Street Corner Proposal

Submitted on Nov 5, 2007 I wanted to do something special for our engagement but, everytime I had an idea she would mention it and I would have to think of something else. So I decided to do it when she was least expecting it. It had just happend on a Friday night. I picked her up from the train and brought a huge purple (favorite color) flower arrangement. She just thought I was getting thoes flower for our year anniversary which was the next and which she thought she was going to get the ring. So we went to dinner nothng fancy didn't want to think anything. We got back to her house. I took her out of the car and told her I want to show her something on the corner of her block. I told her that this is were I first saw you and were we met for the first time and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I ask her to marry me. She had a shocking face, with an out of breath yes from screaming so much. Her eyes light up with the sign of the ring. Think you've got what it takes to win the title Marrying Man of the Month?

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Something old, something new: How traditional will your groomsmen gifts be?

Tradition is a funny thing. Actually it's not that funny, at least in this case. Or maybe you do find it funny. The point being that tradition is a thing of the past and nowadays it is completely open to interpretation and action. Because something was a certain way in the past doesn't mean that it has to be that way now. You don't have to get married in a big church or have everything structured a classical way. You don't have to wear "proper wedding attire." Dress nice obviously, but who says that a big white dress is necessary? Get a light blue dress or some other color. White was supposed to symbolize the purity of the bride and chances are she didn't hold to tradition if you get my meaning. Same goes for the groom and groomsmen, though guys tend to look clean and sharp in something simple, but still be unique. Wear matching ties that are a little crazy. Mix it up. Go crazy with the groomsmen gifts. Just realize that tradition isn't necessary. You live in a different day and age, so do something different. This is even more true for traditions that involve kidnapping the girl you're interested in, those crazy commie russians.. Exactly, be different.

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Solve The Puzzle

Submitted on Jan 12, 2007 My story goes a little something like this. I knew I wanted to propose around Christmas time but not on Christmas because she had said in the past that she wanted it to be a suprise and on a holiday wouldn't be a total suprise. This past Christmas we had many differnt gathering to attend starting on the 23th through the 25th. So I figured that I would ask her on the 22nd so that we could share the good news with all our friends and family over the following days. So as the week went I was setting up the proposal so that it wouldn't come off as such a suprise. I first said that we should do something the Friday of the 22nd so that we could have some time to ourselves to do Christmas before the family and friends rush of events. We had decided to go out to eat and maybe a video after. I had told her to think of where she would want to go knowing that she wouldn't come up with anything and I made dinner reservations at Porters (a restaurant in the top a Mcamly Place in downtown Battle Creek, MI). Then latte in the week I told her about getting an email that lets you make your own crossword puzzels, because she is a huge fan of them. I didn't recieve any email, I was just setting her up for the proposal. I had went online and made a crossword puzzle that had clues like where did we meet, what was our first date,and where was our first kiss. I had come up with 14 or so clues and words with 4 words not having any clues. Those words being "Will you marry me?" So, as friday arrived I picked up some flowers after work and rushed home to beat her to my place. I hid the flowers so that she would get them after we get back from dinner (just a little something extra). After she arrived at my place we finished getting ready before going to eat. We got to the restaurant a little early so we had drink in the lounge and look over the city at night with all the Christmas lights it was beautiful. Then we had dinner and the moment was upon us. I took out the crossword puzzle and said, "oh here is that crossword I told you about." So she came around to my side of the table and she was working on it, while I was getting the ring ready under the table. After she finished and had the 4 spaces left I asked if she had it figured out? To which she said I think I know, and then I took her hand and asked her to marry me. She freaked out and said "YES," and then I gave her the ring and she freaked out even more. It was perfect, she cried a bit and laughed a bit. Event the waitress cried, the whole thing went perfect. Hope you like my story, Andy McCormack engaged 12/22/06 Think you've got what it takes to win the title SMarrying Man of the Month? Submit your story today!

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Smokin' Decisions

Weddings are one of those occasions where cigars are mandatory. It doesn't even matter what type or brand you get, though that depends on who and how many. Inexpensive brands such as Roly and Baccarat are economically feasible for many and still have a great taste, but you'll notice that not everyone really enjoys cigars to the full extent. Some guests will simply hold on to the cigar as a gift, others will take a few puffs and put it out. Really it all boils down to knowing who you're buying for. If you want to get some for your groomsmen gifts it would probably be a better idea to pick up some nicer cigars from Fuente Fuente Opus X or Padron Anniversary. You can be pretty sure that your groomsmen won't have cutters either making it a simple decision for what else to get. A great gift could just be a cigar cutter or if you want to make it a better personalized gift you could go with a cigar and flask combination, whatever works for your gift plan. Just be sure not to give cigars and not be prepared with however you choose to cut them, think ahead and plan it out. Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, cigar, type, enjoy, gift,

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Smoke Signals: Thanks

Your groomsmen are an important and essential part of your wedding. They are the guys who you call your closest, guys who will be and are there for you. Now they may not be completely involved with your wedding, but what can you expect, they're guys. Yes they'll be there when you ask for something, but that doesn't mean you need to push or "delegate" any preparatory work their way, no matter what the wifey suggests. Just do your work and keep them there outside of that stress so you have something to go to when things get too hectic. They'll understand what's up and be fine doing their part to have fun, regardless of whether they're prepping too. That is the kind of bond that will last for a long time, making it even more important that you thank them when the wedding is all said and done. Nice groomsmen gifts can take many routes with you trying to match gifts to their likes and dislikes, but classic is always a good way to go. Cigars are a gift that most guys don't mind indulging in every now and then and all the joy and happiness at the wedding makes it a prime time to do so. The cigars are left up to you, quality and legality if you're looking to go cubano, but giving them the goodies to go with the stoogie is really where it's at. a four piece cigar set will get things going nicely for on the go, maybe a cherry wood humidor for at home, and regardless of location they're going to need something to spark up with, a sleek zippo lighter maybe? Even better is that you can get everything personalized so no matter how many similar gifts you have they'll each be for one person, a specific acknowledgment and thanks.

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Smart Saving And Giving

Wedding costs are always getting higher and it's important to keep an eye out for cost-cutting possibilities. There aren't many that are straight up savings, but taking the time to shop around and find the best price really works, though it does take up a lot of time. There are a few other ways where a little creativity can save you a bundle, namely stationary and centerpieces. You can have cheaper invitations made or you can get some okay ones beef them up to the quality you want on your own, just be creative. Same goes for the centerpieces. One lady put a bowl with rocks and a goldfish as her centerpiece. A goldfish is kind of cheap and easy, but if you wanted to put a more elegant fish in its still only a couple bucks, much cheaper than a flower arrangement. You can also manage your purchases concerning the cake by getting flat cake. You can have your tall and beautiful wedding cake still but with all the guests to serve it would work just as well to get a smaller wedding cake and have a flat cake of the same kind of cake to serve to guests. These savings don't stop there, you still have gifts, groomsmen gifts for you. Shopping sales works on this too, but that might not be the best idea for a personal gift. You want something that is suited just for whoever it is for, maybe a wallet (for all that money saved!) or something for drinking or even a hobby-based gift like golf. Maybe they aren't that personal to begin with either, but with an engraved name or message you can turn it into something special, regardless of cost. Tags: groomsmen gifts, groomsmen, gifts, camping, cut_costs, personal, gift,

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Should Someone Else Pay for Your Wedding?

Forget the dish set and frying pan. The economy is taking a big bite out of wedding budgets, but newlywed blog sites like Dollarforawedding.com and Wishpot give guests a chance to forgo the Macy's registry list and help the couple where they need it most - paying for the party. Etiquette experts advise against taking wedding donations from guests. They compare setting up a PayPal account for wedding registry to charging admission at the door. We at GroomStand know weddings are expensive, but it's not like you have to put your groomsmen gifts on layaway. You just wouldn't mind help paying for the most important, not to mention expensive, day of your life. Why PayPal Makes Perfect Sense for Wedding Gifts After a few years in an apartment, you should have enough wine glasses and mixing bowls to fill the cupboards. The two of you are young, bright and likely eco-conscious. There's no reason to create extra waste with unnecessary kitchen replacements. Skip the new spatula, the best wedding gift your guests can give is a debt-free start at a new life together. GroomStand Tip: While cash is a perfectly acceptable gift for the bride and groom, it does not make a good groomsmen gift. Take these 5 tips if you plan to get your wedding sponsored or ask guests for a donation. 5 Ways to Request a Wedding Donation 1. We Already Take Cash. Why not a Credit Card? Cash is the gift of choice for those who know they should bring a wedding gift, but are too lazy to pick one out. The main problem: people don't carry cash anymore. People are glad to make it rain Benjamins on the gift table, but if you don't have an ATM at the altar, you might be out of a gift. PayPal makes it convenient for the uncreative gift giver. Just set up a wedding blog with a PayPal link. Even if guests forget about the registry list at home, they can make a last minute deposit from their iPhone while at the reception. 2. Give your Guests the Option to Donate Aunt Mildred is set in her ways. If she doesn't like the idea of transferring funds to your PayPal account, let her choose a traditional gift from your wedding registry. 3. Be Political Politicians have to sell their grand idea if they want funding. Your wedding is no different. Sure, no one will feel sorry for you when you say you're having trouble paying for your two-week Mediterranean cruise, but your guests will find more satisfaction when they know their money is going towards something practical. Ask them to vote YES on an unforgettable honeymoon. 4. Make it a Communal Experience If you give people the option of funding your wedding, give them a vote on how the party should go down. Sponsorourwedding.com is another newlywed blog that allows donators a chance to vote for specific wedding details like the best wedding cake design, or which car to use for the getaway ride. 5. Take Over an Event One couple in Brooklyn, NY took their $100,000 wedding budget down to $20,000 by inviting corporate sponsors. By hosting their wedding at a minor league baseball game, Dave Kerpen and his new wife created an attractive venue for wedding advertisers -- 7,000 people showed. They found sponsors for the rings, dress and flowers in exchange for advertising space around the altar.

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Share a Cigar with Your Groomsmen

It's the big day, and you'd like to celebrate with your best chaps. If you're a frequent reader of the Groomblog for ideas on great groomsman gifts, you know by now that there is high praise for the Stainless Steel & Leather Flask with Cigar Holder. As one of our most popular items, this flask combines the great flavors of Cognac and tobacco in a sleek and stylish presentation. There is no better way to enjoy time with your groomsman - that is if you don't know how to properly light a cigar. Look no further, as we present the GroomStand guide to enjoying a cigar. The perfect cigar cut Almost all premium cigars have a closed head that require cutting before enjoying. This is a precise process, and since this is a premium cigar, it's advised not to be a jackass and bite off one end to prove your manhood. The Goal: Cut away enough rapper for a good, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the cigar. Lighting a cigar Firing up a cigar takes far more time and skill than a cigarette or a candle. Think of lighting a marshmallow. Hold it near the flame and rotate so the complete tip has access to the heat source. Make sure you do not hold your cigar directly in the flame, over lighting will decrease the quality of your tasty treat. Relighting the cigar after it is distinguished should not hurt the taste or quality. The Personalized Zippo and the Personalized Vertigo Cigar Torch Lighter both are proven to prevent the flame from blowing out in the wind, making them smart groomsmen gifts. The first taste Some aficionados prefer to make the first puff of the cigar outward to avoid nasty flavors like sulfur on matches or the taste of funky gas in lighters. Make sure you enjoy your cigar with puffs. Deep breaths of smoke in your lungs might cause you to cough, or if you're an infrequent smoker it might make you sick. And finally, preserve your stogies in one of our refined personalized cigar humidors.

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Shaq Daddy to Join the King in Cleveland

The big news from this morning is the soon-to-be finalized trade pairing the seven foot Shaquille O'Neal with Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs and Phoenix Suns have agreed to exchange the Sun's big man for Cleveland center Ben Wallace and second round guard Sasha Pavlovic. The league still must approve the deal, but if it is finalized it is the first indications that the 2009 NBA season will be a whole lot different come game time this November. Shaquille O'Neal isn't one to shy away from the lime light. Not only does the big center have an active following on twitter, he's been known to make waves with his media statements over the years. Depressed that Shaq is clearing out of Phoenix? Drown your sorrows with this Personalized Shot Glass. Today only, you can have your very own personalized shot glass, now just $11.00 $8.80. Buy 6 or more and get an additional 10% off! Hurry - BUY NOW.

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Sexaholics and Marriage - Like Tabasco & Milk

I weave you a tale that will include the best groomsmen gifts imaginable...and that gift is the gift of incredible loyalty, in the face of desperation with some ingenuity sprinkled in. Now Matt was a handsome fellow. The ladies loved him and he more than loved his share of the ladies. When he met Sarina he had finally met the one. She was the yin to his yang and so forth. At his bachelor party he requested a tame one, just a local strip club dive, nothing fancy and his request to his best man and his groomsmen to earn their groomsmen gifts was a simple, "Don't let me go home with any strippers" request. Well several drinks later Matt with all of his silky smoothness had the hottest girl in the place eating right out of his hand. Best man and groomsmen immediately jump up as Matt's lap dances are turning into something way too frolicky (and against all strip club rules) in the back. "What should we do? He's all over her...and she's all over him!" The concerned groomsmen noted that they were indeed making out and it looked as if her naked dance was becoming a mutual naked dance! The crew was desperate. Out of sheer panic, they grabbed a bottle of Tabasco sauce from the bar. Bloody Mary nothing, this was serious! Before she could scream, the crew jumped into the middle of their sensual dance and literally poured half a bottle of that junk rattling, tongue burning fire potion right onto Matt's exposed unit. The night ended quickly - there was a trip to the emergency room - but man, what great groomsmen these guys were indeed and how well they earned their groomsmen gifts. If only the bride-to-be knew just how much thanks she really owed. Technorati Tags: groomsmen gifts, bachelor parties, sexaholics

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Set The Mood Mr. Groom

Let's face it, the wedding always has and probably always will be all about the bride and what she wants, but this doesn't mean you, as the groom, can't get a few wins in. Let's start with something easy, music. Not to be a chauvinist, but men usually know their music better than women do (go ahead and prove me wrong). As the groom you can put your foot down and guide the type of music played at your wedding and weather it'll be a band or a DJ, just make sure you consult with the bride on the first dance (like you'll have a choice). If you decide to go the band route then may we suggest booking The Dan Band. If you haven't heard their name, I'm sure you'll know the music. They are in fact the band that played in the movie Old School (at the wedding reception). Now they might be a little too risqu for your wedding, but what we're trying to say is when you pick what music you want played at your wedding make sure to keep it fun and light hearted. After all, you'll only do this once. To quote one of the wedding toast lines from from Old School, "Alright, let me be the first to say congratulations to them. You get one vagina for the rest of your life. Real smart Frank. Way to work it through."

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Scientific Love Rocks

So the cost to mass ratio of your wedding just got a whole lot cheaper for you, at least where your rings are concerned. Lab-grown diamonds are coming into the market with wide-spread approval and finally some acceptance. That would be acceptance by diamond purveyors like De Beers who have contested the diamonds credibility and the GIA grading results of the lab-beauties for years. But all of their snobbery aside, sales have really taken off with people looking for diamonds that are environmentally friendly and socio-politically neutral, basically not from any open-pit mines or consisting of blood diamonds, something the De Beers' monopoly doesn't quite try to be conscious of ($). So try going out and supporting the little guys, though any little guy dealing with diamonds probably isn't that little. As far as getting a lab-grown diamond try and look for diamonds from companies like Gemesis. They aren't the ones selling retail, but there are links to retailers on their site. One thing to be aware of...watch out for their homepage music! (You'll see) Here are 5 Reasons to Buy a Gemesis Laboratory-Grown Diamond (from their site of course): 1. It is a Diamond. GIA, IGI, EGL, and other grading laboratories certify a Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond as a diamond, having the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as a mined diamond. 2. It is Extraordinarily Beautiful. A Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond has the same, even surpasses, the fire, sparkle, brilliance and scintillation of a mined diamond - a rare beauty. 3. It makes a Strong Fashion Statement. Fancy color diamonds represent the fastest growing trend in the diamond jewelry marketplace. Yellow diamonds like those grown by Gemesis are the most sought after - a must have! 4. It Distinguishes the Wearer. A fancy yellow cultured diamond, an American original creation by Gemesis, definitely sets one apart from others and uniquely instills a sense of independence, confidence and pride. 5. It Offers Exceptional Value. What woman doesn't cherish value? A Gemesis laboratory-grown diamond of yellow hues satisfies the most discriminating value conscious customer - not only rare in its availability but also rare in its value!

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