Having a Best Dog in your Wedding

Sometimes inviting your “best friend” to be in the wedding means stocking up on jerky treats and squeak toys. No, we’re not talking about your college roommate (even though he has been known to drink out of the toilet bowl), but about that fearless and faithful friend, Fido. Because many guys consider their dog to be part of the family, it only makes logical sense to make them part of your joyous celebration. A growing number of grooms and their brides are including a pet as part of the wedding day lineup. Jobs for your four-legged pal include best man, groomsmen, ring bearer, escort, entertainment or tried-and-true companions. Arranging to have a loved pet in the wedding is truly a memorable gift for the groom. Before you let your canine sidekick out of the proverbial cage, there are some practical issues to take into account. Is your dog well-rounded enough for a wedding? Sure you love your dog, but will others attending the wedding feel the same way? Is your dog calm yet people-oriented? Obedient, but with a healthy dash of tail-wagging personality? How does your dog react to dressing up in any clothes or accessories (such as a bow tie) that might be required on the wedding day? Who will be the “handler” for your dog at the ceremony and reception? As the groom, you will be busy walking down the aisle and focusing your attention on the vows. During the reception, your duties as groom will be pulling you in a million different directions. This means that your furry friend will need a “chaperone” to make sure that he performs his role, doesn’t run off and has access to food, water and a nice spot to nap. Because your dog is out of his normal routine, it’s best that this handler not be someone new. Instead, a well-known, well-sniffed friend or family member is the best choice. Do you have approval from your wedding venue? Don’t forget to check with the location of your ceremony and reception to make sure a “non-service” dog is allowed on the premises. Just imagine how stressful it would be to both you and your dog to discover at the last minute that pets are not welcomed. If in doubt, reserve a kennel nearby so that Fido has a safe place to hang-out while you tie the knot. Have you thought about groomsmen gifts for your dog? He’s been your wingman, your loyal companion and listened to you ramble endlessly without butting in, he surely deserves a special treat. Even though your pooch might not be best “man” in the traditional sense, he still should be honored for his role in your both your life and special day. A new, comfy dog bed or assortment or chew bones are sure to be greeted with a sloppy wet kiss. Or, check out our personalized t-shirts that give titles to the best man, groomsmen and other members of the wedding party. While they are meant for men, it is easy to knot the bottom of one around a dog’s middle for a fun (and funny) look. Don’t forget an extra groomsmen gift for the handler. Most likely the dog handler in your wedding will be a good friend or family member, perhaps even the human best man or one of the groomsmen. No doubt this person is a dog lover and an extra groomsmen gift that is dog-themed would be well-received. Our personalized bulldog pub sign makes a welcoming statement in any guy’s man cave while our personalized bulldog beer mug offers a way to make the brew go down with canine charisma. Have you been to a wedding where the bride and groom included a dog? Thumbs up or thumbs down; let us know in the comments below.

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How Grooms Can Help Out With Wedding Planning

Even though the wedding day is billed as “the bride’s day,” it doesn’t mean that the groom’s role is unimportant. In fact, the groom’s role is very important – he’s one-half of the union that is about to take place. Without the groom, the bride would be marrying an imagined husband – and that’s called crazy-makings in our book. So, if you take the point of view that it is also “the groom’s day” (which you should), you need to be aware of the responsibilities of your role. Brush up on the traditional responsibilities of a bridegroom below. However, if wedding planning appeals to you and want to break with tradition, talk to the bride about other tasks you can take on other than those listed below. Sharing the wedding workload a great way to start your marriage! Pay your share: Although it has long been customary for the bride’s father to pay for the actual wedding ceremony and reception, the groom and his family also have financial obligations. For example, the groom is responsible for paying for the wedding rings ( in addition to the engagement ring), his wedding day attire, the marriage license, the officiant fee for the priest or justice of the peace, bouquets for the bride and bridal party, best man gifts and groomsmen gifts, and the honeymoon. In addition, it is standard practice for the groom and his parents to host a dinner for both families and key members of the wedding party the night before the wedding, after the actual wedding rehearsal run-through. Best Man and Groomsmen Gifts: It is always in good taste to thank the friends who have stood by your side on the Big Day and for the years leading up to it with a thoughtful groomsmen gift. Even if you hate shopping, you shouldn’t just run out to Wal-Mart and buy the first thing you see. They have put in many hours supporting you in this event, from traveling to errand-running to listening to you complain of cold feet or difficult future in-laws. Don’t do “generic” gifts; Groomstand.com has a wide range of groomsmen gifts that may be personalized to show that you were thinking especially of them. Add a name, the wedding date or some special message that holds relevance between you and the recipient. Gift for the Bride: This is a gesture (and expense) that most grooms aren’t aware of until the bride or mother-in-law fills them in on the expectations. Many men think that the engagement ring, wedding ring or just giving up bachelorhood is the “gift” to the bride; but, trust us; she won’t see it that way. And, she’ll be giving you a wedding gift, so you’ll feel like a real heal if you don’t have something equally impressive for her. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a gift for the bride from the groom. However, it should be something sentimental, meaningful and given from your heart. A vacuum cleaner or gift card to the local bar and grill won’t cut it, but a nice personalized gift like a locket or engraved Mr. & Mrs. picture frame bearing a sweet photo of the two of you will! The Honeymoon: In the past, the groom would plan and pay for they honeymoon, but these are not steadfast rules in today’s culture. However, it is a great gesture to offer to take on the task of planning your getaway so the bride can be freed up to tackle other wedding-planning tasks. Unless she is game for a “surprise” honeymoon (which I doubt she would be), it is best to sit down and talk about expectations for budget, location and length before you actually plunk down money on plane tickets, a cruise, a resort suite, day excursions or other honeymoon expenses. Also, get ready for the trip with some of the practical personalized travel items from Groomstand.com such as Mr. & Mrs. luggage tags and leather passport holders.

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Grooms, Make the Rehearsal Dinner Yours

ItÍs pretty obvious the wedding is about the bride; that is, if you listen to most people. Phrases like ñitÍs the brideÍs dayî and ñall eyes on the brideî make it seem like the groom is quite expendable and should take a backseat in the decision-making process. It seems like all guys get to do are order the tuxedos and pick out the groomsmen gifts. Women get bridal showers (although couple and groom showers are catching on), get to wear something out of the ordinary, and basically get treated like queens through the whole wedding process. If you are a guy getting married stand up and make a statement that your opinions count to, and that it is ñthe groomÍs dayî too. The rehearsal dinner is one event that you can plan and execute how you see fit. Especially considering that itÍs the groomÍs parents and/or the groom who pays for and hosts the event. The rehearsal dinner is traditionally held the night before the wedding and is a good way to give the two families a chance to get to know each other. Also, itÍs a place where the groomsmen and bridesmaids can mix and mingle and meet the families too. What a great opportunity to celebrate with your family in friends in the way that you see fit! If that means at a sports bar over burgers and beer or on the beach with a blazing bonfire, youÍll feel great knowing youÍve shown your genuine personality and style through the festivities. Of course, if your bride likes to take control over everything (sheÍs a planner, and thatÍs a good thing), discuss with her about backing off this one evening. However, donÍt take over planning the rehearsal dinner without talking to her first. Two-way communication is always the best way to start off and continue a marriage. Assure her that the affair will be a relaxed, fun event where the ice will be broken and stress will be relieved. And, even better for her, she doesnÍt have to worry about anything or lift a single finger. YouÍve got it covered! Here are some things youÍll want to consider when planning your rehearsal dinner. Book the venue about 4 months from the wedding. DonÍt assume that the bowling alley party room is going to be available for you on a momentÍs notice. Decide on the menu (based on your budget) and decide if you will be hosting a sit-down dinner, just appetizers and drinks, or having foods catered to your location (like barbeque in a barn). Notify the people you would like to give toasts at the rehearsal dinner such as your parents, the best man, the groomsmen or whomever! Give them enough time to get their thoughts together and practice if needed. Put together a little audio-visual material. Although this is optional, guests always love seeing pictures of the happy couple when they were very young. You could make a slide show, movie or even just a poster board display. Mail invitations about a month ahead of time. If it is a very small or casual rehearsal dinner, you could get away with emails, phone calls or online invitation services. Other unique ideas including sending an edible cookie card or scrolling up your invitation and sticking in a beer mug! Order flowers, props, personalized napkins or take-home favors for your guests about one month ahead of time. Purchase groomsmen gifts and decide if you would like to present them at the rehearsal dinner, before the wedding ceremony while all of you are waiting together, or later that night at the reception part. Please tell us any unique ideas you have for rehearsal dinners _ from venues and food to favors and ice-breaker games. Use the comment section below.

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April Fool's Day Pranks for a Wedding

While getting married is a serious matter, thereÍs no reason not to add a little fun to the festivities, especially on and around April FoolÍs Day. Or, if you have a reputation for pranks and practical jokes, you could get away with a shenanigan or two at a celebration any time of the year. While it probably isnÍt in good taste to pull off a prank at the actual ceremony, the other wedding events are fair game _ such as the bachelor party, wedding showers, bridal events, family lunches, and so on. While pranks are fun, you donÍt want to poke fun, upset, or embarrass the friends, family and other guests who have gathered to support you during this time. What you think is funny could be interpreted as mean-spirited or malicious by another, thatÍs why itÍs always a good idea to run your prank through a few ñgates.î Reveal the prank to at least one close comrade or family member to make sure that itÍs not too ñover the top.î You donÍt want to make the bride cry or send her mother into a hissy fit. And, you definitely donÍt want to initiate a prank unless you are the bride or the groom; otherwise you risk losing a friendship. Here are some fun ideas for an April FoolÍs Day prank at a wedding-related event: Tie candy Ring Pops onto the ring bearÍs pillow. Of course youÍll have the real bling hidden in the best manÍs pocket and the pint-sized wedding helper can keep the edible rings as one of his >ring bearer gifts. Arrange for a celebrity impersonator to show up at your wedding, especially a sexy star who will make the groomsmenÍs jaws drop. Think of what a fun groomsman gift this would be! Snap a picture so each buddy can show off his celebrity meet-up long after the wedding.> Hire a troop of professional yo-yo performers to entertain guests at the wedding reception before you arrive. Give each guest a >personalized yo-yo as a wedding favor and have them show of their new skills in a commemorative ñadviceî video for the bride and groom about the ñups and downsî of marriage.> Surprise everyone watching and do the hokey pokey for your first dance. Shake it all about!> Serve ñsurpriseî wedding food in a uber-formal setting. Imagine tuxedo-wearing waiters opening domed silver trays to reveal corn dogs, pork rinds or funnel cakes. Sure to get a laugh and get gobbled up.> Put on one of those choreographed dance routines that turn into viral videos, like the Michael Jackson ñThrillerî dance that started it all! YouÍll have to practice for many hours with your buddies, but the reaction youÍll get from your audience is well worth it! Make sure to give the guys awesome >groomsmen gifts for being part of this prank! Try to set a world record at your wedding and get all the guests to participate. Go for the largest amount of rose petals tossed, the fastest ñraceî down the wedding aisle, or the most years of marriage by all guests combined. Get creative and call in a Guinness Book representative to make it official.> Create photo pranks like the shot where the groom has written the words ñhelp meî on the bottoms of his shoes, so that when he kneels the congregation will see is plea. Or, have all the groomsmen AND bridesmaids wear stick-on mustaches as they walk down the aisle, this is especially funny if you are a guy known for his distinctive facial hair.> Fill the >groomsmen flasks with something unexpected like chocolate milk or prune juice. The ideas go on and on. Do you have any good wedding prank ideas? Let us know 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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Stay Calm and Carry On at the Wedding Ceremony

Grooms, even if you didnÍt have an ounce of worry or anxiety during the engagement process, things may feel much different at the wedding ceremony. I speak from experience when I say that the enormity of the actual wedding day will give even the most laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy heart palpitations . . . and this heart skipping is not caused by love for your betrothed (but, of course you adore her in every way) but is instead a by-product of the nerves, anxiety and worry that you may not have even realized were building up. There are many real reasons to feel a bit nervous before walking down the aisle. First and foremost, the significance of the marriage covenant you are about to enter comes with a lot of commitments, duties and responsibilities that are new to a bachelor including 'for better or worse,' and 'to death do we part.' Wow, that is serious! But, even though it is a serious pledge, it is one that is well worth taking. Another reason for nerves is the mere fact that you're in the spotlight, family and friends from across the country, maybe even world, have convened to support you on this special day. For men who don't like the limelight, this can be a source of discomfort and agitation. Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that's the trick. ~Steve Bull So, if you are nervous, don't worry _ that would make it a vicious cycle! Instead, get the butterflies to fly in formation. Feeling a little anxious means that you are taking the momentous day seriously and are coming to a fuller understanding of the importance of this major life change. Remember, change IS the only thing you can count on in life, but change can be good. If you are looking for some tips to remain calm on the big day, here are a few to consider: DonÍt go out and party the night before. Recovering from a hangover only worsens a case of nerves on the wedding day. Your head will be foggy and your body sluggish, this is no way to start off the most important day of your life. If such no-no occurs, keep an eco-friendly water canteen nearby for rehydration purposes, not an engraved flask _ those are for the bachelor party. Accept the fact that it is normal to be nervous. ItÍs how you channel your energy that counts. Running and screaming out of the chapel is not a mature option. However, giving permission to feel a little jittery will help the butterflies fly away more quickly. Realize that the bride is probably nervous too. Instead of selfish worry for yourself, think of your about-to-be new wife. What do you love about her the most? How does she make you laugh? Think about the expression on her face when she says 'I do,' and then later opens the beautiful bride gift that youÍve selected. Remember that your family and friends love you and have travelled to be with you in support, not in judgment. Rely on the friendships of your groomsmen to help lighten the mood while you wait for you call to the aisle. They'll always know how to take your mind off worry and lighten the load. For this, they deserve extra-special engraved groomsmen gifts. Know that if you flub up your words at the altar, the priest only has to know your intent. And, if the 'mess up' is that bad, you and the bride can always return to the minister the next day for a private 're-do.' So, don't worry, be happy! You are getting married and that has been the whole end goal of this engagement process you've been in for the last year give or take. Once the minister pronounces you 'man and wife,' you have crossed the proverbial finish line and can relax even more and take in all the feelings of the experience. The reception is waiting and so is the honeymoon and opening all the wedding gifts. There is no need to worry, you just married the most wonderful girl in the world!

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Groom Trends, What's Hot in 2014

Grooms are no longer taking second seat to the brides. Everywhere you look it’s groom this and groom that. While it may be your fiancée’s ‘Big Day,’ isn’t it a landmark day in your life too? Yes it is, so why not man up and take charge! If you want to make wedding planning and the entire wedding planning experience more ‘equal opportunity,’ then check out these trends that men who are getting married in 2013 can’t stop talking about. Groom Blogs: Guys are coming out of the woodwork, men who aren’t ashamed to say that they enjoy the wedding planning process. Some love it maybe even more than the bride-to-be. From the selection of the bands (both rings and musical entertainment) to the styling the fashion profile of the groomsmen, these sites can be useful to gather practical tips and enjoy laughs as well. While there is admittedly a fine selection of groom blogs out there, we’re partial to this blog at GroomStand.com. Bourbon Bars: You can tell a man has had a hand in the reception planning if you see a bourbon bar. It’s becoming increasingly popular to designate a drink station serving the groom’s favorite bourbon, scotch or whiskey. Arrange for comfortable upholstered chairs to be set up in pairs and small groupings to encourage conversation and lounging. Serve full high-balls of bourbon on the rocks or offer several samples of various whiskies in shot glasses. Our mini whiskey barrel creates the ambiance of the aging cellar in a distillery; set several out on the bar filled with different varieties of the spirit. You can treat your friends each to their own as tasteful groomsmen gifts. Socks: In 2012, fun and flashy ties were all the rage. This year the party has moved downward to the feet – socks! Not just for preventing ‘cold feet,’ socks are a way for grooms to make a fashion statement when wearing a conservative suit or tuxedo. Women shouldn’t have all the fun with accessorizing. Add a little zing with socks in bright colors with strips, polka-dots or other novelty looks. Make sure to gather up the groomsmen for a group photo where all the guys are pulling up their pant legs to show off the fun! Co-ed Bachelor(ette) Parties: It almost sounds unheard of, but many of today’s couples are merging the bachelor and bachelorette parties into a single mega event. Organizing a boy-girl group event such as a dinner party, camping weekend, wine-tasting tour or pool party will give a chance for the bride’s party to meet and bond with groom’s party. Who knows, maybe a new engagement will come out of the cross mingling. Some of the best groomsmen gifts and bridesmaid gifts will be having everyone together – of course, you’ll want to treat them to a personalized gift from the event as a remembrance. Male Engagement Rings: Even though many might dismiss the male engagement ring trend as a marketing ploy put forth by jewelers to rake in more money, there is some sound reasoning behind the idea to wear one. If the woman is wearing a ring to symbolize her dedication to her fiancé, why shouldn’t the man? If you are the kind of guy who is not comfortable wearing jewelry on the hands, another special piece of jewelry could be substituted like engraved cufflinks personalized with a special message. Do you plan on incorporating any of these groom trends in your wedding planning? Let us know in the comments below.

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Re-Tying the Knot - Vow Renewal Ceremonies

Looking to say “I do” again with the same woman? The trend for vow renewal ceremonies is has been on the rise in the last 10 years with some wedding vendors reporting that these recommitment ceremonies represent between five and 10 percent of their total business. A vow renewal is a great way to honor a landmark anniversary (such as 5, 10, 25 or 50), as a reaffirmation after a rocky road, or just a good excuse to celebrate your spouse and a healthy relationship. Celebrities have also popularized vow renewal ceremonies, remarrying each other in spectacular, over-the-top style. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon renewed their vows after four years of wedding bliss, in Paris atop the Eiffel Tower nonetheless. Reality star Khloe Kardashian and her basketball playing husband Lamar Odom said “I do” again on their one year anniversary and hip-hops royal couple, Beyonce and Jay-Z kept the beat going with a wedding redo. Supermodel Heidi Klum and husband, singer Seal, were famous for their multiple vow renewal ceremonies. Each year they would have a themed party; one year it was a white trash wedding and another it was a beach wedding. But, alas, despite the high number of nuptials, the couple called it quits in 2012. The world record for the largest number of vow renewals (with the same person) is held by Lauren Lubeck Blair and David E. Hough Blair who have married each other 101 times. The lovebirds originally got married in 1984 and have been getting renewed in different locations around the world, breaking the original Guinness World Record Book of 65 in 2001. Now each time the get re-married, they are resetting the old record they previously set. If you are planning a vow renewal, the ceremony and party can be whatever you want it to be. It can be just the two of you of at favorite destination, a small casual gathering, or a large fancy affair. Some couples like to go all out on the vow renewal, especially if they now have plenty of money to celebrate in a grand fashion. You know, break out the fancy champagne, caviar and golden groomsmen gifts. Luxury cigar humidors and executive leather goods (like our Napa leather business card case) are two of our favorite gifts for groomsmen. Other couples will find it more fitting to have a laid-back event where their children or grandkids will feel comfortable. Other couples will parlay a recommitment ceremony into a vacation, check out Las Vegas, cruise ships and island resorts for easy-breezy package deals. Vow renewal ceremonies are a great way to incorporate your family into the special day. Seeing their parents reaffirm their love in a public way will set a firm foundation for their future marriage union. If still in touch, it is meaningful to include as many as the “old” wedding attendants as possible including your best man and groomsmen. How fun it might be to invite the original ring bearer and flower girl and effuse about how they are now all grown up. You may now have gained new friendships that you’d like to include in the big day. Now grown into adults or older children, your sons may ever serve in the capacity of groomsmen. Don’t forget to thank all of your attendants with groomsmen gifts to show them how special they have been all these years. GroomStand.com has an impressive selection of gifts for groomsmen that will make wonderful keepsakes of this important day. Are you considering “re-tying the knot,” how many years has it been since the original wedding day? Let us know in the comments below.

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Say "Yes" to Proposal Day

If you are reading this, you may be thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend. Or, perhaps you are newly engaged and just chomping at the bits to find the perfect groomsmen gifts and gear for your bachelor party. Asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is a big deal on any day of the year. But, according to some, there is an “official” time when it is best. Apparently a guy named John Michael O'Loughlin came up with this designated day to “seal the deal” after his cousin's boyfriend repeatedly failed to ask that life-changing question for more than a decade of dating. If you check out a calendar, you’ll notice that Proposal Day falls on the Vernal Equinox, the day when both day and night are equal in length. O'Loughlin says that this equinox is a great day to propose on because it symbolizes the equal effort required by the bride and groom to have a good marriage; one can’t outshine or darken the other. There are also all those hormones that start to fly as the weather warms; with a spring awakening, love is noticeably in the air. Now, if you get cold feet and don’t end up proposing on March 20th, the Autumn Equinox on September offers another equally symbolic chance. So, if you decide to honor this holiday, March 20th could be a very significant day in your personal life plan. It’s obviously a life-altering decision to get married and one that should not be taken lightly. So, is you are not ready to tie the knot, by all means do not get pressured into doing so because of a random holiday or the hopes of raking in really cool wedding gifts. In fact, if not ready, you may want to lay low for the day so that your girlfriend can’t find you. Or, you can use the day to just talk about the idea of spending the rest of your lives together, but actually save the big question for a less-expected time. But, on the other hand, if you have been entertaining the idea of marriage for a while but seem to be “stuck” in your ability to make it happen, this novel holiday may just be the kick in the pants you need to take a chance and ask “will you marry me?” Some interesting facts about proposals came out of a survey administered by wedding style-finder Tailored. No rush: Today’s generation is waiting longer than ever before getting hitched. Around 27 percent of couples reported that they had dated between three and five years before making the decision to become engaged. Tradition: According to the women polled, 78-percent reported that their boyfriend got down on a bending knee to as this life-changing question. However, fewer men are asking for “permission” to take the brides hand in marriage from her father. Pressure: Guys can sigh a little relief about getting hen-pecked about getting engaged before ready. This survey said that only 21 percent of the women reported “pushing” their partners into the commitment, the remaining said that it was a two-way discussion and decision. So, if you are thinking about giving up your bachelorhood on Proposal Day or any other day of the year, GroomStand.com has all the supplies needed to help make the moment even more memorable. You may want to drop the engagement ring into the bottom of a champagne glass, and watch her eyes widen as she sees the bling at the bottom of her bubbly. Or, an alternative is to present (on bended knee, of course) the diamond ring nestled inside a beautiful little heart-shaped box. She’ll love to display this personalized keepsake on her dresser or vanity for the many happy years to come. Or, a luxurious leather jewelry case that can be carried along on the honeymoon is equally as nice. Whatever the manner you decide to pop the question, your enduring love is the gift from the groom to the bride. Did you get engaged on a “special” day like Valentine’s Day, Proposal Day, Christmas or a birthday? Let us know below.

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Best Man Duties on the Wedding Day

While being the Best Man isn’t necessarily a hard job by any means, there are a few responsibilities a guy needs to follow through with in order to keep the title bestowed upon him after the wedding. No groom wants in the hard position of having to demote his Best Man for failing to live up to the minimal “must-dos.” Last month we talked about what the Best Man should expect to do in the weeks and days leading up to the wedding. For the most part, this includes planning and executing a bachelor party, getting fitted for formal wear, attending the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (sometimes a toast is required), and taking care of any pre-wedding errands the grooms might need help with. The actual day of the wedding ceremony is also filled with easy obligations for the Best Man. If you are getting weary of all this wedding stuff; don’t worry, by the end of the night, but bulk of your to-do list will be marked off. Here are some key tasks you should plan on assisting with on the big day. Remember, many of these may not be assigned to you officially by the groom. The groom is stressed to the max and it is your job to help make sure that he is taken care of! This leads us to the roles you’ll be playing on the wedding day: Personal Assistant. Just think of those A-list celebrities who have a lackey to run around after them and tend to all the little (and big) situations that may come up. For example, does the groom have his tux? The marriage license? The wedding ring? You might have to run back to his apartment to pick up his razor or the groomsmen gifts he left behind. Or, maybe his great aunt accidentally barreled through the flower beds outside the church in her big Cadillac. Assure him every wedding has a snafu or two that happens, and then dash off to take care of the crisis at hand. Travel Agent: Ask the groom if you can help him take care of his honeymoon last-minute plans. It would really take a load off by confirming the flight reservations and pre-printing his boarding passes that morning. Make sure the groom has whatever he needs to head straight from the reception to the honeymoon – he may not get a chance to drop by is house beforehand. We’re talking about stuff like luggage (with personalized luggage tags), tickets, cameras and passport case all get put in the car. Also, a nice gesture, make sure is gas tank is topped off! Support-Giver & Sounding Board: It surely comes as no news, that many grooms get the proverbial “cold feet” right before the wedding. Even those guys who were never nervous about the nuptials during the engagement may start to have palpitation about leaving bachelorhood behind. Just remind the groom that he’s picked the love of his life and that the nerves are normal – it’s just a little passing anxiety about change and also being “on display.” Do NOT tell him he is ruining his life, if you feel the marriage is a mistake, your feelings should have been shared a long, long time ago. Groomsmen & Usher Shepherd: Without as many responsibilities, the groomsmen and ushers can often fall way to partying and having a good time instead of focusing on the significance of the event.. Hours before the ceremony starts, make sure that all the groomsmen have been accounted for, have their tuxedos in hand, and have a reliable ride to the church. As the groom’s party convenes before the ceremony, you’ll likely be the one responsible for handing out the boutonnieres and stealing away the groomsmen flasks. Ceremonial Sidekick: Traditionally, the Best Man walks in with the groom, but sometimes he also escorts the Maid of Honor. The actual wedding processional varies by the faith and formality of the ceremony. You’ll also be in charge of the wedding ring (unless there is a cute little ring bearer – and then you’ll be in charge of him). And, sealing the deal into the public records, you’ll most likely be asked to sign your name as a witness on the wedding license. So what part of the best man responsibilities are you looking forward to the most?

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Best Man Responsibilities: Pre-wedding Day

Your best buddy has confirmed the feeling is mutual in the most ultimate way. HeÍs asked you to serve as his wingman on the most important day of his life, his wedding day. Even though this is the same friend who has run interference with your ex-girlfriend, bailed you out of so many mishaps and would even share his last swig in a flask with you, you still have your concerns about saying ñyesî to this best man proposition. But donÍt worry; being a best man isnÍt hard, definitely not as stressful as being the groom! If you know what the job entails and the subtleties of getting each task done with finesse, youÍll probably be the ñbestî best man ever! How could you not?! Make sure you do a top-notch job so you donÍt get one of those awesome groomsmen gifts revoked. Bachelor Party Planner: The groom is counting on his special night to let loose one last time with his friends. With that in mind, itÍs the best manÍs responsibility to plan a shindig that legends are made of. DonÍt plan in for yourself. Instead, take the groomÍs personality and requests into mind. If he doesnÍt want a booze-and-breast fest, respect his desire to bypass a bacchanal blowout. Consider his hobbies and how you can weave them into this special celebration. For example, does he like to golf? Fish? Watch his favorite football team battle it out on the gridiron? All of these activities can be the impetus for an interesting and entertaining bachelor party. Wedding Attire Wearer: Even if you donÍt like what the groom (or often the bride) has picked out, you have to smile and sport it with style. Be prepared for the fact that you may have to purchase or rent your own attire; that is at the discretion of the groom. If the topic is brought up, assume youÍre paying. Or, just ask. YouÍll also need to make sure all the other groomsmen are on board with the wedding attire and have made their fitting appointments. Offer to pick up all the tuxes a day or two before the wedding and also return the groomÍs tux while heÍs away on the honeymoon. DonÍt forget to punctuate your shirtsleeves with personalized cufflinks for that ultra-dashing image. Errand Runner: In addition to picking up the tuxedos, you can be other ways to help out the groom as he starts to get busy, nervous, freaked out about getting hitched. He may need you to swing by the airport and pick up Aunt Martha or take his dog to the kennel in preparation for the honeymoon. He may even ask you for advice on picking out groomsmen gifts for the other guys and something sentimental to give as a gift for the bride. Wedding Rehearsal Participant: YouÍre not just an attendant at the wedding rehearsal; youÍre a participant _ so show up on time! YouÍll be walked through your responsibilities for the next day, especially where to usher guests, where to stand at the altar, and so on. Yes, itÍs dull, but it will be over within the hour. Rehearsal Dinner Charmer: Even though you may not feel like schmoozing with a whole bunch of the bride and groomÍs relatives you donÍt know, itÍs your job to be a model of manners at the rehearsal dinner. Meet and greet everyone you havenÍt met yet; these folks are soon to become part of your buddyÍs family. Who knows, you may even have a future with that cute bridesmaid. During the dinner, there may some toasting and roasting of the couple. Feel free to join in, but keep it short and save your standing-ovation-worthy speech for the wedding reception. If you need help writing a speech for the rehearsal (or actual wedding), the wordsmiths at ThePerfectToast.com can expertly craft a toast that will captures your sentiments and personality. What are you looking forward to MOST about being the best man? What do you think will be the most CHALLENGING duty? Let us know in the comments below.

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What To Do: You DonÍt Want Kids at your Wedding

Allow kids to come to your wedding, or not. That is a sensitive topic for many grooms and brides planning the most special day of their lives. It’s your wedding and your party, you have the right to have it play out anyway you see fit – even if that playing is in a kid-free zone. Think of it as a wedding present to yourself. While many children can be quite well-behaved, it seems that at a wedding all bets are off. Often this is because the pint-sized partiers actually do have a reason to fuss, if you think about it. They are constrained in uncomfortable and fussy clothing, they are up way past their bedtimes (missing naps, too) and they are not being served the chicken nuggets and peanut butter they are accustomed to munching on. But, if you have pressure from the bride or friends and siblings who all want to bring their kids, don’t worry, there are tactful ways to say “no” and also creative alternatives to allow a few rugrats in. Drop the hint in the invitation. If you do not want children to attend your reception, specifically indicate that on the included RSVP card. Spell it out in plain English so that your guests aren’t confused – this is no time for detail-sparing diplomacy. The RSVP card could read something like this, “Two seats are reserved in your honor” instead of the traditional “_____ guests will be attending.” Yikes, the later implies that an infinite number of people could come! Also, instead of addressing the envelope to “The Smith Family,” specifically use the Mr. and Mrs. salutations without any reference to a “family.” Write the message and addresses with one of our favorite groomsmen gifts, a fancy silver pen that adds significance to every message. Drop the hint in person: When speaking to your friends, family and guests; reiterate the plans you and your bride have for a “fancy adult evening.” Of course, if pushed, you could say that children are welcomed at the ceremony, but the reception is adult-only. Blame it on the venue, appear apologetic! Typically, if parents are going to get a babysitter for the reception, they will hire that sitter to come early for the ceremony too. It’s just convenience. Exceptions: Of course, there will be exceptions. Even if people have been clobbered over the head with the “kid-free” communication, they still may bring their children. Plus, some of your guests have to travel from afar, and of course will have their progeny in tow. We know you’re not going to turn them away at the door, so have a contingency plan in place. Teenagers that you’ve invited to the wedding can be paid a nominal fee to watch the youngsters in an adjoining room. A room where the rascals will be free to run around, create mayhem and eat animal crackers and raisins to their hearts’ delight. This is where the flower girl and ring bearer can hang out after they’ve finished their respective jobs, posed for photographs, and charmed everyone with their cuteness. Don’t forget to treat these two little wedding helpers with ring bearer and flower gifts as a show of your appreciation and affection. Also, prepare wedding favors for the children in the babysitting room that will keep them productively busy. Good choices are crayons, activity books, personalized yo-yos, small toys, a pocket knife and whatnot. Err; perhaps the bride will be better suited to execute this task. So, as you can see, there is some tact involved with children and the wedding reception. I mean, it’s pretty callous to turn away a nursing newborn, but at the same time, you don’t want to hear screaming in the background of your wedding video. Plus, it can be expensive to have a lot of children in a wedding, often the “per-head” cost is the same as an adult and we all know that the tykes aren’t going to appreciate the harp player and caviar bar. But, on the other hand, relax. Weddings are family affairs and there are always children in some branch of the family tree. You may have once been that obnoxious brat that screamed out in the middle of the vows that “I want candy!” Oh wait, that was me. So, do you have any suggestions for our readers on how to handle this “childish” situation? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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