How To Stay Awake on the Big Day

LetÍs face it getting married is a tiring experience. There is a hustle and bustle of activity for the groom in the weeks leading up to the ceremony from tuxedo fittings, shopping for unique groomsmen gifts away from the wedding. Delegate responsibilities. Pick responsible wedding attendants and make good use of them! You can have your groomsmen, ushers and family help with many of the wedding errands and chores. When you delegate tasks such as having buddies pick up out-of-towners at the airport or allow family members to wrap

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The Most Notorious Bachelor Parties Ever

Known as the ñstag partyî in England, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand, a ñbulls partyî in South Africa, ñbucks nightî in Australia, and ñbachelorÍs eveî in Nigeria, the bachelor party dates back to the 5th century where soldiers in Saprta would drink and toast to one another on the night preceding the wedding. Because nary a female guest was in sight, these all-male, testosterone-marinated events most always turned rowdy with lots of drinking, carousing and sewing of wild oats. Today the bachelor party is also a great time to present your unique groomsmen gifts gifts you may not want your future bride to see. The author of Bachelor Party Confidential, David Boyer, lists these shindigs as some of the most notorious bachelor parties ever: Clinton Barnum Seeley, 1896. Figuratively a circus, this high-society bachelor party for P.T. BarnumÍs nephew was raided on a tip that a famous burlesque dancer would be performing naked. The powerful guests cried police misconduct, and after a long and scandalous trial with lots of juicy-not-just-for-Victorian-times details, the detective was exonerated and the stripper went on to become a living legend. Jimmy Stewart, 1949. This actorÍs bachelor party was held at a then famous Hollywood hotspot, ChasenÍs, and was actually televised and featured two diaper-clad midgets popping out of a silver serving dish. Thomas Bruderman, 2003. This bachelor bacchanal for a Fidelity Investments trader included a private jet, yacht, prostitutes and the seemingly requisite dwarf. Costing more than $100,000, the Securities and Exchange Commission launched a special investigation into the shindig. Mario Lopez, 2004. The ñETî and ñSaved by the Bellî star allegedly cheated on his bride-to-be, a former Miss Teen USA, at his Acapulco bachelor party. While the wedding ceremony went on in the name of fame (it was filmed for ñOprahî but never aired) the union only lasted for another 2 weeks. Paris Latis, 2005. Celebutaunte Paris Hilton ended the relationship with her namesake fianc_, Paris Latis, after she claimed the Greek shipping heir cheated on her at his bachelor party. In an interview, she spilled all the beans and warned future grooms saying, ñDonÍt cheat on her at your bachelor party . . . itÍs gross what you guys do at those parties.î Whether your bachelor party is going to be wild or mild, check out https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand for lots of groomsmen gift ideas for your upcoming party.

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Wedding Season Calls for Cufflinks

Wedding season is close upon us and soon couples will be racing to the chapel in large numbers. Thanks to the milder weather, the spring and summer is always a popular time for weddings. No more bulky overcoats on the groomsmen and shivering bridesmaids, the warm weather is reason to show off wedding day finery from the tuxedo right down to the shiny cufflinks. As a matter of fact, personalized cufflinks are a quite useful choice in groomsmen gifts that can be worn on the spot. In this casual day and age, many guys donÍt even own their own pair of cufflinks. Wearing a French cuff dress shirt is an infrequent occasion limited mainly to weddings and important business meetings. When your buddies are dressing up in their tuxedos, you can pull out your cufflinks gifts and surprise them with these finishing touches to their formal attire. When you are looking to make a sophisticated statement of style, cufflinks are so much more distinguished and dashing than other groomsmen gift ideas such as beer mugs and or pocket knives. With a couple flips of the cufflink toggles, your groomsmen will be feeling as cool and sophisticated as secret agent James Bond. Cufflinks come in an amazing array of styles, from the traditional plain silver or gold face to those embellished with inset stone and jewels. There are also novelty cufflinks that will suit the specific personality of each groomsman including cufflinks featuring the logos of sports teams or designs of favorite hobbies. These groomsmen gifts can be made even more personal because most can be personalized with the recipientÍs monogram, initial or sometimes even a date or short message. In addition to best man gifts, cufflinks also are a thoughtful gesture to present to your new father-in-law.

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Choosing Your Groomsmen

Now that youÍve popped the question and wedding plans are under way, itÍs time to start thinking about who youÍd like to be your best man and ushers. Selecting the family and friends you want to support on your big day is an important decision as youÍll be building memories that will be shared with everyone until death do you part. A memorable way to ask your friends and family is to present them with unique groomsmen gifts enclosed with a note asking for the special request. Before you start impulsively asking every guy youÍve ever grabbed a beer with to be in your posse, check with your bride-to-be to see what the wedding party size will be. Traditionally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids. Some guys find the number of groomsmen to be intimidating large while some have trouble narrowing down the field. Also, consider that if you are having a larger wedding, youÍll need extra guys to be ushers, the standard ration is one usher per 50 guests. Here are some good places to start your recruiting: Brothers: Brothers are usually very tight; this is why the marrying brother almost always asks the other brother to be his best man. ItÍs 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 prime position. Stepbrothers, especially if youÍve spent lots of time together, will be another natural choice for your wedding part, either as best man or groomsmen. Brothers of Fianc_: Traditionally, including your bride-to-beÍs brothers in your wedding is common. Not only is it a good way to please your fianc_, it gives you the chance to build a stronger relationship with your new brother-in-law and welcome him into your family. Friends: For those guys with a few close friends, itÍs clear that these should be your ushers. However, especially in situations where the bride has a huge entourage of bridesmaids, it can be more difficult to pick and choose. Whether you know the friend from kindergarten or college or have just recently met in the workplace, the biggest requirement for your groomsmen picks is the bond you share. Other Family: Cousins, nephews and other family members can also make good choices for your groomsmen, ushers or other members of your wedding party. Younger male family members may be given special roles such as ring bearer, junior groomsmen or helpers at the reception. Keep in mind that youÍll want to thank your best man, groomsmen and ushers for supporting you with a thoughtful pick in groomsmen gifts. At Groomstand.com, there are many best man gift ideas that will express your sentiments with a keepsake heÍll value for all the years to come.

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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 https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand 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)!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Groomsmen Duties _ A Job of Honor

After talking about groomsmen "this" and groomsmen "that", it just dawned on us that we're making an assumption that everyone knows what a groomsman is supposed to do. Most marriages are the couples first time to tie the knot; the whole wedding planning process is unchartered territory. Many guys have not even been to a single weddings as they are events that tend to be avoided by the perennial bachelor. But if you've found a girl that has made you change your mind about settling down, there is no doubt a wedding in your future. She's going to know everything and more about what her bridesmaids are going to do, but do you know what role the groomsmen play in your big day? One thing you've probably heard is that it is proper etiquette to present your chosen wedding helpers with groomsmen gifts as a token of your appreciation. Other than the groomsmen gifts, we've got a brief tutorial to get you up to speed: Bachelor party: The groomsmen assist the best man in planning and setting up the bachelor party. They should come up with an outing you'll love, make all the reservations, and coordinate designated drivers for your safe return. Supply formal wear: The groomsmen are also traditionally expected to rent, buy or provide wedding day attire according to your instructions - as well as pick up and return the garments at their convenience. Some well-off grooms prefer to foot the bill for the tuxedos, but that is up to you - just be clear up front so issues arise on the eve of the wedding. Rehearsal dinner: The groomsmen should be invited to the wedding rehearsal and subsequent dinner so that they can understand their role on the big day as well as feel part of the close-knit festivities. Typically, it is only the bet man that is required to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner / wedding. Escort guests and bridesmaids: The groomsmen serve as ushers right before the ceremony, walking guests to their seats within the venue. Additionally, they walk down the aisle during the ceremony with a bridesmaid and then stand by your side for the duration. Serve as hosts: The groomsmen can be given tasks to help out guests during the ceremony and reception, such as carrying gifts, chauffeuring out-of-towners, running nterference with the wedding vendors and more. Ease groom's fears: The best man and groomsmen can help to allay any last-minute cold feet that the groom may be facing. Groomsmen and best man advice to the groom is always appreciated. Decorate the get-away car: Give the groomsmen creative license to decorate your car as they please; it's all in good fun.

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A Proposal That Stops Time _ Groom To Do List

Lately there has been a rash of crazy, creative Romeos keep upping the bar on how to propose marriage to a sweetheart. Let's just say that proposing on the football field jumbotron's "Kiss Cam" is just so pass_. WE TV's wedding show, "Put a Ring on It," captures the best new ideas for proposals and helps the groom-to-be execute his vision for snagging the girl and getting a resounding "yes" to his heartfelt question! In this episode, New York City guy, Michael, decided that he wanted to "stop time" when he proposed to his girlfriend of 3 _ years, Nadia. Inspired by a viral video, Michael's proposal day happened in a quaint courtyard restaurant where the bride-to-be was lured in under other auspices. As Michael walks into the room to her surprise, the chatter and clinking of glasses was noticeably loud, but as he snapped his fingers all the bystanders and diners became as quiet and still as statues. Michael got down on bended knee, flashed her the rock and asked the question -- of course, Nadia says "YES"! A few hug and sweet nothings later,Michael snaps his fingers again to re-energize the crowd who breaks out in celebratory applause. We're not sure how you could make a day more special, but a personalized gift for the bride from the groom (in addition to the ring)would be nice. A personalized bottle cooler holding Champaign and two toasting glasses are perfect for the post-proposal celebrating!

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