toast to your significant other for a lifetime of happiness. Another interesting outlook toward marriage is that a good deal of people, and a surprising number of younger people, actually do expect marriage to last a lifetime. One study found that 86 percent of both single and married people in the 18 -29 year old age group believed in “until death do we part.” It is nice to know that the young generation still has the romantic ideal about marriage and wants to put in the work to make it succeed. While some advice givers might tell you that the honeymoon stage (typically meant to be the first year of marriage) is the best phase of a relationship, an Australian study actually found out that couples are happiest after the first year has passed. Often the first year of marriage can be a “wedding hangover,” filled with unrealistic expectations of the relationship, wrinkles that need to be ironed out from newly living together, paying off the wedding and other early life-stage stresses. So, if you have been experiencing “cold feet” when it comes to getting married, get some socks! Well, seriously, you should know that any life change is bound to cause anxiety, but in the end, you’ll be happier and live longer. It sounds like a win-win! Assuming you’ve already popped the question, get going on that wedding planning? Pick you groomsmen and get them groomsmen gifts (and don’t forget a specialbest man gift), plan a honeymoon, select a gift for the bride from the groom (perhaps a pretty necklace and jewelry box to keep it in) and plan the rehearsal dinner. Remember, don’t worry – be happy! Be happy you’re getting married!

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Top 10 Places for Newlyweds to Live

Getting married and building a life with another person has a lot of challenges that require compromise. Not only do you have to set up a physical home address and decide where to put all the wedding gifts, but finding the right city to plant roots in can be one of the biggest negotiations couples face. Some newlyweds have been living across the country from each other before getting married and are looking for a neutral home base. Other couples are looking for the best city for their up-and-coming careers or desire the most affordable city in which to start a family. In their annual list of the 10 best cities for newlyweds, Rent.com rattles off locations for you to fall in love with. These prime picks were selected for a number of criteria including rental availability, number of married couples, number of children under six, mean annual income and cost of living. Tulsa, Oklahoma:Newlyweds will find that Oklahoma is ñOKî when it comes to the cost of living _ this state comes in the lowest on this list! Couples that like to get out and about can experience the many options in this cultural hub including major museums, ballet and opera. The Ozark Mountains and lots of fresh-air activities are also available for outdoor lovers. Charlotte, North Carolina:Charlotte has the second largest financial center based on assets in the US after New York City, making this city a great place to build a career in the industry. That in mind, youÍll probably want to carry one of our fine money clips in your pocket to hold all your cash _ plus they make excellent executive groomsmen gifts for your buddies. Plus, the cost of living is fairly low, the weather is good, and there are plenty of big-city diversions in this southern locale. San Diego, California:Great weather and getaways, this city has lots to offer couples. Enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities, from the beach to hiking, or slip away from this second-largest California city to one of the many nearby destinations for a romantic weekend. Plus, lots of professional sports teams are in the area _ youÍll love giving our San Diego Padre or San Diego Charger personalized mugs as sporty groomsmen gifts. Minneapolis, Minnesota:Known as the ñCity of Lakes,î this bustling town offers gorgeous views of Lake Harriet that lovebirds would love to visit on date night. In addition, career-minded married folks will find the above-average mean income rate to more than compensate for the sometimes colder weather! If your wedding is during a cold month, Zippo hand warmers will come in mighty handy to give as gifts for groomsmen _ especially when you add a warm personalization. San Jose, California:As the largest city within the Silicon Valley, San Jose ranks with the highest annual mean income of the cities on this list _ $69,000 for almost 55 percent of married households. With many high-tech employers, newlyweds find this a great spot to launch both a career and family. Washington, DC: With lots going on in the capitol city, recently married couples have a wide range of opportunities at their disposal including cultural events, historical landmarks and political happenings. Those starting a career in law, politics and government flock to this area for the opportunities and high mean annual income. Raleigh, North Carolina:The unhurried pace of life in this southern city makes it the perfect place to raise children. With more than 25 percent of children under age six, married people in the early kid-raising stage will find lots of opportunity for play dates and parental camaraderie at the many family-friendly parks, museums and other establishments. Dallas, Texas:The ñBig Dî is a popular choice in Texas when it comes to setting up a home. There are many opportunities for downtown urban activities and suburban family fun. Plus, Dallas has a fairly low cost of living, lots of shopping, dining and outdoor activities. Barbequing and living in Texas go hand in hand; any one of our personalized steak branding irons make tasteful best man gifts and wedding presents for others involved with the Big Day. Seattle, Washington:Seattle has a high average mean income for young families with children less than six years. While the weather is known to be soupy, to say the least, there are still plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that both couples and families can enjoy. Plus, same-sex marriages are recognized in Seattle, so all types of newlyweds can feel comfortable in this Pacific Northwest hotspot. Houston, Texas:Houston is the 4th biggest city in the US and offers a diverse range of housing and living options, from sky rise living downtown to roomy and affordable accommodations for large families in the suburbs. Houston has a thriving nightlife and dining scene and is also close to Gulf of Mexico waters for those families craving some sand beneath their toes.

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Unusual Marriage Laws Around the World

In our last blog post, we reported about the unusual law in India requiring a groom to provide proof to the state that he will be providing his future with toilet accommodations. This seemingly odd demand (which actually has public sanitation and safety implications) had us wondering about other strange-but-true wedding requirements across the world. Before obtaining a marriage license in Greece, a couple must have a notice printed in the local Greek newspaper that outlines their intent. The notice must contain the names of the betrothed along with the date of the wedding and where the festivities will take place. If there is no local newspaper, these details can be posted in other public places including city hall. Wow, just imagine how easy this makes wedding crashers! Better order an extra-large cake! Religious wedding ceremonies are not acknowledged legally in the country of Turkey. In order to make your union fly with government officials, the ñI doÍsî have to take place in a civil ceremony. Afterward, a religious ceremony may be held if the couple so chooses. In France, either the bride or the groom must show proof of living in the country for a minimum of 40 consecutive days before getting hitched. So, if you are planning a romantic vacation to Paris or some other French city, donÍt expect that you can say your ñI doÍsî . . . . make that ñOuiÍsî as tourists! This law cannot be waived, so donÍt waste your time trying to bribe an officiant with one of our groomsmen gifts that the French love _ like an engraved cufflink and tie pin set or a personalized bota bag filled with wine. The small country of Monaco is known for its sparkling casinos. However, there is no gambling on getting married; couples must post an announcement of their intent to marry on their town hallÍs door for at least 10 days before the event. And, to make things even less spur-of-the-moment, the 10-day announcement period must also span over two Sundays. If you are planning to get secretly hitched here, there is no way friends can start a ñwill-they-or-wonÍt-they-ever-get-marriedî wedding pool because all the information needed to make the right bet is out in the open! Citizens of the US can get married for free in Puerto Rico. Judicial centers across the territory hold no-cost ceremonies on a weekly basis for US citizens. After exchanging vows in a governmental office, newlyweds can celebrate anywhere from the beautiful beaches to the resort hotels. Plus, there is enough rum in this country to keep the rowdiest of wedding parties happy. If you get hitched in Puerto Rico, make sure to give groomsmen gifts that are island-inspired. Check out our island shooter glasses or hurricane glasses which are perfect for tropical-inspired cocktails. Finally, in Mexico, the bride and groom are required to take a blood test, get x-rays, be tested for various diseases and provide a doctorÍs note of clearance at least 15 days prior to the marriage. All exams must take place in Mexico. Sounds a bit involved, but at least the future husband and wife know what they are signing up for when they finally make it down the aisle. Now when signing up your friends to be in your party, youÍll want to persuade them . . . . we mean, thank them with great groomsmen gifts, especially gifts for groomsmen that have a south-of-the-border spirit. Our vintage-inspired tequila pub sign featuring a charging bull will describe just how you and the guys will feel after taking a few shots of 100-percent agave! Have you heard of any strange wedding requirements or seen any unusual international groomsmen gifts ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

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With This Toilet, I Thee Wed

In India, getting married comes with a price. Oh, yes, I'm sure your saying, getting married always comes with a price _ an engagement ring, a big mortgage or even just putting up with a nagging wife.î Well, that may be how it is in the US, but in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, that price in the cost of a toilet. Yes, a toilet. In order to participate in a recent mass marriage ceremony, grooms had to prove that they owned a toilet. Apparently less than half of households in India can lay claim to such a luxury. This prerequisite to tying the knot was made in an effort to improve overall sanitation; no doubt a problem of epic proportions in a country lacking adequate facilities. As part of Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojna (MKY), a program intended to help poor women marry, the man also benefits from providing this gift to the bride from the groom. Under the program, a couple may marry for free in a mass ceremony and stands to receive wedding gifts worth 15,000 rupees -- $270 US. So, how does an Indian fellow prove he has a toilet? Well, he has to mail in a photograph of himself along with the prized possession. If he has not secured a toilet, the groom has to prove his intent to have one installed within 30 days of the wedding. ItÍs not just about having a private place to do her business. Government statistics suggest that fewer women would be raped in India if they had a toilet available for use in the home. This means that they would not have to leave their homes, often unescorted at night, to do their business. This really puts life here in the US into perspective; many of us have 2, 3, 4 or more toilets in the home. Our idea of wedding gifts is not porcelain thrones, but rather fine barware and plates for a dining room table or expensive tools and gadgets. Now, if a toilet doesnÍt sound like much of a gift for the bride, there are lots of more impressive ideas at https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand For example, our iPad tablet case will make her day. Available in a pretty palette of colors, pick her favorite or the color that goes along with the wedding theme. A personalization makes it all her own, but once youÍre married, sheÍs sure to share some screen time with you. A fun leather accessory to take along on the honeymoon if youÍre planning on watching movies on the plane while jetting off to a fabulous tropical island. Or, maybe sheÍd like a place to park that dazzling diamond ring; our personalized Nappa leather jewelry case is just the right size to take along on a trip and zips up for security. Now, for the guys in your wedding party, youÍll need to give groomsmen gifts. The best man, groomsmen, ushers, fathers and other important members of the posse deserve a special keepsake of the Big Day and your special relationship. Again, no toilets please _ although if youÍd like to give your buddy a convenient place to sit, our backpack cooler chairis a real winner! After he drinks all the beer youÍve stashed in the cooler area, he can just fold up the chair, throw it on his back and head to the . . . er, toilet. Traditional groomsmen gifts are always appreciated, especially a nice pair of engraved cufflinks that he can wear walking down the aisle and on other important occasions. So, how many toilets will you be offering your future wife? Let us know in the comments below.

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Is This Anyway to Start "Until Death Do We Part"

Are you too busy to attend your own wedding? Perhaps you have a business meeting at corporate headquarters, are enjoying a vacation and don’t want to come back or, more likely, been deployed overseas with the military. Well, never fear, for if you live in California, Colorado, Texas or Montana you can get married “by proxy.” In a marriage by proxy, either the bride or the groom does not appear in person for the wedding ceremony. During the solemnization of the marriage, another person stands in for the absent party, acting on a power of attorney. And, in certain counties of Montana, both the bride AND the groom do not have to be physically present to get married – this is called a “double proxy” marriage. One of the most famous unions created by double proxy was that of Emperor Napoleon and Archduchess Marie Louise in 1810. It’s hard to believe you could be in one place and the bride could be thousands of miles apart and you could still get married. Now that’s a gift for the groom who doesn’t like to be the center of attention -- or even the attention of his finance. These laws were originally put on the books for the convenience of military personnel who were stationed apart yet need to get married in a hurry. But, of course, people from all over the world take advantage of the strange law and try to get hitched through mere paperwork in Montana. Just because you don’t have to show up for a double proxy wedding doesn’t mean it’s free. The expenses incurred by the real bride and groom includes $50 apiece to the proxies (agents who have agreed to stand in as “bride” and “groom”), $100 to the judge, $150 to the lawyer (and witness); $53 for court fees; $14 for two certified copies of the marriage certificate. However, this is a small fraction of the price for flying back from overseas for the weekend to attend your wedding and all the other expenses that go with that such as tuxedos, wedding cakes and so on. Another issue to note with marriage by proxy is that it may not be considered legal in states outside where the union was originally created. While some states may give the thumbs up, other states may only recognize the union as a common-law marriage. Iowa is the only state in the US doesn’t acknowledge them at all. It is good to check out all the legal implications before you say your virtual “I do’s.” Many people who opt in for this curious ceremony may actually choose to have a siblings or friends stand in rather than hiring a “professional” proxy. If this is the case, remember to choose a thoughtful gift to send as a way of saying “thank you for filling in for me during my absence.” For your stand-in groom, any number of best man gifts or groomsmen gifts would be appropriate. Spare no expense; after all, it is his big day in a way, too! Fancy choices from the groomsmen gift selection at Groomstand.com include fine leather goods that can be used in the home and office. This includes briefcases, writing portfolios, wallets of all shapes and sizes, passport covers, trinket boxes and more. A practical luxury that you can give is a fine pen in handsome presentation box. He can use the writing implement to sign the marriage license and then take it to write a love note to his own sweetie later that day! What do you think about marriage by proxy? In what circumstances, if ever, would you choose to tie the knot this way? Let us know in the comments below.

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Work Out Your Wedding Jitters

Having trouble sleeping, eating and staying focused? Does your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of your chest or are your feet cold, literally and figuratively? Don’t worry; you’re not dying – at least not yet. If you are weeks, days or just hours away from getting hitched, the overwhelming odds are that you are suffering from pre-wedding jitters. Some might call this condition “cold feet,” anxiety, nerves, doubts, or what-have-you, but when distilled down to the basics, this normal feeling of nervousness is just your body’s way of coping with stress. So, in order to reduce stress, we have some great ideas to calm the cortisol levels that are freaking you out. And, Groomstand.com knows nearly every guy is up for a little fun, our stress-busters are all exercise, fitness and sports related – that’s because science has shown that staying physically active helps manage anxiety, reduce blood pressure, decrease cortisol levels, and boost up those endorphins that make you feel so good. Plus, in the process you have fun and take your mind off the matter at hand – marriage! Burpees: Even if it’s just minutes before you walk down the aisle, you still have plenty of time to bust out some of these boot-camp inspired beasts. Starting in a standing position, jump down and extend into a plank. Now complete a chest-to-ground push up, quickly engage body back into a tuck position and then jump up to a stand and clap overhead. Now do as many as you can in one minute – we guarantee you won’t be thinking about saying “I do,” you’ll be pleading, “When am I done!?” Stair Climb: No need for fancy gym equipment here, just look around the wedding venue for a set of stairs and climb up and down them as many times as needed to return to a state of calm. Lucky you, if you live in a big urban area and have at your disposal a city skyscraper to climb! If your location is lacking in levels, then just find a single step and move up and down in the style of a vintage step-aerobics class. Flag Football: It’s time to round up your team of groomsmen and family and organize a flag football game going on the lawn of the hotel or church. If the Kennedy clan could do it with such style, you can too! Just make sure you’re not wearing the tuxedos, you’ll never hear the end of it from the bride if you arrive muddy and with grass stains! Make the whole experience a little more exciting with a friendly wager; say the losing team “buys” the first round of drinks at the open bar! Football and frosty mug of beer; now that’s a gift to groomsmen that wins! Wedding Party Fun Run: Yes, that’s right I said “fun” and “run” in the same sentence. If you are looking for a wedding weekend activity that everyone can participate in, set up a short race – maybe one mile or a 5k. Invite everyone in town that morning, from the flower girl to the father-of-the-bride, to come out and battle it out to the finish line. Winner takes home bragging rights and an obnoxious trophy presented at the reception – how about an engraved flask filled with Gatorade?! However you choose to reduce stress before your wedding, remember to include your groomsmen. Studies show that having close friends and confidants nearby during “life changing events” can help a man transition more smoothly into the new situation. That’s because friends don’t let friends freak out – they’ll listen to you, pump you up, fill you with confidence and, at a minimum, take your mind off the impending nuptials for a while. Show your sincere thanks with a well-chosen groomsmen gift. Groomstand.com has a wide range of awesome groomsmen gives that any guy would love to receive. We even have loads of sports-themed gifts to suit the athletes including custom printed sports signs, engraved baseball bats and personalized golf putters.

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Honeymoon Travel Tips

Every groom and his bride can expect the honeymoon to be a memorable trip, wherever the location. Memorable for most honeymoons conjures up images of romance, relaxation and few worries. But, keep in mind that “memorable” can also mean “events have gone disastrously wrong.” Make sure you recall your honeymoon with fondness in the years to come by being aware of issues during travel that could arise and screw things up. And, remember, if the bride’s not happy, you’re not happy! If at all possible, don’t book your honeymoon flight in the early morning after the wedding. If your reception is planned in the evening, you will most likely be staying up very late. No couple wants to have to have a wake-up call when it’s still dark outside – or, worse yet, wants to risk sleeping through the alarm clock. Make sure your luggage is marked in case it gets misrouted during your travels. Nothing would be sadder to not have those sundresses and bathing suits she picked out for her dream beach vacation. Our Mr. & Mrs. Luggage Tags make an eye-catching statement on your luggage, you’ll see them as soon as then whirl by on the carousel. Splurge on your honeymoon and surprise the bride. Plan an exclusive excursion or fancy dinner, something you wouldn’t do on an ordinary vacation. Every honeymoon should have several wonderful things to remember. Purchase the bride’s airline ticket with her maiden name. Security at the airports requires that the traveler’s name exactly match a driver’s license, passport or approved identification card. Unless your honeymoon is quite some time after the actual wedding, there is no way your bride would have had time to change her last name on these documents. If you are traveling to a destination that requires a passport, make sure that you give yourself enough lead time to obtain or update yours. Some countries require that your passport be valid for as long as three months when you enter the country, even if you’re planning to leave before it expires. Check out the status of your passport as soon as you decide where the honeymoon will be. Don’t wait until the last minute. And, treat the both of your to a nice leather passport cover. Find out if there are any required or suggested immunizations needed for your honeymoon destination. Make your doctor’s appointments with enough lead time to get these medical needs taken care of. Go to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention to find out what’s needed a (cdc.gov). Take security precautions with your money and valuables while travelling. Remind the bride that purse snatchers are on the prowl in tourist locations and guard your wallet as well. In fact, guys are safest to keep their cash and credit cards in a money belt or contained in a money clip stashed in a front pocket (never the back pocket). As much as she loves it, convince your bride to leave her expensive engagement ring at home and keep her other items nestled away in our leather travel jewelry case. If you need to motivate her to leave her diamond ring in the bank vault or with a trusted family member, simply purchase her an inexpensive faux replica to wear while the two of you are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Where are you planning to go on your honeymoon? If you have any additional tips on making travel easier, let us know in the comments below.

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Twelve Symbols of Life to Incorporate into Weddings

A wedding is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows to each other before their god, their friends and their family. Not only is a lifetime commitment being made between the couple, marriage also weave together two previously unrelated families forever. Many in the African-American culture choose to include special elements in their wedding ceremony that represent the traditions and customs of their ancestors. The ‘symbols of life’ are often incorporated into the wedding day in some way, and gift-giving is one of the best ways to share the message. It doesn’t matter your heritage, people from every part of the world can agree that the symbols below offer great insight on how to create a lasting, happy marriage that incorporates the extended family. Wine: Wine represents the mixing of blood between the two families. Personalized wine glasses make a fine wedding gift for the bride and groom and can be used to toast the entire family. Wheat: This grain symbolizes fertility and the giving of life and land. If you are looking for groomsmen gifts to capture the idea of wheat, our set of four tapered pilsner glasses makes the perfect vessel to enjoy a light honey wheat beer! Pepper & Salt: Pepper represents the heated times families will have, but will pull through. Salt represents the healing and preservation of a marriage -- just like salt “cures” food. A salt and pepper grinder makes a great wedding gift for this life symbol. Bitter Herbs: These sometimes unpleasant plants symbolize the growing pains of married life. Nothing chases away the taste of bitter herbs faster than a swig of something stout from an engraved flask – a popular choice in groomsmen gifts, by the way! Water: A true life source, water brings the ability to purify and dissolve bitterness. Our bedside water carafe makes a useful and utterly thoughtful wedding present for the bride and groom, especially when monogramed with the couple’s last name initial. Spoon & Pot: These kitchen staples represent how healthy food builds strong families. New couples can never have enough kitchen gear to start off their new life. Many of the best memories of life revolve around family bonding in the kitchen and at the dinner table. Broom: This implement connotes the cleanliness of health and well-being. Okay, no one wants a broom as a wedding gift or groomsmen gift, so just go with pure symbolism here! If you must, give a vacuum. Honey: Honey stands for the sweet love between a man and a woman. Out dainty heart locket bracelet also captures that sweet sentiment and makes a great gift for the bride from the groom. Spear: The spear represents the protection of the sanctity of home and community. In modern times, a good pocket knife will do you just as well and a fine lock back knife engraved with the recipient’s name makes a useful keepsake from your wedding day. Shield: The honor and pride of the newlywed’s home is symbolized by a shield. Another way hang up the proverbial shingle is with one of the personalized signs at Groomstand.com. Available in a wide variety of designs to honor interests, hobbies, and a plethora of pursuits, personalized signs can be hung in a game room, home bar, media room, man cave or other place of rest and relaxation. Everyone likes to see their name in the spotlight, that’s why these customizable wedding gifts and groomsmen gifts are so popular. Bible or Koran: These sacred books are the symbol of God’s truth and power. A pair of our bible cufflinks serves as a reminder of faith in a higher being with each and every glance at the shirtsleeve. A meaningful gift for the groom, these Christian-inspired cufflinks also make inspirational best man gifts.

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Seven Strange-But-True Wedding Laws

Laws can be very weird. We’ve found some doozies when it comes to getting married. For example, men in Saudi Arabia, despite their exalted status, have to make sure the bride gets her daily grind. Coffee, that is. Apparently, there is a law on the books that says woman in this country may divorce her husband if he does not keep her supplied with coffee. We say, give her a monogrammed coffee mug as a wedding gift to make sure she knows where her bread is buttered, err, where her java is brewed. Some might expect international laws to be strange to the American culture, but here are some very strange-but-true laws from states right in in the USA. It’s true that some people remarry the same person after getting a divorce. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are the famous example. However, if you are planning multiple repeat performances, just know that in Kentucky, it is illegal to remarry the same person more than four times. They just do things differently down in Louisiana. You’ve seen the A&E show, “Duck Dynasty,” right? Anyway, down in Turo, LA, a guy is not allowed to wed until he’s proven his manliness by killing three cows or six blackbirds. No mention of ducks. But you can still give the guys our personalized duck pub sign as a fitting choice in groomsmen gifts. You may be in for a ho-hum honeymoon if you live in the state of Washington. Here, there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances, including the wedding night. Yet, data shows that the birth rate keeps climbing – we’re confused?! In Kansas, a wife may successfully file for divorce on the grounds that her husband mistreated her mother. Grooms, this is your hint (wherever you live) to present your new mother-in-law with a thank you for the wedding gift. Goomstand.com even has gifts for mom including personalized locket bracelets and engraved photo frames that will keep you out of the dog house. In Montana, a couple can get married without either of them attending the actual ceremony. It’s called a double-proxy wedding. Meant as a way for military personal to exchange vows while stationed apart, the rule can’t say no to a bride and/or groom who are just too lazy to get out of bed and show up at the county courthouse. In Bellingham, Washington, it is against the law for a female to take more than three steps backward while dancing. This could cause a really big problem at the reception! To play it safe, let whomever you’re dancing with take the lead -- the bride, the bridesmaids, your mother-in-law, or any of the lady guests. In Pennsylvania, ministers are forbidden from performing marriages if either the bride or groom is drunk. Even though a little swig of something might help calm your nerves, save it for celebrating at the reception. Then and only then can you break out the engraved flasks you filled up to give as groomsmen gifts. However weird these rules are, there is one wedding rule that is not – and that is giving groomsmen gifts to the guys who have so loyally stood buy your side on the Big Day and for the many years prior. Groomstand.com has a wide selection of both classic and unique groomsmen gifts that will communicate your heartfelt appreciation for these faithful and fun friends. Because most of our gifts for groomsmen come with a special personalization, you can feel confident that your gesture is as one-of-a-kind as the recipient.

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King of the Pins _ Bowling Bachelor Party

A few years ago, the mere mention of bowling brought up images of beer-gutted, middle-aged guys wearing bad shoes and matching shirts. Let’s just say that it would be a tragically uncool way to spend the groom’s last big hurrah of bachelorhood. But, flash forward to 2013 and all of a sudden bowling has undergone a transformation, making it all the rage with the hipsters. Old school bowling alleys are experiencing record numbers and new, upscale bowling “lounges” (alley sounds so shabby) are popping up in bigger metropolitan areas. Like so many of the exclusive nightclubs that are hard to get into, a few of these new bowling centers ( like Leisure Time Bowl in NYC) even are pushing the velvet rope and bouncer approach to make sure only the hippest customers are being plucked out of the crowd to get their hands on a top-of-the-line 14-lb ball. Decked out with retro charm, but certainly not the way any bowling alley ever looked in the 1960s, today’s new bowling lounge has evolved with a number of swanky amenities. In addition to knocking down pins in an actual bowling lane, patrons can enjoy an array of recreational pursuits. In many of these venues, there is gourmet food to savor other than standard burgers and bad pizza, invitation-only V.I.P. lounges where the cool kids hang out, dance clubs with a DJ spinning the latest music, sports bars broadcasting the big game, and waiters that actually come out to your lane to take food and drink orders. Doesn’t this sound like a fun place to have a bachelor party and treat the guys to their sports gifts for groomsmen? A bachelor party at the bowling alley makes a fun guy’s outing for you and all the friends in your wedding party. Since guys will be guys, the competitive nature of getting strikes and being the big winner will drive the party forward all night - so will the pitchers of beer! A bachelor party at the bowling alley is a safe and sound alternative to driving around town and aimlessly hitting all the clubs. Arrange for a designated driver or party bus to transport you to and fro so that guests can have a few beers and not worry about getting home. There are other ideas for a fun bowling bachelor night: Bowling Shirts:Have matching bowling shirts made for your team or have the guys wear our personalized t-shits that have each members role in the wedding party spelled out on the front (such as groom, groomsman, best man, etc.). Official bowling shirts or team t-shirts make a great precursor to the bowling-inspired groomsmen gifts you will give them later. Bowling Invitations: There are plenty of bowling-themed invitations via online services such as Evite.com. Or, try this really easy and fun idea for homemade invitations. Find colorful envelopes meant to hold CDs, the kind with the circular cellophane center. For the invitation insert, cut a square from cardstock that fits inside. Draw a circle on the card that matches the size of the cellophane circle. Add three small “dot” stickers found at office supply stores to the card in a way that resembles finger holes on a bowling alley. Write the party details on the back. Aren’t you the clever groom?! Bowling Groomsmen Gifts: Groomstand.com has a fun line of groomsmen gifts for bowlers. Featuring bright colors with a vintage vibe, these groomsmen and best man gifts will bring back memories you’re your fun bowling event for years to come. Plus, the special name personalizations that can be made on each elevate these classic groomsmen gifts into instant heirlooms. Cigar aficionados will appreciate our snazzy bowling cigar humidor while nearly every guy will enjoy his beverage in our bowling glass beer mug. Another fun keepsake is our personalized pub sign with a bold bowling design that lists the names of the guys on your team. What are your ideas for a bowling bachelor party? From food and drinks to party games, let us know in the comments below.

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