Manly Groom Trends

Groom trends, they come and go and such is the nature of trends! One year ruffled tuxedo shirts are all the rage, the next year they are an embarrassment. The next year it’s all about plaid bow ties, and quickly they’re passé. – pretty much a groom just does as the bride instructs, right? Well, no longer! One trend for grooms that we’d like to see stick around for good is the groom sticking up for himself in the wedding planning process and “getting his balls back” to put it less delicately. So basically, if you don’t want to take ballroom dancing lessons to get ready for the “first dance, you don’t have to. If you want to show up at the wedding with a 5 ‘o-clock shadow, you can! Here are other man-centric things we’d like to see more of this wedding season and beyond: Less herb-crusted salmon, more steak. From filet to t-bone, any cut of beef has got to be better that a fussy little 3-ounce serving of fish. Trust us; no guy really wants to eat fish on the most important day of his life. Make the whole reception meat-fest even more awesome by serving of steak brands and other grilling items as gifts for the groomsmen. Less mimosas, more scotch. The bride may double-insist on some sort of girly drink to be served at the wedding such as a mimosa, cosmopolitan or some other fruity concoction. Man up and say that you require a scotch bar for your peeps, complete with some really good aged stuff and monogrammed barware like these personalized double old-fashioneds, perfect for serving up a few fingers of the best stuff. Less kumbaya male-bonding, more old-school bachelor parties. Say “No” to a guy’s getaway at the spa that your bride has conjured up for you and your buds under the premise of “I just want you all to look your best for the wedding.” Having your cuticles cut and nails buffed is no way to end your bachelorhood. Instead, a proper bachelor party with tons of booze, cigars and rowdy revelry is more appropriate for a guy with normal testosterone levels. If you're looking for groomsmen gifts for this type of outing, think on the terms of a personalized flask or engraved cigar case – both filled, of course!

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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.

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His Prerogative _ to be a Groom (again)

Probably singing “My Prerogative,” during the proposal (just a crazy guess), singer Brown and Alicia Etheridge are going to make it official after a two-year engagement. The couple, who also have a young child together, will be tying the knot as part of a business-pleasure trip to Hawaii. Brown has a Father’s Day gig in Honolulu, Hawaii and is parlaying a walk down the aisle on June 15th as part of the trip. Not a lot of details about the ceremony or guest list have been shared and most expect it to be a low-key, small affair with only family and close friends in attendance to serve as groomsmen and other members of the wedding party. On the heels of the shocking death of his ex-wife, Whitney Houston, Brown has been under the microscope with tongues clucking about his involvement in Whitney’s addiction to drugs. Breaking his silence with Matt Lauer on The Today Show, Brown responded to the accusations saying, “I didn't get high [on narcotics] before I met Whitney. I smoked weed, I drank the beer, but no, I wasn't the one that got Whitney on drugs at all ... I'm not the reason she's gone.” We’re thinking that the ever-popular personalized flask wouldn’t be an appropriate choice in groomsmen gifts and gifts for the groom at this wedding. But, maybe a personalized pen, a real luxury model, which he can use to sign all his autographs! Reportedly clean and sober today, it appears that Brown is looking forward to moving on with his life while grieving his ex in a healthy way. On June 5th, 10 days before the wedding, Brown’s first album in 14 years will be released, a compilation of his experiences and healing over the years – he performed a sneak peek of the touching single “Don’t Let Me Die” recently on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. ”

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Never Say These Five Things to Your New Wife

Guys, IÍm here to say that you need to put a filter on what you say, if you want to keep your marriage alive and well. There are certain things you never, ever want to say to your wife under any circumstances. There will be unpleasant repercussions, some of which you may have already learned by trial and error during the engagement period. You might get a good laugh out of this list; but trust us, she wonÍt. Say these things and she might cry, storm off, or freeze you out for months. WeÍre not telling you to lie. But, if you get put on the spot with a seemingly no-win question like, ñdo these jeans make my butt look bigî, just re-evaluate how your answer of ñnoî really is the truth. I mean, ñnoî those jeans donÍt make your butt look big when compared to a 300lb guest on the Jerry Springer Show. Keep that last part to yourself. Here are some other things you should never mention to your Misses. ñI donÍt.î or ñI wonÍt.î This is the ultimate no-no when it comes to ñwhat not to sayî to a woman, especially if youÍre standing at the altar with her. So, assuming that you said ñI doî and the wedding went on, make sure to always answer her queries in newlywed life with a ñyesî. Yes, I will pick up my socks off the floor. Yes, sweetie itÍs okay if your mother comes to visit this weekend. Yes, I can clean up my clutter of sports magazines. ArenÍt all of these ñyesesî building your case for having a dedicated room to serve as your man cave. Yes! "Your best friend is hot." Even if sheÍs a super model and your wife talks about how gorgeous she is herself, this is not a topic for you to comment on. Saying, "Oh really, I never noticed," does come off as a load of BS, instead just turn the conversation to the beauty of your wife. ñWell, her hair and eyes donÍt compare at all to yours, honey.î Honestly, one of the best gifts from the groom to the bride is a lifetime of sincere compliments. Then you can just gawk on the sly. ñI can only see your mustache when you stand in the light.î Never suggest that such a beautiful maiden should use your razor and badger brush; you will be badgered for a lifetime. ñYou have a hair sprouting out of your chin,î is only something one woman can say to another. A solution, buy a magnifying glass and feign interest in a weird mole that has popped up on your neck. Inevitably, she wonÍt be able to resist the mirror, will take a peek, and discover the wayward whiskers on her on. "You are exactly like your mother." Even if her mother is the most awesome lady on the planet, no daughter wants to hear these words leave her husbandÍs mouth. There always seems to be some issues in even the best mother-daughter relationships; hearing that sheÍs picked up her annoying traits is going to tick her off, even if itÍs true. Also, never compare her to your mother as in ñyou should really learn how to make my momÍs lasagna; itÍs better.î ñWhere do we keep the (soap, scissors, or whatever).î It seems like asking such a simple question shouldnÍt be a big deal. However, experience has shown that your wife is probably going to get mad if she has to tell you where everything is all the time. This will be especially inflaming to her if itÍs asked in a way where youÍre secretly trying to get her to go find it so you donÍt have to be bothered. If you need to stay organized, invest in some of our leather catch-all trays that we sell as groomsmen gifts at https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand So, ïfess up? Have you ever said anything yet to your bride-to-be that you wish you could have taken back? Let us know in the comments below.

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Money Clips, Credit Cards and Paying Incidentals on the Fly

Money clips have long been a popular choice in groomsmen gifts. This quintessential menÍs accessory carries a certain cach_ and that cach_ is cash! If you are planning to give your wedding attendants a money clip, itÍs still an excellent choice in gifts for groomsmen. But, of course, youÍll want to take into consideration all the other financial tools a man has to carry around on a daily basis, specifically a bunch of credit cards. Today, more than ever, credit cards are the primary means for transacting money. Payments traditionally only made with cash can now be made available on credit cards, thanks in large part to technological advancements in the industry. Companies such as Square, Intuit and PayPal have been marketing small credit card readers that fit on the top of smartphones and this has expanded the number of vendors that can accept plastic payments. So does this affect the groom and his groomsmen? You betcha, youÍll be surprised at how many ways credit cards can now be used to pay for incidentals that might come up during the bachelor party, wedding weekend, honeymoon and beyond. So, if you are planning to give money clips as best man gifts, groomsmen gifts, and even as a gift for yourself, make sure that you pick a style that also has room to carry your MasterCard, Visa, American Express or what have you. Here are some interesting ways to use your money clip or wallet on wedding related purchases:   Pay parking meters. Many big cities are using credit card readers with their parking meters. No longer will you have to worry about rummaging up change to feed the meter when you need to run downtown to attend to those wedding-related errands like picking up the marriage license, passports, or tuxedos. Not only is it easier for you, itÍs easier for the city that now doesnÍt have to hire employees to handle the physical cash.   Post bond. If the bachelor party reached the tipping point of inebriation, you and the guys would decide it wasnÍt a good idea to drive home. Taxis would be called, but if your cars were left on the street and penalized with a traffic ticket you have new options. Certain cities will now let you use a credit card as collateral on this type of ticket and other minor traffic violations. Some municipalities will even let you post bail to get out of jail with a credit card. Make sure those credit cards are organized and ready to go in one of our money and card holders or leather wallets; they are great mens gift ideas for nearly every event.   Do a good turn. Feeling like life is going so well that you better pay it forward to keep the good karma going? You can now whip your credit card out of your wallet and make a donation at a Salvation Army kettle or purchase Girl Scout cookies at your front door. No more fishing around for the exact change.   Purchase Vending Snacks. Are you running wedding planning errands with the bride and itÍs taking forever? If hunger strikes while you are waiting for her to try on shoes or pick out flowers, you can now hit the nearest vending machine and pay with plastic. Likewise, if you and the guys are making a connection at the airport after a Vegas weeked and donÍt have time for the food court, you can load up on Snickers, sodas and other snacks to keep you energized.   Are you looking at leather wallets or money clips to give as groomsmen gifts? The average guy holds 3.5 credit cards in his name, how about you? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Groomsmen Gift Ideas for the Redneck Wedding

Ever watch “My Big Fat Redneck Wedding” on the CMT network? It’s a reality show that documents down-home country couples as they prepare to take a trip down the aisles of matrimony -- it’s like a train wreck that you can’t turn away from. After watching a bubba-thon of these episodes one day and getting high on Cheetos and Twinkies, I started thinking about what would make some really cool groomsmen gifts for the redneck. Can of Coins - There’s no tackier way to express your sentiments for a friend’s help during your wedding than by presenting him with some coin – and we’re talking actual coins in a coffee can. While this gesture in groomsmen gifts shows that you can’t be bothered with the time it takes to pick a personalized gift, a true redneck recipient will be excited to receive fresh funds for a beer run. Beer Gifts – Speaking of beer runs, any groomsmen gift related to beer – preferably a cheap, mass-produced domestic – is one sure to get consumed. Let him drink beer from high falutin’ personalized beer mugs bearing his favorite past-time. Or, make sure he never runs out of tops to pop with a Joe Six Pack Belt, a genius invention that keeps half a dozen cold cans strapped down to his body. Tattoo Shop Gift Card – Nothing says true friendship than getting inked, present him a pre-paid certificate for a tattoo to supplement his already impressive collection. Perhaps these groomsmen gifts can be redeemed at the end of a wild bachelor party! Steak Brand – Put some sizzle into your groomsmen gifts with a steak iron, some feature monograms while some feature logos – there’s even a NASCAR iron. Fixing up a beef filet might sound out of his league, no one says he has to sear the design into a prime cut -- steak brands work just as well on Spam. Yum!

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Unusual Wedding Customs Involving the Groom

Following tradition is a great way for the groom to honor the historical significance of marriage. Of course, the groom doesn’t have to follow the rituals like proposing with a diamond engagement ring or thanking wedding attendants with groomsmen gifts, but most do because it’s part of the whole American wedding experience. Other countries have their own wedding traditions that may seem wacky, but who’s judging? But after reading these customs below, you might be glad you live where you do! Brazil: Long ago, a potential groom would have to prove himself to the prospective bride’s family by taming an unbridled donkey – the ritual ceremony was called bumba-meu-boi. China: At a special dinner with the bride’s family, the groom is served an egg. He breaks the yolk to symbolize the breaking of the bride’s ties with her family. Polynesia: In some areas, men are required to show their prowess by wrestling a shark or jump off a tower in a bungee-style feat. Scotland: In some towns, the groom is ‘blackened’ by smearing him with molasses, rotten eggs and other smelly sauces. He then has to parade up and town the street for the crowds to laugh, all in good fun! Sweden: At Swedish wedding receptions, women line up to kiss the groom as soon as the bride exits to go to the ladies’ room – and vice-versa! Africa: In some villages, an elder woman accompanies the bride and groom on their first night of marriage to ‘show them the ropes.’ And you thought your future mother-in-law was nosy! Korea: After the wedding ends, friends of the groom take off his socks, bind his ankles with a rope and start beating his feet with fish in preparation for his first night as a husband. Very strange! If you manage to escape your wedding experience without any of these strange and unusual wedding customs, make sure to thank all the kind people in your wedding party with a generous gesture – a great big hug and best man gifts, groomsmen gifts, gifts for the parents of the bride and other members of the wedding party. Check out GroomStand.com to find something for everyone!

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Viral Video: Groom Sings His Wedding Toast & Tips for Yours

Okay, this British guy, Tome Fletcher, has made it really tough for all of the future grooms out there. As the lead singer and songwriter for the popular European band, Mcfly, Fletcher admitted to the wedding guests that he wasnÍt any good at making speeches, but he did know a thing or two about crafting a tune. So, cleverly, he gave his toast in the form of a ballad and, of course, uploaded it to YouTube like any other 20-something creative guy would do. Entitled, ñMy Wedding Speech,î the video performance has gone completely viral and shot up to about 8 million views in just one week.   Most viral videos seem to be mainly of meathead guys doing stupid and silly stuff. But, this groomÍs video puts a heartfelt and sweetly romantic spin on the wedding toast. IÍve written a groomÍs toast in my day, but this groomÍs speech is really, really good _ and heÍs singing it! Starting with a light-hearted ditty that soon turns sentimental, Fletcher thanks everyone involved in the wedding day including his ushers and groomsmen, the bridesmaids, his sister and new sister-in-law, both sets of parents and finally to the bride, Giovanna. Warning, itÍs a long video (like 15 minutes!) but well worth the watch. Also, if you get choked up easily, youÍll want to keep a box of tissue nearby. WeÍre pretty sure that after viewing, youÍll get a few ideas for your own time at the podium during the wedding reception.   If you are planning to give a wedding toast as the groom, here is the rough game plan. Follow the suggestions below, but make it your own and youÍll be just fine up there.   First, as a collective, thank the guests from near and far for attending and how much their love and support means to you. Next, youÍll want to talk about the bride and all her splendidness; she is after all now your official wife. You want the guests and her family to know just how much you love her and that sheÍs made all your dreams come true. And, regarding the bride; donÍt ever, ever say anything embarrassing about her or make any salacious illusions. SheÍll freeze you out on the wedding night; that is, if she doesnÍt kill you right then and there.   YouÍll also want to thank the in-laws for parenting such a wonderful girl and for (most likely) footing the bill for the glorious celebration. Refrain from humor, sarcasm, questionable stories and other risky dialogue. Sincerity is the only way to go when it comes to addressing your new in-laws. YouÍll also want to briefly thank your own parents, but not in a way that overshadows the brideÍs mom and dad. But enough to let them know how special they are to you on this milestone day of your life. If you didnÍt make a toast to them at the rehearsal dinner the night before, you can lengthen this part of your speech.   A light-hearted and playful plug for the bridesmaids is always appreciated as well as thumbs up for any ring bears and flower girls who helped out. And, finally, the ñfunî part of the groomÍs toast is a little roasting and toasting of your best friends. Goodness knows theyÍre going to do it to you! Just keep it G rated, please! YouÍll also want to have lined up unique groomsmen gifts to give your buddies as a tangible thank you for their support. https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand has nearly every type of groomsmen gift you can imagine including sports gifts, personalized flasks, money clips and numerous other man gifts. YouÍll certainly find groomsmen gift ideas that will please the varied personalities of your friends.   Finally, speak to your bride directly again, and seal the deal again with a sweet kiss; the crowd always likes this. DonÍt worry if you seem a little nervous or choked up. Unlike in business, this peek into your sentimental side is viewed as a positive. Now, if youÍre totally stumped for ñhowî to say these words, you can always ask a trusted friend or family member to help you craft the words or you can hire a professional service such as ThePerfectToast.com.   Let us know! Have you written your groomÍs toast yet? Would you consider hiring a professional to do it for you? WhatÍs the most embarrassing thing youÍve ever heard a groom say in his speech? Prying minds want to know. Answer any or all of these questions in the comment section below.

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Scottish Weddings: Costs, Customs and Creeling

Today, it can be a bit of an expense to be invited to join the wedding party. First, thereÍs travel to and fro not to mention a place to crash, renting a tux, purchasing a gift for the groom and other incidentals _ man oh man, the groom better be getting his buds a couple awesome groomsmen gifts! However, todayÍs groomsmen have it pretty easy compared to just being invited to a wedding as a guest (not even a stand up position) back in Scotland centuries ago. Every guest expected to bring his own food to the celebration, pay for the entertainment, and also bring the requisite gift _ we can only imagine the financial obligations for the groomÍs wedding party! There were no kilt-rentals back then so a man would have to splurge for the good family plaid _ and bagpipers didnÍt come cheap! By the 17th, weddings had become such over-the-top affairs that clergy capped guests to just 25 people and put a ban on drinking, dancing and music. Well, thank goodness that all this blarney has come to an end and the typical church wedding is normal operating procedure in the Highlands. However, many customs from the old world still carry over into the modern marriage ceremony. The groom still wears represents the clan wearing a kilt and the bride often pins a piece of the tartan to her dress with a decorative brooch to signify her joining of the groomÍs family. Some couples still practice a historical custom called ïcreelingÍ where a large basket is filled with rocks and tied to the groomÍs back _ the only way he could escape the burden was to get a kiss from the bride. You can incorporate the spirit of a Scottish wedding into your big day with personalized gifts including groomsmen gifts, best man gifts and even gifts for your mother. Check out our Scottish Plaid Flask, a tasteful choice in groomsmen gifts that will be well-received by your lads. Grooms are also expected to honor their mothers with a gift, the traditional choice is a silver serving spoon engraved with their initials and the wedding date.

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Raise the Bar at Your Reception

Grooms, you can leave all the frilly, girly decision for the bride. Really, who cares about the exact meaning certain flowers connote, if the canap_s should be served with a cocktail fork, or what style of bridesmaid dress would best suit a wide range of body types? Most grooms we know primarily concerned with what beverage is going to be served at the reception (as well as at the bachelor party, rehearsal dinner and groomÍs waiting room). If your lovely bride-to-be has appointed herself the decision-maker of every wedding detail, make sure you speak up and let her know what you think about the drinks _ or forever hold your peace. The drinks, just like every other aspect of the wedding, reflects to your guests a personal style that youÍll want to have a say in. Otherwise, you may end up with skinny margaritas, sangria, hibiscus iced tea or some other ladylike libation.   Beer: As one of the oldest beverages humans have ever produced (dating back to the 5th century), beer is also one of them most consumed drinks in the world coming in third behind water and tea. Adding beer to your reception bar is a no-frills and accommodating way to speak to the other men folk there. The groomsmen, fraternity brothers, and those good-ole-boys you met at that summer job for a housing contractor will all appreciate having an icy cold beer to enjoy after suffering _ er, sitting, through the wedding ceremony. If the bride wants to put a fancier spin on the suds, you call always offer premium imported beers in the bottle along with that no-fail keg of Pabst Blue Ribbon. At https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand, we stock a fine assortment of beer-related groomsmen gifts including personalized beer mugs that will be used with your good taste in mind for years to come.   Champagne and Wine: Even if itÍs not being served at an open bar, many wedding receptions served each guest a glass of champagne when itÍs time for the wedding toasts to commence. If youÍre looking for wedding gift ideas for the bride and groom, a pair of champagne toasting glasses that can be personalized with an initial makes a thoughtful gesture. They can even be brought out every year to share a bottle of bubbly on the wedding anniversary. If you are serving champagne for the toasting portion of your wedding, consider offering sparkling water or sparkling fruit juices to children and those guests who choose not to drink alcohol. Wine is popular libation served at wedding receptions; the history of letting the vino flow in marriage celebrations is literally biblical. You may choose to serve either red wine or white wine based on the type of entr_e you are serving for dinner, or you could even make an ñeventî by offering a wine-tasting bar that serves small portions for guests to taste. This idea actually can help reduce your wine tab as people will often stop after several different small servings and tend not to leave unconsumed glasses behind.   Cocktails and Signature Drinks: Some grooms like to offer a full open bar for their guests. This is an option, but often an expensive undertaking stocking all the different libations or hiring a professional service. However, serving one ñsignature cocktailî can reflect your style and theme for the wedding while cutting down on expense by limiting the shopping list. For example, for a sophisticated, retro, Mad Men kind of wedding, you could serve martinis in the classic martini glass. Or, for a morning wedding you might choose to offer Bloody Marys or grapefruit and vodka. At https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand, we have all the appropriate barware to serve different drinks in. ThatÍs good news for your wedding style and for giving as gifts for groomsmen. IÍm sure the guys would love to go home from your shindig with a set of personalized shooter glasses, beer mugs, or even groomsmen flasks.   Have you started thinking about what youÍll serve drink-wise at your wedding reception? Do tell, do tell! Let us know how youÍll drink and make merry in the comment section below.

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Staycation' Honeymoons for Frugal Grooms

With the outrageous price of gas and air travel recently, Groomstand.com the leader in groomsmen gifts, is finding that budget-minded men are opting to sell the ‘staycation’ honeymoon to their brides-to-be. If you can’t afford to foot the bill for some amazing beach holiday or European tour, there is no reason to skip the honeymoon – every new couple needs to bonding time to get marriage off on the right foot!Instead, take a week or two off officially and visit your own hometown as if you were a tourist. If staying at home, don’t answer the phone or take emails, this is a special time with your new bride. Even better, try to book an inexpensive bed and breakfast or swap homes with a friend who lives in a hip and happening part of the city – like downtown, in the mountains or on the water. Considerate friends should be happy to oblige!Since you’ll be saving thousands of dollars, go ahead and splurge on at least one meal at the fanciest place around. The rest of your agenda can be arranged just as if you were far away from home, seeing the local tourist attractions (you know, the ones you’ve taken for granted and never actually visited), shopping in quaint local shops and enjoying any outdoor activities your area may offer. Also, check out some new bars and restaurants; don’t just hang out in your favorite haunts. Also, you don’t need to be out and about every day, stay at home one day and lounge, watch movies and cook a gourmet dinner together – all without the stress and worry of having to get regular stuff done.Traditionally, it is the man’s job to plan for the honeymoon -- a low-stress staycation honeymoon practically plans itself! To get the bride on board, tell her you are booking spa treatments as part of the experience. Plus, some great travel gifts would be in order too, even though you’re staying in town. If you’re looking for gifts for the bride from the groom, she’d love a tote bag personalized with her new initials or a cute cosmetic case to carry her girl gear in. As a matter of fact, more manly versions, such as a personalized duffel bag or toiletry bag,are must-haves for you and to give as groomsmen gift ideas.

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Top Reasons a Guy Should Get Married

Becoming a “married man” doesn’t mean a lifetime filled with sitcom stereotypes. Television often portrays guys in a traditional marriage situation as those poor saps who have lost all the passion for life since trading his bachelor days for honey-do list days. Even those bachelor friends who haven’t settled down yet will endlessly tease a married man about the ball-and-chain and how much better it is to be flying solo. But, in reality, married men have many reasons to embrace their status as one-half of a couple. Here are just a few: Live Long and Prosper: According to a multitude of studies, men who get married live longer than their single counterparts. Heart disease, infectious disease and fatal deaths all occur at a higher rate among single men. In addition to living longer, married men are more prosperous, primarily because they are happier, healthier and have extra years tacked onto their total years of earning potential. And, instead of women draining a guy’s budget, a mate to share household expenses with (especially is she also works) actually provides him with more discretionary income over time. Hello big screen TV and golf gear. Plus, being married gives you other prosperous incentives like tax breaks from the federal government – now that’s an awesome gift for the groom from Uncle Sam! Fatherhood and the Family Tree: When you get married, you’ll have a chance to expand the family bloodline by having children. If you don’t pass on the family genes, who will? Of course, while you can have kids outside of wedlock; the traditional mom-dad-two-kids-and-a-dog family is still considered standard operating procedure. Starting a family and becoming a father is a milestone of manhood that most men aspire to at some point in their lives. Plus, just imagine the thrill of teaching your own little guy to play baseball with a personalized bat (like the ones from our groomsmen gift collection). More Sex and Happiness: Numerous studies have supported the claim that it’s actually the married men, not the single guys, who have sex more frequently. This is something you can brag about as you dole out the bachelor-oriented gifts for groomsmen. The Kinsey Institute has reported that 23-percent of single men have had a ones-year dry spell compared to a mere 1-percent of married guys facing such a sex shortage. Plus, there isn’t as much wining and dining involved, although it’s always a nice gesture to bring her a personalized wine glass filled with her favorite vino once the kids have gone to bed. It’s also been said that married men have intimate relations more frequently on a weekly basis and that those relationships are more fulfilling in a long-term committed relationship. This isn’t the only way married men are getting lucky. Overall, married men are happier than single men, reporting a high level of happiness 135-percent more than bachelor men on an Australian study. Be a Better You: Finding a partner for life will help bring out the best in you. In a healthy relationship, your wife will become a best friend who isn’t afraid to share her insights, onions and give you an honest appraisal that you may not be able to give yourself. In the end, you won’t be the same man as you were before – you’ll be a more thoughtful, loving and willing-to-compromise version of your previous self. You’ll be a better you! So what do you expect to “get” out of marriage, what benefits do you foresee? Are you envisioning three home-cooked meals a day or someone to bring home the bacon? Let us know in the comment section below.

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