Have a 'Smoking' Bachelor Party

Grouch Marx once said, “Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.” What better way to kick off a fiancée free night than to light up a round of fine cigars at your bachelor party. Cigar smoking has become quite a popular activity at these guys-only events and Groomstand.com has plenty of ideas make your night go up in smoke . . . in a good way! Pick the right cigar: While there is no such thing as “the perfect cigar,” there is a cigar that is right for your budget. Whether you have $5 to spend on each cigar or $50, the guys will be exited to light up just the same. A wise person once said that a cigar is as good as the memories that were created when you smoked it. So a great time equals great cigars. Cigars come in differed types, lengths and flavors, nearly something for every type of man in your wedding posse. That’s why investing in a variety sampler pack of cigars is a crowd-pleasing decision. Cigar supplies: In order to properly smoke your bachelor party cigars, certain tools of the trade are required. A cigar cutter is used to nip the end off, preparing it for your enjoyment. Also, highly recommended is the employ of a nice butane lighter, such as a no-fail Zippo. These luxe lighters make great groomsmen gifts because they can be personalized with the recipient’s monogram, name or message. Another must-have for the cigar aficionado is a humidor. The proper humidity levels are maintained in a humidor, keeping your cigars fresh and ready to be enjoyed. Plan ahead: Don’t rush out the night before to purchase cigars for your bachelor party. As with fine wines, cigars must be matured in a humidor for one to two months. This process eliminates foul odors inherent to the rolling process and creates a mellowed smoke that provides a rich reward for the palate. Coordinate groomsmen gifts: If you are having a cigar theme for your bachelor party, follow it up with some groomsmen gifts that match the mood. Groomstand.com has a wide range of smoking gifts for every price point, from supplies such as lighters, humidors and cigar carrying cases to décor for a man cave such as personalized cigar signs and cigar-inspired poker sets.

Read more

Marrying Man of the Month: It's Wills!

September has been a bit dry for celebrity bachelors signing up for the big M so we've decided to make our Marrying Man of the Month this time around, Prince William of Wales. "Is he" or "isn't he" has been the topic of conversation for years about when this heir to the British throne will finally settle down. After a courtship of more than 8 years, speculation about an engagement to his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, is reaching a frenzied pace with royal watchers (and even the rest of us). While there has been no official statement coming from the couple, the Queen or the House of Windsor, the gossip magazines and rumor mills are still churning full speed with the hopes that a royal wedding will soon occur. Britian's own online rag, "News of the World", has recently come out and said that the two will indeed wed in the summer of 2012 to put the spotlight on England right before the Queen's Jubilee and the Summer Olympics in London. What are the clues? First, as mentioned, the timing of two major events, the Queen's Jubilee and the Summer Olympics, taking place in the summer of 20102. Second, Prince William has said himself that he planned on getting married when he is around 28 to 30 years of age - he'll be 30 in 2012! And third, the two are now reportedly living together in North Wales near his Royal Air Force base. If they do in fact get married and Wills finally gives up his bachelorhood you can say you heard it here first, straight from the filtered down buzz out of the mouths of "senior insiders" and "high-ranking sources." You trust us, don't you?! While you might not want to book a trip to see the spectacle just quite yet, you could head on over to Groomstand.com to find a nice personalized gifts for men who have everything, perhaps a nice leather can koozie engraved with his name -- Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales (no last name needed when you're royal)!

Read more

Pedal For Beer Bachelor Party

Looking for a unique idea for a bachelor party? Well, we were inspired by Pubcrawler, a pedal-powered bar out of Austin, Texas. Just grab a barstool and belly up to this mobile contraption, if you expect to actually go somewhere, like to the nearest pub, youÍll actually have to use some good old-fashioned foot power. Gather up 15 of your groomsmen and bachelor party guests and hit the roads, you can actually drink and peddle according to the cityÍs alcohol consumption guidelines _ the company limits guest to BYOB and only pony kegs, beer cans or home brew are allowed. Now, there is an official driver that is provided by the company, heÍs in charge in case things get too crazy and is required for insurance purposes. Just imagine how hard it was to get insurance for this wild ride! There are 5 pedaling seats on each side of the vehicle with a 4 rear non-pedaling seats for the lazy (or passed out) guys in back. You bring the beer, the ice and also your own tunes; Pubcrawler is pimped out to blast your iPod playlist. When you head out on a three-hour tour (a popular rental time), youÍll be filled with the ïKeep Austin WeirdÍ spirit. Whether you head through the live-music 6th street district or around the stateÍs capitol, youÍll have a sipping and sweating as you traverse from pub to pub. LetÍs just say youÍll attract plenty of attention too! If you are lucky enough to party down on the Pubcrawler, end the adventure with beer-themed groomsmen gifts. Personalized beer mugs with the name and date of the outing will be fondly used for years to come. Or, another idea in groomsmen gifts is to hook the guys up for the ride with a Joe six pack belt, so they can keep their precious beverage even closer to their hearts. Not sure if other cities have hopped on the ïhops wagonÍ yet, but if they know beans about bachelors and beer, they should be signing up soon. Not a true invention of Austin, although this town who prides itself on uniqueness would like to think so; the beer bike originates from the always-up-for-a-good-time country of the Netherlands and has become popular (mainly with tourists) in many other European countries.

Read more

Groomed For The Ocassion

When heading to corner store to pick up the morning paper and a coffee, a chin full of stubble and a backward turned cap covering bed head are perfectly acceptable. Of course, for work, combed hair and shave are musts. But, on your wedding day, the first day of the rest of your life, you'll want to kick up your grooming habits a notch to make a memorable impression. To make sure your grooming is equal to exceedingly important occasion, follow some of these tips to get spruced up in style. And, if you're wondering where to keep your grooming supplies, try a handsome toiletry bag (also makes great personalized groomsmen gifts). Every hair in place. Unless you have a buzz cut, your wedding day is not the time to go all wash-and-wear with your hair. After you shampoo (and condition), consider using a blow-dryer for a smooth look and say buh-bye to the dreaded frizz. Also, guy products, such as pomade of leave-in gels can give you the movie star finish. Complexion perfection. Aside from the bride, you're going to be the most photographed person of the day. Oily and shiny skin will add an unflattering glare to your face when the light bulbs from cameras start popping. Add a sweaty brow from a case of the nerves and your mug could become quite monstrous. But, a little translucent powder or blotting papers borrowed from your betrothed can cure the pesky problem. If you are too manly for this little touch up, just make sure you've recently washed your face with some good ole fashioned soap and water. Get a "man-icure". Don't ignore the importance of your fingers on the wedding day. Plenty of attention will be focused on your nails as you hold hands, slip on wedding rings, and extend handshakes in the reception line. A do-it-yourself manly manicure will get all the dirt and grease out from under your nails and keep your cuticles looking in tip-top shape. After soaking hands in warm water (or at the end of a shower), use a nail brush to get rid of dead cells and debris, then simply push back cuticles and neatly trim nails and you're good to go. If you want to get fancy, you can rub a little baby oil into the cuticles and up over the nail for a healthy shine.

Read more

Grandparent Wedding Advice Gone Viral

Sometimes the younger generation tends to act like they know everything; but, almost always, our grandparents and others in that generation tend to have some of the best advice. They’ve lived through many experiences, learned by trial and error and are a source of great wisdom. When it comes to marriage, those about to be married for the first time can only imagine what it would be like to live with someone day in and day out. But, those who have shared many anniversaries really know what the union is all about. These types of tips and pointers from older, wiser folks can really considered a gift for the groom and bride. Take internet sensations, Selma and Kenny, who after nearly 72 years of wedded bliss shared their advice on marriage through a video they made for their grandson and his new bride. Talking frankly, teasingly and even arguing a bit, the older couple doles out their nuggets of wisdom and never expected the toast would go viral. This is probably the most touching and funny groom gift any guy received from his grandparents. Their tips for a successful marriage include being good to one another and not bickering; a comical statement because they good-naturedly argued through the whole video. They also instruct to always go to bed together after fighting, because you’ll be so tired from arguing! Also, pick up after yourself, even if you make a mess unwittingly and keep the refrigerator stocked up "because you do not want to be hungry or starve” We think that Kenny probably had his own man cave. Selma also suggest travelling together, anywhere and everywhere; except maybe to Italy where they sunbathe topless – apparently Kenny had a little incident ogling a sunbathing beauty. Really, the take away from the cute video is that, while marriage has ups and downs and a lot of monotony in the middle. If you stay light-hearted, don’t take things too seriously and acknowledge each person has flaws, and don’t obsess about perfection, you will succeed. To end the video, the couple shares a passionate kiss before breaking out into uncontrollable giggling. Sheez, you’d think they were teenagers.

Read more

Personalized Cufflinks - An Evolved Accessory

It makes evolutionary sense to see cufflinks at a wedding. Back in more primitive times, a man would attract a mate with his fine ability to club an animal over the head, start a fire and provide a cave as a place to hide. But thanks to supermarket meat counters, gas lighters, the invention of the wheel and other "modern" conveniences, men further up the timeline have had to find flashier ways to get the attention of women. It has been shown that the perceived affluence of a man has a positive impact on his status as marriage material. Whether you are rich or still aspiring for greatness, a pair of elegant personalized cufflinks peeking out from French cuffs will help you attract the opposite sex and get noticed as a sophisticated and successful man. So, of course, you'll want to keep up the image as polished provider and knight-in-shining-armor by wearing engraved cufflinks with your wedding day tuxedo. Today, the variety of personalized cufflinks for your wedding day is almost endless. From the timeless look of silver oval or square shaped cufflinks engraved with a monogram just like your grandfather might have worn to novelty cufflinks that summarize your own unique personality, wearing "man jewelry" is not at all as fussy as it might seem. Instead, sporting a pair of engraved cufflinks shows that you know how to bait the honey trap with sparkly, shiny things! Since you'll soon be settling down, why not share this insight into attracting women with "bling" by giving your buddies really nice engraved cufflinks as groomsmen gifts? You can choose a pair of these men's accessories that is specifically suited to each guy's interests or your bachelor party theme such as Vegas-inspired dice, all sorts of professional sports logos, miniature compasses and many more.

Read more

Suited Up for Wedding Success

Forget about a tux and tails; suits are becoming quite acceptable as the wardrobe for the man and his wedding entourage. While a more casual approach to dressing the groom and his groomsmen, the suit still imparts a respectable level of formality for the 21st century gentleman. Today, many guys don’t even wear a suit and tie to work or church, society has just become much more tolerant of dressing down. For this reason, a nice dark suit is considered ‘dressing up’ in many circles. Plus, if groom is more comfortable in a suit, he’ll be more at ease during the ceremony and reception and that will make everyone happier. Plus, upon hearing that they don’t have to wear a stuffy tux, your buddies will say this is one of the best gifts for groomsmen ever! When shopping for suits to wear to a wedding, you’ll want to keep a number of things in mind. First, a proper fitting coat will not be baggy; it should be cut closer to the body and, in fact, feel slightly constricting. It’s not a sweat suit with a full range of motion; so if you do need to bust out a few moves on the dance floor, just take off your jacket before you do. Another thing to remember about your jacket is to have the sleeves altered, if needed, so that exactly ½-inch of your shirt cuff shows when your arms are hanging down. Pair your suit jacket with a fitted shirt; otherwise, the sides will be billowing out like a balloon when you move about. A nicely tailored shirt is universally flattering on all body types so don’t assume you need a fuller cut shirt if you are heavier. Instead, you just need a tailored shirt in a larger size. Accessories are also important to the look of your wedding suit and make nice groomsmen gifts, as well. The easiest way to bring in a pop of color to your look is with a necktie, bowtie, cravat or pocket square. Coordinate with the bridesmaids wearing accessories that match, or at least coordinate, with the gowns. Another way to make a modest suit look like a million bucks is with a dashing pair of engraved cufflinks. Personalized cufflinks come in a wide array of styles, from traditional to trendy, to suit the personality of the groom and his wedding attendants. By engraving the recipient’s monogram or initial on the face of the cufflinks,you’ll have created a thoughtful groomsmen gift that will be worn for years to come.

Read more

Put Some Polish On It - Tuxedo Shoes

Imagine sitting in the pews, watching the bride and groom ceremoniously walk down the aisle, getting a little misty-eyed and then busting out laughing when you see the groom's shoes. This little put-a-joke-message-on-the-bottom-of-your-shoes trick isn't exactly new, but it is still likely to get a few laughs during your wedding vows - if that's the mood you are trying to set. At first glance, most might think that he is pleading to be rescued from the life-long commitment he is about to enter into. But, on the other hand, the groom could just be looking for some "sole"-searching advice on wedding day fashion. What kind of shoes should a groom wear on this day when he makes perhaps the most important step of his life - the gigantic leap into marriage. Typically, if a tuxedo is being rented, the shop will try to throw in some pretty ugly patent leather loafers at an additional expense. Really, unless you have no black dress shoes at all, this is not the most attractive option. But, a pair of slip-on loafer or lace-up dress shoes like wingtips will give you adequate style for your wedding tuxedo. Remember to wear black or dark socks so that you don't have a high-contrast flash of white sticking out from your pant hem. In fact, it's a good idea to bring along extra pairs of dark socks to give to your forgetful groomsmen who often look over these small wedding-day details. In addition to being the dark sock fairy, you might like to treat your buddies to personalized shoeshine kits as groomsmen gifts. Not only will this help ensure that their footwear is spiffy and scuff-free for your Big Day, but will also keep them looking their best for other important events in the future. This is one of those retro man gifts that is making a come back with well-heeled men. Who knows, one of your wedding attendants may land his dream job or bump into his future wife while wearing shoes that have been polished with these purposeful groomsmen gifts.

Read more

How To Get Rid Of Bachelor Party Hangover

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

Read more

How To Roast a Groom Nicely

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

Read more

Wearable Trends for the Marrying Man and Groomsmen

The great thing about getting married in 2012 is that there are so many great trends to incorporate into your big day. No longer is the “perfect wedding” based on some cookie cutter ideal; instead, some of the most memorable weddings are those that show a little personal flair. Here are some great trends for wedding attire worn and accessories by the groom and other men in the wedding that will create a meaningful moment updated for today. Alternative ties: No longer are the groom and his groomsmen expected to wear a black or white bow tie. Longer neck ties, in an array of colors, have become a modern touch with a tuxedo – add a tie clip. For gentlemen wearing suits or sports coasts, fun ties with colorful collegiate stripes or polka dots make a fun touch to the wedding day attire that can be easily coordinated with the colors of the bridesmaid dresses. Unexpected boutonnières: For a unique touch, have the groomsmen wear boutonnières that each feature a different flower featured in the bridal bouquet. Or, have the same flower, but in different colors. Another, interesting choice would be to pin a simple green leaf or fern frond on the lapel for an eco-aware touch. Or, have them wear “medals of honor” pinned to the lapel on striped grosgrain ribbon. Groomsmen gifts to wear: Give your guys groomsmen gifts they can wear on your big day and beyond. Of course, engraved cufflinks have always been a popular choice in best man gifts and are becoming increasingly in vogue to wear out on the town or to work. Giving colorful socks – think stripes or argyles – is a quirky choice in wearable groomsmen gifts. Just imagine how fun the wedding photos will be when, on cue, your ushers and groomsmen lift up their pant legs to show a pop of personality.

Read more

How To Pack More Football In Your Wedding

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

Read more