Choosing Your Groomsmen

Now that youÍve popped the question and wedding plans are under way, itÍs time to start thinking about who youÍd like to be your best man and ushers. Selecting the family and friends you want to support on your big day is an important decision as youÍll be building memories that will be shared with everyone until death do you part. A memorable way to ask your friends and family is to present them with unique groomsmen gifts enclosed with a note asking for the special request. Before you start impulsively asking every guy youÍve ever grabbed a beer with to be in your posse, check with your bride-to-be to see what the wedding party size will be. Traditionally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids. Some guys find the number of groomsmen to be intimidating large while some have trouble narrowing down the field. Also, consider that if you are having a larger wedding, youÍll need extra guys to be ushers, the standard ration is one usher per 50 guests. Here are some good places to start your recruiting: Brothers: Brothers are usually very tight; this is why the marrying brother almost always asks the other brother to be his best man. ItÍs also okay to have more than one brother be your best man; we would want anyone to be in the awkward position of leaving a brother out of prime position. Stepbrothers, especially if youÍve spent lots of time together, will be another natural choice for your wedding part, either as best man or groomsmen. Brothers of Fianc_: Traditionally, including your bride-to-beÍs brothers in your wedding is common. Not only is it a good way to please your fianc_, it gives you the chance to build a stronger relationship with your new brother-in-law and welcome him into your family. Friends: For those guys with a few close friends, itÍs clear that these should be your ushers. However, especially in situations where the bride has a huge entourage of bridesmaids, it can be more difficult to pick and choose. Whether you know the friend from kindergarten or college or have just recently met in the workplace, the biggest requirement for your groomsmen picks is the bond you share. Other Family: Cousins, nephews and other family members can also make good choices for your groomsmen, ushers or other members of your wedding party. Younger male family members may be given special roles such as ring bearer, junior groomsmen or helpers at the reception. Keep in mind that youÍll want to thank your best man, groomsmen and ushers for supporting you with a thoughtful pick in groomsmen gifts. At https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstan, there are many best man gift ideas that will express your sentiments with a keepsake heÍll value for all the years to come.

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How To Get Rid Of Bachelor Party Hangover

No one likes a hangover; however, they’re often part of the morning or all-day after experience when drinking too much. Sufferers can expect a headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, general malaise, gastro-intestinal troubles and thirst. Even when trying to “be good” and pacing drinks throughout the night, many guys find that they’ve overindulged at a bachelor party. This can put a damper on the next day’s events and that can be a real disaster, especially if it’s the wedding day. If you or your buddies find yourself in this woozy predicament, read on to find out some remedies that can help you recover – that is unless you’ve woken up to a Mike Tyson-inspired face tattoo, and there’s no quick solution to that! Hydrate: Drinking too much alcohol makes a guy dehydrated; you’ll end up with a parched mouth and dry skin in the morning. Speed up your recovery by drinking a glass of water before you go to sleep (or pass out) and then another as soon as waking. Keep sipping on water or electrolyte drinks to help bring body fluids back into balance. Get the guys off to the right foot by giving them hydrating groomsmen gifts, such as a personalized water canteen. Eat: After a drinking binge, your stomach may not be in the mood for food, to put it mildly! But a well-balanced meal will get you back to normal; but make sure that it’s quality food such as whole grains, lean protein and fruits and vegetables. Greasy foods may sound good, but they’ll just make you sicker in the end. Remember to wash down the meal with lots of liquids for rehydration. Supplements: Before you hit the sack or as soon as you wake up, take in a multi-vitamin to regain the right level of vitamins and minerals that may have been leached from your body during the wild bachelor party rumpus. The supplements coupled with water and enough sleep will heal your body in time for big event. Give the guys a handsome leather toiletry kit for groomsmen gifts, they can stash away their hangover vitamins inside. Cold Shower Shock: If all else fails, step into the shower and turn it on full-blast to cold water. The shock to your system may just jolt you back into the living. Why do you think they throw cold buckets of water on people in the movies?! Although the results may not be the total cure, it may just be invigorating enough to keep you on your feet for any important duties you have for the day.

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How To Roast a Groom Nicely

If you're reading this, you've probably been asked to be a buddy's "best man" in his wedding and are starting to sweat a bit about the "best man toast" traditionally given during the reception. Or, you could also be a type-A groom who is gathering research on "best man speeches" for a best man who is infamously known as a procrastinator. Whatever the situation, your set aside your fears for creating the perfect best man toast - really all the guy needs to do is stand up, give a few personal anecdotes about the groom, insert a few jokes or one-liners and then close with a heartfelt sentiment.Really, that's all! If your knees are still knocking, read on for a few tips that will make sure the best man's speech will go off flawlessly and hopefully score you a pat on the back and awesome choice in best man gifts from groom. The speech doesn't need to be a super-serious monologue; however you don't want to be too irreverent or crass considering the mixed company andfeelings of the bride and her family. Mention one or two anecdotes about the time you first met the groom and why you became such great friends. Throw in some sweet stuff about how he was whipped once he met the bride - that's sure to score you points in her court. Make a few jokes if you like, the best man is often known for loosening up the crowd into party mode. Just don't get too wild or foul-mouthed, there are always grandmothers in the room. If you don't have good jokes of your own, you can always borrow from the famous and not-so-famous: "Keep your eyes wide open before the wedding and half shut afterward." - Ben Franklin "Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight." - Phyllis Diller "In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen." - unknown And we are always here to help you with your wedding toast.

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How To Pack More Football In Your Wedding

Football season is gearing up - how about your wedding plans? If you have a wedding planned between NFL pre-season (August 8th) through the Super Bowl (February 9, 2011) you really should consider how to marry your love for the two! While the bride is not likely to give you're the gridiron-inspired wedding reception that you've been dreaming of (yeah, right), but she may throw you a pass to show off your love of the sport with a football-inspired groom's cake. If she's a real keeper, the bride might even go for picking her "wedding colors" to coordinate with the uniform tones of your favorite team. How about aqua blue and orange a la Miami Dolphins - nice! Probably the best way to incorporate football into your wedding plans is to plan a football activity with your groomsmen. There are many great football-friendly ideas, from organizing a touch-football game for all the guys on the wedding weekend (bride's guys against groom's guys) to planning a pre-wedding event where you treat your buddies to a home game and beer at the sports bar afterward. You might have played Pop Warner together as kids or just hung out in the fan stands during college; football is one thing that you'll still have in common -- even after sign the contract of your life. Don't forget to thank your buds for being on the team and being your "most valuable players" by presenting them each with groomsmen sports gifts such as NFL barware or pub signs emblazoned with their favorite franchise.

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Tuxedo Guide: How To Tie a Bow Tie

Men about to get married need to know how to tie a bow tie - and so does their posse of groomsmen. Tying this men's accessory into a dapper, little bow isn't really as hard of a task as it appears. But, because men rarely wear this type of neck embellishment except at formal events, this may be your first time tying one on! If you are a newbie to bow tie tying, never fear. Just check out this video from GQ style correspondent Brett Fahgren and Howdini's Jennifer Morris, and you'll be wedding-ready in mere minutes. Steps To Tie a Bow Tie 1. Lay the bow tie around your neck so both ends fall evenly on your chest. 2. Cross the right end of the bow tie over the left end. Next, loop the right end under to form a simple knot. 3. Tug on the tie so that the knot is fashioned snuggly against your neck and rest the top end on your left shoulder. 4. Pick up the other end of the bow tie and fold it across the knot. Now it is starting to look like this could actually turn into a bow tie! 5. Take the top end (that is resting on your left shoulder) and pull it down in front so that it crosses the center of the bow shape. 6. Firmly set your left finger on the front of the bow tie to keep it securely in place and reach behind with your right index finger to find the hole where the free end of the bow tie will slip through. 7. Important: do not thread the tip of the free end through the hole. Rather, use your left index finger to push the part that is closest to the center of the bow through the hole. 8. Initially, it may feel like the whole bow tie is going to fall apart, but it won't. Pull enough through to make even with the opposite side and adjust as needed. 9. The process is almost complete. Pull the bow down towards the front and tighten, tidy up and flatten as required to look sharp. If your bow tie doesn't look perfect, don't worry. Run and get the wedding planner and she'll surely be able to fix you up quick! Before you walk down the aisle, give your wedding attendants any help they may require with your newly acquired skills. To complete the dashing look that a bow tie brings, give your buddies a pair of cufflinks as groomsmen gifts that will complement their tip-to-tail formal flair.

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ñSeriously?! You Bought Me THAT Ring?!î

By Jewelry & Style Expert Michael OÍConnor Just when you think that everything is going right, life can throw you a curve. You found the girl and you want to spend your life with. You found the perfect time and place to pop the question and youÍre down on one knee. You hand her the box and summon up courage to ask those words ñWill you marry meî. SheÍs shocked, happy, starts to cry. She opens the box. The expression on her face changes to utter horror! She purses her lips. Dude, you got the wrong ring! Laugh or not, itÍs not unrealistic. In fact many women say the ring they got was not the one they hoped for. Why? Two reasons. The guy didnÍt listen to all those hints sheÍs been carefully leaving or he didnÍt view the ring as the most important symbol of their life together and he ñcheaped-outî. When buying an engagement ring there are two ways to avoid a major mistake. Listen to her. You may not think sheÍs hinting, but she is. Listen to how she describes the rings of her friends of others who are recently engaged. You will hear what she likes. Listen to what she says about the center stone, itÍs size, shape and color. Round shapes are most popular followed by princess. And colored diamonds and gems like sapphire are becoming very popular. Understand that this is the most important piece of jewelry that she will ever own and will wear it every day. As such it needs to be durable and made of a precious and pure metal like platinum. It may be a slightly more expensive, but worth it! Platinum will stand up to daily wear better and hold your center stone more securely, itÍs one of the most precious and rare metals and usually 90-95% pure, making it most appropriate for this important symbol of love and commitment. For help in buying the best rings within your budget always choose a reputable jeweler. Visit www.preciousplatinum.com and find one near you.

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How to Hire a Band For Your Wedding

After hearing that ultra-conservative talk-show host, Rush Limbaugh, hired way-more liberal musician, Elton John, to perform at his June 11th wedding in Florida got me to wondering "how do you pick o ut a band for your wedding reception?" Unlike choosing floral arrangements and tablecloth colors, picking reception entertainment is an area that many grooms want to have a voice. In fact, if there is a band that you really must have and it is a little out of the budget, it could even be a gift for the groom from parents and family. While Rush and Elton certainly sound like an odd pairing, we're pretty sure that the reported $1 million dollar fee probably set free any proverbial elephant in the room. Even though you might not have the big bucks to attract world-famous entertainment, there are still important steps to follow when selecting a band to play at your wedding according to MusicMates, an online musician referral service. Select a musician to fit the audience, not your own interests. While the reception should reflect your personality, you also want to take into consideration the musical tastes of your guests if you want to keep them dancing all night. If you've got a lot of elderly relatives on hand, go with something more easy to the ears than a metal band. Or, if you have a room full of urban, socialite types, country music might fall flat. Discuss the "playlist" with the band. When meeting with the band, inquire about what songs they plan on playing at your wedding. You don't want to be disappointed if your favorite tune of all time is overlooked. Also, are they willing to learn a special song that is near and dear to your heart or go corny and play "The Chicken Dance?" Get written references and recommendations. Just because they play awesome music doesn't necessarily translate into great gigs. Follow up on their written references and recommendations to see how the other brides and grooms felt about their performance. Visit a live performance before hiring. Even if you love the bands music that you've downloaded to your iPod, make sure to view a live performance to get a vibe for their stage presence. Do they have short sets and long breaks, that may not work if your guests plan to whoop it up non-stop on the dance floor. Are they too "wild", gesticulating or encouraging a mosh-pit, grandma wouldn't like that. Have the band pre-sign copies of their CD that you can give as groomsmen gifts. Get a back-up plan. Even though the band's references may be top-notch with past grooms saying that they showed up on time and didn't bale, you still want to have a plan "B". Things happen ---car accidents, sicknesses, band breakups -- and you need to have alternate entertainment lined up in the unlikely event that the band doesn't make it. You can put another less-experienced band on stand-by, or line-up a DJ to act as a substitute. Feed the talent. Invite the band members to partake in the wedding buffet, even if they're not the starving-artist types. This gesture shows hospitality on the part of the bride and groom and the feeling that you really want to include them in your special day. Satisfied stomachs should result in a pleasing performance!

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Guy Wedding Registries: Ask & Ye Shall Receive

While the wedding to-do list may seem like a chore for most guys, there is something that may just grab your attention more than picking out centerpieces or talking about up-do hairstyles -- and thatÍs wedding registries. WeÍre not talking about wedding registries where you aimlessly follow your betrothed around in the kitchen and linens section of a department store and where the only thing you have to look forward to is the little scanner gun. Think bigger, better and let out a caveman grunt and make your own wish list at a store that stocks home improvement, electronics, and even outdoor recreation items! While youÍre shopping around, you also may just find the perfect something to give as engraved pocket knives, or even an exotic vacation is another way to get what you really want.

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The Helpful Groom (You Can't Just Be Handsome)

Many guys think that after picking out the ring and popping the question, his work is done in terms of the wedding planning. But, after observing the way many brides passive-aggressively operate, weÍve come to realize that the best way to keep a fianc_ happy is to get involved in the process. But the key to being involved is to actually help in the process, not hinder. Here are some great tips about being the involved groom she wants you to be. Ask what you can do. With or without a wedding planner, the sheer number of tasks and chores involved in pulling off a once-in-a-life-time day can be daunting. As soon as planning rolls into full swing, collaborate together to come up with a ïhisÍ and ïhersÍ list on what needs to be done. Having the to-do list in print will reduce any confusion or assumptions that might later arise, as in a shrieking ñhoney, I thought 'you' were picking up Aunt Edna from the airport! Have an opinion. If all the minutia of wedding planning is really not your thing, you certainly donÍt need to have an opinion of every last thing. WeÍre sure you really donÍt care on the exact shade of the bridesmaidsÍ eyes shadow as much as you do best man gifts. But do tell the bride what you like about major parts of the wedding such as how many guests, location, and food choices. Pick your battles. Know when to step in and know when to retreat. DonÍt let little things become major issues in your wedding planning, the two of you are about to be a lifelong team and should start acting so as soon as possible! But if you have a core issue that is being tested during the planning process, speak up now or forever hold your peace. Pull your weight. There are certain tasks that are traditionally bestowed on the groom, make sure you are doing them! If you pick up an etiquette book, you'll find out that some of these duties include, picking groomsmen, purchasing groomsmen gifts, arranging for wedding attire, planning the honeymoon and anything else the bride requests. If you'd like cross off one of your chores, head on over to

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How to Write Great Wedding Vows (Without Using Mad Libs)

If your bride-to-be is anything like the multitudes of women who demand nothing less than the dream wedding, the wedding she has kept meticulously journaled in her Polly Pocket diary since elementary school, chances are she has taken care of everything. Location? Check. Invitations? Check. Caterers, seating arrangements, DJ playlist? Check, check, check. You may have at one time been responsible for procuring the ring, but chances are she took over that too, slipping subtle hints of cut and color, maybe even sketching out a diagram and putting it in your wallet (if not, check out some helpful suggestions for buying engagement rings from the groomsman gift experts). Uh oh. If she is marrying you for any other reasons than your wily wit with words or your ability to wax poetic at a moment's notice, this may seem a daunting task. Fear not! Following a few helpful guidelines might make the difference between snores from the guests and the future Mrs. You's tears of sentimental joy. Four Steps To Tear-jerking Wedding Vows Start now. Right now, if not yesterday. Or the day before. Putting off the vows may be the point of conflict in many a sitcom, but don't count on inspiration striking as you walk down the aisle and then winging it. This is not a suggestion to start crafting draft upon draft of prose, but start jotting down some points you would like to make. Having a bank of phrases, moments, and memories to drawn from will be crucial as you start constructing your final draft. Hint: "I love you so much" is a good place to start. Your vows should be unique, personal, and customized to your relationship. It doesn't matter how nice it sounds, if the climax of the speech is the romantic sunset you two shared on a beach, there is nothing stopping her from removing you from the memory and inserting Rick or James or Paolo from two summers ago into the same idyllic setting. Idyllic is not the basis of your marriage. Share the points that you love about her and your relationship that are specifically yours. Beaches are not yours. They belong to every new couple ever. Maybe you can make a promise that in married life you won't come to bed angry. Share an anecdote about the first time you noticed how she held a pencil or cut up her cucumber and then fell in love. By all means avoid When Harry Met Sally as your muse, but ask yourself: "What defines our love?" When you have your answer, you have your vows. Keep your audience in mind, especially if the wedding consists of any guests beyond two witnesses and a priest dressed as Elvis. Filling your vows with quirky inside jokes might mean a lot to your lady, but this wedding isn't only about the two of you (no matter what anyone may say). You have your whole future to spend just the two of you. Right now you have Grandma Sue in the front row, and you need to make sure that she, as well as your bride, is clear on what is being said. Sprinkle your vows with anecdotes and memories, but make sure they are the types of things Grandma Sue can at least imagine being a part of. There is nothing more alienating (and therefore boring) than not knowing what is going on. Practice. Practice, practice, practice. Do it once more for good measure. You don't need to memorize what you want to say, but it is worth it that you don't stumble over the words you so painstakingly put together. Better yet, practice in front of one person who is a better writer and public speaker than you - perhaps a poetic groomsman. He will be able to help you think of ways to really wow, be it with comprehensibility, language, or a tricky section of alliteration. Treat him to a fabulous groomsman gift as your way of saying "thanks!"

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How To Stay Awake on the Big Day

LetÍs face it getting married is a tiring experience. There is a hustle and bustle of activity for the groom in the weeks leading up to the ceremony from tuxedo fittings, shopping for unique groomsmen gifts away from the wedding. Delegate responsibilities. Pick responsible wedding attendants and make good use of them! You can have your groomsmen, ushers and family help with many of the wedding errands and chores. When you delegate tasks such as having buddies pick up out-of-towners at the airport or allow family members to wrap

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Choosing Your Groomsmen

Now that youÍve popped the question and wedding plans are under way, itÍs time to start thinking about who youÍd like to be your best man and ushers. Selecting the family and friends you want to support on your big day is an important decision as youÍll be building memories that will be shared with everyone until death do you part. A memorable way to ask your friends and family is to present them with unique groomsmen gifts enclosed with a note asking for the special request. Before you start impulsively asking every guy youÍve ever grabbed a beer with to be in your posse, check with your bride-to-be to see what the wedding party size will be. Traditionally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids. Some guys find the number of groomsmen to be intimidating large while some have trouble narrowing down the field. Also, consider that if you are having a larger wedding, youÍll need extra guys to be ushers, the standard ration is one usher per 50 guests. Here are some good places to start your recruiting: Brothers: Brothers are usually very tight; this is why the marrying brother almost always asks the other brother to be his best man. ItÍs also okay to have more than one brother be your best man; we would want anyone to be in the awkward position of leaving a brother out of prime position. Stepbrothers, especially if youÍve spent lots of time together, will be another natural choice for your wedding part, either as best man or groomsmen. Brothers of Fianc_: Traditionally, including your bride-to-beÍs brothers in your wedding is common. Not only is it a good way to please your fianc_, it gives you the chance to build a stronger relationship with your new brother-in-law and welcome him into your family. Friends: For those guys with a few close friends, itÍs clear that these should be your ushers. However, especially in situations where the bride has a huge entourage of bridesmaids, it can be more difficult to pick and choose. Whether you know the friend from kindergarten or college or have just recently met in the workplace, the biggest requirement for your groomsmen picks is the bond you share. Other Family: Cousins, nephews and other family members can also make good choices for your groomsmen, ushers or other members of your wedding party. Younger male family members may be given special roles such as ring bearer, junior groomsmen or helpers at the reception. Keep in mind that youÍll want to thank your best man, groomsmen and ushers for supporting you with a thoughtful pick in groomsmen gifts. At Groomstand.com, there are many best man gift ideas that will express your sentiments with a keepsake heÍll value for all the years to come.

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