Astros Pitcher Arrested in Wedding Brawl

Nothing says, “I'm getting married,” like a good old wedding riot. Good thing Brandon Backe didn't get a baseball bat as his groomsmen gift. Houston Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a wedding day ruckus in Galveston, Texas. The bride's father and brother were also detained. One person was sent to the hospital and police tazed one guest. The "riot" broke out after the reception at a bar in the St. Luis Hotel. This isn't your typical wedding reception melee. Not only was a famous baseball player arrested, police got physical as they took on the wedding guests, which prompted internal affairs to launch an investigation. Many witnesses say that the blue meanies used excessive force. According to the article: "One officer said he hit Backe twice in the face before handcuffing him. Both the officer and Backe sustained minor injuries during the fight." Backe was charged with interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest. Both charges are misdemeanors. He was released on $1,500 bond. We suspect the beat down would have been worse if the groom gave his attendants baseball bats as groomsmen gifts. Seriously, what about weddings bring out the worst in people? Is it the endlessly flowing booze or is there something in the cake? Read the full article here. Don't forget about those groomsmen gifts or you'll have to face the bride's wrath. Hopefully, she's a little more forgiving than the police at this wedding day beat down. GroomStand rule: never fist fight in a tuxedo. Not only will you probably have to buy it, fighting in a tux is only classy for guys like James Bond. Shop GroomStand for groomsmen gifts, gifts for the bride, and other wedding-day accessories.

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Groomsmen Gifts for Spring Weddings: Think Basketball

While wedding season is soon upon us, the NBA season is in full swing. The second round of the NBA Playoffs begins this week. LeBron James was just named the MVP of the league. James is the youngest player ever to win the award. He'll be awarded the most valuable player trophy today. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers has an incredible team that appears destined to go to the NBA finals and face off against the streaking Cavaliers. We know how difficult it can to be to decide on the perfect groomsmen gifts. Simplify the process with basketball-related best man gifts, groomsmen gifts or great father of the bride gifts. If the guys in your wedding appreciate the NBA, basketball-themed gifts are the ideal complement to your summer wedding. This year's finals match-up is sure to a spectacular one, so translate all that playoff drama into your groomsmen gifts for a thank you that the men in your wedding will cherish for years to come. Engraved NBA Cufflinks Keep your groomsman gifts classy and sporty at the same time with these attractive cufflinks. These NBA Cufflinks can be personalized with your friend's favorite basketball team. It's the best man gift that will put your stylish friend back in the game - even if he's not going gray quite yet. Personalized Vintage Basketball Tavern Signs Is your wedding coming up and you still have no clue what to get for groomsmen gifts? Look no further than this appealing Personalized Vintage Basketball Tavern Sign. It's the perfect groomsmen gift for your bachelor groomsmen whose billiards or poker rooms are in desperate need of adequate decoration. Personalized Party Tub Cooler Make sure your groomsmen stay chill with this Party Tub Cooler. It makes a great gift for those guys attending your wedding who are too lazy to get up and grab a cold one from the fridge. Now, when you're watching the playoffs with your friends, you'll never be the one to grab the beers because this cooler will be right by your groomsmen or best man's side! Personalized Sedona Bonded Leather Professional Poker Set The NBA isn't for every guy. If your best man is the lone man out when it comes to the excitement and intrigue of basketball, give Sedona Bonded Leather Pro Poker Set. He'll marvel at the beautiful leather case, the 150 deluxe 11.5 gram poker chips, and the five casino quality dice. It will giving you valuable time to watch those big playoff game moments, and keeps any complaints to change the channel to a minimum. Shop GroomStand for some more great groomsmen gifts!

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Are You Ready for Some Football?

Show Some Team Spirit with a Football Cake Topper and Groomsmen Gifts Toss that traditional (boring) bride and groom cake topper. In our previous blog, we featured hilarious grooms cakes. This custom mascot football cake topper from Magic Mud tops off your football-themed cake. If your lady's not the biggest fan of football cake toppers for the wedding cake (few brides are), put it on the groom's cake. Once you have a football cake topper in mind, check out our football groomsmen gifts. If your buddy claimed victory over his fantasy football pool, check out this fantasy football beer stein and this fantasy football plaque. Football groomsmen gifts make every guy feel like a winner, even if his team lost the game. Now, are you ready for some shopping? Find everything you'll need for the big day (football or otherwise) at Groomstand.com.

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Tuxedos: How to Look Like Cary Grant on Your Wedding Day (and Not Someone On His Way To The Prom)

by Chris Pierce First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LET YOUR BRIDE DRESS YOU. You are, in all likelihood, one of the many thousands of men walking this earth who actually dress themselves without the help of a woman. If you can walk down the street without being pointed at and ridiculed by small children, then you're ready to join us as we enter into the intimidating world of men's fashion (Besides, your fiancee would rather you look like some sort of six foot tall "KEN Doll.") This way, please... Option 1 - Tuxedos vs. All Others: This is an easy one. When in doubt, pull out any Cary Grant movie, and take a look at the "King of Panache," in his black tuxedo and bow tie. In his day, he was admired by men and lusted after by women. This man had "it." We mere mortals can only hope to capture "it" for that fleeting moment known as our Wedding Day. Cary knew something about how to light the fire within any woman. He did it with a tuxedo and a black tie. If your affair is of a less formal nature (i.e. Morning or daytime wedding, and in particular, outdoors) you may forgo the tuxedo for a suit. The suit should be a solid color, with a solid color shirt and tie. If you are being married poolside at your hotel in Hawaii, you may then invoke the little known "Don Ho" rule, and wear your Hawaiian Shirt and shorts; but please, skip the flip-flops ("Tiny bubbles in the wine_.") Option 2 - Buying Or Renting Tuxedos. Renting tuxedos is an extremely popular choice, and requires little or no imagination. Allow me to paint the typical renting scenario: You show up with the groomsmen and the rest of the bridal party at some storefront tuxedos place. The guy with the measuring tape will inevitably be wearing more gold jewelry than Mr. T. and he will only listen to the bride as she proceeds to dress all of you as she sees fit! Remember what it was like to be with Mom in a department store as a child: She'd dress you in clothes that were uncomfortable, ugly, or most likely, both. That's what this experience can be like. On the other hand, when renting tuxedos, you usually get everything you need in one shot - The tuxedo, the shirt, the studs, the cufflinks and sometimes even those horrible plastic shoes. It's the total package. Now, with this vision in mind, get out a picture from your High School Prom and take a good, long look. If you resemble a young Jerry Lewis instead of Cary Grant, then DO NOT RENT! BUY! For the price of two rentals, you can have yourself a fine, all wool tuxedo that is tailored for your body, that doesn't have an adjustable waist pants and no one has ever thrown up on it. Tuxedo Styles. When it comes to color, your choices are basically Black, Black, and Black. Did Cary Grant ever wear Powder Blue tuxedos? Single-breasted suits are available in either traditional two button jackets or more fashionable one or three button models (JFK Jr. went with a three button; 'nuff said). Remember, only button the top two buttons on a three button and the top one on a two button. The one button jacket is great for the stout gent, while the two button will work for most, and the three button looks good on guys who've yet to gain the "freshman fifteen" (If you don't know what that is, don't ask; you get to find our the hard way...). Double Breasted suits come with either shawl (rounded lapels) or peak (pointy lapels). For most, it's a matter of personal preference. The DB Peak lapel is the most formal tuxedo. If you're extra short or wide, stay with the single breasted. As far as shirts are concerned, tell your bride how you'll match her dress. Most wear white, so a white shirt is usually in order. Some brides will choose an off white dress, in which case you'll have to look a little harder but you should be able to find an off white shirt. Trust me, on the day of the wedding, it will look much whiter. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is a true tuxedo shirt. The shirt placket should be textured like a pique polo shirt or pleated, and it will usually have the little wing collar. In regards to the pleats, try to remember Cary Grant, not Elmer J. Fudd. Tie: Here's another color choice for you...BLACK! Try and be valiant and go with a self tying bow tie. Cary always did. Make sure it is pre-tied on your wedding day; Invariably, you'll be running late and your hands will be quivering so much that you'll never be able to tie a clean knot. Some super fashion plates (i.e. - JFK, Jr. above) have worn solid color neck ties. I suggest that unless you have the presence and swagger of the aforementioned, stick with the bow tie. Otherwise you might wind up looking like a guest and not the groom. Braces. Yes, my simple friends, these are "suspenders." Cary called them braces, you should too. Black with button loops are safest. Do not go with the "Mork from Ork" rainbow clips. Vest or Cummerbund. This one is truly up to you and your personal sense of style. If you're truly "fashionable challenged," use my favorite color recommendation here as well...Black. You're a Groom, not a clown (OK, well, that's a whole other article...). Either way, remember, a vest or cummerbund is worn over your braces. Shirt Studs and Cufflinks The simpler the better, tasteful silver or gold. You want these to be quiet and elegant. If you can get your hands on the set of cuff links that 007 got from "Q," you're in luck. You never know when you might need to tranquilize your mother-in-law. Shoes Here's where you must heed my advice: If you rent shoes you will regret it. Purchase a simple pair of black cap toe oxford, take them to a shoemaker and have a "spit shine" done. Bridesmaids should be able to fix their makeup in your shine. Additional Advice If you are buying a tuxedo, find a salesperson who is dressed well. You also want to be comfortable on the big day, so make sure that you get fitted properly; do not assume your size! Keep all this advice in mind, too - if you give good enough groomsmen gifts you may be taking your tuxedo expertise to a friend's wedding in the future. Follow these steps and your Bride will be impressed, you'll have your moment in the sun and Cary Grant will smile upon you from the "big soiree in the sky." Chris Pierce lives and works in New York City. He spends Friday Nights watching rented videos of classic movies and reading GQ magazine.

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Getting the Guys to Come to Your Destination Wedding

By Dino Londis So you've chosen a destination wedding? Well done. You're starting your new life by eliminating the hassle of a traditional wedding. Once you're buying ukuleles as groomsmen gifts or planning your romantic ski weddingmoon, you'll realize what a brilliant decision you've made. But there are some nuances to such nuptials that must be considered. On your destination wedding, you'll be eloping with your bridal party, family, and closest friends... This could be Fiji, Niagara Falls, Disneyland, anyplace that involves travel. For this we know your friends will thank you too. In fact we figure that by choosing a destination wedding you're likely to have more leverage in getting your guy friends excited about your big day than you'd ever have with a traditional wedding. Have we mentioned plane tickets make the best groomsmen gifts? Seriously though, your destination wedding decision may be the best groomsmen gifts of all for your friends. If we're honest, pretty much the only thing for them to get excited about at a traditional wedding is the bachelor party. Really, watch your friend doze off when you discuss your fianc's gown and veil, but watch them light up when you offer skiing in Vail, Colorado, or diving in the Turks and Caicos, or hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest, or kayaking in Maui. But how do you get them to spend their time, money, and travel on your big event? Involve them in the process. Sure, you have a destination already in mind, and so may your fiance, but open it up for discussion. Along with your wedding announcement, add a line that asks for five recommendations for your destination. Include your email and ask them send you websites that promote particular destinations. Make it fun by offering primo groomsmen gifts as prizes for the top suggestions. When they get the concept that they get to see you hitched and they get to go yachting in St. Croix (for example) they'll find it much harder to turn you down. You might even get suggestions you hadn't even thought of. Another way to get those men to your wedding is selling the sizzle. Focus on the destination more than the wedding. The wedding is only one day; the destination aspect begins as soon as the plane lands. Because you are in an exotic location, the formality of the traditional wedding was left back in your hometown. This is a vacation after all. A pub crawl bachelor party or surfing lessons as groomsmen gifts is a great way to get the guys pumped for your Big Day. If they're hedging even with your offer of great groomsmen gifts, tell them that this destination wedding is the last chance to get all the guys together as bachelors one last time, and that this must not be missed. This could begin a tradition of destination weddings as each guy marries. If they're still reticent, this one always works. Explain that as a member of the wedding party, they will get all the perks of a wedding and honeymoon without having to get married - just call them bonus groomsmen gifts. How? Nothing puts a girlfriend/wife more in an amorous mood, than attending a wedding in paradise. This is every man's dream. It becomes a weeklong bachelor party, but with their girlfriend or wife. Like any successful event, planning and anticipation are critical, and since this is the only time you'll do this (hopefully you're marrying only once in this lifetime), planning takes on even greater importance. Planning far in advance and knowing how many guests will be attending, will give you greater leverage when securing discounts for group rates from the vendors you're using (check for group discounts when you buy groomsmen gifts, too) and this will help with your turnout. A packing list helps prevent leaving behind engagement rings or groomsmen gifts, which would definitely put a damper on the festivities. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Find the common ground that unites your friends: an extreme sport, deep-sea fishing, golf, or it may be something that none of you have done, like auto racing, or fantasy football camp, and then see that your groomsmen gifts and activities lean that way. Since you're combining your honeymoon and the wedding, you may (and we emphasize may) be saving enough money to pay for part or all of your guests' expenses. Trust us, this will almost ensure a full turnout, and you can get away with smaller groomsmen gifts. If expenses are tight, you may want to provide the minimum for your guests, allowing them to add the perks they desire, like bumping up from coach to first class, a single to a suite, a shuttle to a limo, etc. By allowing your friends to have a hand in choosing the destination, highlighting the destination and the romance, including amazing groomsmen gifts, and offering to pay for part of their trip will almost ensure that your buds will witness your first step in your journey into marriage.

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Gifts from Groomzilla

It's hard to buy groomsmen gifts for people in the WPWPP (Wedding Party Witness Protection Program). Indeed, we've all heard of that bug-eyed nuptial dictator whose wedding party cowers at the shrill incessant ring of their cell phone, trembles at the thought of having groomsmen gifts hurled at them, or jumps at their heavy foot storming into the dressing room. Yes, we are talking not about Bridezilla, but about her alter-ego Groomzilla. From going off on the five-minutes-late limo driver to screaming at the innocently clumsy waitress, anyone who has digital cable knows that Groomzillas are real and terrifying. And much like she of Bridezilla fame, the people who are going to feel the real 'zilla brunt are the members of the wedding party. Which begs the question, what groomsmen gifts do you buy for the guys who put up with everything? Depending on the actual amount of duress you've put them under, our guess is your groomsmen gifts are going to have to be pretty nice. Here's a rough chart of common Groomzilla sins and their groomsmen gifts equivalent: Groomzilla Sin #1: Sweet-talked your groomsman's girl into stripping at the bachelor party so you could save money on hiring dancers. Groomsmen Gifts Path to Forgiveness: A trip to Vegas, with lap dances o'plenty. Groomzilla Sin #2: Enrolled the guys in boxing lessons against their will so the "chub-buckets" would shape up for the Big Day. Groomsmen Gifts Path to Forgiveness: One-on-one boxing matches in which you allow each groomsman to pummel you mercilessly until he feels vindicated. Groomzilla Sin #3: Made them serenade the bride to her favorite song "Fill me up, Buttercup" outside her window for a week after you two had a falling-out. Groomsmen Gifts Path to Forgiveness: An elaborate pre-bachelor party ballet dance to prove to them you are even more in touch with your feminine side than they are. Groomzilla Sin #4: Refused to book your friend's younger brother's band in favor of a professional Bossa Nova group to play at the reception. Groomsmen Gifts Path to Forgiveness: Let the little fellas play at the rehearsal dinner, and write them a letter of recommendation. Groomzilla Sin #5: Humiliated your groomsmen by making a scene in the restaurant because the waitress accidentally spilled champagne on your faux-leather shoes. Groomsmen Gifts Path to Forgiveness: Invite them back out to dinner at the same place, apologize publicly to the waitress and leave a generous tip, along with your most single groomsman's phone number.

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A (Groom's) Room of One's Own

Even in these modern times, there is a chance that, if you are getting married, you will be moving in with your bride for the first time. Marriage-the merging of accounts, the joining of assets, the liquidating of lives- is a beautiful thing, but the connotations of moving in together can create some huge changes. The complete and utter elimination of privacy is one change that springs to mind. But it doesn't have to be that way. The truth is, a lot of cohabitating couples confirm that the make-or-break factor of successfully living together comes down to an issue of personal space. Couples who opted for a one-bedroom over a studio, or a loft with a den, or a flat with a one- and- a- half bath instead of a one bathroom, reported a happier co-existence than those who chose snugger quarters. The bottom line is, no matter how much you love someone; everyone wants to feel that they are with their partner by choice, not constriction. To retain the warm fuzzy feelings of being newlyweds, we recommend that new grooms secure some separate space where they can go and take a break from the constant blare of TLC and the Pilates home studio. We cannot stress the importance of this private sanctuary enough. In fact, we believe Virginia Woolf was not talking about aspiring women writers, but the newlywed groom when she touted the need for "a room of one's own." Sometimes being able to walk away from a situation, take a breath, and hang out solo for a few hours is all a new groom needs to remember how great marriage is all over again. So, in planning your personal room, a little ingenuity can be used. The planning process is a time where sneaking a glance at your wife's TLC channel could be helpful: with just a few ideas for inspiration you should easily be able to convert an area of your home into a home office. A little sanding, a little sawing, perhaps the erection of a false wall or two and viola! your very own home office/den/personal center and retreat is created. There are other ways to be proactive about your need for personal space. When you go to register for wedding gifts, include office furnishings like a leather mouse pad, desk clock, and zip letter portfolios. Many websites conveniently sell all these types of office ware as groomsmen gifts, so your groomsmen and other wedding guests will have no trouble going in on gifts or selecting from a whole variety of office supplies. The increasingly popular groom's shower is another perfect time to tip your best man off to your home office aspirations. In this age of affirmative action, groom's showers are becoming a new and popular way of showering the groom with the same pre-wedding gifts, games, and affections that are afforded to the bride. Just as a bridal shower often has a theme, let your best man, father, best gal pal, or whoever is planning the shower, know that home office furnishings is the gift de rigueur for your groom's shower. No doubt your pals will be happy to oblige you. After all, you're the one picking out their groomsmen gifts right? By setting aside a little space for yourself, full of manly gadgets like a humidor or personalized putter, you will once again feel like the king of your castle, or at least the king of your cubicle. Enjoy!

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Gifts by His Favorite TV Show

Deciding what to get your guys as groomsmen gifts can be tough. Whereas bridesmaids squeal over magazine ads and jump up and down in front of store windows, guys break out in hives at the mere sight of a store and rarely do more than mumble, "Yeah, that looks alright." But, there is a foolproof way to pick out groomsmen gifts your guys will love! Just match the gift to his favorite television show, and your groomsmen gifts will be Emmy-golden. LOST: You know the one. Your buddy who works in a cubicle all day and has never been out of his small town except for one Canadian hockey game in 1977. But his routine life betrays one adventurous streak- he is a die-hard LOST fan who knows every piece of DHARMA lore by heart and is addicted to Lostpedia. By figuring out his favorite show, you can also figure out what his favorite kind of groomsmen gifts might be. Something escapist, something adventurous, something to help him create his own little hatch right at home. These compasses make neat adventurous groomsmen gifts, while this Woody's Tiki sign is a perfect nod to the one thing that the LOST island is sorely missing-a tiki bar! The Office: If, on the other hand, your friend is a total Steve Carell junkie, more office-themed groomsmen gifts might be appropriate. These handy harmonicas make good groomsmen gifts to encourage those hilarious Office sing-a-longs, while giving these cell phone holsters as groomsmen gifts ensure your pal's phone never ends up in the ceiling rafters. And if your friend just loves the show because he craves Carrel's executive power, traditional office groomsmen gifts like desk caddies and mouse pads are the way to go. Sopranos: For the gangster-loving groomsmen addicted to this critically acclaimed family drama, only high-rolling groomsmen gifts will do. Perfect groomsmen gifts include these Jamison pub signs. Between the poker motif and the proud family name, these groomsmen gifts are just right for the guy seeking a high-paced casino feel for his home or office. Also, you can bribe him with groomsmen gifts never to gripe about the show's controversial ending again! Heroes: For your comic-loving friend, fantasy-themed groomsmen gifts are best. We're not talking D&D, but something like this bowling-themed pub sign. This colorful, quirky sign looks just like something Hiro could jump into by using his magical concentration powers to treat himself and friend Ando to a day of bowling instead of another boring day of corporate websurfing. By giving these comical signs as groomsmen gifts, your buddy can spend many happy days fantasizing about fun pastimes like bowling while in his boring cubicle-and if he does achieve Hiro's superpower, you know you're the pal he'll bring along on his wild adventures. Sweet!

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Don't Fumble Your Super Bowl Party: Groomsmen Gifts and More for the Big Game

Have you ever attended an incredibly lame Super Bowl party? You know the one: No one talks and there's not a nacho in sight. Then the guy's uncool wife runs interference and demands that you change channels until halftime. Don't be a Super Bowl party pooper! The Cardinals vs. Steelers should be a real showdown. Tackle party planning with a massive television, a few groomsmen gifts, and of course - beer. A Man's Got to Eat: Super Bowl Snacks Beside the game, the Super Bowl is all about finger food. Your fellow carnivores will show up (late) and demand to be fed. If you don't have an actual meal, the refs will call your party LAME. Remember, the Super Bowl and the Glutton Bowl go hand in hand. Pick up cheese plates and hot wings. Order a couple six-foot-long subs from the deli and a few pizzas. If you're a Steeler's fan create french-fry-injected sandwiches (a Pittsburgh favorite). If you root for the Cardinals smother everything in chipotle or make a chilly cheese dip. For more festive football food, brand steaks with your team's initials. Beer Me: Engraved Barware and Glassware We're sorry, but if you don't have beer at your Super Bowl party, it will be incredibly lame. We attended a few beerless Super Bowl parties in the past. Sure, the host served Pepsi and wine but c'mon! If you can't afford a couple six packs or a keg, write BYOB on the invitation. Stock up on groomsmen gifts like pilsner glasses, NFL beer steins, and football shot glasses. Keep the cooler close so you don't have to run to the fridge during important plays. Restock it at halftime. Prep the Man Cave (Mental Note: Get Giant TV) Prep the man cave before your Super Bowl party. First and foremost, you'll need a gargantuan flat screen. No one wants to spend the Super Bowl huddled around a mini TV (anything less than 30 inches). Rent a big screen. Super Bowl rule of thumb: the TV must have enough pixels so that you could see the dew on the field. Festoon your mantuary with festive steamers and balloons. Turn your dining room table into a mini-football field with a green table cloth, a football dip bowl (what, you don't have one?) and football action figures. Finally, grace those bare white walls with a personalized NFL sports sign to show you're serious about sports. When you get all the glory for having the best Super Bowl party, thank Groomstand. PS. there's still time to get your football-themed groomsmen gifts before the Big Game, so hurry!

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Gifts For Gentlemen Golfers

It's pretty simple for you and the guys, even if your fiancee never quite understands - it's all about the game. Well, the game and the relaxation. And maybe the friendly competitive spirit. And also the little cart. Whatever it is, it's golf: it's how you bond with your buddies, it's tradition, and now that you're bringing them into another tradition by asking them to be your groomsmen, why not bring your favorite hobby into it with golf-related groomsmen gifts? We're not saying hold the ceremony on the fairway, but if the future wife can have wedding planning sessions over three-mimosa brunches, then you and the boys can figure out the bachelor party, etc. over burgers at the club after nine holes. After all, where would your friendship be if not for your days of catching up at the links? Show your thanks for them standing up with you and make sure they know your golf games won't disappear once you're hitched by giving them groomsmen gifts like these. Sure, they probably already have the basics like golf balls and tees, but do they have them personalized? Are your groomsmen still carrying their tees in plastic bags so they don't get lost in a mess of clubs? If that sounds familiar, solve their problems with personalized groomsmen gifts of the Premier Golf Accessories Set. With space for three golf balls, tees, and a marker, it's an easy way to keep from losing what they need for a good day on course (even if they'd be better off with a box of talent). Since the box comes personalized, they won't have to worry about their stuff getting stolen. Hey, a guy's gotta watch out for golfers these days! If you're going basic (or going broke), try groomsmen gifts of Personalized Golf Balls. You can get them inscribed with up to three lines of text, so you can justify the expense to the future wife when she asks - hey, they're commemorative of your wedding! Doesn't she want your best guy friends to remember exactly when the two of you tied the knot? The better to get you both anniversary gifts, or at least avoid scheduling a big day out on your first anniversary. Do you and your boys like to combine the best of both worlds with golf and good Scotch? Make it easier to enjoy both with groomsmen gifts of this Leather Golf Bag Accessory Caddy. Sure most caddies have space for tees and markers, but do they come with a flask like this one does? We don't think so! You can even cement your best buddy status by pouring in a shot of good liquor before gifting, and get the party started immediately. Some guys don't have the weekend to devote to the club, so if your groomsmen tend to schedule their golf games during long lunches or late afternoons, make sure they can easily carry a putter for practice with groomsmen gifts of this Executive Putter Set. If he's really living the life of executive leisure, he probably has clubs of his own - still, he'll love this set with its wooden practice cup for refining his technique in the office when conference calls go on just a little too long.

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Ghostly Groomsmen Gifts: Take a Bachelor Party Road Trip to Haunted Baseball Parks

Step 1: Withhold their groomsmen gifts until they agree to a ghostly adventure Getting married in a ball park is a classic fantasy for any baseball lover-right up there with proposing on the Jumbotron, getting engraved bats as groomsmen gifts, and having your bachelor party in a suite at your favorite team"s game. But if your bride-to-be"s not a baseball fan, it might be time to think outside the box seat when incorporating your love of the game into your upcoming nuptials. On that note, how about having your bachelor party be a cross-country tour of haunted baseball parks? No one could accuse you of being unoriginal, and it turns out there may be plenty to choose from, according to the book Haunted Baseball by co-authors Dan Gordon and Mickey Bradley. Over a period of two years, the two authors interviewed over 800 past and present major league baseball players including Jim Thome, Derek Jeter, Jason Varitek, Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez, Omar Vizquel, Chipper Jones, Jay Gibbons, Mike Piazza, Michael Young, Derek Lee, Paul Konerko, David Wright, and many others. Their freaky findings would chill the blood of any baseball fan, so read on. Step 2: Arm your guys with Louisville sluggers as ghost-busting groomsmen gifts, and head out to. Yankee Stadium. After conducting these interviews, the authors were surprised to find how many baseball players swore that the ghosts of Yankee greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehri, Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle, still lurk at Yankee Stadium. It is believed these friendly spirits are responsible for helpful ghostly hijinks: getting balls to slip through an infielder"s legs, land in the outfield for hits, or clear the way for a well-timed home run. Wrigley Field. Night shift security guards at Wrigley report spooky occurrences as well: a voice calling out their name in the dead of night, the bullpen phone ringing despite an empty dugout. The guards believe these antics are the handiwork of the ghost of Chicago Cubs manager Charlie Grimm. On the other hand, paranormal investigators believe that the late spirits of bleacher bums may be the resident ghosts at Wrigley. Dodger Stadium. Bridezillas in the midst? Past and present stadium employees at Dodger Stadium described seeing a misty apparition waver across the field at three in the morning, as well as a woman in stilettos clattering late at night along the top deck of the empty ballpark. Step 3: Make it out of their alive, clutching your hard-won groomsmen gifts. Then send your stories to www.hauntedbaseball.com and become part of baseball history.

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How to Talk to your Fianc_e about Money

Since money is the number one cause of marital discord, according to Dr. Howard Markman, Co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver, a mutual financial plan is vital to the success of your marriage. Many engaged couples get so caught up thinking about groomsmen gifts and bachelor parties that they lose sight of the post-wedding party portion: the marriage, and its monetary realities. Though you may be reluctant to broach the subject of money for fear of upsetting your fiancée, head off arguments with a sit-down discussion about money management style, financial expectations, and the economic background behind each person's financial views. Trust us; before you start picking out groomsmen gifts and wedding china, have this one simple talk that could save your marriage. The decision whether to get a prenup, have joint or separate accounts, or life insurance options are all based on personal preferences. But here are a few broad guidelines for how to make a successful financial plan for the future: Tell no secrets, tell no lies. When it comes to money, honesty is not only the best policy; it's the thing that keeps couples out of debt, out of jail, and out of divorce court. It sounds harsh, but hidden debts or secret spending can deplete a financial fund irreplaceably-and damage a marriage permanently, so if you find yourself disguising how much money you're spending on groomsmen gifts, take that as a warning sign. Before you get married, talk honestly about any debt or expenses you have. Similarly, define your terms for "luxury" and "necessity." It's fine for a couple to agree they want to spend 70% of their wedding funds on necessities and 30% on luxuries, but if she considers oxygen facials to be luxury bridesmaid gifts, and his idea of luxury groomsmen gifts is McDonald's coupons, therein lies a problem. Not an insurmountable problem, but an issue that requires pre-marriage resolution. Timing is everything. As with any other hot topic, be sensitive about when you approach the money discussion. Is your fiance exhausted from an early morning meeting, or bummed out about an argument with a friend? Now is the time to keep mum on the M-word. A hot-button discussion under these kinds of circumstances will only lead to explosions. Spend a fun day shopping for groomsmen gifts or honeymoon resort wear. Afterwards, time your talk for a quiet dinner out, where you are both relaxed and romantic, as well as obligated to remain calm and couth. By gently working money talk into your romantic routine, you will demystify finances and not fear future discussions. There are limits however; you might do well to ban money talk from the bedroom! Debt is the Devil. Make getting and staying out of debt a priority during your wedding planning. If your fiance has her heart set on a princess wedding, take a second job or petition relatives, but don't max out your credit card on groomsmen gifts and wedding favors. One day, no matter how important, is not worth the months or even years of debt that can result from wedding planning. Similarly, work out a plan to pay down student loans and individual debt so that it doesn't carry over into the marriage. If necessary, postpone the wedding until these debts are paid off. It may sound extreme, but baggage of any kind should be dealt with in advance in order to have a happy, stress-free marriage. Also, the less debt you have, the fewer bills there are to bicker over later. Common Goals are Key. Money talk shouldn't be all depressing. To engage your fiance in money talk, maybe after a day out shopping for bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts, start out the conversation by asking about her dreams or goals for the future. Get excited talking about your dream home, a fantasy vacation in Greece, or owning your own vineyard. Then bring the discussion down to reality by saying, "Cool, let's figure out together how we can accomplish these dreams." Now is the time to talk about putting away ten percent, investing in an IRA, cutting down on dinners out, 86ing the gold-encrusted cufflink groomsmen gifts, or whatever it will take to help you get to those goals. Don't Discount Childhood. Not to be too Freudian, but since different spending habits have the potential to hurt our partner or be taken personally, its important to get a perspective on where your fiance gets their money management style from before you have a blow-up argument over the groomsmen gifts budget. For example, it may irritate you that your fiance constantly nags you about paying bills. You're a grown man. Of course you're going to pay them! But one simple talk may unlock the fact that when her parents divorced, there was no guarantee the bills would be paid, and so what you perceive as nagging is just your fiance's way of reassuring herself that her future is stable. Similarly, if you spend money like its going out of style, she may learn you have insecurities about your looks or status that could be resolved in other ways, like working out together or just more compliments from her. Taking a look at childhood could also help you to make better financial choices and build a stronger relationship. Using these tips to talk to your fiance about a financial plan for the future could save your marriage, so be sure to have this chat before you splurge on reception halls and groomsmen gifts. Don't let dollar signs get in the way of "till death do us part." Being open and honest will lead to a happy and secure life together. Some information taken from Ladies Home Journal

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