What's Your Sign?

You've heard of zodiac signs of course, though some prefer Chinese astrology. Others claim coffee drinks are the new astrological sign. Well, we are here to illuminate you to a new kind of sign, one that can shed quite a bit of light on your personality and the personality of your friends. These powerful groomsmen gifts provide an inner window into your buddy's soul-or at least some cool decoration while he and his pals drink up. The Tiki Sign: You are happy- go-lucky, fun-loving, and a party animal. A sucker for tropical climates, you are always the first to scream "Cabo, Baby!" and haven't given up the notion of "spring break" despite the fact that you are 42. This groomsmen gift will look perfect inside your tropical-themed bar, right next to your aquarium and hula girl bobble heads. Your drink: Blue Hawaiian. The Dugout Sign: A true baller, you are sporty and adventurous, a team player with a true competitive streak. You are never happier then when catching a fly or hitting a homerun. This groomsmen gift will look perfect in your personal sports bar, where ESPN is always on and your fantasy league rosters are always posted. Your drink: Budweiser, with a side of peanuts. The Saloon Sign: You are earthy, masculine, wisecracking and outdoorsy. You grew up playing cowboys and Indians and your favorite movies are Cool Hand Luke and Goodfellas. This groomsmen gift will look perfect in your own home saloon, next to your mounted steer heads and right above the mechanical bull. Your drink: Jack Daniels The Irish Sign: You are lucky, feisty and passionate, both a lover and a fighter. You're a man who enjoys a hearty stew and a good drinking song. This groomsmen gift will look perfect in your own little pub, next to the U2 poster and your framed "Kiss me, I'm Irish" T-shirt. Your drink: Guinness, what else? The Garage Sign: You are industrious, thoughtful, dexterous and dedicated. You love Home Improvement and believe anything store bought can be recreated in your personal workshop. This groomsmen gift will look great in your garage, among your restored cars and many tools. Your drink: A Screwdriver

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Gift Ideas

by Matt Singer The most important thing is that groomsmen gifts convey your thanks to these fine gentlemen for helping to make your wedding day wonderful. Deciding what represents these sentiments best is the issue. Like most of the other decisions you face in planning the wedding you have to choose what works for you. Whatever path you take here are a few tips to help you on your way. In order to be fashionable, your groom's party will probably be dressing somewhat the same. It looks best when you match. One way that you might help in these matters is to buy your guys matching ties. You can pick out matching tie and cummerbund sets (or just ties if tuxedos are not involved) from your local formal wear shop or even have them made just for the occasion. Look for a local tailor or manufacturer with experience in making ties and please consult your bride on the color scheme. For a little more flair, you could even buy each man a different set, that way they can wear it! Photographs will help you to remember your wedding day for years to come. Your groomsmen will also want to remember and you can help them. Small albums, folios and frames filled with pictures from the extravaganza are a great gift idea. You can also stamp or engrave them with your names, the date and even the initials or name of the recipient. Some photographers offer bridal party gifts as part of their packages, or you can pick among the best snapshots from family and friends and put them together yourself. At the very least, your best buddies can have something to stare at as they bemoan losing you to wedded bliss. A small token of your esteem can also serve as a long-term reminder of the excitement and emotion of your nuptials. If you do go with one small gift, make it special. Some suggestions are, a classic pocket knife, stylish barware, sleek golf gear if your groomsmen are golf fanatics or fine cigar accessories for those pure aficionados. There are hundreds of gift ideas, just make sure you allow enough time to pick out the perfect gift for each groomsmen. If you can come up with something new and special do it up. For groomsmen gifts with permanency, one Georgia groom bought commemorative bricks in Atlanta's Centennial Park for his party. Another idea, give the boys gift certificates for a massage to help them relax after the wedding. Any gift you put thought into will go a long way in thanking your groomsmen for the time, effort and expense they put into your wedding. And remember, try to set a high standard, you're probably going to be in their weddings in the not to distant future.

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Will Work For Groomsmen Gifts

By Bob Strange how things happen. I've been dating my girlfriend - Jane - for about six months now. We're in love - not the nasty eye-fluttering kinda love. It's more the we-both-like-the-same-movies and she doesn't care too much if I leave my underwear on the floor kinda love. So last week, I proposed. She said yes. Then she went insane. My girlfriend - oh, wait, fiancee - is totally crazed, running around, reading about 200 pounds of wedding magazines a week. What happened to the kick-back girl I fell for? Yesterday I got home when she pounced. I had my hand in the fridge, about to grab a beer. I didn't stand a chance. "Have you picked out groomsmen gifts yet?" she asked. "You have to pick out groomsmen gifts, quick. The wedding's coming up!" "But, honey, the wedding isn't for eight months. I don't even have groomsmen picked out yet, let alone the groomsmen gifts..." I winced. Wrong thing to say "You don't even know who your best man is yet?! I picked my bridesmaids and maid of honor out the day you proposed." She waved a magazine at me. I dodged back. "When are you going to do all this stuff?!" I tried the nice guy tack. "Baby, you're stressed. Relax. We've got lotsa time." I gave up on the beer and tried rubbing her shoulders instead. "OK, but look at this." She dragged me over to the computer. Note: I should tell you a little bit about us: Jane's a total geek. She lives for computers. She even writes a blog, whatever the heck that is. Me, I'm a college grad. That's all I can say. I fix rich people's cars and motorcycles for a living. But the only thing I can do with a computer is e-mail. When Jane wants me to see the computer - a fancy black thing that vibrates like a Ducati when she starts it up - it must be pretty important. So here I am, and I see she's got a web site up on the screen: Groomstand.com. "Oookaaaaay." I say. Jane gets going. "I want you to start picking out groomsmen gifts. Ben would really like a wallet. Jerry is a hiker so a compass seems like a good idea. And John is into baseball, right? So get him an engraved bat or something....." Waddaya know - I have picked out my groomsmen. And the gifts, too... I'm going to keep writing you guys. Hopefully it'll keep me from going insane... Signed, —Groom Bob

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Good Valentine's Day Proposal Ideas

For many, Valentine's Day, the national holiday of love, seems like the perfect time to propose. The day's already reserved, the anticipation is already building... Then again, there is an implicit pressure in trying to combine to momentous romantic occasions into one. The key is to let the natural romantic ambiance of Valentine's day work in your favor, while adding some unique touches to create a personal proposal. The first thing to do, since you've already selected a traditional date to propose, is to avoid any traditional sweet-but-cheesy proposals. So, no chocolate script on the restaurant dessert plate, no skywriters, and no fortune cookies! Groomstand's unbeatable Valentine's Day Proposal Guide will get you from bended knee to "will you marry me?" with superb creativity and aplomb. Simply take one of our suggestions, wait for the ecstatic "Yes!" and then come back later to pick out groomsmen gifts! THE PROPOSAL: QUIZ 'O' LOVE Secretly type up a Valentine's Day Trivia Quiz. Start with general questions (i.e. "Is Valentine's Day a pagan or religious holiday") but make sure they are all yes or no questions. Have the last question be, "Will you marry me?" HOW TO PULL IT OFF: Tell your lady you're exhausted from work and you just want to have a low-key night in. If she's a worth it woman, she'll be dissapointed, but agree. Get her to sit down next to you on the couch, then casually pull out a Valentine's Day trivia quiz you've typed up in advance. Pull it out of the newspaper and pretend it was an ad. Say, "Hey honey, I know you're bummed about spending Valentine's day in. I'm just going to jump in the shower, but why don't you take this Valentine's Day quiz to get in the spirit of things?" While she's taking a quiz, rush into the other room, where you will have stored the ring, flowers, and wine (bonus points for presenting it in our romantic personalized wine box - hey, it works for more than just groomsmen gifts). When you hear the tell-tale scream, rush back in the room, get on one knee, and propose. THE PROPOSAL: YOU PUT THE STARS IN MY SKY Okay, I know we said no skywriters, but that's because we have a better idea. Have a star named after your intended, only with her first name and your last name (or your last names hyphenated, if you prefer.) HOW TO PULL IT OFF: Take her to a scenic vista with plenty of star-gazing spots. Give her the document to open, then say "I want to spend the rest of my life star-gazing with you. Will you marry me?" Spend the rest of the night picking out "your" star. (For liquid courage along the way, just pack our travelin' flask) THE PROPOSAL: GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FEMININE SIDE We know it's not macho, but women do stuff like this all the time. Drop in on your local craft circle and get some knitting tips. Embroider "Will You Marry Me?" on a table cloth. Bonus points for multiple languages. HOW TO PULL IT OFF: Invite her to an intimate dinner for two at home. When she gets up to go to the bathroom, switch your old everyday table cloth for your handcrafted masterpiece. Wait and see how long it takes her to notice. When she does, pull off dinner plate cover to reveal ring box. Say, "Honey, now you know that when I said I'd do anything for you, I really meant anything. Will you marry me?" If this feels too out of character, begin by using our men's manicure set to slowly get in touch with your metrosexual side. You'll be swapping crochet tips in no time, and you might even like the feeling enough to pass those out as groomsmen gifts! THE PROPOSAL: SAIL AWAY WITH ME, HONEY If you two are sailing sweethearts, a romantic moonlight sail is your perfect Valentine's Day proposal. HOW TO PULL IT OFF: Wait until the moonlight is just right, then tell her you have a Valentine's Day present for her. Give her this beautiful silver compass and tell her "With you, I can never lose my way. Will you marry me?" Have the compass engraved with a special message for a perfect proposal memento. Bonus points if she wears it on the wedding day. NOTE: If you don't sail, another idea is to take her on a drive and pretend to get really lost. At the last moment, pull into a romantic spot, give her the compass and say, "I'm never lost as long as I'm with you. Will you marry me?" THE PROPOSAL: BUTTERFLIES IN FLIGHT Make the location of your Valentine's Day Proposal a huge surprise! Take her to a tropical butterfly museum for an exotic proposal she'll love re-telling. HOW TO PULL IT OFF: Get on one knee and say "Honey, you've given me butterflies since the moment I met you. This is my chance to give some butterflies back to you. Will you marry me?" THE PROPOSAL: YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO YOUNG... Especially if you have been high school sweethearts or together for a long time, this Valentine's Day proposal is a sweet gesture. Plan a kid-themed day of amusement, ending with a timeless proposal. Spend a day swinging on swings, picking apples at an orchard, wading in a creek, and flying kites. At the end of the day, surprise her with either a grade-school style valentine that says "Will you Marry Me?" or even more classic, a simple folded "Will you Marry me? Check Yes or No" note.

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Cufflinks

By Howard K. Brodwin Crave some groovin' groomsmen gifts? By now, we've all been exposed to the renaissance of those halcyon days of bachelor pad swinging-ness - pork pie hats, tie pins, French cuff shirts, swing dancing, Martinis, "you're so money!" and all that other jazz. All the "cool cats and kittens" may be behind us now, but fellas, we've been left a legacy thought to be lost with pops or granddad. Cufflinks are that readily available accoutrement needed to give the razor sharp suit you're sporting a touch of subtle sparkle. So when you're pondering groomsmen gifts, keep them in mind. These miniature works of art run the gamut from small and discreet to oversized and outrageous, from traditional and refined to trendy and whimsical. Cufflinks often express the wearer's success-jewel-encrusted precious metals, dollar signs and moneybags. Exclusive social, religious and political logos, and indulgences such as cigars, cannabis leaves, playing cards, dice and liquor bottles are popular themes. Diminutive versions of carpenter tools, typewriter keys, the NY Stock Exchange logo, stamps and coins hint at one's occupation or hobbies. Basically, these versatile groomsmen gifts celebrate everything guys love! Such cufflinks look best on a French Cuff Shirt. What is a "French cuff" shirt, you may ask? This simply means that there are no buttons on the sleeves - the cuffs fold over once, doubling the material at the four matched up holes that your cufflink passes through and fastens. Men's shirts have been through numerous metamorphoses over the centuries, at one point covering not only the arms, but most of the hands as well. The sleeves were usually loose fitting, often ending with a flourish of lace ruffles. Today's French-cuff shirt wearer is likely a more devoted cufflink collector simply because he's made the decision to make his links a "necessity" rather than an "accessory." Help your other friends catch on with these gentlemanly groomsmen gifts! According to the National Cufflink Society, there is evidence of cuff fasteners in ancient hieroglyphics and even in King Tut's crypt. The introduction of the French cuff in the mid 1600's moved the cufflink from the realm of practicality to personal adornment, as royalty commonly wore these decorated cuff fasteners. In the late 1700's, new link styles appeared and were soon adopted by the middle class and tradesmen. By the 1840's cufflinks were usually found in the form of gold, silver, or pearl buttons held together by metal, often brass chain. That means guys could have been giving cufflinks as groomsmen gifts centuries ago! During the Industrial Revolution in the 1860's, the development of precious metal electroplating afforded the masses a look that was formerly beyond their means. In the 1880's, around the time removable starched cuffs and collars were introduced, George Krementz patented a device adapted from a Civil War cartridge shell-making machine that produced one-piece collar buttons and cufflinks. Almost every major U.S. business company during the first half of the twentieth century commissioned cufflinks either for advertising purposes or as gift incentives for employees or executives. The Roaring 20's were probably the height of cuff-link invention. Manufacturers created a variety of devices and designs to do one simple thing: allow a man to insert and remove his cufflinks with a minimum of difficulty and a maximum of security. Now there are a wide variety of mechanisms for open and closing cufflinks - some feature the classic flip-hinge, there are designs that twist off and some that screw apart. There are little chains that link the two sections together and the one-piece dumbbell type, in which the same design is repeated in a smaller s ize on the ball that passes through the cuff. Hey, why not get creative and set up a "speakeasy" in which to hand out these twenties-era groomsmen gifts? Cufflink use may have had its peak during the 1960s. According to Arthur Gately, a senior vice president for cufflink manufacturer Swank Inc., "In the late 1960s, we were producing 12 million pairs of cufflinks a year." Even though these were aimed at the lowest end of the market, retailing for an average of $2.50 a pair, that still adds up to a lot of men wearing French-cuff shirts. Now Swank makes about 150,000 to 200,000 pairs a year. The resurgent popularity of cufflinks in recent years inspired businessman Claude Jeanloz to open The Cufflink Museum in Conway, New Hampshire, in the late 1990's. Jeanloz, who obtained his first pair as a confirmation gift from his godmother, began collecting cufflinks in the mid 1960s. After amassing a large number of them, he decided to establish the Cufflink Museum, which features over 70,000 pairs on display in 10,000 square feet - by far the largest collection in the world. Though it's difficult to precisely date the pair, the museum's oldest links are from the late 1700s. Also on display are cufflink memorabilia such as vintage cufflink ads, photos and even album covers featuring performers wearing cufflinks like The Beatles and Bob Dylan (take a look at the cover of his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home...) as well as photos of famous politicians, including John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev at the United Nations, both wearing cufflinks. Needless to say, this is your chance to give groomsmen gifts with some culture behind them. Perhaps the most famous and expensive pairs of cufflinks-they sold at auction for $440,000 in 1987-was a gift from Wallis Simpson to Edward, the soon-to-be king of England. As recounted by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson in their book Cufflinks, the diamonds set in platinum, with baguette diamonds forming the initials E. and W., were custom ordered by Simpson in 1935. An accompanying set of buttons and studs were inscribed with "Hold Tight." We know at this point you've forgotten all about groomsmen gifts and just want to get some cool cufflinks for yourself. If you'd like to know more about cufflinks, check out the National Cufflink Society at www.cufflink.com. Get on board with fellow "linkers" (a term that cufflink buffs often use to refer to other collectors), learn about how to start collecting, the history of cufflinks and (pardon the pun) links to sites all about, well...links! Howard lives in Los Angeles, CA and owns 4 pairs of cufflinks - his favorite ones feature a miniature 1963 MG TDC convertible.

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2009 US Open - you ain't no Tiger

Console yourself with a personalized putter The US Open kicks off today, and you know what that means. Tiger and the rest of the worlds best in golf will be squaring off once again at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale. With TV coverage of the Open on ESPN and NBC, make sure you don't miss a second. Make sure you put your best club forward when you head out on the greens this summer with the Personalized Black Zinc Alloy Putter. This professionally handcrafted putter is designed in the St. Andrews Tradition with a hickory shaft and sturdy black alloy head. Available for those groomsmen gifts on your list, this putter can even be personalized with up to 85 characters for a signature touch. Also available for you lefties. It's on sale today, and only today, at 30% off. $72.00 $50.40 Buy it now, or wait 'til next year.

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Viva Las Vegas Gifts

The way you see it, your groomsmen should be thanking you, really - with your Las Vegas destination wedding, you're basically giving them an easy excuse to hop a cheap flight to Vegas and gamble and drink all weekend. In some smaller suburbs, that qualifies for humanitarian status! Still, just because you're inviting them along for what's basically a weekend-long party, it doesn't mean you get to shortchange your boys on groomsmen gifts. Keep it in theme with this handy list of the best groomsmen gifts to go with your Las Vegas wedding. If your groomsmen are gamblers, you've pretty much just invited them to paradise. If you're worried you might have to pry them away from the poker tables with a crowbar just to get them to stand up with you at the ceremony, curtail any addiction with groomsmen gifts of the Professional Poker Set and promises that you'll get a guys' poker night going once the knot is tied and you're back home. You should probably pick up a set for yourself, too - after all, everyone has to take their turn hosting, and you can work it out with the new wife so she gets her girls' night out the same evening. Immortalize the winning hand with groomsmen gifts of this Personalized Poker Design Cigar Humidors as groomsmen gifts. Great for the gambler or for the cigar aficionado and downright perfect for the guy who's both, these humidors will keep his stogies in the finest condition, and if you combine it with the Professional Poker Set above you can save your future earnings and convince your guys to just bet cigars on poker night. Or just give them groomsmen gifts to keep them always reminded of the experience - this Personalized Las Vegas Sign to hang on their wall. This classic sign can be personalized with the names of your groomsmen and yourself, and even the date of your wedding or bachelor party. It'll look great on the wall at your groomsman's bachelor pad or even relegated to the den when your buddy ties the knot himself. Let's just hope he decides on Vegas himself so you can have the Sin City experience all over again without the wedding stress for you!

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Sports Fanatics: Your Groomsmen Gifts Have Arrived

Confessions of a Last-Minute Shopper It's finally December and frostier than Spencer Pratt's beard. Seriously, what's with that thing? It's kind of like a milk mustache. Except a), it's not cute, b) he's not 5 and c) it's a goatee. Since mustache Movember came to a close last month, I'm not going to delve into the mysteries of Pratt's frosty facial hair (at least, not for now). Nope, no Speidi for me. I have better things to think about - like holiday shopping and sports. I was super, nerdily excited to find out about these personalized NFL, NHL, and MLB sports signs. I'm one of those last-possible-minute, don't-know-what-to-get-you, so-I'm-going-to-the-gas-station shoppers. Now, not only are my groomsmen gifts done, my holiday shopping is nearly finito! If only I could find something for my sister. When the Clock is Ticking, Look No Further than These Sports Groomsmen Gifts Finding groomsmen gifts for sports fans - a snap. Get something personal, something manly, something that says, "thanks for the saucy bachelor party." But finding holiday gifts for several people - girls, old dudes, children - is like trying to kick a field goal with three seconds in the game. The pressure is on. Every season, I stand in the center of the mall, blurry eyed and frightened, frantically searching for that ubiquitous "World's Best" sweatshirt stand. Everyone wants to be a World's best sister, mother grandmother, but I'm the World's worst gift giver. I made it a rule this year not to give anyone a mug or sweater with those two words, no matter how tempting or economical. This year, thanks to these new sports signs, I have the World's Best present for my cheese head of a future father-in-law. Yep, he's a Packers fan and I'm a Chicago Bears fan. We butt heads once in awhile. Packers memorabilia hangs on every wall of his man cave. So does a 15-pound stuffed bass (my future father in law is an intimidating guy). With this Locker Room Sign, he can figuratively rub shoulders with the big boys of his favorite team. It's a handsomely framed collectible that will hopefully put an end to our rivalry. At least this season - because let's face it, there's a slim chance either of our teams will win SuperBowl! Trust me, a reformed last-minute shopper, when it comes to sports fans, there's nothing better than personalized sports signs or personalized pub signs for groomsmen gifts and holiday presents. Shop GroomStand for all your gift-giving needs. And yes, you have to buy for your future inlaws - even if they're fans of your rival team.

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A Game for Each Guy

When you're gathering groomsmen, chances are you aren't choosing from just one pool of acquaintances. When you're mining your resources of coworkers, old friends, or close relatives, you're bound to have more difficulty shopping for groomsmen gifts than if you'd recruited, say, all four of your regular golfing buddies. You might want to rack your brain thinking of individual groomsmen gifts for all of them, but why go to too much trouble when you can easily get them all gifts on a theme? Rather than going out of your mind trying to remember each random hobby they've mentioned over the years in order to find the best groomsmen gifts, go for something simple, something that'll most likely resonate with them: their favorite sport. Most guys have a favorite, whether they play it or just watch it, and you probably already know what it is. If not, ask! They'll just think you're making conversation, anyway. It's easy from there: simply choose the sport, then find the groomsmen gifts: Baseball: Whether he plays or just displays, an Engraved Baseball Bat is just what he needs. This beauty comes customized with the name of the bride and groom and the wedding date in an oval design with your groomsman's name in the middle of the bat, so not only is it useful on the lot, it looks good mounted on the wall, too! It's rare to find groomsmen gifts that work as reminders, memories, and weapons off the field. Just kidding - they should probably only be used as weapons when you're on the diamond. Football: Let him show his love of the game every time he throws down another bet with a Personalized NFL Emblem Money Clip, and he'll be showing off his devotion to the sport everywhere from the bar to the corner store. Does he live and die by the final score and never miss a game - as long as it's from the safety of his couch? For the armchair football fanatic, make sure his beer stays cold with a Personalized NFL Can Holder. With personalized groomsmen gifts, your guys will get something a little more special than average, which is great for above average friends. Golf: Hey, they can always use golf balls - get your groomsmen gifts they can use with a pack of Personalized Golf Balls. There will never be any doubt who these balls belong to! They can be customized with up to three lines of text, so go with his name, or go a little more in detail. If you can't say thank you out loud, saying it with golf balls! It's unorthodox, sure, but it's not like you're going to get the guy flowers. If he already has all the clubs, tees, and balls he needs, go for golf ball coasters instead.

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A Groom's Shower: Not Just a Prenuptial Bathing Ritual

In the age of increasing equality of the sexes, wedding traditions are also experiencing a healthy dose of affirmative action. These days, bride and groom often split the costs of the wedding equally, the bachelor party is a joint affair, and groom takes on increasing responsibility in the wedding planning. So it's only fair grooms get some of the added benefits as well! One positive trend lightening the groom's increased load of heightened invitation licking, flower sniffing, and choosing groomsmen gifts, is the fad of groom showers. Since grooms have a lot more responsibility these days than just skating down the aisle with a tux and smile, it is only just that they get their fair share of celebration, and groom's showers are designed to do just that. But since this is a relatively new trend, here is a brief guide to giving a groom's shower (hint: it's exactly like planning a bridal shower, but with guy stuff). To begin planning a groom shower, you may want to choose a theme. Bridesmaids bored with the traditional cookie-cutter bridal showers have been livening things up by picking a bridal shower theme-such as the honeymoon destination or bride's favorite pastimes-to freshen the fun. Groom's showers should do the same. Here are a few fun groom shower themes to consider: A Sports Theme: Okay, it's a no-brainer, but just as most bridal showers feature a lot of lingerie, a groom's shower will generally have a healthy share of sports. Like bra shopping for women, sports are a time-honored male bonding tradition. If the groom you're planning the shower for is a total sports nut, don't be afraid to go all out with a sports-themed groom's shower. One good way to honor a sports-themed groom's shower through the gifts. Perhaps when shopping for your groomsmen gifts, he saw a few things he might like for himself. Find out if any particular groom's gift caught his eye, then ask groomsmen, family, colleagues, or whomever you've invited to bring a sports-related gift to enhance the theme of the groom's shower. Hint: For practical purposes, it sometime helps to narrow the theme to the groom's all-time favorite sport. On this note, if the groom is a baseball fan, how about purchasing him an engraved hall of fame baseball bat or personalized baseball and holder? If he's a golf-lover, leather can caddies or a personalized putter make the perfect gift. Sports-related groom shower gifts are special because the groom will think of the giver every time he uses them. Another good way to incorporate the groom's shower theme is through the food. If you're having a SuperBowl-themed Shower, recreate the joy of this Blessed Event with bowls of potato chips, cold beer and nachos. If you're feeling ambitious, a backyard grill or roll-your-own tacos go great with a side of every man's favorite sport. Finally, just as with a bridal shower, the games and activities of the groom's shower should also reflect the theme. For a sports theme, put NFL Instant Replays or ESPN on the TV. Set up an indoor golf green, or hit the backyard for an informal game of tackle football. Whatever activities you choose, a sports-themed groom shower is bound to be a fun memory for everyone involved. An Executive Theme: If you're groom has a high-pressure job that consumes a lot of his time, an Executive-Themed Groom's Shower to show your support for your hardworking pal is a nice idea. For gifts, buy him a leather mouse pad, a desk clock, or a classic Bentley pen. Chances are it's lonely at the top, so buying your buddy gifts for his office will remind him every day at work that he does have a network of supportive friends in his personal life. Just as with groomsmen gifts, the idea is to remind the groom what a great buddy he's been over the years. For the food, serve liquor-laced Perrier and Cappuccinos, and serve yuppie foods like cold cuts and crackers, mini sandwiches, and chicken salad. A dessert tray or champagne also makes a festive touch for an executive-themed groom's shower. For activities, get creative. Sit the groomsmen around the table boardroom style while the best man acts as CEO, pacing the room and firing questions about the grooms weirdest habits, most embarrassing moments, and bizarre trivia at unsuspecting victims. Make a PowerPoint of pictures, quotes, and moments honoring the bride and the groom. This may seem cheesy, but showers are meant to honor the wedded couple, and the groom is sure to bloom from this affirmation just as much as a bride does. And, just in case things get too Lifetime Television for Women, throw in a few pictures of your pal from childhood, teenage years, or other awkward times, just to make sure the groom doesn't get off too easy. A Poker Night Theme:Take this timeless tradition to the next level by planning an ultra-classy Poker-themed groom's shower. Far from the playing cards around the gas lantern in the garage, a groom's shower is a chance to take poker night to Vegas-style proportions. For gifts, since cigars and poker go together like beer and potato chips, why not instruct the groomsmen to bring cigar- themed groom shower presents? A cherry wood humidor, a cigar/flask combo, or a Zippo lighter are all thoughtful gifts that take poker night to a new, elegant level appropriate for a groom's shower. For food, finger foods again take the cake.(What can we say? Men are simple creatures.) Chicken fingers, BBQ wings, and coconut shrimp help stimulate the strategy session going on behind each poker face. And, much like in Vegas, make sure to keep the booze free flowing all night long. For activities, here is another opportunity to up the ante by buying the groom a professional poker set. That's right, with real chips and high-quality cards, this groom's shower will feel like the real deal, and there is no better way to set the tone than with a deluxe poker kit. For ambience, put Celebrity Poker on in the background, and later in the night, bring in some showgirls that put Vegas to shame. Your groom will love this thoughtful and entertaining party. These are just a few ideas of how to chart the course where few men have gone before, but will begin rushing just as soon as they hear the tale of your own adventures. We call the groom's shower one small step for mankind, and one hell of a good time for guys everywhere.

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Tuxedos Q&A

(Courtesy of Tuxedos4u) I'm a guy who lives in jeans. How do I begin to shop for a tuxedo? Relax. Tuxedos and tailcoats are basically dressed up suits. They are fitted the same way. Traditionally, the size and formality of the wedding determine the groom's attire. Another important factor is the Bride's gown. Once these are decided, and maybe while you're shopping for groomsmen gifts online, browse some of the tuxedo pages on the web to see what's current. How do I find my best look? If your style is traditional, you'll be most comfortable in a classic tuxedo or tailcoat. Contemporary dressers may prefer more current colors and fabrics. Should I rent or buy? Unless you go to a lot of formal affairs or enjoy walking around in a tuxedo, you should rent. If your groomsmen are not rolling in wealth, consider renting their tuxes for them as groomsmen gifts. What are the newest trends in formalwear? While black endures as the groom's #1 color, navy & gray are gaining popularity for semi-formal weddings. If you feel a little more daring try Raffinati's Platinum & Bronze Collections. These metal colors are very hot with bridesmaids and these tuxedos will finish the look. Or just get groomsmen gifts of cufflinks. Are formalwear rules different in the summer? A black tuxedo is perfect in every season. However, fashion experts say white & ivory is best (and cooler in the heat!) Should I wear a tuxedo or dinner jacket? For formal traditional weddings, a tuxedo or tailcoat worn with matching formal trousers is preferred. A dinner jacket worn with formal black trousers is appropriate for a semi-formal wedding, especially in warmer weather. How do the Ushers get fitted? If your Ushers live locally, they can visit the formalwear specialist you've selected. If they are out of town, your formalwear specialist will supply measurement cards for you to mail them. Have the Ushers select a local store, go for a fitting then return the measurement cards to your store at least two months before the wedding. The tuxedo will be altered and ready for your wedding day. Same thing goes for groomsmen, if you can't get them to come tux shopping with you by bribing them with groomsmen gifts.

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Best Man Guide

If you were living in the dark ages, you would be asked to defend your best friend's honor with a sword, and groomsmen gifts would consist of gruel and chickenbones. Today, being a best man still has its share of responsibilities--being the ring bearer, getting singles at the strip club, etc. Play it smart. After all, you are being counted on to put together a clutch performance as the right hand man! Here is a general outline to help you get organized: The Bachelor Party Organize bachelor party. If you want something beyond the average groomsmen gifts, this is the place to score points. The party can include dinner, cigars, sport outing (e.g., golf or tickets to sports events), hotel party, strip clubs, groomsmen gifts, etc. Talk to the groom first and find out what he wants to do. Of course you can plan some surprises, just use your head-- the one with the brain in it! Give yourself time. Organizing the party in one week will not work and cause you un-needed stress. Bribe the boys with the promise of better groomsmen gifts to help you. Go over the list of invitees with the groom. You'll want to ditch father-in-laws and any loose-lipped relatives who might sing like a canary when it's time to get "X-rated." Talk to all invitees before the party about costs, the agenda, etc. Nobody wants any surprises the day of the bachelor party-unless those surprises are first-class groomsmen gifts. Coordinate a designated driver or hire a limousine service. Make sure the groom to be does not come home with itching and/or burning sensations in his weenie, or else be prepared to do lots of explaining to the bride-to-be! Rehearsal Dinner Because this typically happens a day before the wedding, your pal will have much on his mind and doesn't need to worry about the details. Contact all the groomsmen and make sure they are attending the dinner, on time, have directions to the site and are sober. Remind them that their groomsmen gifts hang in the balance. The Wedding Day Keep the groom on schedule. The schedule is typically organized by the bride who will distribute copies ahead of time. Go off her schedule and prepare to die! Drive the groom to the ceremony site one hour before the wedding photographs. You should be in your tux for photos as well. Autograph and mail as funny gag groomsmen gifts. Offer to take the check envelopes to pay the clergyman, musicians, photographers and other service providers. Non traditionally speaking, this responsibility also can be given to a wedding consultant, father of the bride, or even one of the bridesmaids. Witness the signing of the marriage license. Keep the groom's hand steady--he probably will be shaking like a farm animal preparing to be slaughtered. When you're backstage with the groom, help him prepare for the final call - Yes, you might see your buddy cry for the first time. Just make sure his tie is strait and assure him there's still time to get outta here if he says the word. Hold the bride's ring for the groom (if there is no ring bearer) until needed by the officiant. Check for any holes in your pockets first, and don't fumble the hand-off! Drive the newlyweds to the reception if there is no hired driver. Resist urge to pilfer the groomsmen gifts propped in the passenger seat. Be prepared to dance with bridesmaids and relatives of the bride and groom. Watch Spanish networks ahead of time if you don't already know how to do the Macarena. Drive the newlyweds to the airport for their honeymoon if there is no hired driver. You're probably catching on by now that you should be prepared to do some driving, so fill up the tank and check the oil ahead of time. Speeches & Toasting Offer first toast at the reception. This usually occurs before the dinner. Thank him for the honor, the groomsmen gifts and for no longer providing competition with girls. Find out if you will be speaking from a podium, platform or table. Most importantly, use good taste when you speak. No need to bring up the time you both banged Mrs. Robinson in 12th grade after class no matter how poignant. Consider having wedding toasts written for you. Out of Town Guests Offer to pick them up at the airport. Be prepared to do some entertaining with guests before the wedding day. (Hey, maybe you'll get lucky with one of the groom's cousins.) Formal Wear Your last major task as best man is to return all tuxedos to the shop. Make sure all groomsmen and ushers give you tuxedos in good condition and on time. This is crucial-you don't want to have your groomsmen gifts garnished. Congratulations! Like Angelo Dundee was to Mohammed Ali, so is the best man to the groom.

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