March 2007: Proposal Right on Par

Flowers and candlelight are always romantic, but sometimes there's nothing sweeter than a proposal that celebrates a couple's favorite pastime. Such is the case for this month's Marrying Man of the Month, simply known as Jason a.k.a Mr. March. His creative proposal consisted of popping the question to his golf-loving girlfriend at their favorite spot: on the green at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena, Montana. As the couple was playing a round of golf one morning, the couple noticed something strange: the flag was missing from the cup at the 18th green. As Jason's girlfriend Danielle scurried over to investigate, she was incensed to find what she thought was trash blocking the hole. One woman's trash is the same woman's treasure however, because when her boyfriend opened the object, Danielle saw that what she thought was debris was actually a diamond and pearl encrusted egg, containing an engagement ring! Our Mr. March then got down on one knee and proposed right there at the eighteenth green. As Danielle tearfully accepted, their family and friends emerged from their hiding place in the woods to congratulate the happy couple, and our Marrying Man even arranged to have the golf course announce the engagement over the loudspeaker. The twosome is now joyfully planning a wedding that would make Tiger Woods weep with jealousy. If you want to take a cue from Mr. March and plan a golf-themed wedding of your own, click here to browse our full range of golf-related groomsmen gifts for inspiration. This real-life proposal was selected from one of our many fine contest entries. Submit your story today to be considered for Marrying Man of the Month.

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Know Thy Groomsmen

Smart Ideas for Groomsmen Gifts "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." (George Washington 1732 - 1799) Chances are excellent that the men you have asked to stand beside you in front of God and family are very important people in your lives. Often times the insanity of nuptial planning will give a groom enough of an excuse to offer sub-par groomsmen gifts for these gentlemen. Usually as these "chintzy" gifts are being passed out, the groom instantly regrets not having put more effort and forethought into the selection. He may offer the excuse that he was too busy or the wedding had really taken a chunk out of his savings account, but ultimately he'll regret not putting more care into his selection. After all, how many opportunities do men get to really say, "You are my closest family and friends and you mean the world to me." The real truth is that you don't need a lot of time or money to do these men justice. What are their favorite sports? Do they like Tiger or T-Mac? Do they dig the Rocket or perhaps the Rockets? If sports is their game, Groomstand has all the gear they could ever dream of. Is one of your guys a hockey nut? Maybe an hour of rink time with your boys as a warm up to the bachelor party is in order. To do this fine party right, forget the Cristal or the Dom... that's expensive and only lasts for a moment. Instead we recommend a personalized Rawlings Baseball Bat. It not only makes a statement as to what your game of choice is, but it might as well be a Picasso or a Warhol if hung front and center upon the living room wall. If he's a flat stick man, then we recommend the Brass Head Putter. Again, it's beautiful, practical and goes well mounted alongside the Rawlings lumber. Your best buddies hate all things sports related? Well, if athletics isn't their game, you might think that all would be hopeless, but that is simply not the case. There are other ways for males to exorcise their testosterone related demons, and the Dalvey Pocket Flask a Cherry Wood Humidor and a Black Ice Zippo is perhaps as demonstrative as one can get at expressing an air of success and class. It says to the world, I don't have to hang out at a sports bar and watch bums fight on pay per view television to make the statement, "I'm all man, baby." Now the focus of this article has been on knowing thy groomsmen but let's say for arguments sake that perhaps you don't quite know one of your groomsmen as well as you think, but you suspect that he may not really be all that manly on the inside as he is on the outside. Fear not! You've come to the right place. If years of therapy still haven't given him the courage to tell you what's really going on, then you can take the initiative and break the ice by giving him a personalized Engraved Bud Vase. And while Sweet Nothing Panties might tread the dangerous line of being over the top, nothing says I care, and I appreciate how wonderfully decorated your home is more than Silver Plated Napkin Rings. They are both elegant and practical simultaneously. We hope we have been able to create an answer for every situation and challenge when it comes to giving the ideal gift to your groomsmen. Taking care of the most important men in your world is as important as choosing the proper wedding destination for your bride. Knowing that thy groomsmen will do the same for you when you are called upon to be a part of their wedding one day, one should take the time to find the perfect niche gift. It can be achieved easily, quickly and without a large budget, but it does take a little bit of forethought. And finally, remember, as the big day draws nearer, there are so many details that must be handled for all to fall into place. Our first suggestion is, hire a dandy wedding coordinator. Our second...please don't forget your boys.

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June 2007: Google Co-Founder Ties Knot in Aquatic Style

Google Co-Founder Ties Knot in Aquatic Style Nothing says I love you like multi-million dollar investments! This month, Silicon Valley brings us a tale of romance, gene mapping, and swim-up wedding ceremonies, starring geek superstar Sergey Brin, co-founder of a little website called Google, and his new bride Anne Wojcicki, creator of an individualized genetic mapping service known as 23andMe, which proposes to bring personal genetic information to the people at dramatically low costs. After several years of dating, Sergey and Anne were married on a private island in the Bahamas in a swim-up ceremony where guests either had to take a boat or simply swim up to the sandbar where the vows were exchanged. The wedding attire was casual swimwear, his in black and hers in white, with the unique ceremony taking everyone by surprise - not only were wedding guests unaware of the exact location of the wedding, even the bride's mother was amazed. "She said, 'Mom, I'm going to swim to my wedding,' " claimed Anne's mother, Esther Wojcicki. "And she pulled it off." Not long after the wedding, Google announced their intention to invest $3.9 million into 23andMe. Now that's what we call spousal support! How to thank the Sultan of Search for allowing the masses to sound smart and educated in mere seconds? We think a nice computer-related wedding gift, such as this leather mouse pad, would be a nice choice. Submit your story today to be considered for Marrying Man of the Month.

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July 2007: Man Proposes To An Angel

Man Proposes To An Angel Zipping around town in the Angel Limo. Groomsmen gifts hand-delivered by Giselle and Adriana Lima. Getting an up-close and personal peek at the million dollar bra. When you're proposing to a Victoria's Secret model, you've got a lot on your mind. These thoughts include staying in shape, recognizing that you're one of the luckiest men alive, and most of all, treating her like a queen. That's just what Drumline star Nick Cannon did when he popped the question to his future bride, gorgeous Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks. After an evening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Gala, Cannon and Ebanks were chauffeured to Times Square in a Rolls Royce. There, Cannon presented her with a twelve-carat diamond ring, getting down on one knee with the MTV Jumbotron flashing "Selita will you marry me?" in the background. And to think, some guys settle for just the Jumbotron and Rolls Royce! Reach for the stars, guys, and you may end up affianced to a Victoria's Secret model. Although not Selita, because she, of course, said yes. Average groomsmen gifts pale in comparison to the lucky groomsmen who gets to pull that garter off at the reception. Unwilling to stop there, Cannon had her parents and best friends flown in to New York City to celebrate with them as they partied at hot spot Butter. The two of them caught a private plane back to Los Angeles that night to continue their celebration and get back to work, as the celebrity lifestyle comes with a lot of glitz, but also a lot of work to earn those twelve carat paychecks. Still, we bet Cannon's pals would be more than willing to sacrifice groomsmen gifts for a day on Selita's work set. What can normal guys learn from this? We say when in doubt, bring out the blinding bling - whether that's through a pre-proposal party, four or five months' salary worth of sparkle for her ring finger, or a Jumbotron with the big question. If that doesn't fit your style or your budget, you can still learn a thing or two from Cannon by bringing her family and friends in to help the two of you celebrate. She'll love the gesture, and her friends and family will think you're pretty great, too. That can never hurt, right? For some blinging groomsmen gifts worthy of a Victoria's Secret model, check out Groomstand's cufflinks selection. Submit your story today to be considered for Marrying Man of the Month.

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January 2008: Nicolas Sarkozy

Marrying Man of January: Nicolas Sarkozy It began with their first date, a fairytale trip to Disneyland Paris. Nine whirlwind weeks later, the supermodel kissed the handsome prez, and he went from "Bachelor President" to married man with a flick of the wand-ok, with a twenty minute ceremony held at the Presidential Office of the Elysee Palace. Bruni wore a gown worthy of France's First Lady, a white gown described as "ravishing as usual," according to the officiant, Paris's 8th Arrondissement Mayor Francois Lebel. He must be the Fairy God-Mayor. The guests were a mix of family, French showbiz elite, and fashion heavy hitters such as the CCO of Prada. No formal honeymoon is currently planned, but considering the high-profile couple spent their courtship jet-setting to Jordan and Egypt, we think a little local love nest time might be in order. What to get for the couple that has everything? These passport wallets make great wedding or groomsmen gifts for the next time wanderlust strikes. Think you've got what it takes? Submit your story today to be considered for Marrying Man of the Month! Or read the other submissions....er competition here

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Instead of Wrapping Your Gifts in the Comics Page, Try Thisƒ

Yes, having Garfield and company wrapped clumsily around Christmas gifts has gotten you points for charm in the past. Unfortunately, the past was when you were twelve, and your poor excuses for gift wrap aren't quite going to cut it anymore. These days your fianc expects things either creatively cloistered in fancy bags or specially wrapped at the department store, but your boys don't care, right? You can give them their groomsmen gifts in any old way. Stop right there. Look, just because you can get away with giving your friends things in plastic bags, or pulled "ta-da!" style from out behind your back (hey, at least it beats making them choose which hand the gift's contained in), it doesn't mean you should be that lazy, especially when it comes to giving something as important as groomsmen gifts. Even if you're not in it for style points, less-than-shoddy presentation at least shows that you thought about them beyond remembering how to spell their names for personalized groomsmen gifts. All this doesn't mean you have to go Martha Stewart full throttle into hand-scrapbooked wrapping paper and scissor-curled ribbons, but at least do one better than grabbing last Sunday's funnies and getting newsprint all over the clumsily-placed Scotch tape. Take a look at a few of these tips for giving out presents that look as good on the outside as you know they are on the inside. When in doubt, a cheap and entertaining option is novelty gift wrap. After all, nothing says, "I value your friendship," like gift wrap printed with strips of bacon or Super Mario Bros. This is best for the less serious groomsmen gifts - think golf ball cufflinks rather than an engraved picture frame containing a picture of your most meaningful moment as friends. Boxes: gifts come prepackaged in them for a reason. Since it's not like you're giving hair dryers as groomsmen gifts, you can probably preserve some of the mystery of the gifts come in a nice box. This works the best with smaller groomsmen gifts, obviously, and it can make presentation tricky - if you're giving a guy something in a small jewelry-sized box (a nice pen, maybe), it's probably best to go for a friendly toss rather than pushing it across the table as you're out to dinner with your friends. If your idea of wrapping involves rolling the paper around the gift and twisting the ends together like a piece of butterscotch candy, just bribe your fiancée with a nice dinner out and see if she'll wrap the gifts for you. Bemoan your big clumsy fingers and praise her delicate hands (important: don't imply they're well-suited to doing other menial work, this will backfire horribly) while giving her your best beseeching look. Explain how important it is to you that your groomsmen gifts look presentable, and she might be swayed by the charm of true manly friendship. The above tip may fail; if it does, the likely outcome will be that she suggests you just get your groomsmen gifts professionally wrapped like you always get hers done. At some point you just have to bite the bullet, man - get it done. Just make sure they stick with a good solid color like navy or forest green, especially if it's around the holiday season. Groomsmen gifts are just not a good time for snowflakes or silver glittery accents.

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How To Make Shopping As Easy As Possible

We know - shopping can be a painful process for everybody. It's not until you go to pick out a gift for someone that you suddenly forget every hobby they've ever had, leaving your mind completely blank as to what they might like. You end up coming up with gifts that are either lame or way too expensive, but it doesn't always have to be that way! If you're panicking about what to get for groomsmen gifts, calm yourself and consult this simple guide on how to easily shop for groomsmen gifts. Look at each groomsman. How does he look? If he's the clean-shaven, briefcase-toting, cufflinks-wearing type, then he probably doesn't need much help in that area. But if he looks like he rolled out of bed and grabbed the nearest pair of crumpled jeans from the floor and made only a half-hearted effort to find a clean t-shirt, then you may need to get your groomsman..well, groomed. Drop hints that he better look good for your wedding day with groomsmen gifts of the Personalized Leather Travel and Grooming Kit. Look around his house. Or apartment. Or hovel. What is it missing? If he's still using mismatched plates from the thrift shop, at least get him some matching glasses - no, not like juice glasses, we mean groomsmen gifts of a nice Set of Four Personalized Pilsner Glasses. If his apartment is so creepily free of personality that you fear he might be in the Witness Protection Program, give groomsmen gifts of a nice Rustic Picture Frame with a buddy shot of the two of you. Is his place practically perfect? We doubt it. No house is a home with a Personalized Pub Sign. Consult the lady in his life. Next time you go out on one of those couples nights the future Mrs. loves so much, pull his girl aside for advice on the best groomsmen gifts to give him. Women are great at this, and if you think he might stick with her for years, it's in your best interests to stay on her good side. Sure, she'll probably request you skip the Personalized Cigar Humidor in favor of groomsmen gifts that support his less smelly habits, but he'll thank you when you give him groomsmen gifts that don't start the umpteenth argument about whether a man can smoke in his own house or not. (Verdict: no, he can't.) Get him a wallet. Out of ideas for groomsmen gifts? Can't be bothered to think of any ideas in the first place? Get him a wallet. If he's more of a money clip guy, get him a money clip. Or just combine the best of both worlds with groomsmen gifts of the Personalized Leather Magnetic Money Clip Wallet. Sure, it's not the cleverest of groomsmen gifts, but you can get it personalized with his name, which makes these impressive groomsmen gifts even if you're giving the same groomsmen gifts to everyone. Just make sure you at least spell their names right, okay?

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How to Give Amazing Gifts to Your Groomsmen

Do you have a history of giving pretty weak presents? If your idea of a fine gift is one you purchased at the drugstore on the way to the birthday bash, you may need a little assistance in the gift-giving department. Even if it hasn't gotten you into trouble in the past (and we bet it has), if there was ever a time to get good at gifting, it's now. Make sure your boys know you care by giving them the best groomsmen gifts you can. Depending on how well and how long you've known your groomsmen, narrowing down a list of potential gifts could be easy or difficult. Since you probably know them pretty well, though, it shouldn't be so tough. You've spent enough time with these guys to have a decent idea of what they do in their time off, so simply think about how they spend their weekends and go from there. Try a putter for the golfer, a humidor for the cigar aficionado, or a pair of cufflinks for the high roller. If all he does is work, you can do something with that, too, just take your pick from this selection of executive gifts. For the guys you don't know too well - your future wife's relatives, maybe, or your younger male relatives that you want to have in the wedding - just ask around, or offer to hang out with him doing the activity of his choice. This could make your shopping easy, especially if he decides on a trip out fishing or golfing. Even if it's something typical and unrevealing, though, all is still not lost. If he wants to go out drinking, for example, there's your answer right there - offer up a set of pilsner glasses as groomsmen gifts and you're good to go. Still stumped? Think harder! If your guys are frustratingly free of all hobbies, you'll have to get more creative for their groomsmen gifts. In this case, you can go for the basics, the things that every guy needs. Sure, he probably already has a wallet, but how about an engraved money clip? Could he use a little more life in his bachelor pad? Throw a favorite picture of the two of you into a nice personalized frame. If the walls of his place are still bare even after he got rid of the unpacked boxes, offer up a personalized pub sign for a little decoration. Finding decent groomsmen gifts is easier than you think. And hey, it could be worse - you could be stuck trying to find decent groomsmen in the first place.

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Gifts: It's the thought that counts

If it's truly the thought that counts when it comes to giving gifts, why do guys give their wives candle holders and toaster ovens? Husbands everywhere agree that giving gifts requires the talent and expertise of Martha Stewart. (Imagine finding unique gifts for her.) But we're guys; what do we know? So, while your gift may not get you into the Husband Gift-Giving Hall of Fame, by following the simple steps, you'll improve your odds and give your betrothed a gift with meaning. Determine Your Budget Now add another twenty percent. This is your wife after all and if she were your girlfriend, like she once was, you'd spare no expense. Show her she's still your girlfriend. Pick Something She Wants Although the selection of gifts is a highly individualized affair, there are some simple guidelines to help ensure you won't appear to have received gift-giving advice from a misogynous fortune cookie. When choosing gifts for a romantic occasion -- and, all occasions are potentially romantic -- small appliances and time saving household cleaning aids will not keep you out of the doghouse. Anything with lace is a safe choice, unless it's attached to flannel. Perfume is a favorite, but avoid bargain-priced scents in gallon-sized containers. Jewelry is an excellent choice, but make sure your definition of "jewelry" is the same hers. Semi-precious stones studding a leather wristband or dog collar might not be what she had in mind. Other gifts to steer clear of is dinner at a restaurant with a drive-thru, any videotape or movie that you would like to see, and anything that you would say "just kidding" after she opens it. Know Her Size If the gift you finally decide upon comes in a variety of sizes, picking the right size is just as crucial as picking the right gift - especially clothing. Don't shop without her measurements. Truth is, there is no winning here. Unless you absolutely know her size, you could be heading for disaster. Think about it. If you buy a dress that's too small, she'll interpret that to mean that you are "asking" her to lose weight. If it's too big, she'll think that you see her as a size larger than she really is. If it's just right... it won't be just right. Better to take her shopping to her favorite clothing store, like Ann Taylor, Betsy Johnson, DKNY, Macy's and ask her to choose a dress. When she can't decide between 2 or 3 dresses, buy them all. Or, better still, come back a day later and get the other 2. You can't lose. She picked them out. That's how you buy clothing gifts for your wife. Allow Time for Shopping Although this seems self-evident, you'd be surprised how many men absent-mindedly delay buying gifts, even when they've known for weeks that the special day was fast approaching. Never tell the sweet object of your affections that you could have gotten her the perfect gift if only you had more time. Instead, react with shock, "You mean, it wasn't delivered yet?" Then, storm out of the house under the pretext of resolving the problem, drive as though your sleeping arrangements will be on that sofa for the next three months to the nearest store and buy whatever they sell. Oh, and make sure it's delivered by UPS the same evening even if it's a gift certificate for dry cleaning. Choose Your Moment Carefully The moment you give your loved one the most sensual gift, in the right size and elegantly wrapped can still be shattered if you present it to her while she's on the phone. You might as well have tossed out all those hours of shopping, hard-earned cash and hopes of a romantic evening right with that hairball. Instead, be sure to set the mood for the successful presentation of your gift by sending the kids to bed, dimming the lights, and uncorking the properly chilled bottle of wine before a roaring fire. Depending on your lady, standing around the barbecue grill with a six-pack could work just as well. And finally, the sixth and most important step: Save the Receipt You might as well tape it to the gift box. She's probably going to return it anyway. But remember, it's the thought that counts. Recommended Gifts: Kiss the Bride Cami Set Rhinestone Bikini Panties The Perfect Wife Book

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Gifts To Impress Women

Even though you're not single anymore, chances are one of your groomsmen is. Whether your buddies are swinging bachelors or searching for the right girl, they're probably going to get married eventually. Help the process along by skipping the personalized pub signs and getting them groomsmen gifts that'll help them be once a groomsman, but eventually a groom. Sure, there are exceptions, but many ladies like their men kempt. If he's never caught with a five o'clock shadow, or even if he can't manage shaving every day, offer up the Eleven Piece Manicure/Shave Set so he can keep the facial hair in line. Great as groomsmen gifts for on-the-go guys, this kit has everything he needs to look good, whether it's for the ladies or for that next big business meeting. It even includes a toothbrush! He'll throw his old plastic checkbooks covers in the trash when you offer up this sleek Leather Checkbook Cover. Serious marriageable guys are serious about money, too, and his dates will appreciate his style when he picks up the check. With space inside for cash, this checkbook cover works great as groomsmen gifts for the guys that want to impress. Does his bachelor pad look more like a frat house or a freshman dorm room? Spruce up his dcor with a Leather and Pewter Picture Frame. It's customizable, like most groomsmen gifts are, but instead of his first name, get it embossed with his last name. That way when he does get married, he can neatly slot in and picture of himself and his bride. He'll at least have something classy to contribute to the home when he moves in with his new partner. If he just wants to talk to girls in the first place, though, give him an ice-breaker with these Typewriter Cufflinks as groomsmen gifts. Clever, interesting, and unique, these cufflinks will help your groomsmen stand out in a crowd when they wear them at your wedding and elsewhere! Women will appreciate his individual style, and he'll like the easy conversation piece that adds a bit of interest to any suit. Don't let your help stop with the groomsmen gifts, though - if there are single bridesmaids around, why not make an introduction or two? They'll fill the dance floor, at least, and with the right match, maybe someday you'll get groomsmen gifts of your own.

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Gifts Of The Month

Okay, not exactly. Unless you're really devoted to your groomsmen, you're probably going to just get one gift for each guy and be done with it. But why not try out something a little different with a special addition to the groomsmen gifts you give each guy? Sure, Object of the Month gifts can be kitschy, but he's not going to be thinking about kitsch when he's opening up this month's shipment of fine imported cigars. Like the idea? Read on for ways to pull it off. Beer of the month: Surprise them with groomsmen gifts of monogrammed beer steins, but don't stop there - with a year's worth of beers of the month, you can guarantee that there will always be something to fill it! Well, a twelve-pack's worth, at least - it's of the month, not of the weekend. Fruit of the month: Bear with us on this one - fruit of the month shouldn't be your principal gift (or anyone's, for that matter), but if your groomsmen live somewhere cold, or they just like to keep their health up, try sending groomsmen gifts of fruit of the month along with an appropriately manly personalized pocket knife to slice it up neatly. The stainless steel blade can take anything from pomegranates to lychees, or whatever other mysterious fruit they send along. Cigar of the month: Of course you've already got them the personalized cigar humidor - now make your groomsmen gifts a true knockout with an accompanying cigar of the month gift. Not only will they have a monthly delivery of Cuba's finest, they'll have a place to store extras to smoke when you come visit! Wine of the month: For the serious connoisseur, indulge their passions with a four-piece wine set and a membership to a wine of the month club. Whether you choose to offer a bottle or a case, groomsmen gifts like this will keep them well-heeled for a year, sure to impress the women in their lives or simply ensure they have always have a fine beverage as a dinner companion.

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Gifts For Perfect Strangers

Picture this: you fall for a girl on a trip, sweep her off her feet, propose in a matter of a days and now you have to plan a wedding in a faraway location with a family that's not your own and your boys back home too broke to fly out. If life were a quirky date comedy, you might be introduced to a new family and a bunch of groomsmen you've just met. And among the many other things on your mind, you might be worried about what to get them as groomsmen gifts. Real life can be much more mundane than that, though - whether it's that you're getting married far away and your best boys can't make it, or just that your fianc has a distant cousin she adores that she wants in the wedding party as your groomsman, you just might end up with a groomsman you don't know very well. If they get groomsmen status on basis of geography (i.e. they're local and available), you're probably already working on getting to know them. Boys nights out and the activity of their choice could give you a great handle on what to get them as groomsmen gifts. Keep in mind that you don't need to go all out on research, though - even if they're strangers to you, your bride-to-be probably knows a little bit more about them. This is not the time for subtle recon, so ask her straight out for tips on what to get them as groomsmen gifts. Point out that you want to get to know them better, too, especially if they're relatives of hers. You'll win points for displaying interest, and get in good with your groomsmen when you give them gifts they actually want. If you want to know what they like, though, the best option is always to ask. Sports are an easy bet, so find out what games they watch or play, and get them something related to their game of choice. Keep an eye on their vices - liquor or cigars, perhaps - and choose groomsmen gifts accordingly. Executives are relatively easy as well. Leather portfolios and fine ink pens stand up to the test of time, and they're classy, too. Tried your best and still got nothing? Something personalized is always a good option. If you don't know them well enough to give them something they'll like, it's a good bet you at least know their names. Make it easy on yourself by giving them monogrammed groomsmen gifts. You can get a great deal of things personalized, from beer steins to flasks to cigar humidors or baseball bats. If you can't give them something that shows you listened when they talked about their hobbies, at least give something that shows you listened when they told you their names.

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