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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Parent's Fault Groom Can't Recognize Guests at the Reception

At your wedding reception, when your mother is giving you disgusted looks for not recognizing great-aunt Bessie, a lady who you haven't seen, let alone had your cheeks pinched by, in the last 25 years, you can blame it on your genes. And, if we understand biology correctly, there's a pretty darn good chance those genes were inherited straight from good ole mom or dad. As soon as we are born, humans are hard-wired to perceive and respond to faces and studies have shown that we prefer to stare at faces over inanimate objects - people even see faces in things and places where there aren't any (hey, the Man in the Moon). However, some of us just aren't as good and recognizing and classifying faces as well as the next guy. Usually this is just because we are too busy or distracted to take in all the details to remember the person at the next encounter. But, in extreme cases, this inability to recognize faces is called "prosopagnosia" and is mostly inherited, although it can be caused by an injury to the brain. During several separate studies on twin siblings, scientists have made a link that correlates this cognitive problem to an inherited gene. So don't fret when Mrs. O'Neil walks over to congratulate you on the nuptials and her face doesn't register at all even when she says, "I'm little Johnny's mother, you played together in the first grade." You can feign a headache by putting your hand up to your temples and tell her you've been suffering from a rare case of prosopagnosia that you caught from your parents! On the other hand, if you're worried that your friends are going to forget who YOU are, consider presenting them with memorable groomsmen gifts -- a snapshot of your smiling mug displayed in a keepsake photo frame makes great gifts for the guys.

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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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When Beer Drinking Really Bites and Groomsmen Gifts to Help

When the weather warms up, the great outdoors becomes a popular wedding reception venue for new couples. From feeling the sand under your toes to hearing the breeze lightly waft past your ears, there's nothing like celebrating with hundreds of your closest friends, family - and mosquitoes! Those pesky little insects that literally multiply exponentially during the summer months don't mind and are even giddily lead by their appetites to crash your wedding. The bad news for you, especially if you and the groomsmen are beer-lovers, is that mosquitoes are scientifically proven to be more attracted to people who've been drinking some suds. Apparently, to mosquitoes, the body odor of a beer drinker is just much more tantalizing than that scent of a tee-totaller. Or, perhaps they're looking to catch their own buzz by slurping alcohol infused blood! So what's a guy to do about this nagging, biting problem which could put a damper on the festivities? First of all, encourage your guests to wear light colored clothing; mosquitoes seem to prefer dark colors because the trap in body heat - really all the guys need to do is take off their tuxedo jackets once the party starts. Second, ditch the dirty socks. Studies have also shown that these nasty insects also like smelly socks (along with perfume, soaps smells and other strong aromas). Perhaps you could treat the guys to a nice pair of clean pair of socks as one of your groomsmen gifts or treat them to a grooming kit and instruct them to use it before they show up! And lastly, you can switch out the beer for some other equally refreshing libation like mugs of ice-cold water or sweet ice tea (yeah, right). Or, here's another way to look at the mosquito vs. beer predicament - the more beer you drink, the less you care about being bitten, so no worries (until the morning)!

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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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A Show-Stopping Marriage Proposal

Engagements, they're not just for bumbling, fumbling, nervous boyfriends anymore. Gone are the days where pulling out a little velvet-covered box during dinner was the impressive way to ask a girl to be your wife - or even using the Jumbotron to deliver the message at half-time. Today's high-tech, social media-loving, gadget freaks who aren't afraid to step into the limelight are popping the question in choreographed statements of style, having buddies film the event, and then sitting back and waiting for it all to go viral on the Internet. One recent proposal that will make you chuckle and wonder why you didn't think of it first just went down in MadisonSquarePark in New York City. Like an epic Broadway production, this marriage proposal featured an unsuspecting girlfriend, a crazy clown-school graduate boyfriend, filmographer friends, a chorus line, unicycle riders, confetti tossing and more! We want to know how the groom-to-be and his friends practiced for this big moment without anyone, especially the bride-to-be, getting suspicious. For any guy who's thinking about popping the question, you've now have big shoes to fill --clown shoes, that is! If you've got a multi-man show planned for your wedding proposal, you're going to have to thank the cast of characters for their hard work with fitting groomsmen gifts. A keychain or picture frame is just not going to cut it when these men have risked hard-earned Joe-cool reputations out there kicking up their heels - you'll need some awesome groomsmen gifts. How about a cool leather case to hold iPhones and a journal, this way your friends can remember "crazy you" each time the check out the proposal shenanigans on YouTube.

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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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What's the Deal With Cummerbunds?

ItÍs not too often that you see a man sporting a colorful swath of fabric around his waist; that is, unless heÍs performing under the big top, trekking through a Middle Eastern desert or, perhaps in your near future, walking down the aisle in a wedding ceremony. In the Western world, the ñcummerbundî is an accessory to menÍs clothing that is most often worn with a tuxedo at formal events. The first cummerbunds worn by Europeans were part of the British military uniform during time spent in India and were inspired by the bright scarves tied around the loose tunics worn by indigenous men. Entomologically speaking, the word ñcummerbundî has roots in the Persian language, translating into ñto enclose the waist.î The pleats on the cummerbund also have a back story. In India, men used the cummerbund more for function than for fashion, pointing the pleated front upward to serve as cargo area for small items. In todayÍs formal dress, the cummerbund is simply a statement of style, so you donÍt have to worry about which way to orient the pleats. But, itÍs nice to know that you could point them up and stash away your credit cards, to-do lists and even to hide the brideÍs wedding ring. If youÍre heading to opening night at the opera or some other black-tie society event, youÍll most likely see plain black or white cummerbunds worn with tuxedos. However, at weddings, grooms often like to express their individuality by wearing a colorful cummerbund that matches the bridesmaid dresses, an alma matter school color, or even prints of paisley, plaid and polka-dots. Give your formal look even more flair with a matching bow tie and pair off dashing engraved cufflinks punctuating your French cuffs. Perfect as groomsmen gifts, too _ you can give all the guys a formal makeover.

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Big Blazing Bachelor Party Idea - BBQ Lessons

It’s time your buds took the big plunge – no not getting married, that’s a little situation you’ve gotten yourself into. We’re talking about learning how to cook (at least outdoors) and fending for oneself so that those bachelor bellies won’t have to depend on mama’s spaghetti or the drive through at the local burger joint. Teaching you buds how to cook is a hands-on idea for your gifts for groomsmen, one they can use forever. A fun and frankly quite practical bachelor party idea is to fire up the grill for ‘Basic BBQ Training’ for the boys. We’re talking hunks of meat marinated, rubbed and grilled up to perfection, not fussy recipes that have weird ingredients that have to be measured and mixed up with precision. But, take some fire, raw meat and a little beer, salt and pepper for seasoning and you really can whip up a man-handled masterpiece! There are outside party-planners that can bring in master chefs to teach your BBQ bachelor party, you can even possibly reach out to your state’s Beef Council for some free tips and training. Fire up the grills before the training so they’ll be raring hot to go. Have the guys learn all about the different cuts of meat, how to marinated and season, and how to tell when dinner is done (a meat thermometer registers about 145 F degrees or passes the finger test for doneness). Also, show them how to mark their territory with a steak brand – also a fitting choice in groomsmen gifts at a barbeque bachelor party.

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Vegas Wedding: Sure-Bet Stress Buster

If the bride is about to crack under the pressure of planning ñtheî wedding event of the year, whisper this sly little suggestion in her ear _ ñletÍs just scrap the shin dig and get hitched in Vegas, baby.î Kitschy, perhaps. Clich_, maybe. Stress-relieving, you bet! Getting married in Las Vegas, Nevada is an easy way to get hitched; heck, more than 110,000 marriage licenses are issued each year in this party city. You can literally rent the tux and wedding dress, pull strangers off the street to serve as witnesses, and even drive through the service in a decked out white Cadillac convertible. One of the most popular places to get hitched on the Vegas Strip is the Graceland Chapel, home of the original Elvis wedding ceremony. For more than 50 years, this little, white clapboard chapel has seen countless brides and grooms walk down the aisle including many celebrities. Musicians such as Bon Jovi, Billy Ray Cyrus and Aaron Neville have all said ñI doÍsî to their respective wives here as have socialites, Blaine and Robert Trump, and television personality, Jay Leno. So, put on your blue suede shoes, trim up those mutton chops and shake up your wedding Vegas-style. With all the money you save on an expensive wedding reception you can be a big spender at the black jack table. Bring your buddies along for the weekend and make a bachelor party out of it, too! If the bride agrees, sheÍs a definite keeper. Vegas-inspired groomsmen giftswill get the party started -- try personalized poker sets, bachelor party t-shirts or beer mugs all emblazoned with the iconic Las Vegas ñWelcome Sign.î

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Alec Baldwin Engaged to Yoga Instructor

Looks like Alec Baldwin has made a bold move, and we’re not talking about playing ‘Words with Friends.’ Reps for the mouthy, trash-talking celeb have confirmed that the just turned 54-year-old 30 Rock actor popped the question to his 27-year-old girlfriend, Hilaria Thomas. Yes, they are getting M-A-R-R-I-E-D and that’s worth at least 9 points. While it’s the first marriage for Hilaria, it’s the second for Alec who famously divorce Kim Basinger in 2002. Thomas, who grew up in both Boston and Spain and is now owner of a yoga studio in New York, hooked up with Baldwin last year. So far, no wedding date has been released. As the oldest of the Baldwin brothers – Daniel, Billy and Stephen, all actors, we’re betting that Alec will have at least one, if not all, stand up for him in the wedding as best man and groomsmen. What would a clan of acting brothers enjoy as groomsmen gifts? Since they were all born and raised in Long Island, New York perhaps a personalized sign from a favorite New York area professional sports team – we know the elder bro is a die-hard fan of the Yankees. Check out our Personalized Yankees Locker Room Sign for your own enthusiasts. If we were picking other groomsmen gifts for the event, some stylish engraved cufflinks would look awesome peeking out from under the tuxedo jackets – they’ll need to be personalized with a monogram so we all know who is who, these Baldwin brothers all look alike you know! Another idea for awesome groomsmen gifts is a miniature whiskey barrel, probably something even the guy who has everything doesn’t have!

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The Tennis Match That Would Never End

If youÍve ever played tennis, you may have finished a match in less than an hour, four hours or, more likely, somewhere in between. It really just depends on how quickly you knock out the match set and how good (or bad) the competition is. My neck is sore just remembering, but a recent Wimbledon match logged an 11 hour and 5 minute match that was played out over three days! American John Isner battled it out over the long haul with Nicolas Mahut, to win in the 5th set _ score, 70-68. Isner was able to backhand the ball just a hair out of the reach of the Frenchman, Mahut. Both dropped to the ground in exhaustion, the crowd roared and, I imagine, also began massaging the cricks out of each others necks! There is no arguing that these two guys were amazingly matched in skill and endurance, both waiting for the other to crack under the prolonged pressure. If you love tennis, this surely was a much-talked about event over coffee or warm-ups for a good portion of the week. The event did break 12 standing records in the Guinness Book of World Records. Celebrate the love of this time-honored sport with a personalized pub sign with a tennis club theme. Hang it in your personal ñlocker roomî, in a home bar or give to those loyal tennis partners who are standing up for you in your wedding. In fact, these pub signs make such great groomsmen gifts that it will cause a big racquet (of happiness) when the guys open their pub signs up.

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