Work Out Your Wedding Jitters

Having trouble sleeping, eating and staying focused? Does your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of your chest or are your feet cold, literally and figuratively? Don’t worry; you’re not dying – at least not yet. If you are weeks, days or just hours away from getting hitched, the overwhelming odds are that you are suffering from pre-wedding jitters. Some might call this condition “cold feet,” anxiety, nerves, doubts, or what-have-you, but when distilled down to the basics, this normal feeling of nervousness is just your body’s way of coping with stress. So, in order to reduce stress, we have some great ideas to calm the cortisol levels that are freaking you out. And, Groomstand.com knows nearly every guy is up for a little fun, our stress-busters are all exercise, fitness and sports related – that’s because science has shown that staying physically active helps manage anxiety, reduce blood pressure, decrease cortisol levels, and boost up those endorphins that make you feel so good. Plus, in the process you have fun and take your mind off the matter at hand – marriage! Burpees: Even if it’s just minutes before you walk down the aisle, you still have plenty of time to bust out some of these boot-camp inspired beasts. Starting in a standing position, jump down and extend into a plank. Now complete a chest-to-ground push up, quickly engage body back into a tuck position and then jump up to a stand and clap overhead. Now do as many as you can in one minute – we guarantee you won’t be thinking about saying “I do,” you’ll be pleading, “When am I done!?” Stair Climb: No need for fancy gym equipment here, just look around the wedding venue for a set of stairs and climb up and down them as many times as needed to return to a state of calm. Lucky you, if you live in a big urban area and have at your disposal a city skyscraper to climb! If your location is lacking in levels, then just find a single step and move up and down in the style of a vintage step-aerobics class. Flag Football: It’s time to round up your team of groomsmen and family and organize a flag football game going on the lawn of the hotel or church. If the Kennedy clan could do it with such style, you can too! Just make sure you’re not wearing the tuxedos, you’ll never hear the end of it from the bride if you arrive muddy and with grass stains! Make the whole experience a little more exciting with a friendly wager; say the losing team “buys” the first round of drinks at the open bar! Football and frosty mug of beer; now that’s a gift to groomsmen that wins! Wedding Party Fun Run: Yes, that’s right I said “fun” and “run” in the same sentence. If you are looking for a wedding weekend activity that everyone can participate in, set up a short race – maybe one mile or a 5k. Invite everyone in town that morning, from the flower girl to the father-of-the-bride, to come out and battle it out to the finish line. Winner takes home bragging rights and an obnoxious trophy presented at the reception – how about an engraved flask filled with Gatorade?! However you choose to reduce stress before your wedding, remember to include your groomsmen. Studies show that having close friends and confidants nearby during “life changing events” can help a man transition more smoothly into the new situation. That’s because friends don’t let friends freak out – they’ll listen to you, pump you up, fill you with confidence and, at a minimum, take your mind off the impending nuptials for a while. Show your sincere thanks with a well-chosen groomsmen gift. Groomstand.com has a wide range of awesome groomsmen gives that any guy would love to receive. We even have loads of sports-themed gifts to suit the athletes including custom printed sports signs, engraved baseball bats and personalized golf putters.

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Marrying Man of the Month: Michael Jordan

Our Marrying Man of the Month (although he actually got hitched last month) is basketball icon Michael Jordan. Considered by many to be the best basketball player of all time, Jordan _ often called MJ by his friends, tied the knot with his girlfriend of five years, Yvette Prieto. The wedding, the second for Jordan, took place on April 27, 2013 in a massively huge party tent pitched near his Palm Beach home. NBA fame can buy a really flashy wedding; reports are saying that the tent used to create a reception space is actually the largest tent ever used in the history of weddings. The ginormous 40,000 square-foot tent measures in at 5,000 larger than the coupleÍs home! Anywhere from 300 to 500 guests (depending on the source) attended the vow exchange at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and up to 2,000 came to celebrate at the reception held under the state-of-the-art, specially erected tent at the golf club community, BearÍs Club. In attendance were a number of celebrities and sports stars including Patrick Ewing, Tiger Woods, Scottie Pippen and Spike Lee. And the entertainment was first-rate as well including DJ MC Lyte, singers K'Jon, Robin Thicke and Grammy-Award winner Usher and The Source, an 18-piece band. There was also a huge firework display that light up the golf course at night. We know that the 35-year-old bride, a former model, had eight bridesmaids, so it probably follows logic that groom had eight groomsmen. Wonder what he gave for groomsmen gifts? Perhaps personalized signs in honor of the Chicago Bulls, the team that made him a household name. Or, maybe a basketball inspired gift representing the Charlotte Bobcats, the NBA team of which is majority owner. If any of his groomsmen were buddies from college, he might have hooked them up with a North Carolina Tar Heels personalized pub sign in honor of the college where his basketball star shot to fame. So what other types of groomsmen gifts do you think would appeal to Jordan? Well, how about baseball inspired? Have you forgotten that after his first retirement from basketball he stunned the sports world by signing a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox, ultimately playing for the Birmingham Barons and Scottsdale Scorpions. Any guy would love to receive a personalized baseball bat engraved with his name _ especially if given my Michael Jordan. Okay, we can dream! After the wedding, sources spotted the newlyweds on their honeymoon in the islands of Greece. The pair was photographed taking in the sights of Spetses and Mykonos, walking around hand in hand. ItÍs no secret that Jordan enjoys his cigars and he was observed smoking a stogie during at least one of the sightseeing outings. That could mean that cigar gifts (such as humidors, cigar cutters, cases, and lighters) might have been given as gifts for groomsmen in his wedding-day roster. ItÍs just a guess. Groomstand.com has a fine selection of groomsmen gifts for the cigar aficionado that can be used on the wedding weekend and then kept as a treasured souvenir for many years to come. So, if you were servings as Jordan's best man or groomsman, what kind of gift would you expect? Let us know in the comments below.

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Honeymoon Travel Tips

Every groom and his bride can expect the honeymoon to be a memorable trip, wherever the location. Memorable for most honeymoons conjures up images of romance, relaxation and few worries. But, keep in mind that “memorable” can also mean “events have gone disastrously wrong.” Make sure you recall your honeymoon with fondness in the years to come by being aware of issues during travel that could arise and screw things up. And, remember, if the bride’s not happy, you’re not happy! If at all possible, don’t book your honeymoon flight in the early morning after the wedding. If your reception is planned in the evening, you will most likely be staying up very late. No couple wants to have to have a wake-up call when it’s still dark outside – or, worse yet, wants to risk sleeping through the alarm clock. Make sure your luggage is marked in case it gets misrouted during your travels. Nothing would be sadder to not have those sundresses and bathing suits she picked out for her dream beach vacation. Our Mr. & Mrs. Luggage Tags make an eye-catching statement on your luggage, you’ll see them as soon as then whirl by on the carousel. Splurge on your honeymoon and surprise the bride. Plan an exclusive excursion or fancy dinner, something you wouldn’t do on an ordinary vacation. Every honeymoon should have several wonderful things to remember. Purchase the bride’s airline ticket with her maiden name. Security at the airports requires that the traveler’s name exactly match a driver’s license, passport or approved identification card. Unless your honeymoon is quite some time after the actual wedding, there is no way your bride would have had time to change her last name on these documents. If you are traveling to a destination that requires a passport, make sure that you give yourself enough lead time to obtain or update yours. Some countries require that your passport be valid for as long as three months when you enter the country, even if you’re planning to leave before it expires. Check out the status of your passport as soon as you decide where the honeymoon will be. Don’t wait until the last minute. And, treat the both of your to a nice leather passport cover. Find out if there are any required or suggested immunizations needed for your honeymoon destination. Make your doctor’s appointments with enough lead time to get these medical needs taken care of. Go to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention to find out what’s needed a (cdc.gov). Take security precautions with your money and valuables while travelling. Remind the bride that purse snatchers are on the prowl in tourist locations and guard your wallet as well. In fact, guys are safest to keep their cash and credit cards in a money belt or contained in a money clip stashed in a front pocket (never the back pocket). As much as she loves it, convince your bride to leave her expensive engagement ring at home and keep her other items nestled away in our leather travel jewelry case. If you need to motivate her to leave her diamond ring in the bank vault or with a trusted family member, simply purchase her an inexpensive faux replica to wear while the two of you are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Where are you planning to go on your honeymoon? If you have any additional tips on making travel easier, let us know in the comments below.

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Twelve Symbols of Life to Incorporate into Weddings

A wedding is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows to each other before their god, their friends and their family. Not only is a lifetime commitment being made between the couple, marriage also weave together two previously unrelated families forever. Many in the African-American culture choose to include special elements in their wedding ceremony that represent the traditions and customs of their ancestors. The ‘symbols of life’ are often incorporated into the wedding day in some way, and gift-giving is one of the best ways to share the message. It doesn’t matter your heritage, people from every part of the world can agree that the symbols below offer great insight on how to create a lasting, happy marriage that incorporates the extended family. Wine: Wine represents the mixing of blood between the two families. Personalized wine glasses make a fine wedding gift for the bride and groom and can be used to toast the entire family. Wheat: This grain symbolizes fertility and the giving of life and land. If you are looking for groomsmen gifts to capture the idea of wheat, our set of four tapered pilsner glasses makes the perfect vessel to enjoy a light honey wheat beer! Pepper & Salt: Pepper represents the heated times families will have, but will pull through. Salt represents the healing and preservation of a marriage -- just like salt “cures” food. A salt and pepper grinder makes a great wedding gift for this life symbol. Bitter Herbs: These sometimes unpleasant plants symbolize the growing pains of married life. Nothing chases away the taste of bitter herbs faster than a swig of something stout from an engraved flask – a popular choice in groomsmen gifts, by the way! Water: A true life source, water brings the ability to purify and dissolve bitterness. Our bedside water carafe makes a useful and utterly thoughtful wedding present for the bride and groom, especially when monogramed with the couple’s last name initial. Spoon & Pot: These kitchen staples represent how healthy food builds strong families. New couples can never have enough kitchen gear to start off their new life. Many of the best memories of life revolve around family bonding in the kitchen and at the dinner table. Broom: This implement connotes the cleanliness of health and well-being. Okay, no one wants a broom as a wedding gift or groomsmen gift, so just go with pure symbolism here! If you must, give a vacuum. Honey: Honey stands for the sweet love between a man and a woman. Out dainty heart locket bracelet also captures that sweet sentiment and makes a great gift for the bride from the groom. Spear: The spear represents the protection of the sanctity of home and community. In modern times, a good pocket knife will do you just as well and a fine lock back knife engraved with the recipient’s name makes a useful keepsake from your wedding day. Shield: The honor and pride of the newlywed’s home is symbolized by a shield. Another way hang up the proverbial shingle is with one of the personalized signs at Groomstand.com. Available in a wide variety of designs to honor interests, hobbies, and a plethora of pursuits, personalized signs can be hung in a game room, home bar, media room, man cave or other place of rest and relaxation. Everyone likes to see their name in the spotlight, that’s why these customizable wedding gifts and groomsmen gifts are so popular. Bible or Koran: These sacred books are the symbol of God’s truth and power. A pair of our bible cufflinks serves as a reminder of faith in a higher being with each and every glance at the shirtsleeve. A meaningful gift for the groom, these Christian-inspired cufflinks also make inspirational best man gifts.

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Seven Strange-But-True Wedding Laws

Laws can be very weird. We’ve found some doozies when it comes to getting married. For example, men in Saudi Arabia, despite their exalted status, have to make sure the bride gets her daily grind. Coffee, that is. Apparently, there is a law on the books that says woman in this country may divorce her husband if he does not keep her supplied with coffee. We say, give her a monogrammed coffee mug as a wedding gift to make sure she knows where her bread is buttered, err, where her java is brewed. Some might expect international laws to be strange to the American culture, but here are some very strange-but-true laws from states right in in the USA. It’s true that some people remarry the same person after getting a divorce. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are the famous example. However, if you are planning multiple repeat performances, just know that in Kentucky, it is illegal to remarry the same person more than four times. They just do things differently down in Louisiana. You’ve seen the A&E show, “Duck Dynasty,” right? Anyway, down in Turo, LA, a guy is not allowed to wed until he’s proven his manliness by killing three cows or six blackbirds. No mention of ducks. But you can still give the guys our personalized duck pub sign as a fitting choice in groomsmen gifts. You may be in for a ho-hum honeymoon if you live in the state of Washington. Here, there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances, including the wedding night. Yet, data shows that the birth rate keeps climbing – we’re confused?! In Kansas, a wife may successfully file for divorce on the grounds that her husband mistreated her mother. Grooms, this is your hint (wherever you live) to present your new mother-in-law with a thank you for the wedding gift. Goomstand.com even has gifts for mom including personalized locket bracelets and engraved photo frames that will keep you out of the dog house. In Montana, a couple can get married without either of them attending the actual ceremony. It’s called a double-proxy wedding. Meant as a way for military personal to exchange vows while stationed apart, the rule can’t say no to a bride and/or groom who are just too lazy to get out of bed and show up at the county courthouse. In Bellingham, Washington, it is against the law for a female to take more than three steps backward while dancing. This could cause a really big problem at the reception! To play it safe, let whomever you’re dancing with take the lead -- the bride, the bridesmaids, your mother-in-law, or any of the lady guests. In Pennsylvania, ministers are forbidden from performing marriages if either the bride or groom is drunk. Even though a little swig of something might help calm your nerves, save it for celebrating at the reception. Then and only then can you break out the engraved flasks you filled up to give as groomsmen gifts. However weird these rules are, there is one wedding rule that is not – and that is giving groomsmen gifts to the guys who have so loyally stood buy your side on the Big Day and for the many years prior. Groomstand.com has a wide selection of both classic and unique groomsmen gifts that will communicate your heartfelt appreciation for these faithful and fun friends. Because most of our gifts for groomsmen come with a special personalization, you can feel confident that your gesture is as one-of-a-kind as the recipient.

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King of the Pins _ Bowling Bachelor Party

A few years ago, the mere mention of bowling brought up images of beer-gutted, middle-aged guys wearing bad shoes and matching shirts. Let’s just say that it would be a tragically uncool way to spend the groom’s last big hurrah of bachelorhood. But, flash forward to 2013 and all of a sudden bowling has undergone a transformation, making it all the rage with the hipsters. Old school bowling alleys are experiencing record numbers and new, upscale bowling “lounges” (alley sounds so shabby) are popping up in bigger metropolitan areas. Like so many of the exclusive nightclubs that are hard to get into, a few of these new bowling centers ( like Leisure Time Bowl in NYC) even are pushing the velvet rope and bouncer approach to make sure only the hippest customers are being plucked out of the crowd to get their hands on a top-of-the-line 14-lb ball. Decked out with retro charm, but certainly not the way any bowling alley ever looked in the 1960s, today’s new bowling lounge has evolved with a number of swanky amenities. In addition to knocking down pins in an actual bowling lane, patrons can enjoy an array of recreational pursuits. In many of these venues, there is gourmet food to savor other than standard burgers and bad pizza, invitation-only V.I.P. lounges where the cool kids hang out, dance clubs with a DJ spinning the latest music, sports bars broadcasting the big game, and waiters that actually come out to your lane to take food and drink orders. Doesn’t this sound like a fun place to have a bachelor party and treat the guys to their sports gifts for groomsmen? A bachelor party at the bowling alley makes a fun guy’s outing for you and all the friends in your wedding party. Since guys will be guys, the competitive nature of getting strikes and being the big winner will drive the party forward all night - so will the pitchers of beer! A bachelor party at the bowling alley is a safe and sound alternative to driving around town and aimlessly hitting all the clubs. Arrange for a designated driver or party bus to transport you to and fro so that guests can have a few beers and not worry about getting home. There are other ideas for a fun bowling bachelor night: Bowling Shirts:Have matching bowling shirts made for your team or have the guys wear our personalized t-shits that have each members role in the wedding party spelled out on the front (such as groom, groomsman, best man, etc.). Official bowling shirts or team t-shirts make a great precursor to the bowling-inspired groomsmen gifts you will give them later. Bowling Invitations: There are plenty of bowling-themed invitations via online services such as Evite.com. Or, try this really easy and fun idea for homemade invitations. Find colorful envelopes meant to hold CDs, the kind with the circular cellophane center. For the invitation insert, cut a square from cardstock that fits inside. Draw a circle on the card that matches the size of the cellophane circle. Add three small “dot” stickers found at office supply stores to the card in a way that resembles finger holes on a bowling alley. Write the party details on the back. Aren’t you the clever groom?! Bowling Groomsmen Gifts: Groomstand.com has a fun line of groomsmen gifts for bowlers. Featuring bright colors with a vintage vibe, these groomsmen and best man gifts will bring back memories you’re your fun bowling event for years to come. Plus, the special name personalizations that can be made on each elevate these classic groomsmen gifts into instant heirlooms. Cigar aficionados will appreciate our snazzy bowling cigar humidor while nearly every guy will enjoy his beverage in our bowling glass beer mug. Another fun keepsake is our personalized pub sign with a bold bowling design that lists the names of the guys on your team. What are your ideas for a bowling bachelor party? From food and drinks to party games, let us know in the comments below.

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Groomsmen Gifts for Christian Weddings

In the Christian faith, groomsmen have long played an important role in the wedding ceremony. For years, these friends have served as loyal companions, close confidants, and as your moral compass in times when you’ve stepped slightly astray. “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” -- Christian author, C.S. Lewis The groomsmen gifts you pick to say “thank you for standing by my side at the ceremony” need to reflect these mentioned sentiments that go well beyond the actual wedding day . Well-chosen Christian groomsmen gifts serve as meaningful memento and keepsake from your wedding and also reflect your desire for many more years of continued friendship. At Groomstand.com, our personalized cufflinks are a popular choice in groomsmen gifts for the Christian wedding. We have several sets that feature a cross emblem and arrive in a handsome silver-tone box that may be personalized with a name and event date or some other meaningful message. Choose from black cross cufflinks, silver cross cufflinks, or black enamel and gold-tone cross cufflinks. We also have a pair of bible cufflinks that are designed to look like very small books with a cross design on the front. Any of these cufflinks, when given as groomsmen gifts, serve as a gesture of friendship and meaningful reminder of faith on the recipient’s shirtsleeves. In addition to personalized cufflinks, Groomstand.com has an amazing array of thoughtful gift for groomsmen that can be customized in honor of the recipient. Money clips, business card holders and pocket knives are practical choices that your friends will use day in and day out, and thus keep your friendship at the top of his mind. We also have plenty of groomsmen and best man gifts that can be used in the religious organization of his choice, whatever that may be. For example, our leather-covered portfolios will keep his notes neat and tidy for reviewing after the sermon. If you would like to mark one of our personalized groomsmen gifts with a special scripture from the Bible, here are a few of our favorites based on friendship. Maybe one fits the friendships you share with your best man and groomsmen. Don’t worry about the length; if your chosen groomsmen gifts only allows for one line of personalization all you need to indicate is the chapter and verse to get the point across, not the entire quote. Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

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Having a Best Dog in your Wedding

Sometimes inviting your “best friend” to be in the wedding means stocking up on jerky treats and squeak toys. No, we’re not talking about your college roommate (even though he has been known to drink out of the toilet bowl), but about that fearless and faithful friend, Fido. Because many guys consider their dog to be part of the family, it only makes logical sense to make them part of your joyous celebration. A growing number of grooms and their brides are including a pet as part of the wedding day lineup. Jobs for your four-legged pal include best man, groomsmen, ring bearer, escort, entertainment or tried-and-true companions. Arranging to have a loved pet in the wedding is truly a memorable gift for the groom. Before you let your canine sidekick out of the proverbial cage, there are some practical issues to take into account. Is your dog well-rounded enough for a wedding? Sure you love your dog, but will others attending the wedding feel the same way? Is your dog calm yet people-oriented? Obedient, but with a healthy dash of tail-wagging personality? How does your dog react to dressing up in any clothes or accessories (such as a bow tie) that might be required on the wedding day? Who will be the “handler” for your dog at the ceremony and reception? As the groom, you will be busy walking down the aisle and focusing your attention on the vows. During the reception, your duties as groom will be pulling you in a million different directions. This means that your furry friend will need a “chaperone” to make sure that he performs his role, doesn’t run off and has access to food, water and a nice spot to nap. Because your dog is out of his normal routine, it’s best that this handler not be someone new. Instead, a well-known, well-sniffed friend or family member is the best choice. Do you have approval from your wedding venue? Don’t forget to check with the location of your ceremony and reception to make sure a “non-service” dog is allowed on the premises. Just imagine how stressful it would be to both you and your dog to discover at the last minute that pets are not welcomed. If in doubt, reserve a kennel nearby so that Fido has a safe place to hang-out while you tie the knot. Have you thought about groomsmen gifts for your dog? He’s been your wingman, your loyal companion and listened to you ramble endlessly without butting in, he surely deserves a special treat. Even though your pooch might not be best “man” in the traditional sense, he still should be honored for his role in your both your life and special day. A new, comfy dog bed or assortment or chew bones are sure to be greeted with a sloppy wet kiss. Or, check out our personalized t-shirts that give titles to the best man, groomsmen and other members of the wedding party. While they are meant for men, it is easy to knot the bottom of one around a dog’s middle for a fun (and funny) look. Don’t forget an extra groomsmen gift for the handler. Most likely the dog handler in your wedding will be a good friend or family member, perhaps even the human best man or one of the groomsmen. No doubt this person is a dog lover and an extra groomsmen gift that is dog-themed would be well-received. Our personalized bulldog pub sign makes a welcoming statement in any guy’s man cave while our personalized bulldog beer mug offers a way to make the brew go down with canine charisma. Have you been to a wedding where the bride and groom included a dog? Thumbs up or thumbs down; let us know in the comments below.

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Smokeless Tobacco, Baseball Trivia & Groomsmen Gifts to Chew On

With baseball season is in full swing and splatters of spittle are hitting the ground, our minds have momentarily become distracted from all things groomsmen gift and best man gift related. Baseball season got us thinking about how one of the most enduring rituals of this all-American sport came to be. We’re talking about chaw, chew, snu, gator lip, dip, wad, redman, skoal and grit, that big pouch of gross gunk that baseball players like to stick between their lip, cheek and gums. Anyway you say it, chewing tobacco has long been a hazardous habit associated with the wholesome-as-apple-pie sport of baseball. Have you ever wondered why, specifically, chewing tobacco and baseball players have become such an enduring image in American sports history? Well, long before the white man settled on the continent, Native Americans were chewing tobacco in some form or fashion. Eventually, tobacco became a huge commodity and by the 18th and 19th century, having a cheek full of chaw was by far the most popular method of consumption in the United States. However, it wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century that baseball players took a greater-than-average interest in this vice. The popularity of cigarettes had made gains on chewing tobacco, but athletes felt that smoking cigarettes would make them slow, sluggish and just bring on bad luck. So, they kept their cheeks filled with dip. The byproducts of chewing tobacco – ahem, spit – became a valuable resource on the baseball diamond. Guys in the dusty, dry outfield would suck on the chew to produce more saliva and juices to keep their mouths moist. Guys guarding the bases liked to lubricate and sticky up their gloves with spittle while pitchers found the now legendary (and also illegal) “spit ball” to be a secret weapon against whomever was at bat Smokeless tobacco had become so ingrained in the culture of American baseball that marketers pushed the stuff with images of the latest hero inserted into the package – like an early (and much more carcinogenic) version of bubblegum trading cards. Case in point, the American Tobacco Company release the T206 Honus Wagner card in 1909; today it is the believed to be the most elusive and most expensive of them all. Funny thing, Wagner was one of the rare players who didn’t chew and didn’t want his name linked with tobacco advertising – oh, the irony. But Wagner was right. Long before the serious side effects of using smokeless tobacco were confirmed, legends of the sport started hitting the ground like “dropped flies.” Babe Ruth died of mouth cancer. Curt Flood of the Cardinals, Brett Butler of the Dodgers. Bill Tuttle, center infielder for three MLB teams, was afflicted with mouth cancer and lost his teeth, jaw and right cheek. Until the end of his battle, Tuttle dedicated himself to educating American youth about the dangers of chewing tobacco. By 1993, the MLB finally took official measures to halt the use of tobacco during baseball games. The word was smokeless tobacco could not be used in the dugout or on the field. In 2011, in a continued effort to role model to young athletes and up-and-comers, the ML said “NO” to using chew in pre and post games interviews. Basically, we don’t want to see the chew when on the “job.” But, when there’s a will, there’s a way – especially with a nicotine addiction. Many of today’s players continue to publically use chewing tobacco. So, if it’s just about the buzz, why don’t athletes just smoke cigarettes in the dugout or take a pre-pitcher’s mound bong hit? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?! Hope you enjoyed this little bit of baseball trivia. Do you have any good baseball trivia for us? If so, post in the comments below! If you love baseball as much as we do, check out our roster of really cool baseball-inspired items that would make excellent groomsmen gifts. From personalized MLB locker room signs to personalized keepsake baseball bats, we’ve got everything you need to knock those gifts for groomsmen right out of the park. Home run!

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Bachelor Party Paradise: Self-Serve Beer Taps

Times are a changing, we are doing more and more stuff for ourselves. Most people under forty or fifty don’t even know that gas-station attendants used to pump fuel into your car or that elevator attendants were in control of the lift to ensure safe arrival and the desired floor of a high-rise. Help was also required for getting money out of the bank, now we self-serve at ATMs grocery store check outs and a host of other locations. Another sign of the future, the role of the bartender may also be changing . . . . make that vanishing thanks to the integration of new technology in bar and food establishments. For years now, many fast-food restaurants have made getting a soda a do-it-yourself affair. Apparently the expense of free-refills was much less than the costs incurred by having paid employees tackle the task. It’s this streamlining of processes and efficiencies that keep costs low for consumers and profits higher for corporations. Now this self-serve approach is being rolled out with beer-drinking at a restaurants and bars around the country. For a bachelor party, this type of ongoing access to beer could almost be viewed as a gift for the groom or groomsmen gifts. A company called iPourIt has developed a proprietary system that allows customers to pour their own beer using a radio frequency identification (RFID) wristband. The idea was born from impatience. When the now business partners of this new company were at out drinking, they became antsy when their beer order wasn’t being fulfilled fast enough by the bartender -especially since they saw plenty of taps not being used. The slow service of their suds was based on the mere fact that the bartender was tending to a lot of orders, and their order was just down low in the queue. Chief Technology Officer Brett Jones wondered, “ . . . why can’t I just walk up and pour my own beer?” And then he did something about it! Partnering with Joseph McCarthy, the two founded iPourIt, an automated pouring system that works for beer or any other beverage. Visit a location that uses this service for your bachelor party; bring along personalized glass beer mugs as your take-home groomsmen gifts! Upon ordering a beer, the customer gives his server his driver’s license to verify the minimum drinking age has been met. The server then opens up a tab on a management workstation and brings the customer back a special wristband and a beer mug. The wristband is geared up with a special wireless RFID chip that tracks the beer poured. Once the wristband has been activated, you literally tap it at the tap it, and then fill up your mug as you please. Customers only pay for what they pour and because it is trackable to a tenth of an ounce, beer aficionados can sample little bits of beer, one after another, without having to commit to a whole bottle or pint glass. Upon checkout, the consumer is provided their bill along with a record of the beers tasted. Armed with this information, consumers can rate and share opinions about the various beers online in community designed for beer drink. Fans of this fast-track to beer love it. One guy said that he tried four beers the traditional way (full glass) and it cost him about $25, with the beer wristband, it only cost him about $4 to sample four different varieties. Establishments also save money because the IPourIt system accounts for every fraction of an ounce, no beer is wasted or nicked off. Additionally, with just the push of a few buttons, the bar management can see what the most popular ales, beer or lagers of the night were – and this helps with inventory management. Seriously, if your friend is about to get hitched, grab a pilsner or beer mug from Groomstand.com and visit the land of ever-flowing hops. In the interest of public safety, individual well-being and liability, there is a limit to how much beer you can self-serve. The point of this system is not to encourage unlimited drinking, but to give opportunities to sample and savor a repertoire of new beers and find new favorites. Configurable controls limit the number of ounces that can be poured in a given amount of time. Once the limits are reached the customer can visit with his server again who can then make the decision whether to allow more ounces of beer to be consumed or to cut him off.

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How Grooms Can Help Out With Wedding Planning

Even though the wedding day is billed as “the bride’s day,” it doesn’t mean that the groom’s role is unimportant. In fact, the groom’s role is very important – he’s one-half of the union that is about to take place. Without the groom, the bride would be marrying an imagined husband – and that’s called crazy-makings in our book. So, if you take the point of view that it is also “the groom’s day” (which you should), you need to be aware of the responsibilities of your role. Brush up on the traditional responsibilities of a bridegroom below. However, if wedding planning appeals to you and want to break with tradition, talk to the bride about other tasks you can take on other than those listed below. Sharing the wedding workload a great way to start your marriage! Pay your share: Although it has long been customary for the bride’s father to pay for the actual wedding ceremony and reception, the groom and his family also have financial obligations. For example, the groom is responsible for paying for the wedding rings ( in addition to the engagement ring), his wedding day attire, the marriage license, the officiant fee for the priest or justice of the peace, bouquets for the bride and bridal party, best man gifts and groomsmen gifts, and the honeymoon. In addition, it is standard practice for the groom and his parents to host a dinner for both families and key members of the wedding party the night before the wedding, after the actual wedding rehearsal run-through. Best Man and Groomsmen Gifts: It is always in good taste to thank the friends who have stood by your side on the Big Day and for the years leading up to it with a thoughtful groomsmen gift. Even if you hate shopping, you shouldn’t just run out to Wal-Mart and buy the first thing you see. They have put in many hours supporting you in this event, from traveling to errand-running to listening to you complain of cold feet or difficult future in-laws. Don’t do “generic” gifts; Groomstand.com has a wide range of groomsmen gifts that may be personalized to show that you were thinking especially of them. Add a name, the wedding date or some special message that holds relevance between you and the recipient. Gift for the Bride: This is a gesture (and expense) that most grooms aren’t aware of until the bride or mother-in-law fills them in on the expectations. Many men think that the engagement ring, wedding ring or just giving up bachelorhood is the “gift” to the bride; but, trust us; she won’t see it that way. And, she’ll be giving you a wedding gift, so you’ll feel like a real heal if you don’t have something equally impressive for her. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a gift for the bride from the groom. However, it should be something sentimental, meaningful and given from your heart. A vacuum cleaner or gift card to the local bar and grill won’t cut it, but a nice personalized gift like a locket or engraved Mr. & Mrs. picture frame bearing a sweet photo of the two of you will! The Honeymoon: In the past, the groom would plan and pay for they honeymoon, but these are not steadfast rules in today’s culture. However, it is a great gesture to offer to take on the task of planning your getaway so the bride can be freed up to tackle other wedding-planning tasks. Unless she is game for a “surprise” honeymoon (which I doubt she would be), it is best to sit down and talk about expectations for budget, location and length before you actually plunk down money on plane tickets, a cruise, a resort suite, day excursions or other honeymoon expenses. Also, get ready for the trip with some of the practical personalized travel items from Groomstand.com such as Mr. & Mrs. luggage tags and leather passport holders.

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Travel Issues When Giving Pocket Knife as Groomsman Gifts

What guy wouldn’t want to receive a pocket knife as a thank you for being your groomsman? As far as men go, I don’t think there is a single one of them who wouldn’t get excited about unwrapping a box, lifting the lid and finding a sleek, streamlined pocket knife or fully-loaded multi-function tool waiting within. Even if he already has a pocket knife or two, another is always welcome. It’s like women and shoes; you can never have enough! So, if you are planning on giving your best man, groomsmen, ushers or other important members of your wedding party a pocket knife or multi-function tool as an thank-you present, there are some considerations you should make beforehand, especially the recipient is an out-of-town guest and you want to make sure he travels back home with this new groomsmen gift intact. If your buddy is traveling by car, there are no worries. He can just toss his new pocket knife anywhere he pleases -- in a weekend bag, in the glove compartment or even out on display on the passenger seat. There are no restrictions in a private vehicle. In fact, having a pocket knife or multi-tool on hand during a road trip is a prudent idea for safety. There are many perils on the road, from flat tires to snack time, that may require the use of such an implement. If your friend is travelling home on a public land vehicle such as a bus or train, make sure that he is aware of the prohibited items. For example, on Greyhound coaches, any knife (except round-bladed plastic cutlery) may be brought into the passenger area or stored in carry-on bags. Additionally, any type of knife or bladed object --- including pocket knives – may even be packed in your checked luggage that is transported in the outside compartment of the vehicle. However, upon check-in at the bus station, a traveler may ship his prohibited item home (for an additional expense) via the Greyhound PackageXpress service. Check out this full list of items prohibited on Greyhound. For return travel via a train, there are also restrictions on carrying a folding blade, pocket knife or multi-function tool. Amtrak also enforces a list of prohibited items on trains in order to ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers during transit. Amtrak, the nation's largest provider of interstate train travel as well as contract-commuter service for state and regional authorities, reports that sharp objects are not allowed on-board or in checked luggage. This includes, but is not limited to “axes, ice picks, knives, spears and swords.” However, it does say that “sheathed equipment” is allowed in checked baggage. So, presumably a pocket knife that is folded down into the case is allowed into checked baggage. When travelling on an airline, it is unwise to bring along a pocket knife. Although it is legal to “bear arms,” you may not pass the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security check-in with a pocket knife on your person or in carry-on bags. Until just recently, per TSA regulations, the only type of knife that can be placed into carry-on luggage was “plastic or round-bladed butter knives.” However this is changing, effective April 25, 2013. As the TSA “continues to evolve and strengthens its multi-layered approach to aviation security,” it will begin allowing small knives in carry-on luggage to “help passengers prepare for airport security procedures prior to the checkpoint arrival.” However, small knives permitted in carry-on luggage must have a blade no more that 2.36 inches length (from tip to where blade it meets the handle or hilt) and be no more than ½ inch thick. Knives with locking or fixed blades, molded grips and razors and box cutters are still not allowed through security. The majority of pocket knives at Groomstand.com will pass the test on blades allowable by the TSA (but remember, this new rule goes into effect April 25, 2013). Also, remember on all of these carriers, multi-function tools are also considered sharp objects – even more so with numerous implements such as blades, corkscrews and scissors. Just to be safe, it is probably a good idea to mail home pocket knives that are given as groomsmen gifts. Just imagine how embarrassing it would be for a buddy’s new groomsman gift to be confiscated at security check-in, or worse yet, have to go bail them out of jail!

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