Famous Cigar Smokers in History

If your friends enjoy smoking and the finer things in life, you should consider giving cigars and cigar accessories as groomsmen gifts. A cigar inspired best man gift or groomsmen gift, like a beautiful humidor or specially-designed cigar ashtray, not only aids the recipient in the enjoyment of this luxury in life, but also sends your sentiments of appreciation. Many of us have a stereotyped image of a cigar smoker based on our past experiences. For many, this gentleman is distinguished, relaxed and exudes an air of refinement. He may or may not be rich or powerful, but when it comes to cigar smoking, heÍs a man of means and only the puffs on cigars that please his palate. Over the years, many famous people have been associated with cigars, thus lending to oneÍs perception of a ñcigar smoker.î The thought of some of these celebrity smokers would be nearly unrecognizable if they didnÍt have a cigar lolling between the lips. Inspired by a list from Cigars Magazine, these men were known world-wide for their cigar fancy. Winston Churchill: This leader of England reportedly smoked 10 cigars a day and even had a special oxygen mask made for high-altitude flying that allowed him to enjoy his favorite vice. Churchill was once said ñ"my rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them.î Fidel Castro: Although he gave up the habit in 1985, this iron fist of Cuba was a serious cigar smoker for over 40 years. To set a public example of good health for his people, he quit smoking cigars, even in private. Although a cigar has not touched his lips, he has reported that he dreams about cigars and still enjoys the pastime in his sleep. King Edward VII: Immediately following his coronation n 1901, this British member of the monarchy made a royal announcement to the room, ñGentleman, you may smoke.î Until he came on the scene, tobacco had not been tolerated well under Queen VictoriaÍs rule, but Edward made sure that the habit was ñheartilyî encouraged. Mark Twain: This famous American author reportedly smoked a minimum of 22 cigars a day _ some say even up to 40! This hard-core connoisseur of the cigar once exclaimed, ñIf smoking is not allowed in heaven, I shall not go.î The interesting thing about Twain is that, despite is success, he didnÍt keep the best-quality cigars in his humidor and once even ñtrickedî guests into smoking inferior cigars by swapping labels and cigar boxes. John F. Kennedy: Using his political power, our 35th president ordered staff to procure a huge stash of Cuban cigars in early 1962. Why the rush? Well, Kennedy was just about to sign a trade embargo with Cuba that would prevent imports, including his favorite cigars, from entering the US. Ever since the day this embargo was signed, all tobacco products from Cuba are not allowable for sale to Americans. With well over 1,000 cigars in his stockpile, he could light up whenever the mood struck. George Burns: This legend of entertainment, performed stand-up comedy gigs well into his late 90s. During his act, Burns always seemed to have a cigar in his hand or mouth. Typically heÍd be seen with a lower quality cigar, but no because he couldnÍt afford a better smoke. The explanation for his taste in cigars was simply that the cheaper smokes stayed lit longer on stage. Burns, who lived to 100, claims that smoking up to15-cigar-a-day each and every day for more than 70 years kept him agile and quick-witted on stage and also helped him outlive his doctor. Groucho Marx - Often, cigars would get this old-school comedian into trouble. In reference to his "stinky old cigar," his then 3rd wife ordered him to extinguish it or find a new wife. Another time, Marx splurged for an expensive Cuban cigar after seeing an ad that promised "thirty glorious minutes in Havana." After smoking it down in 20 minutes, Max complained to the shopkeeper for a replacement. One after another, he smoked 5 cigars with the same 20 minute outcome, until the merchant wised up and tossed him out.

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Kevin Durant Proposes to WNBA Girlfriend

Here at GroomStand.com, we have another Marrying Man of the Month for July. It looks like Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, Kevin Durant, has proposed to his girlfriend, Monica Wright on July 6th. The couple has lots in common, especially shared love for professional basketball. Wright plays the position of guard the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx and the two even met in 2006 after the McDonald’s High School All-American Game. Awww, they’re high school sweethearts but all this time they have kept their relationship fairly quiet! Many of you guys know how awesome of a basketball player Durant is. However, Wright is a superstar in her own right. Standing 5-foot and11 inches tall, the bride-to-be was the second overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft. This season, she is averaging 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game. Who of you can compete with that? Can you even imagine what sort of basketball dynasty this couple will have if they have children?! So, in honor of this basketball ball playing couple, we’d like to share some of the great personalized gifts we have in stock that honor the sport. Basketball has become such a popular sport in the US, second only to football. That’s why we’re pretty sure that the guys in your wedding party would be very excited to receive a “hoops’ inspired groomsmen gift or best man gift. And, so would junior helpers in your wedding; we suggest giving your ring bearer his own kid-sized basketball to use before and after the ceremony to burn up his extra energy. For fans of collegiate basketball, we have personalized locker room prints that will make any guy stand up and cheer. These school-spirited gifts for groomsmen feature the recipient’s name emblazoned right on the back of a game-day jersey in team colors. What a winning way to thank your friends for standing by your side in the wedding (and throughout all the years). Wherever hung, whether in a game room or man cave, glory days and good times will long be remembered. Our “take a seat anywhere” chair also makes a sure-to-score choice in groomsmen gifts. Buddies will enjoy the style and support these portable chairs offer, the support will make any game-watching experience much more enjoyable. These fold-up seats are fantastic for basketball, but also useful in the bleachers anywhere including little league baseball and soccer games. Plus, with a name personalization, giving these gifts shows that you went the extra mile in making the gesture special for the recipient. For the guys who like to actually play basketball, our personalized sports duffle bag makes a useful groomsmen gift that is likely to be used day in and day out, practice after practice. A separate zippered section partitions shoes from the main cargo area and there are plenty of other pockets for gear. Make these best man gifts and groomsmen gifts unique by having the recipient’s three initials embroidered in contrast thread on the side. So who is your favorite basketball team in the NBA or collegiate sports? Let us know in the comments below.

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Mustache Mania for Grooms

Mustaches seem to be all the rage in pop culture today. But, why the resurgence in popularity with the hairy upper lip? Really mustaches hark from the dawn of time, do you think the cavemen shaved off facial hair? We think not. My guess is that ‘staches are back on the scene because of a renewed interest in all things from 70s and 80s eras. Everything old becomes new, hip and cool again, including mustaches flashing back to the days of Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit, Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., and the legendary runner Steve “Pre” Prefontaine. A physical feature unlike no other, the mustache has been the common denominator forever linking dictators with porn stars and artists with potheads. It’s the universal equalizer yet, if worn right, imparts a certain swagger that a clean-shaven face just can’t pull off. Are you thinking for growing (or keeping) your mustache for the big wedding day? Depending on the fondness your betrothed has for sprouted whiskers, growing facial hair could be considered a gift for the bride . . . . or, if she is just allowing you to grow it, then a gift for the groom! If she’s against the ‘stache, just tell her the word “mustache” is French and having one (you, not her) will add loads of oh-la-la class to the Big Day. Rally the guys to grow a display of distinguished mustaches. Your groomsmen will be all (hairy) smiles as the walk down the aisle to support you. But don’t let them go all mountain man on you; mustaches need to be tended to and groomed. Thanks why a classic shaving set with razor, badger brush and bowl for whisking up frothy soap makes the perfect choice in groomsmen gifts. Having trouble deciding what type of mustache to grow? Some of the uncertainty will be answered just by the amount of hair you’re able to grow and your facial hair pattern – the majority of facial hair growing prowess comes from your genetic makeup. However, some will say that what you eat can play a role in it too. For example, eating lots of soy and green tea will reduce hormones that you need to grow hair while some facial hair fanatics say that taking deer or elk velvet extract will give you a big, beautiful, bushy burst of growth. However, some well-known styles of mustaches include the Dali, the Imperial, the English mustache, the Fu Man Chu, the Handlebar, the Horseshoe, the Pencil, the Chevron, the Walrus and the Toothbrush. Rock out that mustache, man. It’s the groom’s day to and you should present an image that suits your style. Have some fun with the mustache, both in the wearing of it and the honoring of it. With the all the mustache mania that’s going on, you’ll be able to find tons of party favors that are imprinted with mustaches – like napkins, accessories, buttons and even faux-fur stick-on mustaches that every man, woman and child at the wedding can wear for a fun photo opportunity. The men with facial fringe deserve some fitting groomsmen gifts including our awesomely cool Mustache Flask. This stainless-steel flask features a black mustache motif on the front for a fittingly testosterone-infused tribute. Or, enjoy a parade of perfectly coiffed ‘staches in different styles with our set of Gentleman’s Mustache Pilsners. We love how when these 20-ounce beer mugs are lifted up for a sip, the mustache almost seems to jump off the glass and onto the face! What is your favorite style of mustache? Let us know in the comments below.

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Why Knot Ask Her Dad & Buy a Ring

Have you been dating for months, years or (gasp) even a decade? If you think you have finally found “the one” and are ready to settle down, getting married is the next normal step in most cultures. However, getting hitched, tying the knot, acquiring a ball and chain can be an unnerving, if not downright scary, endeavor. But, one that if undertaken with cool, calm collectedness and a bit of preparation can lead to years and years of happiness with your girlfriend; just ask a long-time married couple that you know. Guys, planning a proposal and ultimately getting married starts with one thing; and no, that’s not a couple shots from your personalized flask of whiskey. The first think you’ll want to do, if you want to get off to a good start with the future in-laws is to ask permission from your sweetheart’s father. I know, I know; this sounds hopelessly old-fashioned and I’m sure you’re a bit worried that he’ll not receive the request with a big smile on his face and a joyful slap your back. Even though the tradition of asking the father for a bride’s hand in marriage started hundreds of years ago, is still relevant today – especially if you hope to have a great relationship with her dad (perhaps enjoy years of golfing, fishing, and taking on fix-it-up projects around the house). Even if your bride-to-be’s parents aren’t expecting such a modern guy as yourself to kowtow to old rituals, they will be touched by the gesture of respect! Earn brownie points and maybe even receive better wedding gifts from her folks! Another detail of planning the proposal is selecting an engagement ring. Guys, please note that the engagement ring and wedding ring are two different animals. The engagement right is the “big bling,” traditionally with a large diamond, that you present as a gift for the bride upon asking a girl to marry. The wedding band is exchanged during the vows on the wedding day and can be as simple as a plain gold band or one that is encrusted with precious stones. Looking for an engagement ring isn’t as straightforward as buying groomsmen gifts; there are several important things to remember. First, before you hit the jewelry store, learn what diamond ratings mean so that you are making the most educated purchase possible. That being said, the rating doesn’t necessarily indicate beauty or the “wow” factor, so make sure that you see the ring in person before purchasing. If purchasing the ring as a surprise, there are several ways to find out what style your sweetie might like the best. Keep your ears and eyes open to capture any favorable comments she might make about friends rings; those casual remarks make great hints. You can also window shop for rings with the hint of maybe “someday” popping the question. You can also ask her mother, sister or close friend to accompany you on the shopping trip. Whatever you do, make sure that the store has a return or exchange policy that you are comfortable with just in case the bride doesn’t long the ring as much as you hoped. Are you planning to ask your girlfriend’s father for her hand in marriage? What would you do if he said “no”? Let us know in the comments below

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Pros and Cons of Eloping

Have you ever thought about running away in the middle of the night, with only a small suitcase and your beautiful bride in tow? Not having an over-the-top wedding does sound like the perfect gift for the groom! TodayÍs culture has been drifting toward huge mega-weddings, with months and months (if not well over a year) of planning, hundreds of guests in attendance and thousands and thousands of dollars spent. ItÍs enough to make a guy guzzle an entire engraved flask! If you feel overwhelmed by the expectations of a modern big wedding, eloping is still a viable option. However, youÍll want to weigh the pros and cons of eloping as well as familiarize yourself with the destinations requirements for marriage before you hit the road to tie the knot. Pros: Save money: The average cost of a traditional wedding is upwards of $28,000 dollars and many weddings cost exponentially more. Really there is no limit to the amount of money you can spend on getting married. There are quite a few alternatives to consider that will save you big bucks that range from just getting married down at the Justice of the Peace for the just the cost of a marriage license and witness to flying off to a resort destination that can offer a wedding package for a fraction of the price youÍd spend at home on a big wedding. Plus, there are always the drive-thru chapels in Las Vegas. Save Time and Headaches: Traditional weddings can take a year or more to plan; venues have to be secured, photographers booked, entertainment and caterers interviewed. Elopements donÍt need all of these ñextrasî and can be arranged in a matter of days. For busy couples that can't afford to put in the manpower for a big wedding, an elopement can save the day while saving their sanity. Avoid Awkward Situations: Eloping works especially well for a second marriage because many awkward situations can be avoided. Problems like inviting ex-spouses, blending families who may not be supportive and other sensitive issues (like should we accept wedding gifts) can be sidestepped with a private elopement. Later, after the fact, a post-wedding reception can always be held if you change your mind about including family. Cons: Excluding Family: No matter how diplomatic you try to be, there will probably be backlash from family and friends who what to be involved in your Big Day. While these folks may not approve of an elopement, it is best to explain your reasons for doing so rather than just dashing off and leaving them in the dark. Wedding Regret: While other friends may be looking fondly over their wedding albums on landmark anniversaries, youÍll not have the same sort of traditional memories filled with dozens of bridesmaids and groomsmen. You certainly donÍt need the formal wedding mementos to have a long and happy marriage, just communicate with each other before you elope to makes sure neither one of you is feeling pressured to ñrun awayî and ditch the big wedding experience. Feeling Rushed: The flipside to spending multiple months planning a conventional ceremony, throwing together an elopement can make you feel rushed. What will you wear (guys, we suggest dressing up with engraved cufflinks), where will you find an officiant, how will you manage to slip away from work. Even with an elopement, there are still many details that can make you feel frenzied if youÍre trying to pull it off the union in a jiffy.

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Millions of Wedding Guests Who Love Football

Guys, do you think more people attend weddings or professional football games? It’s the trivia question of the day! Let’s look at weddings first. According to various sources including the Bridal Association of America’s Wedding Report and the Wedding Market Database the wedding industry continues to grow at a fast rate. Data obtained from these sources show that there are 2.4 million weddings per year in the United States and the average number of guests per wedding is 173. If you do the math, this is an incredibly large number of annual wedding guests – more than 400 million! And, with only around 316 million US citizens currently alive according to the US Census Bureau’s population clock, it means some of us are going to more than one wedding a year. I feel sort of left out because I didn’t get invited to a single wedding during the last 12 months! So with hundreds of millions of friends, family and co-workers are getting dressed up, buying wedding gifts and watching some couple say their respective “I do’s,” you can see how the “guest” part of the wedding industry is huge; so huge it’s ginormous. To put it into perspective for you sports-loving guys, the annual in-stadium attendance for all 32 NFL football teams is only just a bit above 16 million. There is really no comparison between 400 million wedding guests to 16 million paying NFL football fans, but we do know that many of those wedding guests just have to be football fans. And, no doubt in your own wedding, a nice percentage of the guests is going to be NFL fans themselves. Groomstand.com has some great ways to score big with the gridiron fans in your wedding party. Football Bachelor Parties: If your bachelor party is happening during football season, drop the hint to organizers that you’d love it to involve your favorite sport. Score tickets to the big game and hold a tailgate party out in the parking lot complete with grilling, beer drinking and classic parking lot game playing like bean bags and horse shoe. Hook up the guys with personalized football shaped tumblers for super-cool groomsmen gifts. Football Groomsmen Cakes: While the bride gets her traditional tiered cake, it has become customary for the groom to get his own cake that reflects his personality. Search the internet for “football groomsmen cakes” and you’ll uncover loads of sugary wonders that resemble everything from football stadiums and gridirons to signature jerseys and helmets in the team colors. Football Team Wedding Colors: If your bride is a football fan herself, she may be on board for this ultimate gesture and gift for the groom—to officially name the wedding colors to match a favorite franchise’s colors – or to wear jerseys instead of formal wedding wear! Silver and black, purple and gold, black and orange – so many options for bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen bow ties, flower arrangements, balloons and other decorations. Football Groomsmen Gifts: If your friends love football as much as you, football themed groomsmen gifts are a winning choice. From personalized football stadium signs to kick up the spirit in a media room or office space to our manly NFL fan favorite bracelets that let him show off his affiliation 24/7, GroomStand.com has a wide range of football sports gifts for groomsmen. So, are you planning to incorporate your love of football into the Big Day? Let us in on your sure-to-score-big ideas in the comments below. Thanks!

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Matt Lanter Gets Hitched with The Force

Even if you won’t cop to watching the CW’s ‘90210,' a modern-day remake of the Nineties teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210.” you may be interested to know that one of the series’ actors recently got hitched – and it had an interested twist aside from the dapper dressing with engraved cufflinks! Matt Lanter, who played Liam Court in the television hit, married Angela Stacy this past June 2013 at the Calimigos Ranch in Malibu, California. So, in an entertainment-overload world packed with celebrity weddings, why does this guy’s day catch our attention enough to name him Marrying Man of the Month for http://www.branddepot.com/collections/groomstand/? Well, the actor, who also voiced the character Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” added some touches from a galaxy far, far away to his big day! The bride allowing any reference to Star Wars in a wedding, in our opinion, is an awesome groom gift and great way to kick off an out-of-this world marriage! As the couple walked into their wedding reception, the theme music from “Star Wars” was queued for the big entrance. We think it would have been cool if they walked under a tunnel of upheld light sabers in the style of swords held up at military weddings! Additionally, a mini-battalion of Storm Troopers dressed in full regalia greeted guests at the reception and posed for party pictures at this ultimate alliance of love. While the sci-fi love was in the air, it wasn’t all things Star Wars, from start to finish. While we would have loved to see the guests dance to the beat of the Mos Eisly Cantina and the newlyweds to zip off on their honeymoon in a fully-loaded pod racer, that wasn’t the earthly reality. But, still, we think the wedding is a great example of how a groom can highlight his personality during an event that often focuses on the bride (stuff can get a little feminine, right?). Sources also report that the wedding reception tent had a separate section, away from the frilly-flowered dining tables, that was set up with a lounge. We suspect that the leather couch and ottoman décor was a tribute to the groom and a place where he, his groomsmen and other male guests could hang out for some “guy time.” This “lounge” idea is becoming very popular at wedding receptions and offers the guys a respite from the high-heel, hydrangea bouquet carrying crowd. If you are considering such a manly hangout for your own big day, a groom lounge is the perfect place for you and the groomsmen to smoke a few cigars, throw back a few shots of whisky and banter about the good ole days of bachelorhood. Don’t miss featuring a mini whiskey barrel on the bar dispensing your own personal flavor creation, this oak-infusing incubator for your own bottle of booze will be a huge hit (makes great groomsmen gifts as well). To prevent unsightly ashes and stay in good with the bride on your wedding night, also set out a number of our elegant walnut cigar ashtrays in the groom’s lounge. Of course, it almost goes without saying, these cigar accessories make quite sensible yet still sophisticated personalized best man gifts and groomsmen gifts. Have you ever been to a themed wedding? Or, are YOU having a themed wedding? Let us know the details in the comment section below.

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Relieve Wedding Planning Stress with Poker

Grooms, are you having stress? If so, don’t fret – you’re not alone! New research shows that many men about to tie the knot are becoming overwhelmed with planning the big day. What, wait a minute; planning for the big day -- isn’t this the bride’s job? Well, today, more and more men are stepping up to tackle many of the tasks that have once been handled by the woman in the relationship, from picking out the wedding menu to picking up relatives at the airport. It only makes sense that the more involved the role a guy plays in the wedding planning, the higher his stress in making related decisions. Thirty-two percent of the recently married men surveyed said that planning a wedding was “overwhelming” compared to 42% of women reporting the same stress load. While women are still the chief wedding planners, many men are taking on all they can do to help ease the stress for their partners. Thirty nine percent of men say they were solely or mostly responsible for picking the ceremony site and 25% reported that they were solely or mostly responsible for picking out bridal party gifts in addition to their own groomsmen gifts. Can you even believe that 19% of guys said they had the majority of the responsibility of choosing the bride’s wedding dress! With this increased role in the getting hitched process may require extra rest and relaxation! And, while you’re still a bachelor is an optimal time to get all the rest in you can. Groomstand.com has a great idea to relieve your stress – playing poker! If the bride to be scoffs at the idea poker is a stress reliever, she can be stopped in her tracks with science! A recent study, conducted by a university in Canada, showed that playing poker as a hobby does, in fact, alleviate stress brought on by both personal and work pressure. Intuitively this does not make sense; it seems that all the strategy and bluffing of the game is stressful in itself. Scientists measured the stress hormone called cortisol among men at the beginning of a Texas Hold ‘em poker game. After a few games, cortisol was measured again and scientists discovered that the levels dropped by 17% compared to the level at the beginning of the game. The hypothesis is that the intense concentration it takes to play poker takes the mind of other worries, thereby lowering cortisol levels (eg: stress). GroomStand.com is ready to help you shut out stress with one of our many personalized poker sets. Ask our bride to give you one of these comprehensive kits as an early gift for the groom. Check out our varied options including a professional poker set in aluminum briefcase and handsome executive-class leather poker set. We also have dozens of personalized poker sets that pay tribute to specific hobbies, interests and sports – these make great groomsmen gifts for the guys. Really, we’re not bluffing; call up your buddies and organize a poker night sometime before the wedding – but not the night before! And, to keep stress levels in check during your marriage, work out a schedule with your new wife that lets you keep poker night going strong - even if it’s one night a month you host poker and one night a week she hosts book club. Besides poker, do you have any ideas for reducing wedding planning stress in grooms? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks!

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Do You Take This Flask to Have and to Hold?

A man without a flask at his wedding is a brave sole. A walk down the aisle is much easier with a little smile on your face, and a quick way to loosen up and put those pearly whites on display is to partake in a small swig of spirits from a flask. We’re not condoning getting smashed, drunk, or three sheets to the wind; that would really put a burr in the bride’s britches and, honestly, pushes the limits on the ethics involved in taking your vows. But, we see no problem with enjoying a single sip or mixing up a small drink to help calm your nerves before the big event. This all being said under the assumption that there is not a history of problems with alcohol in your life. A flask is one of those manly must-haves that keeps a guy prepared for any situation where a thirst may develop. For example, if reception venue bar is ready for your party yet or there isn’t a convenience store in sight. Having a topped-off flask nearby is an insurance policy on all these potential “I need a drink now” disasters. Don’t be selfish hoarding a groom flask just for yourself. Treat all the guys in your wedding party to their own personalized flasks; everyone will be toasting to your fine taste. And, after, the Big Day, you and your friends will enjoy pulling out your engraved flasks again to use at football tailgate parties, camping trips and really long, boring visits to the in-laws! So, what should you put in your flask? The traditional advice would be a spirit strong enough to make you squint your eyes, slap your thigh and let out a gasp of of satisfaction. Probably the most popular choice is whiskey, but tequila, vodka and scotch all fall in close behind. Some grooms even write in to ask if it’s okay to pour mixed drinks right into the flask. We say, fill your personalized flask up with whatever wets your whistle – even if it’s just some wholesome lemonade. That being said, you grooms will want to stay away from adding carbonated drinks to flasks, you don’t want it to fizz over and ruin your tuxedo. Also, beverages with high acidity such as vodka and orange juice screwdrivers or margaritas may react unfavorably with the metal of the flask and leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Here’s an idea, mix up a batch of “shooters” in your personalized flask. Try mixing equal parts of Irish cream liquor, whiskey and coffee in your flask for a wedding drink that will make your eyes pop! GroomStand.com stocks dozens of handsome flasks that are perfect for your own acquisition and to give as groomsmen gifts. These personalized groom and groomsmen flasks will complement your style, whether that’s cummerbund and bow tie to blue jeans and cowboy boots. From a high polish flask and leather wrapped flasks to flasks outfitted in camouflage, you are sure to find the perfect personalized flask for yourself or to give as a tasteful choice in groomsmen gifts and best man gifts. What do you like to put in your flask? Let us know in the comments below.

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No-Fail Foil Way to Wrap Groomsmen Gifts

During the months leading up to the wedding, there are plenty of ñhoney-doî tasks that the bride may ask you to step up and take over. Better get used to it. Some of these chores may be items on her to-do list, while others may be responsibilities that were yours to start with _ only you were oblivious. For example, did you know that YOU, the groom, are supposed to shop for the best man gift and all of the groomsmen gifts. Yes, thatÍs right. Even though the bride is most likely the super shopper in the relationship, able to run faster than your speeding heart and leap tall turnstiles in order to be first in line at a sale, hunting out and buying groomsmen gifts is your job. There is an obvious reason why the groom is put in charge of this check off box on the wedding to-do list. ItÍs not a punishment or even a preview that you have to take over all household shopping in the future. Instead, itÍs just that you know the best man and groomsmen better than her, plain and simple. I mean, would you really want to select the bridesmaid gifts? And, if you were part of the groomÍs wedding party, would you really get a warm fuzzy from some random groomsmen gift your buddyÍs fianc_ picked out? We think the answer to both question is a resounding ñnoî! We also have other news you may not like to hear and that is you should probably also take charge of wrapping the groomsmen gifts. However, never fear. If you are present-wrapping challenged guy, you love this news. A man named Martin Grix recently invented a fool-proof paper that is so easy to use that even a... well, a man like you, could use it. DonÍt take offense at this dumbed-down version of present wrapping, simply take it for what it is _ a genius, super-fast way to wrap gifts for any occasion without the need of scissors, tapes, or a Ph.d. in bows and embellishments. The wrap is actually colorfully printed foil with red or blue stars that is rolled up on a handled dispenser that is ready to accommodate your clumsy man paws. Even if you have an odd-shaped gift like one of our personalized baseball bats, the Man Wrap will come to the rescue. All you do is roll out a length of the foil and plop your groomsmen gift down in the center; wrap the foil around the gift and smash in the sides to secure. Voila, your gift is wrapped and ready to impress the recipient with both your sentiments and your skills. Check out this short video that demonstrates how Man Wrap can solve all your pre-wedding, gift-wrapping problems. The guy is able to wrap up five items in a mere 60 seconds. It takes longer to get up from the lazy boy to go retrieve a cold beer out of the fridge. Now if youÍre sold on the Man Wrap, the bad news is that we donÍt sell it (yet). It looks like itÍs primarily a UK product. But, hey, you can always raid the kitchen drawer for the ReynoldÍs Wrap. If you still donÍt know what youÍll wrap up for groomsmen gifts, donÍt worry. GroomStand.com has loads of best man gifts, groomsmen gifts, ring bearer gifts, gifts for fathers and gifts for virtually everyone on your list. The cool thing is that you can shop from the comfort and convenience of your own home, whenever you like. We ship the loot straight to your door. You wrap in foil. You pop open a beer to celebrate having the job done.

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Take Your Last Bachelor Dip at Pool Party

Even though summer has just barely started, temperatures are sure to remain hot for a few more months, especially in the south and west regions of the US. If you are trying to plan a bachelor party or guyÍs weekend party in honor of an upcoming wedding, staying cool may be just as much of a priority as having fun. We have a great idea that is sure to make a splash with you and the guys _ a Pool Cabana Party. Pool parties are some of the hippest and most happening spots to unwind (and get wild) during daylight hours in Las Vegas. Most guys we know canÍt afford a poolside cabana at one of the big name hotels on the strip, the bill for cabana, bottle service and DJ can cost several thousands of dollars. Well, maybe this could happen if all the guyÍs pitched in as a gift for the groom. This doesnÍt even include the travel expenses to get in Las Vegas and the additional bundle youÍll blow in the casinos. But you can replicate the fun in your own hometown with a DIY pool cabana party _ and all at a fraction of the expense. Here are some logistics to keep in mind when planning and executing this summer season bachelor party: Guests: Obviously the groom, best man and groomsmen should be going to this party _ but you definitely donÍt want it all dudes. This type of pre-wedding party works the best as less of a traditional bachelor party and more of a co-ed party; what fun is it going to the pool without seeing a single bikini? Actually, it could be a coupleÍs wedding shower with both men and women invited _ and what a great way for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to get to know each other! Location: Obviously you are going to need a pool. If you canÍt find a friend who is willing to loan you his backyard pool for the shindig (call it an early wedding gift), then start contacting local country clubs to see what their rental fees are for private parties. Or, inquire with the big hotels in your city to see what they offer. There will be a charge, but we can almost guarantee it will be nothing like the sky-high bill youÍd get in Sin City. Additionally, you can check out renting public pool facilities, but make sure you understand their policies on alcohol and music before plunking down a deposit. Activities: YouÍll definitely want music and should consider hiring a local college DJ who will keep the party going all day and night for a reasonable fee. Or, search through iTunes for beach and summer type songs and make a playlist to loop on outdoor speakers. Make sure enough area is cleared (and stays dry) to serve as a dance floor. Be as daring as you care, have a contest for the best male and female beach body, most obnoxious bathing suit, craziest stunt off the diving board, best dance moves, etc. Make sure you have plenty of lounge chairs and day beds for lazing around and catching some rays. Food & Drink: Really, nothing goes better at a pool party than hamburgers and hotdogs cooked outdoors on the grill. Use one of our steak brands to burn in the about-to-be-married coupleÍs initials or a heart into the bun _ this is a cool new trick that upscale burger joints are doing. These steak brands also make tasteful groomsmen gifts and party favors to commemorate the event. Also, youÍll want to serve up cool, refreshing beverages in the appropriate barware _ something shatter-proof for the pool area. If things really start getting crazy, pull out our Jag Bomb set that serves up a two-in-one shot of liquor along with a chaser. Practicalities: Keep drinks and perishable foods cold in our personalized coolers that double as groomsmen gifts to take home. We love this tailgate dispenser cooler that offers up beers one at a time -- stock each guyÍs with a six-pack of his favorite brand. To cool off larger beverage assortments for the entire party, fill a childÍs plastic party pool with ice and just dump cans and bottles right it for a quick chill. Word of warning - if there is going to be a lot of drinking and fun in the sun, make sure that your guests have a safe way to get home.

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Take My Wife (Please) and Other Marriage Advice

Getting married? In addition to being bestowed with wedding gifts, I bet youÍve heard your fair share of advice from well-meaning family and friends. From ñItÍs okay to argue, but donÍt go to sleep angryî to ñremember to always put the seat down on the toilet,î most marriage advice is well meaning and on point. Some advice is truly a valuable gift for the groom and heeding it can save you tons of heartache and money! Sometimes a witty piece of advice might stay in your memory longer or a funny joke about marriage _ even though you might not share those exact sentiments about marriage, something in the saying really resonates with you. Here are some of our favorite wedding, marriage and love inspired sayings (some serious, some silly) from celebrities and famous people:   Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot. --Groucho Marx I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. --Groucho Max In Hollywood, brides keep the bouquets and throw away the groom. --Groucho Marx A man in love is incomplete until he is married. Then he's finished. --ZaZa Gabor Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. --Albert Einstein Marriage is an alliance entered into by a man who can't sleep with the window shut, and a woman who can't sleep with the window open. --George Bernard Shaw Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. --Katherine Hepburn Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century. --Mark Twain Bigamy is having one husband or wife too many. Monogamy is the same. --Oscar Wilde Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women have a more subtle instinct: What they like is to be a man's last romance. --Oscar Wilde Never marry for money. Ye'll borrow it cheaper. --Scottish Proverb We have a couple of rules in our relationship. The first rule is that I make her feel like sheÍs getting everything. The second rule is that I actually do let her have her way in everything. And, so far, itÍs working. --Justin Timberlake There are two things for a marriage to be good. One is to work hard on it. The other one is to marry above you. And I succeeded at both of those.„ --Ben Affleck It's confusing. I've had so many wives and so many children that I don't know which hose to go first on Christmas. --Mickey Rooney Marriage is about the most expensive way for the average man to get laundry done. --Burt Reynolds Getting married is a lot like getting into a tub of hot water. After you get used to it, it ainÍt so bad. --Minnie Pearl The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him. _ Oscar Wilde I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. _Rita Rudner My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. _ Rodney Dangerfield Take my wife. Please. _ Rodney Dangerfield Marriage is an institution, but who wants to live in an institution? -- Groucho Marx Have you heard a great piece of love, wedding or marriage advice? Let us know in the comments below:

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