Awesome Groomsmen Gifts

Looking for Awesome Groomsmen Gifts? Try the Internet! If you’re like most men and hate to shop, you may be dreading getting gifts for your groomsmen. One solution is Internet shopping, where you can find awesome groomsmen gifts. Here are some advantages to consider.        Convenience The convenience of Internet shopping is unbeatable. Shop from home? Have items delivered to your door? Why didn’t they think of this sooner? Find that perfect groomsmen gift buddy!     Variety The variety of items you can find online is staggering. It would be almost impossible to not find awesome gifts. Try shopping using specific words like "Best Groomsmen Gifts For X" or  "Awesome Groomsmen Gifts For Surfers" or "Expensive Groomsmen Gifts For the Elite".   Competitive Pricing The global marketplace practically ensures great prices. Some sites also offer free shipping, and chances are good you won’t have to pay state sales tax, either.     At Groomstand.com, we strive to deliver the best bang for your buck.  We know weddings aren't cheap these days... but don't leave your buddies hanging. Get that AWESOME GROOMSMEN GIFT my friend and you will be rewarded.   Give Internet shopping a try. You may find some awesome groomsmen gifts without even getting dressed. 

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Scarlet Fever - Sexy Star Getting Married

Who is Romain Dauriac and how did the dude get engaged to screen siren, Scarlet Johansson? Inquiring minds want to know, I know I do! First reported by People magazine, the Hollywood grapevine was all atwitter about the pending nuptials of the Avengers star, especially since she has been seen all summer wearing diamond rings on left hand --- although dismissed each one as a fleeting bauble. If you recall, the beauty was previously married to Ryan Reynolds, so this will be her second trip down the aisle. Scarlet is a pretty private lady, so it’s hard to tell if the romance is real. Well, as of September, the engagement has been confirmed, it apparently happened about a month ago. No details as of yet. A source for the couple confirms the question was popped and they are “very happy.” Scarlet and her groom-to-be were out promoting her new sci-fi thriller, Under the Skin, at the Venice International Film Festival. Her vintage art deco ring was on full display as she walked down the red carpet. So, after some quick Googling, it looks like Dauriac is a journalist who has been publically dating Scarlett since November 2012 after attending the premier of her movie Hitchcock together. He is the past editor of Clark, a French magazine devoted to underground urban art and is currently the manager of a creative agency. The rumor is that his tattoo artist introduced the two, as he was the inker also behind Scarlet’s recent horseshoe tat. Even though she looks to be off the market, we still love Scarlet. Here are a few great facts with ideas for groomsmen gifts, best man gifts, and wedding gifts in her honor: She rose to prominence in the 1998 movie, The Horse Whisper, as a young teen. She just got a horseshoe tattoo, so we are making the leap that she digs horses. This is the perfect reason to wear a pair of our lucky horseshoe cufflinks with your wedding tuxedo and get a bunch of extras to give as groomsmen gifts for your fellow Scarlet fans. Scarlet has made plenty of “sexiest” lists, most notably Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire Magazine in 2006 and "Sexiest Celebrity," by Playboy Magazine in 2007. Pretty sure your eyes would pop out of your head to see her wearing our bridal camisole set sparkling with Swarovski crystals. Get this for your bride-to-be, which we’re pretty sure is just as hot. Well, you better think that! In 2011, some hero – I mean, hack – got into her phone account and swiped pictures. The FBI finally caught up with him, charged him with computer hacking and dissemination of nude photos. Looking for groomsmen gifts and best man gifts? Who wouldn’t love one of our personalized iPhone cases that can be monogramed with three letters. We suggest using SIJ – for Scarlet Ingrid Johansson. Is that too stalker-ish? Well known for her curves, Scarlet reports sticking to a strict salmon and kale diet before taking on sexy roles. But, after filming she likes to indulge with her favorite foods, one of which is buffalo chicken wings! This is a girl that would be welcomed in any man cave. In fact, personalize any of our man cave signs to say “Welcome Scarlet,” give them as groomsmen gifts and live vicariously. Are you a Scarlet fan? Tell us all about it and what you think about this engagement in the comments below.

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Groomsmen Gifts Popular for Fall Weddings

September is the second most popular month for weddings, falling in right behind the ever-famous June. The reason so many couples get hitched this time of year is, in large part, because of the mild weather – it’s started to cool off a bit yet it’s not too cold in most parts of the country. In my opinion and in my part of the world, October and November make nice months for nuptials. While your bride tends to every last detail of your amazing autumn wedding, she has probably left a few tasks for you. In addition to choosing your groomsmen and selecting the wedding day attire for the men, you’re most likely charged with shopping for and buying the groomsmen gifts along with a best man gift and ring bearer gift. It is so common for grooms-to-be to approach the shopping task with less excitement than the bride. However, you don’t want to be playing catch-up in the days before the event; racing around town trying to find meaningful groomsmen gifts at the 11th out is not fun. You’ll end up generic gifts that don’t show your true sentiments of appreciation or, worse case scenario; you’ll end up without any groomsmen gifts to give at all! Even though you in charge of finding the “perfect” groomsmen gift, it doesn’t mean it has to be super expensive or overly sentimental. Just think about what your buddies would like? What would they actually use and not stick in a drawer to get lost or passively display on a shelf to collect dust? We’re all for practical AND fun gifts at GroomStand.com. Chances are that you’ve probably had a lot of fun with your friends in the past; choosing a gift for groomsmen that reflects these good times and also is a guy gift that will be used frequently makes a real winner in cool best man gifts and groomsmen gifts. Here are a few that we love right now: Beer Gifts: Nothing comes to mind quicker when mentioning guy friends and fun is “beer.” Celebrate your love for good brew and good friends with a beer-centric groomsmen gift. You can be darn well sure that your beer-drinking friends with get plenty of use out of a personalized beer mug. At your wedding event the personalization will help keep the recipient’s beloved brew from being mistakenly consumed and at home, it will remind him of the years of shared friendship. GroomStand.com has beer mugs to suit every interest, appetite and inclination. Really thirsty beer drinkers will appreciate our personalized beer growler that holds up to 64 ounces of the good stuff! Meant to pour into mugs or pilsners, but we won’t tell if you chug beer straight from the growler. Personalized beer mugs, tankards, pilsners, and other barware also make tasteful groomsmen gifts for any aficionado of ale. Right now, we really love using a personalized beer flight to sample a variety of beers. Sure, the glasses may be smaller, but you get to have four glasses to yourself and that’s a win-win situation in our books! If you’re looking for a funny beer gift for groomsmen, our Joe Six Pack is sure to be the hit of any party. This belt-style contraption allows the wearer to hold six cans of beer around his waist giving the term “beer belly” a whole new meaning! Another great way to than your groomsmen is to honor their favorite forms of recreation. Whether he plays golf, goes to the gym or is just into spectator sports, GroomStand.com has loads of groomsmen gifts that will suit his free time passions. A personalized golf putter is always a top-end choice, making it perfect to give as a best man gift. He’ll enjoy putting practice in his office and then take pride in displaying the personalized keepsake on his wall of “fame.” Even when autumn passes and the weather turns bad, he’ll stick have that golf putter from you to pass the time until spring! Another sporty groomsmen gift appropriate for the fall season is a personalized football sign. We have a full line of personalized locker room signs for all the top collegiate teams as well as more generalized football signs that would look awesome in a man cave, home bar or game room.

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Bow Tie, Neck Tie or Neither - A Groom's Quandry

Bow tie, neck tie or neither? This has become a common question with men deciding on their wedding day attire; which to choose, which to choose? Some men might say “neither,” and point to the fact that both are still like a noose around the neck. We say poppycock to those peeps, that’s a sad commentary on getting married As far as tradition and dress code etiquette are concerned, bow ties are to be worn to formal events or when a tuxedo is called into action and neckties are to be worn at more casual affairs usually with suits. Today, just like with certain bridal traditions, this “dress code” is being left on the curb as the importance individuality takes over! More men are choosing to call attention to their personalities and style preferences on their big day! A man who wears a bow tie is prestigious, elegant and exudes class! Not to mention, he’s viewed as unique, intelligent and indifferent to other people’s opinions. There have been many men throughout history who have used the bow tie as their signature piece, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Steve Jobs and Pee-Wee Herman, just to name just a few. I’ve heard many women say that they love the old school bow tie look, especially when the bowtie is left undone and hanging around the neck, a la Cary Grant. A bow tie is a great fashion choice if you will be wearing a tux at your wedding, but even if you are wearing a less dressy business suit or sports jacket, a bow tie can still make a sophisticated, smart statement. A humorous way to look at the bow tie is that it is the topper on your wrapping (the suit or tuxedo) – underneath awaits an awesome groom! If you plan on wearing a bow tie, check out our absolutely fitting pair of bow tie cufflinks – these would also make a clever choice in groomsmen gifts. Now, onto the neckties. Neckties have been around forever in some form or fashion. In ancient times, a slip of fabric or scarf worn around the neck identified the wearer as belonging to a certain group -- you could call this the early way to declare your title or wealth (today it might be the car we drive or the watch we wear). Some ties were also just a straightforward necessity used to sop up sweat. Modern neckties date back to King Lousi XIV of France who popularize the “cravat” after spotting a similar look on Croatian soldiers from the 1600s. Today a necktie can convey a variety of messages, depending on the scenario and your intent. Wearing a necktie in a professional setting shows that you are in charge and are a leader – especially if your tie is a power color such as red. Wearing a tie can also signify respect, such as in church or at a memorial event. However, in a more formal setting, wearing a traditional neck tie shoes you aren’t necessarily tied to the rules of proper dress, but are still sophisticated in a laid-back way. If you are planning to wear a necktie with your tuxedo or suit, there are literally thousands and thousands of choice in color and pattern. Pick a tie that suits your personality, whether that is bright purple with yellow polka-dots or a subtle herringbone plaid. Accessories can be worn with your neck tie including a personalized tie clip, a tie tack or even matching cufflinks. Tie clips, cufflinks and other men’s accessories make great groomsmen gifts, especially if they are personalized. Adding a personalization to the groomsman gift shows that you have put extra thought and consideration into the recipient’s give, thus helping to seal its fate as an instant heirloom. So, what type of tie are you wearing with your wedding day attire? What does your tie say about YOUR personality? Please share in the comments below.

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Scarlet Fever - Sexy Star Getting Married

Who is Romain Dauriac and how did the dude get engaged to screen siren, Scarlet Johansson? Inquiring minds want to know, I know I do! First reported by People magazine, the Hollywood grapevine was all atwitter about the pending nuptials of the Avengers star, especially since she has been seen all summer wearing diamond rings on left hand --- although dismissed each one as a fleeting bauble. If you recall, the beauty was previously married to Ryan Reynolds, so this will be her second trip down the aisle. Scarlet is a pretty private lady, so it’s hard to tell if the romance is real. Well, as of September, the engagement has been confirmed, it apparently happened about a month ago. No details as of yet. A source for the couple confirms the question was popped and they are “very happy.” Scarlet and her groom-to-be were out promoting her new sci-fi thriller, Under the Skin, at the Venice International Film Festival. Her vintage art deco ring was on full display as she walked down the red carpet. So, after some quick Googling, it looks like Dauriac is a journalist who has been publically dating Scarlett since November 2012 after attending the premier of her movie Hitchcock together. He is the past editor of Clark, a French magazine devoted to underground urban art and is currently the manager of a creative agency. The rumor is that his tattoo artist introduced the two, as he was the inker also behind Scarlet’s recent horseshoe tat. Even though she looks to be off the market, we still love Scarlet. Here are a few great facts with ideas for groomsmen gifts, best man gifts, and wedding gifts in her honor: She rose to prominence in the 1998 movie, The Horse Whisper, as a young teen. She just got a horseshoe tattoo, so we are making the leap that she digs horses. This is the perfect reason to wear a pair of our lucky horseshoe cufflinks with your wedding tuxedo and get a bunch of extras to give as groomsmen gifts for your fellow Scarlet fans. Scarlet has made plenty of “sexiest” lists, most notably Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire Magazine in 2006 and "Sexiest Celebrity," by Playboy Magazine in 2007. Pretty sure your eyes would pop out of your head to see her wearing our bridal camisole set sparkling with Swarovski crystals. Get this for your bride-to-be, which we’re pretty sure is just as hot. Well, you better think that! In 2011, some hero – I mean, hack – got into her phone account and swiped pictures. The FBI finally caught up with him, charged him with computer hacking and dissemination of nude photos. Looking for groomsmen gifts and best man gifts? Who wouldn’t love one of our personalized iPhone cases that can be monogramed with three letters. We suggest using SIJ – for Scarlet Ingrid Johansson. Is that too stalker-ish? Well known for her curves, Scarlet reports sticking to a strict salmon and kale diet before taking on sexy roles. But, after filming she likes to indulge with her favorite foods, one of which is buffalo chicken wings! This is a girl that would be welcomed in any man cave. In fact, personalize any of our man cave signs to say “Welcome Scarlet,” give them as groomsmen gifts and live vicariously. Are you a Scarlet fan? Tell us all about it and what you think about this engagement in the comments below.

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Tipping Point - Gratuity Advice for Grooms

The time-honored tradition of tipping can often raise a lot of questions and debates. Although tipping service providers is typically regarded as a distinctively American practice, the act was actually an Old World tradition starting back in the 1700s (or even earlier) where tavern workers were given ñdrink moneyî by patrons so that they may also have a tankard of beer at nightÍs end. Tipping in America did not actually take hold until after the Civil War when opinions about gifting to ñinferiorsî were less controversial. Today it seems everyone has an opinion about how large or little of a gratuity to leave. While it is widely accepted that 15 to 20% is the norm when tipping the waiter or waitress at a sit-down restaurant, it seems that the specific percentage left on a tip isnÍt necessarily correlated to the serverÍs performance. Research has shown that customers tip more out of a fear of social disapproval than for actual good service. As a customer in the wedding industry, you are in a position to be tipping all sorts of service providers. At least for the sake of your wallet, letÍs just hope itÍs a limited, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Budget ahead for tipping on your wedding services, that way youÍre not surprised that you spent up to 20% or more than expected. IÍve compiled a list of suggestions on how much to tip when settling the bill. Remember, for many service providers, the tip is often considered by his or her employer as part of overall compensation _ even though it is really just the ñpotentialî for compensation. If you know what youÍre getting into and tip wisely, yet fairly, youÍll certainly have enough cash left over for awesome groomsmen gifts and best man gifts. Barber and Manscaper: Even if youÍre a low-maintenance guy, you may be getting a few extra services for your wedding day. The expected tip at the end of your appointment is 15 _ 25 percent, depending on the quality of service. Wedding Delivery and Set-up Staff: Tip $5 to $10 per person for those workers who are delivering important items to the location of your wedding. This can include delivery persons for the wedding cake, flowers, chair and table rental, etc. Wedding Ceremony Officiant: Make a significant donation to your church or synagogue if your officiant is part of that organization. That money will be considered a donation to the church and not a tip to the person. Nondenominational officiants, not related to a church, do not require a donation because you are being charged for their time _ however a $50 t $100 tip is common. Wedding Ceremony and/or Reception Musicians: If you think your musicians did a great job during your wedding, tip them about $20 _ 25 dollars per person in addition to their set fees. Also, if you have hired a DJ to play tunes all night, he will also be pleased with a tip for good service. Usually this will be more than for the ceremony site; heÍll be working more hours. Wedding Photographer/Videographer: Although it is not required, many couples tip their wedding photographer (and assistants) as a thank you and, perhaps, way to ensure the photos turn out great. Wedding Reception Staff: Employees who are working your wedding event, such as the banquet manager, servers, bartenders and such, will require tips, so pull out your money clip. However, look at your contract with the facility to see if the gratuity is already included and, if not, tip 15 to 20 percent on the total bill. Limo Driver: Standard tips are 10 to 15% of the fair, go up to 20% if the driver helps with extra, heavy or unwieldy bags. Tattoo Artists: If you head straight to the tattoo shop to get a ñMr. & Mrs.î tat, tip least 10% to 20% of the bill, depending on the difficulty and amount of work performed.

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How to Pick Your Groomsmen and Best Man

“How to pick your groomsmen,” we’ve talked about this sometimes touchy issues before on https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand But, in the scheme of wedding planning for a guy, it’s a pretty big deal, maybe one of the biggest responsibilities you’ll be charged with (along with selecting groomsmen gifts for them), so it’s well worth rehashing and elaborating upon. Long before the wedding day, it’s time to start mulling over who you’d like to be your best man, groomsmen and ushers. Identifying the family members and buddies you want to support on your big day is an important decision for many reasons. The first is you’ll be creating memories that will be shared with everyone in the wedding party until the proverbial “until death do you part.” Before you start making your list, check with your fiancée and follow her lead on numbers of people you’ll need and when on the calendar to ask them. Traditionally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids. So, for a small and intimate wedding you may just have one or two while for a mega-event, the numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen sometimes reach into the dozens. According to various statistics on the internet, the average number of groomsmen is four and the world record for the largest number of groomsmen is 47. Whether “too many” or “too few,” it is rare that a groom agrees with the bride that the proposed number is “just right.” Some men find it intimidating to request a favor of such magnitude from so many men while other guys have trouble narrowing down the field of friends. Unlike the bride, a man also has to consider that for larger weddings, a number of ushers are also par for the course. The standard ration for this job role is one usher per 50 guests. Before impulsively asking every guy you’ve ever grabbed a beer to join your wedding day roster, take time to consider who is meaningful in your life, who will be meaningful in your life and who will take the responsibilities seriously. Here are some good places to start your recruiting: Brothers: Brothers are typically very close; this is why the marrying brother almost always asks the other brother – the alleged role model -- to be his best man. It’s 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 this experience. Stepbrothers, especially if you’ve grown up together, will be another natural choice for your lineup of groomsmen. Sometimes in a group of brothers, there is no jockeying for position (rare, I know). In this event, have them flip a coin to determine who is best man – and if they still can’t decide, let them know their groomsmen gift will be better! Brothers of Fiancé: In terms of proper etiquette, including your bride-to-be’s brothers in your wedding is a thoughtful gesture. Not only is it a good way to get your marriage off on a good start from your bride’s point of view, it gives you the chance to build a stronger relationship with your new, legally-sanctioned sibling and welcome him into your family. Friends: For those guys with just few close confidants, it’s obvious that these should be your groomsmen. However, especially in situations where the bride has a huge entourage of bridesmaids, it can be more difficult to pick and choose among other “layers” of male relationships. Whether you know the buddy from pre-school or university or have connected more recently on the job, the biggest checkmark for the guys you select is the bond you share. Other Family: Cousins, nephews and other family members, even distant ones, can also make fine picks for your groomsmen, ushers and other wedding party members. Younger male family members can be made to feel “grown up” by being charged with special roles such as ring bearer, junior groomsmen or helpers at the reception. Remember to thank these men for supporting you through the years and on your big day with a special choice in groomsmen gifts. Your best man, groomsmen, ushers and ring bearer will especially appreciate personalized gifts for groomsmen – these groomsmen gifts show that you’ve though specifically of them. At https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand, there are many best man gift ideas that will convey your thanks for years to come.

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Limo Renting Tips for Grooms

If the bride has tasked you with hiring a limousine for your wedding, you can’t let her down. Nothing would be worse than pulling up to the chapel in some dilapidated jalopy of a limo. Well, actually, it could be worse; you could get stood up with no transportation at all if you choose an unreliable provider. Don’t let the bride down, get this job done – consider it a gift to the bride from the groom (but don’t cheap out, you’ll still need to get her a real gift) Before you start stressing out, we have some great tips that will keep the wheels from falling off the wonderfulness of your wedding day. Get referrals. This is one time to pay extra care to what other people think. Inquire among friends, family and co-workers; get the scoop on what limo services are well worth the expense and which ones to avoid. If you are not able to get a personal recommendation, at least check with the Better Business bureau before you book a reservation to ensure that the company doesn’t have a large number of complaints. Book early. Line up your ride well before the event – definitely not the day before, guys! If your big day is planned in the spring, you’ll want to get a contract signed on your limo service at least several months in advance. With so many weddings, proms and other formal affairs this time of year, it can sometimes be hard to track down and reserve the vehicle you want, especially if you live in a smaller market. Consider limo size. When choosing a limo, you’ll want to take into consideration the numbers of people who will be getting a lift. Bigger is better here. Limo capacity doesn’t take into account all the other intrusive factors of a wedding – large, poofy dresses, mountains of flowers, wedding gifts, groomsmen gifts, best man gifts and other space-hogging gear. So, in reality a 10 person limo might only hold six or seven. Get a contract. As previously hinted to, it is important to get a contract between you and the service provider. Not only will this outline the price and hours of service, it should also describe exactly what car will be providing your service and how emergencies, breakdowns and other contingencies will be handled. Other legal issues. Ask to see documentation that the limo service is insured in the event of personal or property damage while you are being transported. Also check to see what the company’s cancellation policy is in the event that you have to back out at the last minute due to an emergency or (heaven forbid) cold feet. For a small fee, some providers will offer cancellation insurance. Pre-drive the route. Before the wedding, drive the route from your home to the church to the reception (along with any other places you may need to go in the limo). If possible, try to make this dry-run happen at the same time of day so you can properly gage traffic and determine how much time to allot. Stock the limo: Make sure your limo has all the “must-haves” for your group including snacks, disposable cameras, a great play list and other practical things like engraved flasks and portable personalized coolers (both of which make great groomsmen gifts, by the way). So, you probably didn’t realize all the little nuisances of booking a limo. Hopefully, my list of tips will help future grooms make the best choice when planning for their big day. Have you ever run into any problems renting a car for hire or a limo? Share your tips for making the process smoother in the comment section below.

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Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall - Six to Start!

It’s a guy’s dream come true, we’re talking about 99 bottles of beer on the wall. Just as the familiar pub song suggests, just “take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall.” We can’t argue that it might be fun to drink your way through 99 bottles of beer along with your groomsmen, but when you all have drained every last drop – it’s gone for good! Why not make the magic last with a bottle of beer on the wall that lasts forever. GroomStand.com has a impressive array of tavern signs, pub signs, bar signs – or whatever you call these tributes to beer. Any of your brew-loving buddies will love to hang a beer on his wall, it’s a way to mark his territory in a man cave, game room or little corner of the den. Here are six of our favorite personalized beer signs that make refreshing gifts for groomsmen, your best man, or any other beer-lover in your life. Beer Pong Champion Personalized Sign: This sign is perfect for groomsmen gifts; it will remind your friends from college days about all the hours you spent practicing drinking games – back then it was a serious sport! Crafted to look like an old-fashioned chalkboard, this pub sign features a graphic of those familiar red party cups and a ping pong ball ready to make a winning landing. Of course, these personalized signs may be custom-printed with the “establishment year” and beer pong moniker. Personalized Good Times Tavern Sign: Crafted with a rounded top and graphic of inviting tankard overflowing with beer, these tasteful, beer-inspired groomsmen gifts shows you know the universal symbol of man-style hospitality – a tall mug of frothy brew! Ready to be personalized with the recipient’s name. Personalized “We Cheer Beer” Tavern Sign: For some reason this rounded top, two old-school style tavern sign reminds me of the television show “Cheers.” Probably because the two mugs being clanked together by friends conjures up an image of a friendly spot where “everybody knows your name.” With his name personalized on the groomsmen gift, your buddy will know he's in charge of all the "advice and enlightenment." Vintage Man Cave Sign: This personalized pub sign advertises cold beer, good times and no drama permitted! Sounds like a paradise for any guy in your wedding, from groomsmen and the best man to the father of the bride. These gifts for groomsmen serve as a symbol of your thanks and are perfect when displayed outside a guy's personal space for rest and relaxation. The text announces all who dare enter must abide by the law of the cave -- sports, solitude, cigars, cold beer and, of course, no drama! Personalized Mug Tavern Sign: Our Personalized Mug Tavern Sign is an awesome choice gifts for groomsmen who hold beer near and dear to their hearts. So suggestive, just one look and your buddies will suddenly have a thirst for an icy cold mug of beer! These personalized pub signs with a retro chalkboard style, make thoughtful groomsmen gifts that will be displayed and enjoyed in your honor. Personalized Social Club Sign: You can’t miss the inviting beer graphic on the front of this rounded-top pub sign. Hang this up wherever you please and announce that this is the new location “Where the Neighborhood’s Finest Hangout.” These groomsmen gifts may be personalized with the recipient’s name and jokes about serving cold beer – did you bring any! A fun gift for the extroverted connoisseur of beer.

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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.                                

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Get Your Groom On

There is no excuse for being a slob . . . or as your bride-to-be might diplomatically say, “looking disheveled.” Maybe it’s just fine to show off shadowy stubble and a squirrel’s nest of hair on a lazy weekend morning, a late bachelor night or even at work if you have a boss with a loose interpretation of “casual Friday,” but never, ever at any of your wedding events – especially the big day. Your wedding day is the first day of the rest of your life with your new bride and, believe you me; it will be recorded and photographed for posterity by both sides of the family. And then, in this day and age, it will be shared on Facebook, twitter, personal blogs, and Instagram to hundreds of friends and family and maybe even thousands or millions of perfect strangers. So, of course, you want to look your best. Make a dashing impression at your wedding events by taking those grooming habits to the next level – or, even just making grooming a habit! Didn’t your mother always tell you to comb your hair and wash behind your ears? Now’s the time to do it! Follow our tips for the groom on how to get groomed for a wedding. Good luck! Get a Hair Repair: You don’t have to look like the 70s Breck Shampoo hair model, to come off as the handsome groom at your wedding. Some guys just aren’t gifted with those kinds of soft, silky hair genes. We liken going to the barber like getting the oil changed in your car; you have to do it at least every three months to keep things going smoothly. A guy’s hair that hasn’t been cut (we’ll refrain from saying “styled” in a while can be really unruly. You don’t want to look like Cousin It when it’s time to say “I do.” Consider a blow dryer; try out some styling gels, steal a bit of your fiancées hairspray if the day is exceptionally humid. We won’t tell. Keep everything hidden in a handsome monogrammed toiletry kit, a nice choice in groomsmen gifts as well. Don’t Sweat It: No matter how chill you are, you’re probably going to be at least a little nervous at during all the social obligations of the wedding – especially up there at the altar saying your vows. Even if you’re not a profuse sweater, you may get a little shiny on the brow and sweaty under the arms. It’s a pesky problem, but one that can be alleviated on the face with some blotting papers or powder (ask your bride, she’ll know). For all-over body perspiration, that’s a sign of the “fight or flight” response, it will probably happen. Make sure you wear a cotton undershirt under your dress shirt to mop up the downpour, take a fresh one to change into for the reception. If you’re a confirmed mega-sweater, take an extra tuxedo shirt too. Don’t forget to swap out your cufflinks. Another common sense tip that will prevent any unpleasant scents is to remember the deodorant – please! Suck it up and get a “man-icure”. Don’t dismiss the starring role your hands will play on the wedding day. You’ll be holding hands, wearing a new wedding ring (and being photographed up-close in it), and getting a congratulatory handshake from everyone. A do-it-yourself manly manicure will get all the dirt and grease out from under your nails and keep your cuticles in presentable order. After a shower, use a nail brush to get slough off dead cells and debris from your hands and then gently push back cuticles and neatly trim nails. Use implements from a manicure set for safety. In fact, pass out manicure sets to your buddies for groomsmen gifts so you all look well-groomed. If you have an excess of callousing on the palms of your hands from working out or manual labor, soak them a little longer in warm water and then vigorously rub them together to get off as much dead skin as you can. If needed, then very carefully use a razor to peel off the rest. Lotion up your hands ad dab a bit of baby oil into the cuticles, and you’ll look like a magazine hand model.

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Advert Thirst Disasters with Emergency Drink Kits

I was recently out of town for a wedding and was treated to a clever wedding favor. When I arrived to the hotel and trudged up to my room, inside an “emergency drink kit” was waiting to greet me. It’s not unusual for the bride and groom to leave behind a little welcome basket in each room for the non-local guests; usually it’s filled up with stuff like maps, restaurant suggestions, the wedding weekend itinerary, some snack foods and such. But this was way, way cooler considering I really needed a good drink after a long and stressful day of air travel. The couple had taken a personalized cooler (embroidered with my monogram) and filled it with an assortment of soft drinks, juices, and bottled coffee beverages. Also included -- drum roll-- were plenty of mini-bar sized bottles of liquor, from Jack Daniels whiskey to Baily’s Irish Cream. Now I wouldn’t have to raid the hotel room stash and end up with a sky-high bill upon checkout. In addition to all the liquid refreshments was a pair laser engraved double old-fashioned glasses, perfect for mixing up a drink. Depending on the tastes of your wedding guests, you might consider switching up the contents of an emergency drink kit. For wine connoisseurs, include a bottle of a popular local variety along with a cork screw! Hey, what about a bota bag that can be slipped in like a “roadie” to the ceremony? Just kidding, or am I? For lovers of small-batch beer, mix-and-match a six pack with some favorite brews unique to your part of the county and include a set of personalized beer mugs to help it all go down in style! Don’t forget the bottle opener. If you don’t have the budget to treat every out of town guest, you could also make up these drink kits and swap out the personal cooler for a nice paper gift bag with ribbons in the color of your wedding scheme. Then, assemble a few of the upgraded emergency drink kits to give to your buddies for sure-to-be-appreciated groomsmen gifts. This sort of on-site refreshment center will set just the right tone for down time after the rehearsal dinner or getting ready for the big day. Nothing like having your friends and a few drinks nearby to settle the nerves. Now, if there is going to be a lot of imbibing at the various wedding events, it might also be good to provide plenty of water so that guests can keep themselves hydrated. Remember that old college trick of drinking a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage? It really does help with getting too tipsy and preventing hangovers. If you’d like to provide reusable water bottles as gifts for the groomsmen or best man gifts, https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand has some personalized aluminum bottles that may be customized with a monogram, name or initials. Long after your wedding, these bottles can be used at the gym or outdoor events – and the recipient will always remember what a great time was had at your wedding.

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