49 Articles
Strange and Unusual Wedding Traditions
When youÍve questioned the necessity of some element in the wedding, youÍve probably heard your bride say ñWe have to do (insert whatever) because itÍs a tradition.î ItÍs true, wedding are all about tradition, often customs that have been practiced for centuries. For example, todayÍs elegant white wedding dress might not be as modern as it looks; the style is an evolution of the white lace gown first made popularized by Queen Victorian during the 1800s. And, did you know the custom of having groomsmen is stems from European days of yore. Groomsmen were actually body guards for the bride, to ensure that she made it to the groomÍs home with her dowry! Now you know why itÍs expected to give groomsmen gifts.YouÍll be surprised, and perhaps scratching your head in confusion, to learn about some rather strange wedding traditions from the past. Brides and female relatives of the Tujia people, make crying a priority when it comes to getting married. One month before the wedding, the bride must cry for one hour per day. After ten days, her mother joins in the crying and then ten days later the brideÍs grandmother adds her crying to the wailing song. Believe it or not, the ïcrying songÍ is supposed to be an expression of joy. Get a pen and paper for a note to self _ stay awake! Supposedly, the first spouse to fall asleep on the wedding night will be the first person to eventually die. Beware of pigs, lizards or rabbits crossing the road on your wedding day, these are bad omens. On the other hand, seeing rainbows, sunshine, a black cat or chimney sweep are all good omens! Many also still believe that rain on wedding day is good luck The bride must enter the new home through the front door, being careful not to stumble or fall. This is how the tradition of carrying the bride across the threshold began. In Southern Sudan people of the Neur tribe believe that the marriage is not complete until the woman has had two children. If she fails to do so, the groom is able to seek a divorce. The number of ribbons a bride breaks when opening wedding gifts predicts how many children she will bear. Tying cans to the back of the newlywedÍs getaway car harks back to the ancient days when loud noises were thought to ward off evil spirits. In the Congo, getting married is nothing to smile about. In order for the union to be taken seriously, the bride and groom are not permitted to smile at each other (or anyone) throughout the entire ceremony. Wedding guests used to sneak into the newlywedÍs bedroom and snatch their removed stockings; the first guest to fling a stocking and successfully hit either the bride or groom would be the next person to marry. In France, friends of the bride and groom collect all of the leftovers, bits of trash, and anything else they deem to be sufficiently gross within a toilet bowl which they would then force the bride and groom to drink out of. Today, the trash is often substituted with chocolate; but youÍre still drinking brown stuff out of a real live toilet bowl. WouldnÍt it be much more civilized to use a personalized beer mug or champagne flute? The first wedding gift a bride opens must be the first wedding gift she uses, no matter how strange or impractical it is. LetÍs hope for your sake, she opens a pretty piece of lingerie. It is very unlucky for the bride and groom to see each other on the wedding day before the ceremony. This old tradition, which comes from the times when most marriages were arranged, is still one of the most practiced hold-overs from wedding history. If you though your mom was nosy, youÍll not believe this! Certain villages in Africa require an older woman to accompany the newlyweds into their bedroom on the wedding night in order to ñshow the bride the ropesî. Although this is usually a village elder, sometimes it can be the brides own mother. Maybe if you distract her with a fabulous gift for mom, sheÍll forget about her instructional duties.
Read more
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!
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Mind-boggling, Budget-busting Wedding Records
There is something about human nature that makes us want to “one-up” each other. From SAT scores and the square-footage of homes to the numbers of push-ups and zeros on our paychecks, people – especially guys – like to compare and compete. For goodness sakes, this is how the Guinness Book of World Records came into existence; man needed a way to record random accomplishments and set the bar higher and higher for the next guy to bust his butt achieving. Well, you will be happy (or horrified) that the details of your wedding are not immune to this drive to climb to the top of the heap and get noticed for being bigger, better, more expensive or some other sensational superlative. Here are some record book wedding achievements that will make your jaw drop and your bank account shudder. You may want to keep your bridezilla away from this list! Imagine what the crumbs cost? The most expensive wedding cake was created by a bakery aptly named Cake. The eight tiers of buttercream and spongy goodness will bring grown men to tears; the cost is a whopping $52,700,000 dollars thanks to the 4,000 real diamond embellishments. The typical cost for a wedding cake, as reported by The Knot, is just $540. So you do the math? Would you rather have one consumable cake and life in a trailer park or an “average” cake with an additional $52,999,460 for the fabulous mansion of your dreams. Either way, you need to get yourself a “rich-looking” leather wallet and several more for groomsmen gifts. A single slice would suffice! Now, most men we know would be more interested in the size of the wedding cake rather than the actual design. Who cares if it is encrusted with diamonds, edible gold, intricately basket-woven frosting and delicate candy flowers. Just how big is that bad boy? The world record for the largest wedding cake is held by the chefs at Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino in Connecticut. It weighs in at 15,032 pounds and could feed a literal army. Until death do you part. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, a pact to stay together for better or worse as long as you both shall live. In some unfortunate situations, spouses die an untimely death rendering the marriage shorter than expected. In other situations (that some men might also describe as unfortunate), the spouse just keeps on ticking as in the case of Herbert and Zemura Fisher who were married for an amazing 86 years, 9 months and 16 days! They must have married very young. On the other hand, if you get married older, you probably won’t be married as long -barring unforeseen medical breakthroughs. The oldest combined age of a couple on their wedding day goes to a 95 year-old bride named Lillian Hartley and a 98 year-old groom named Allan Marks. This puts their combined age at nearly 194 years! Their progeny will be basketball stars. The tallest married couple on record goes to Anna Hanen Swan (measuring in at 7 foot 5.5 inches) and Martin Van Buren Bats (7 foot 2.5 inches) for a combined height of 14 foot 8 inches. We heard a rumor that the groom hates it when she wears heels because it makes him feel “so short.” Okay, we made that part up. And by the way, check out our basketball inspired groomsmen gifts. So, are you feeling the need yet to make your claim for fame when it comes to getting married? First look at your obvious physical attributes. If the two of you have 12 toes AND mismatched eyes (one blue and one brown), you may have something to lead with. Second, look at your bank account and decide if you can afford the most expensive pair of engraved cufflinks, a super-ultra-luxury bachelor party or even outrageous groomsmen gifts. Or third, assess your talents to see if you have an aptitude, skill or the stamina to get you into the record books. For example, do you think you could juggle your way through the whole ceremony and reception? Or, how about literally making a 100-meter dash down the aisle in less than 9 seconds? Let us know your prospects for making wedding history in the comments below.
Read more
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?
Read more
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.
Read more
When in Rome - Ancient Wedding Traditions
They say ïwhen in Rome, do as the Romans do,Í and weÍre all for that, especially when it comes to eating gelato and watching gladiators battle each other. But, when it comes to wedding rituals, weÍre not so sure that we want to mimic some of the unusual goings-on that took place before, during, and after the marriage ceremony in this ancient civilization. It seems like every culture has its strange wedding customs, and here are the weirdest I found for the ancient Romans. Got Guts? You might consult your friends, a pastor or your long-term ñlife planî to decide on the best time to get married. If youÍre really ñout there,î you might even have your palm read or visit an astrologer. Heck, even our pocket watch compass combo could point you in the right direction and get you there on time. However, the ancient Romans went about things a little differently, studying a pigÍs entrails to figure out the best day to wed. In the south, weÍd just throw the entrails on the grill and call them chitterlings. Okay, maybe thatÍs just as weird. Ready to Rumble! A tradition that still stands today, Roman grooms would always stand at the altar with the bride positioned to the left of him. Why? Well, this stance was taken so that the groomÍs right (and usually dominant) hand would be free and available to fight off suitors. WeÍre wondering if he was holding an all-out sword at his side or did he carry a more discrete weapon, perhaps something like one of our pocket knives. Those ancient dudes are crazy, especially if the bride is some sort of goddess. IÍd hook up all the men in the party with their own knives (give ïem as groomsmen gifts) to make sure they had my back. ThatÍs Nuts! After the bride and groom finished the marriage ceremony and then feasted with guests over dinner, a procession escorted the bride from her childhood home to her new husbandÍs home. Upon arrival at the brideÍs house, the groom acted out ñtakingî the bride from her motherÍs arms with faux force. Then to celebrate the walk back to his house, people in the procession would throw nuts at the newlyweds in the same way we through rice today. In some ways, I think throwing nuts is awesome, so much more edible than raw rice, especially if a hammer or nutcracker has been presented as a groom gift. But, what kind of nuts are we talking about here? An unshelled walnut or Brazil nut could knock a guy out, especially if thrown by one of the brideÍs spurned suitors. Out Damn Knot! After the procession, the bride was escorted to the marriage bed and the new husband and wife were alone for perhaps the first time ever. Before the vows could be consummated, the man would have to untie a very elaborate knot on a rope that was securely fastened around the waist of the brideÍs wedding tunic by her mother. Ancient Romans called this the ñKnot of Hercules;î think of this as less intrusive version of a chastity belt that was only to be unknotted by the groom. Forget about unhooking bras, weÍre sure the nervous groom must have been praying for a mother-in-law that didnÍt have Herculean strength. In your situation, hopefully one of the groomsmen gifts (like a personalized flask) was offered by one of the guys to the brideÍs mother to create a diversion from her rope-tying skills. In the comments below, tell us the strangest ritual youÍve seen at a wedding, from the mildly weird to the all-out wacky.
Read more
The Ultimate Wedding Crasher
What would you do if the President of the United States showed up on your wedding day? Well, this exact thing happened to a more-than-surprised Iowa bride and groom recently. Apparently, the leader of the free world, none other than President Barak Obama, crashed their reception to the amazement of friends, family and, especially the bride and groom. It all went down Sept 1 at the Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa. Oops, the venue had planned a wedding and a campaign rally both on the same day! While the rally actually ended before the wedding started, there was some overlap time as the two different events took care of pre and post party details. In a gesture of kindness, the President left a wedding gift for the couple that is sure to become a conversation starter in newlywed’s homes for many, many years to come. The prized present was a handwritten notecard signed by Obama saying “Congratulations on your wedding. Michelle and I hope you enjoy your life together.” Also, included with the sentiments was a silver-plated cup and small tray personalized with the presidential seal and his engraved name. Good to see that the President knows how thoughtful personalized gifts for the groom and bride can be – put usually these wedding gifts are engraved with the newlywed’s names! I’m sure an exception to etiquette can be made in this instance. To top it off the classy bride and groom gifts, everything was delivered in a handsome blue gift bag straight from the White House. While the President and First Lady probably aren’t going to drop by your wedding, you can still receive an official greeting from the power couple by sending an invitation to the Greetings Office at the White House. For weddings, the request should be made after the event occurs (I guess to see if you really go through with it) and the wait for a reply can take several months. Send your invitation or letter with specifics to: The White House, Greetings Office 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500
Read more
Mind-boggling, Budget-busting Wedding Records
There is something about human nature that makes us want to “one-up” each other. From SAT scores and the square-footage of homes to the numbers of push-ups and zeros on our paychecks, people – especially guys – like to compare and compete. For goodness sakes, this is how the Guinness Book of World Records came into existence; man needed a way to record random accomplishments and set the bar higher and higher for the next guy to bust his butt achieving. Well, you will be happy (or horrified) that the details of your wedding are not immune to this drive to climb to the top of the heap and get noticed for being bigger, better, more expensive or some other sensational superlative. Here are some record book wedding achievements that will make your jaw drop and your bank account shudder. You may want to keep your bridezilla away from this list! Imagine what the crumbs cost? The most expensive wedding cake was created by a bakery aptly named Cake. The eight tiers of buttercream and spongy goodness will bring grown men to tears; the cost is a whopping $52,700,000 dollars thanks to the 4,000 real diamond embellishments. The typical cost for a wedding cake, as reported by The Knot, is just $540. So you do the math? Would you rather have one consumable cake and life in a trailer park or an “average” cake with an additional $52,999,460 for the fabulous mansion of your dreams. Either way, you need to get yourself a “rich-looking” leather wallet and several more for groomsmen gifts. A single slice would suffice! Now, most men we know would be more interested in the size of the wedding cake rather than the actual design. Who cares if it is encrusted with diamonds, edible gold, intricately basket-woven frosting and delicate candy flowers. Just how big is that bad boy? The world record for the largest wedding cake is held by the chefs at Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino in Connecticut. It weighs in at 15,032 pounds and could feed a literal army. Until death do you part. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, a pact to stay together for better or worse as long as you both shall live. In some unfortunate situations, spouses die an untimely death rendering the marriage shorter than expected. In other situations (that some men might also describe as unfortunate), the spouse just keeps on ticking as in the case of Herbert and Zemura Fisher who were married for an amazing 86 years, 9 months and 16 days! They must have married very young. On the other hand, if you get married older, you probably won’t be married as long -barring unforeseen medical breakthroughs. The oldest combined age of a couple on their wedding day goes to a 95 year-old bride named Lillian Hartley and a 98 year-old groom named Allan Marks. This puts their combined age at nearly 194 years! Their progeny will be basketball stars. The tallest married couple on record goes to Anna Hanen Swan (measuring in at 7 foot 5.5 inches) and Martin Van Buren Bats (7 foot 2.5 inches) for a combined height of 14 foot 8 inches. We heard a rumor that the groom hates it when she wears heels because it makes him feel “so short.” Okay, we made that part up. And by the way, check out our basketball inspired groomsmen gifts. So, are you feeling the need yet to make your claim for fame when it comes to getting married? First look at your obvious physical attributes. If the two of you have 12 toes AND mismatched eyes (one blue and one brown), you may have something to lead with. Second, look at your bank account and decide if you can afford the most expensive pair of engraved cufflinks, a super-ultra-luxury bachelor party or even outrageous groomsmen gifts. Or third, assess your talents to see if you have an aptitude, skill or the stamina to get you into the record books. For example, do you think you could juggle your way through the whole ceremony and reception? Or, how about literally making a 100-meter dash down the aisle in less than 9 seconds? Let us know your prospects for making wedding history in the comments below.
Read more
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?
Read more