A Dream Come True, JFK Cigar Box

If youÍve ever watched the hit History Channel show, ñPawn Stars," youÍve no doubt seen the random parade of memorabilia, paraphernalia and just plain junk that comes rolling in. I love to sit back and watch this colorful reality show that centers on the real-life pawn business ñGold & Silver Pawn Shop,î now a popular landmark on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Folks from all walks of life haul in their antiquities, artifacts and, er . . . well, junk and negotiate with the savvy three-generational pawn shop owners, grandfather Richard, son Rick and grandson Corey. It seems like old firearms are popular as are vintage toys, so is anything that has a bit of history attached to it. Just imagine the cool calm that had to be kept when a cigar box alleged to be owned by John F. Kennedy walked into the shop. Rick was nearly drooling all over this piece of presidential history, ñItÍs just one of those things I can only dream about,î he said. The cigar box was an artifact that actually sat on KennedyÍs desk in the Oval Office, and upon inspection, Rick realized it actually still had a few of KennedyÍs unsmoked cigars stashed inside. These were probably cigars that the commander-in-chief had picked out himself. There was no way Rick was letting this cigar box walk out the door! So let the negotiations begin! A whopping $95,000 was the asking price for the cigar box, but after the expected back-and-forth negotiation and listening to RickÍs hemming and hawing, the seller accepted an offer of $60,000. For Rick, this was probably a great deal in light of the fact that in the 1990s, another JFK cigar box brought more than half a million at auction. DonÍt feel sorry for the seller, at least he had some pocket money to gamble with that night. So, even if there are more JFK cigar boxes lurking out there, we know you canÍt exactly hook the guys in your wedding party up with one. WouldnÍt that be an amazing surprise as groomsmen gifts?! However, at Groomstand.com, we have a wide range of cigar humidors that worthy enough for the even the most discerning guys in your group. For example, if we were giving a wedding gift for a super-sophisticated groom or a big-wig best man, weÍd definitely choose The Dresden Cigar Humidor, a classy crate that cradles up to 60 stogies in the lap of luxury. Featuring a high-shine lacquer finish and gleaming silver fittings, this handsome humidor features all the standard mechanisms to ensure the proper humidity level is maintained. This humidor will be a showpiece on any manÍs desk! If youÍd like to give groomsmen gifts that speak to each friendÍs personal interests, weÍve got you covered on that as well. Check out our reasonably-priced line of wooden humidors that feature bold designs on the lid that honor many of the favorite hobbies of men, from bowling to poker and beyond. Lift the lid on most of our humidors and youÍll discover hygrometers along with a fragrant cedar lining work together to help keep cigars in pristine condition. Oh how the smell of cedar mingles with tobacco _ quite nicely! On the top of the lid, in addition to the chose graphic, a special personalization may be added for the recipient, such as a name or event date. These gifts for groomsmen will be very well-received, especially if you pre-stock them with a supply of his favorite cigars.

Read more

Smoke to infinity and beyond! Gigantic Cigar Sold for $185K

Do you and your groomsmen like cigars? I mean, really, really like cigars? If so, you may have just missed out on aquiring the granddaddy of all smokes – the Gran Habano #5 “El Gigante cigar.” It’s hard to believe that this 19-foot bad boy with a 3-foot circumference is really rolled fermented tobacco because it looks strikingly similar to a timbered tree trunk being hauled out of the woods. So how did this record-breaking cigar get discovered? Juan Panesso, owner of CigarsDirect.com, based in Westchase, FL was approached by a private collector wanting to find a showpiece for his cigar collection. Panesso had heard stories of a super-sized stogie created to be a crowd-drawer at trade shows, but wasn’t sure if all the chatter was legit. At first, everyone he talked to thought he was crazy or the deal was fraudulent. As he made phone inquiries and worked his network about the existence of this rumored cigar of mythical proportions, he found out it was the real deal and put the wheels into motion to broker the deal. In the end, the cigar sold for a bit under its estimated selling price of $200k, bringing in $185K from an undisclosed international buyer. Pasanno says the buyer preferred to remain anonymous but that it’s a name most people would recognize. The cigar weighs 1,600 pounds, is packed with enough tobacco to fill 25,000 regular cigars, and is expected to cost $15,000 to ship overseas. Included in the price tag was a custom-designed wooden case for storage and travel. Now, you may not be able to splurge on such an extravagance for the cigar afficianados in your wedding party. But don’t let your plans for awesome groomsmen gifts go up in smoke. Groomstand.com has a wide selection of cigar accessories that will impress even the most discerning gentlemen in your group. Here are some ideas for cigar gifts for groomsemn that will make a great impression: Cigar Humidors: A specially-purposed box to hold his cigars makes a fantastic choice in groomsmen gifts. Humidors help protect precious smokes by keeping them in the ideal humidity levels. Most serious humidors have hygrometers that allow the user to adjust humidity levels. This helps keep the tobacco fresh regardless of the outside conditions in the environment. Also, the cedar linings offer another level of protection and deliver a delicious scent of cedar mingling with tobacco every time the lid is lifted. Cigar Accessories: Cutters and cases and lighters, oh my! Any guy who enjoys a smoke now and then (or all the time) will appreciate a quality piece of cigar gear to make the experience even better. Groomstand.com has a robust selection of practical yet quite luxurious cigar stuff from endless-flame lighters, hard-shell cigar cases meant to be stowed in a jacket pocket, and cigar cutters to effortlessly snip the end off a stogie. And, if your friends like to combine poker-night with cigars, we even have a poker set in a personalized poker design case – perfect groomsmen gifts to give at the game-night bachelor party. Cigar-inspired Décor: Help your groomsmen claim a little spot of cigar smoking in their own home with a customized cigar sign. These personalized pub signs can be hung in a home office, library or game room to create a relaxed, lounge-like ambiance for your friends. Given as groomsmen gifts to friends and family on your wedding day, your thoughtfulness will be remembered for years to come.

Read more

A Big World of Beer Mug Options

The Japanese are just so inventive. From the car to the video game console, this clever country is always on the cutting edge of the next trend. ThatÍs why when we saw the commercial for the Professional Beer Foam Making Mug, they had us memorized at ñsuper gadget.î We just had to track one of these down. By the sound of all the happy affirmations from the folks using the self-fizzing glass, the mug must be a real winner. From business men and college guys to a womenÍs get-together, it seems like everyone in Japan is having a grand ole time and enjoying, as they put it, ñjoys for all people.î No batteries required on this product manufactured by Brando, simply flick the lever on top of the handle and a hammer on the bottom of the mug sends of the bubbles vigorously rising to the top. When the frothy, foamy head wears off, simply hit the lever again _ itÍs endless fun atop your beer. The print advertisement suggests that you will ñNot Only have fun, but also make your beer more delicious! Happy hour, party, BBQ, dining and gathering. Just get rid of all those trifles; let's have your private great fun time!!î How can you say no?! Okay, so if these beer mugs are a little too novelty, too cheesy to give to your beer-guzzling buddies as groomsmen gifts, GroomStand.com has plenty of other options to support the suds-loving guys in your wedding party. Really, you canÍt go wrong with a beer-inspired best man gift or groomsman gift; what guy doesnÍt practically live off the stuff? Barware always makes a practical choice for groomsmen gifts; not only can glasses be used for drinking beer on the weekends or after work, they can also be used for a host of other beverages including soda, ice tea, or some wholesome milk. Our classic sports mug is a must-have for the man cave; fill with up to 12-ounces of brew (conveniently a can) and toast to good friends and good times. If you have a bigger thirst to quench, this traditional glass much also comes in a 25-ounce size _ no more running back and forth to the fridge and missing the big game, 25 ounces should keep you busy until the next commercial break! For football enthusiasts, our NFL pint glasses are real winners! Featuring the classic silhouette of a traditional pint glass, these vessels are kicked up to epic proportions with an officially-licensed logo of the recipientÍs favorite professional football team. Once heÍs polished off his beer, heÍll find a surprise at the bottom of the glass _ a molded glass imprint of a football! Also, consider the custom glass football tumbler as an option for sporty groomsmen gifts; the unique shape and personalization is sure to make this one a favorite during football season and beyond. Not all beer mugs are made from glass. Materials like pewter and ceramic are also frequently used to provide a distinctive look. For example, our personalized gunmetal medallion mug is made from pewter and keeps contents nice and icy cold. Plus, the center medallion can be engraved with the recipientÍs name to create a lasting keepsake from your wedding. If youÍd like to honor each guyÍs specific interests, a ceramic beer mug featuring a bold graphic on the front will make any man toast to your fine taste. Designs in nearly early every hobby, pastime, sport and diversion can be found at GroomStand.com. Cheers!

Read more

Social Media Mania Hits Weddings

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You could spend countless hours online, mixing and mingling with old buddies and new friends alike. Both Twitter and Facebook report having more than 1 billion unique visitors per month. Facebook alone reports having more than 50 million active pages. Everyone’s doing it from home computers, tablets and smart phones. For celebrities (think about the whole Aston and Demi drama) to regular Joes like us, the trend for interacting via social media just keeps growing exponentially. At Groomstand.com, we even have several groomsmen gifts that would be apropos for the guy who doesn’t like to be far from his virtual friends. A popular choice in gifts for groomsmen who tweet and Facebook from their cells is a monogramed iPhone case. If you want to splurge on your Best Man, consider our city-style urban briefcase crafted from genuine leather, the perfect parking spot for his laptop when not in use! You know that social media has gone too far when a groom breaks out his cell phone at the wedding altar to update is Facebook status. Well, that’s exactly what a man from Maryland did after exchanging vows with his newly anointed wife. Apparently he wrote “Standing at the altar with (bride’s name) where just a second ago, she became my wife! Gotta go, time to kiss my bride!” Even the preacher got in on the joke by saying “It’s now official on Facebook. It’s official in my book. You may kiss your bride.” We’re not sure, but we suspect he might have had on a pair of our personalized cufflinks that resemble miniature iPhones – yes, iPhone cufflinks! You could hear the laughter and chatter from the guests sitting in the pews as the preacher announces what the groom is doing. But, is this one of those things that you just politely laugh along to, or is it really funny? Something seems odd about making everyone wait (including the preacher, although he didn’t seem to mind) while you thumb-type in a message meant to be sent out across the Internet. For goodness sakes, they were at the altar in a church! A house of God! We hope that he didn’t also use Twitter to mention every little detail of the honeymoon. Unfortunately, Facebook can also be a way to break up with a spouse. Can you believe a woman actually found out her marriage was over via a message her husband posted on the social networking site? Well, actually the wife didn’t see it first, her friends did. A concerned friend called by a friend to “see if she was alright” and when she seemed to not know what she was talking about, the friend advised her to check online. Upon logging into Facebook, she found out her obviously-now-estranged husband had posted “that he had ended his marriage.” When the man was questioned, he added that he’d “had enough of her.” So, what do you think of this use of Facebook? It reminds us of when Big from “Sex in the City” broke up with Carrie Bradshaw on a Post-it note. Another wedding Facebook story with a happier ending involves two people with same exact name. Kelly Hildebrant, a guy from Texas, met a girl from Florida named Kelly Hildebrant and now the two are happily married. The whole coincidence happened when the girl decided to look up her own name of Facebook and the male Kelly was the only other face that popped up. She friended him, he friended back and now the lovebirds are hitched happily ever after.

Read more

Grooms, Make the Rehearsal Dinner Yours

ItÍs pretty obvious the wedding is about the bride; that is, if you listen to most people. Phrases like ñitÍs the brideÍs dayî and ñall eyes on the brideî make it seem like the groom is quite expendable and should take a backseat in the decision-making process. It seems like all guys get to do are order the tuxedos and pick out the groomsmen gifts. Women get bridal showers (although couple and groom showers are catching on), get to wear something out of the ordinary, and basically get treated like queens through the whole wedding process. If you are a guy getting married stand up and make a statement that your opinions count to, and that it is ñthe groomÍs dayî too. The rehearsal dinner is one event that you can plan and execute how you see fit. Especially considering that itÍs the groomÍs parents and/or the groom who pays for and hosts the event. The rehearsal dinner is traditionally held the night before the wedding and is a good way to give the two families a chance to get to know each other. Also, itÍs a place where the groomsmen and bridesmaids can mix and mingle and meet the families too. What a great opportunity to celebrate with your family in friends in the way that you see fit! If that means at a sports bar over burgers and beer or on the beach with a blazing bonfire, youÍll feel great knowing youÍve shown your genuine personality and style through the festivities. Of course, if your bride likes to take control over everything (sheÍs a planner, and thatÍs a good thing), discuss with her about backing off this one evening. However, donÍt take over planning the rehearsal dinner without talking to her first. Two-way communication is always the best way to start off and continue a marriage. Assure her that the affair will be a relaxed, fun event where the ice will be broken and stress will be relieved. And, even better for her, she doesnÍt have to worry about anything or lift a single finger. YouÍve got it covered! Here are some things youÍll want to consider when planning your rehearsal dinner. Book the venue about 4 months from the wedding. DonÍt assume that the bowling alley party room is going to be available for you on a momentÍs notice. Decide on the menu (based on your budget) and decide if you will be hosting a sit-down dinner, just appetizers and drinks, or having foods catered to your location (like barbeque in a barn). Notify the people you would like to give toasts at the rehearsal dinner such as your parents, the best man, the groomsmen or whomever! Give them enough time to get their thoughts together and practice if needed. Put together a little audio-visual material. Although this is optional, guests always love seeing pictures of the happy couple when they were very young. You could make a slide show, movie or even just a poster board display. Mail invitations about a month ahead of time. If it is a very small or casual rehearsal dinner, you could get away with emails, phone calls or online invitation services. Other unique ideas including sending an edible cookie card or scrolling up your invitation and sticking in a beer mug! Order flowers, props, personalized napkins or take-home favors for your guests about one month ahead of time. Purchase groomsmen gifts and decide if you would like to present them at the rehearsal dinner, before the wedding ceremony while all of you are waiting together, or later that night at the reception part. Please tell us any unique ideas you have for rehearsal dinners _ from venues and food to favors and ice-breaker games. Use the comment section below.

Read more

An Indestructable Man Cave

Along a desolate stretch of South Florida lies what could possibly be your ultimate man cave and one heck of a place to host a bachelor party! Of course, youÍll have to have deep pockets and a fondness for decorating because this utilitarian underground abode is on the market for nearly five million dollars and (to put it mildly) needs an overhaul of epic proportions to make it comfortable enough for a hangout. Originally built in 1967 by AT&T as a corporate bomb shelter, this sprawling complex was intended to support up to five people (including state-of-the-arts communications systems for the era) for 30 days in the event of a nuclear disaster. ItÍs the bomb! A graduated block faade with blast-proof doors is what you see from ground up, but underneath the mound of 30-inch concrete walls is a doomsday hideout decked out with all the must-haves to survive an atomic event. This includes decontamination showers upon entry, 200-kilowatt generators, massive air-intake tunnels and a custom ventilation system. Even though the structure has been abandoned since the 1980s, the pantry shelves are still stocked with cans of sugar and milk solids. Okay, you might want to toss those along with everything else! But even though none of the power or equipment works, sellers insist that this space could make the transformation into the most deluxe of bachelor pads. If you donÍt mind dropping a ton of dough and expending some elbow grease on this fixer-upper, then you definitely could have one of the coolest man caves ever. Just imagine having a hang-out where not many people could track you down; itÍs the ultimate escape! So, how would you decorate this 7,000 square-foot fall-out shelter? Here are some of our ideas: Add a rich, mahogany pool table to encourage friendly competition with your buddies. Playing pool can really pass the time if you are whiling away the hours until the radiation clears, or just having a guyÍs night! A personalized sign for billiards should most definitely be hanging on the nearest wall. Install an epic bar area where you can treat guests to any and every drink they could possible imagine. Stock assorted barware (personalized with your monogram of course) such as martini glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, wine glasses and more. Set up a massive big screen television for watching sports games, action movies and video game contests. If you should prefer a little old-school entertainment, retire to the poker table and break out professional-grade poker supplies, perfect for wheeling and dealing way into the wee hours. Even a personalized domino set makes a nice diversion when stuck underground. This sort of man cave is also perfect for the enjoyment of cigars. Stock the finest in your collection in a top-of-the-line cigar humidor to ensure that proper moisture levels are maintained and leave about handsome cigar ashtrays to make sure the floor isnÍt sullied with ashes. DonÍt forget about cigar cutters, Zippo lighters and all the other necessary supplies. Hint, if youÍre getting together with your friends before the Big Day, any of these cool man-cave supplies also make excellent groomsmen gifts. And, since most can be personalized with an initial, monogram, name or special message, they make thoughtful keepsakes from your bachelor event. Come on guys, do you have any other ideas on decking out this man cave? Share them in the comments below.

Read more

Study Says Curved Beer Mugs Increases Quantity Consumed

They say if you use a smaller plate, youÍll eat less. You would think the same theory probably holds true for the size of your glass. But, a new study of British beer drinkers has found that drinking beer from a curved glass dramatically increases the speed at which a person ñswillsî _ that is, to ñdrink or eat freely, greedily, or to excess.î The hypothesis tested assumed a beer glass, which can give the appearance of different amounts of beer depending on the shape, might additionally distort the perception of the total amount of alcohol being consumed. One hundred and sixty participants were quite easily recruited from a nearby college and divided into eight groups and screened to confirm they were only ñsocial drinkersî and not alcoholics. The study made a point of trying to exclude people who were just ñdrinking to get drunkî and would skewer the results by downing their beer. Then the participants were served either soda or beer while watching a neutral nature documentary so that they would have a diversion other than just drinking for drinkingÍs sake. They were not aware of the point of the research being conducted. Secretly, researcher timed how long it took for the drinkers to finish their respective beer or sodas. One group consistently drank much faster than the others, the group drinking a full glass of lager out of curved flute glasses. On average, the people drinking out of ñstraight glassesî consumed basically 12 ounces (354 ml) of brew in 13 minutes while the group drinking the same amount in ñcurvedî glasses polished it off in 8 minutes! The researchers believe that social drinkers pace their drinking (maybe without even realizing it) by how long it takes to reach the halfway point in a glass or beer mug. When shown photos of half full glasses in varying shapes, the participants repeatedly misjudged the levels of remaining fluid in curved flute glasses, thinking more was actually left than there was. If you and the guys enjoy an icy, cold beer every now and then, GroomStand.com has many great options in barware. Frankfurt Tall Boy Beer Mug: Unlike shorter, squattier beer mugs, this elongated vessel provides more than expected. Able to hold not just one pint but 1 _ pints of ale, lager, or other favorite brew, this mug serves straight-up style. DonÍt worry, if you believe the ñswilling studyî then you wonÍt overindulge with this personalized beer mug _ the middle point is easily identifiable! Personalized Sports Pilsner: For the guys who like to combine sports with suds, this shapely beer mug is a great choice. Treat the guys on your wedding team with these useful gifts for groomsmen. Able to hold up to 20 ounces within its curvaceous confines, you and the groomsmen may not realize how fast youÍre drinking. A practical solution to know the half-way point is to pour in 10 ounces from another cup and mark with a rubber band or piece of tape. Custom Glass Football Tumbler: If your buddies are comfortable with a football in their hands, these engraved beer mugs will feel like second nature. The contoured shape of these sporty beer mugs resembles that of a genuine NFL pigskin _ thatÍs why these tumblers and beer drinking go hand-in-hand. Fill with 23-ounces of ale, lager or preferred brew and get the party started. So, do you think itÍs true that guys unintentionally drink faster from curved beer mugs? What kind of glass do you like to use to enjoy beer _ flutes, mugs, tankards, pilsners, steins or just straight out of the bottle?

Read more

Marrying Men (and a Woman) of the Month

Spring and sprung and love is suddenly in the air! Engagement news has been confirmed for a couple of bachelors and a long-time super model too. Celebrity weddings just make our hearts go aflutter (insert sarcastic tone here), we canÍt wait to see whoÍs wearing what and how over the top all the details go. Okay, we pretend that we donÍt care about which stars are getting hitched, but really we do. When a male celebrity gets engaged, it reminds us regular Joes that getting married isnÍt really that bad of a deal. Chances are the girl youÍve proposed to really loves you for you and not youÍre a-list bank account. And, when a Sports Illustrated bikini supermodel gets married, we all just sigh a collective ñwhat if.î The name of the first marrying man of the month may not instantly ring a bell, Vincent Kartheiser. HeÍs Pete Campbell, the young and sometimes spiteful-slash- impulsive ad exec, on the television ñMad Men.î Kartheiser (age 31) has been dating Alexis Bledel (age 33) since early 2012 and if you think they look like a familiar couple, your right! To two played illicit lovers, cheating on their respective spouses, on the popular AMC drama last season. Nothing says doomed choice than taking on a mentally-unstable mistress, thank goodness, itÍs not reality! The wedding announcement timing for the twosome couldnÍt be better timed; the Emmy award-winning show premiered its sixth season on April 7th. We have the perfect idea in groomsmen gifts for Pete Campbell, er Kartheiser, and that is a set of personalized bar glasses for those afternoon scotch breaks at work. Or, a snazzy, retro-sixties pair of engraved cufflinks, perhaps? And, live from New York . . . . is the announcement that Andy Samberg, funny guy and clowny crooner best known for his skits on ñSaturday Night Live,î is also engaged. Samberg (age 34) has been dating his girlfriend, Joanna Newsom, for five years. No one is quite certain when the two made the pledge to get married, but he did give his bride to be a present to seal the deal. No, not an (ahem) in a box _ but, a sparkly engagement ring that she was spotted wearing at the Indie Spirit Awards being hosted by her sweetie. Newsom is a folk singer-songwriter who actually makes music and not parody songs like Samberg. Friends say that Samberg has been a fan long before they dated; he was a groupie in nearly all of her shows! As a reminder that the couple makes strangely sweet music together, a personalized steel harmonica would make a quirky and clever choice in groomsmen gifts from this silly, SNL alum. And, apparently the divorced Elle Macpherson is set to wed her billionaire boyfriend, Jeffry Soffer. While Soffer is the ïyounger manÍ at age 43, youÍd never EVER believe that the Australian bombshell is 49 years old. The two dated and then called off the relationship last March, but then got back together after Soffer severely hurt his back in a helicopter crash. How would you like Ell Macpherson to be your nurse? Yea, thatÍs what we thought! A wedding date hasnÍt been set yet, so maybe there is still hope. Who knows what Soffer will present as groomsmen gifts, he can afford to buy a small country for each of his groomsmen. For all the millionaires, billionaires and up-and-comers, consider a symbolic choice in groomsmen gifts _ like a personalized money clip! So, what would you give as groomsmen gifts if you have the seemingly never-ending wallet of a celebrity or business tycoon?

Read more

April Fool's Day Pranks for a Wedding

While getting married is a serious matter, thereÍs no reason not to add a little fun to the festivities, especially on and around April FoolÍs Day. Or, if you have a reputation for pranks and practical jokes, you could get away with a shenanigan or two at a celebration any time of the year. While it probably isnÍt in good taste to pull off a prank at the actual ceremony, the other wedding events are fair game _ such as the bachelor party, wedding showers, bridal events, family lunches, and so on. While pranks are fun, you donÍt want to poke fun, upset, or embarrass the friends, family and other guests who have gathered to support you during this time. What you think is funny could be interpreted as mean-spirited or malicious by another, thatÍs why itÍs always a good idea to run your prank through a few ñgates.î Reveal the prank to at least one close comrade or family member to make sure that itÍs not too ñover the top.î You donÍt want to make the bride cry or send her mother into a hissy fit. And, you definitely donÍt want to initiate a prank unless you are the bride or the groom; otherwise you risk losing a friendship. Here are some fun ideas for an April FoolÍs Day prank at a wedding-related event: Tie candy Ring Pops onto the ring bearÍs pillow. Of course youÍll have the real bling hidden in the best manÍs pocket and the pint-sized wedding helper can keep the edible rings as one of his >ring bearer gifts. Arrange for a celebrity impersonator to show up at your wedding, especially a sexy star who will make the groomsmenÍs jaws drop. Think of what a fun groomsman gift this would be! Snap a picture so each buddy can show off his celebrity meet-up long after the wedding.> Hire a troop of professional yo-yo performers to entertain guests at the wedding reception before you arrive. Give each guest a >personalized yo-yo as a wedding favor and have them show of their new skills in a commemorative ñadviceî video for the bride and groom about the ñups and downsî of marriage.> Surprise everyone watching and do the hokey pokey for your first dance. Shake it all about!> Serve ñsurpriseî wedding food in a uber-formal setting. Imagine tuxedo-wearing waiters opening domed silver trays to reveal corn dogs, pork rinds or funnel cakes. Sure to get a laugh and get gobbled up.> Put on one of those choreographed dance routines that turn into viral videos, like the Michael Jackson ñThrillerî dance that started it all! YouÍll have to practice for many hours with your buddies, but the reaction youÍll get from your audience is well worth it! Make sure to give the guys awesome >groomsmen gifts for being part of this prank! Try to set a world record at your wedding and get all the guests to participate. Go for the largest amount of rose petals tossed, the fastest ñraceî down the wedding aisle, or the most years of marriage by all guests combined. Get creative and call in a Guinness Book representative to make it official.> Create photo pranks like the shot where the groom has written the words ñhelp meî on the bottoms of his shoes, so that when he kneels the congregation will see is plea. Or, have all the groomsmen AND bridesmaids wear stick-on mustaches as they walk down the aisle, this is especially funny if you are a guy known for his distinctive facial hair.> Fill the >groomsmen flasks with something unexpected like chocolate milk or prune juice. The ideas go on and on. Do you have any good wedding prank ideas? Let us know in the comments below:

Read more

How NOT to faint at your wedding

Why is it that people are always fainting at weddings? Whether it is the groom, the bride, the wedding attendants, even the preacher, it seems no one is immune from fainting on the big day. Fainting grooms seem to be a popular segment on funny video television shows and internet viral videos. While the clips might be funny to watch after the fact, fainting at a wedding can be not just embarrassing but also have dangerous implications. So what is fainting anyway? The medical condition is actually called ñsyncope,î and it is a sudden yet brief loss of consciousness followed by a spontaneous return to awareness. Fainting is caused by lack of blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain. When you ïblack outÍ without warning like this, it can be quite harmful because you lose muscle control and will fall to the ground. Here are some important rules to follow to keep you or your groomsmen from fainting at the alter: DonÍt drink: Getting wasted the night before is a no-no. This means plan the bachelor party to happen several days, even weeks before the actual ceremony. Put away those bottle openers and groomsmen flasks. Alcohol can cause dehydration and dehydration is a known trigger in fainting. As a precaution, even if you havenÍt consumed any beer, wine or liquor, keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it frequently as you wait for the wedding processional to being. Also, have a carafe filled with water waiting near the area where you will say your vows, just in case. Eat a meal: Consuming food before the ceremony will also minimize the chance of fainting. Hunger pangs and low blood sugar shakes (combined with nerves) can make a guy feel like fainting. So, ensure that you have had a good meal several hours before the event and a small snack just before you walk down the aisle. Please, for everyoneÍs sake, avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, cauliflower and broccoli. This is a great chance for the guys to tryout their groomsmen gifts and use those engraved pocket knives to peel you an apple. Remain calm: Use positive visualization techniques and rely on the help of your groomsmen to keep anxiety and nerves at bay. Fear, adrenaline surges, and extreme panic can all divert blood flow away from your brain, causing you to faint. Most menÍs reactions to stress as being fight, flight or faint. None of them are helpful. But if you focus on the good things about getting married and/or have your friends take your mind off the worry (even just playing video games together helps), you can remain calm and carry on without falling to the floor. DonÍt lock knees: You can also decrease your blood supply to the brain by ñlockingÍ your knees. Long ago, choir members discovered that keeping their lower extremities rigid often caused them to get dizzy and fall off the bleachers. Can you imagine that sight? To keep from fainting in this way, simply remember to stand with your legs almost shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent forward. If necessary, shift your weight around from foot to foot. Other triggers: There are many other things that can generate a fainting spell including a change in medications, undiagnosed health issues, assaults to the senses (like smelling Aunt GerdieÍs perfume), and constrictive clothing and shoes. If you do feel like you are going to keel over (most get signs of dizziness, light-headedness and dilated pupils), then whisper to the officiant that you might faint and he will guide you to a chair until you feel better. There is no need to feel embarrassed; it would be way worse to fall backward and get a concussion, spending the wedding night in a hospital bed. Are you worried about fainting in your wedding? Have you ever seen anyone ñgo downî in a wedding? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more

Stay Calm and Carry On at the Wedding Ceremony

Grooms, even if you didnÍt have an ounce of worry or anxiety during the engagement process, things may feel much different at the wedding ceremony. I speak from experience when I say that the enormity of the actual wedding day will give even the most laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy heart palpitations . . . and this heart skipping is not caused by love for your betrothed (but, of course you adore her in every way) but is instead a by-product of the nerves, anxiety and worry that you may not have even realized were building up. There are many real reasons to feel a bit nervous before walking down the aisle. First and foremost, the significance of the marriage covenant you are about to enter comes with a lot of commitments, duties and responsibilities that are new to a bachelor including 'for better or worse,' and 'to death do we part.' Wow, that is serious! But, even though it is a serious pledge, it is one that is well worth taking. Another reason for nerves is the mere fact that you're in the spotlight, family and friends from across the country, maybe even world, have convened to support you on this special day. For men who don't like the limelight, this can be a source of discomfort and agitation. Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that's the trick. ~Steve Bull So, if you are nervous, don't worry _ that would make it a vicious cycle! Instead, get the butterflies to fly in formation. Feeling a little anxious means that you are taking the momentous day seriously and are coming to a fuller understanding of the importance of this major life change. Remember, change IS the only thing you can count on in life, but change can be good. If you are looking for some tips to remain calm on the big day, here are a few to consider: DonÍt go out and party the night before. Recovering from a hangover only worsens a case of nerves on the wedding day. Your head will be foggy and your body sluggish, this is no way to start off the most important day of your life. If such no-no occurs, keep an eco-friendly water canteen nearby for rehydration purposes, not an engraved flask _ those are for the bachelor party. Accept the fact that it is normal to be nervous. ItÍs how you channel your energy that counts. Running and screaming out of the chapel is not a mature option. However, giving permission to feel a little jittery will help the butterflies fly away more quickly. Realize that the bride is probably nervous too. Instead of selfish worry for yourself, think of your about-to-be new wife. What do you love about her the most? How does she make you laugh? Think about the expression on her face when she says 'I do,' and then later opens the beautiful bride gift that youÍve selected. Remember that your family and friends love you and have travelled to be with you in support, not in judgment. Rely on the friendships of your groomsmen to help lighten the mood while you wait for you call to the aisle. They'll always know how to take your mind off worry and lighten the load. For this, they deserve extra-special engraved groomsmen gifts. Know that if you flub up your words at the altar, the priest only has to know your intent. And, if the 'mess up' is that bad, you and the bride can always return to the minister the next day for a private 're-do.' So, don't worry, be happy! You are getting married and that has been the whole end goal of this engagement process you've been in for the last year give or take. Once the minister pronounces you 'man and wife,' you have crossed the proverbial finish line and can relax even more and take in all the feelings of the experience. The reception is waiting and so is the honeymoon and opening all the wedding gifts. There is no need to worry, you just married the most wonderful girl in the world!

Read more

Never Ending Beer Glass

In the quest for a nice pint glass of beer that would never need refilling, I Googled the search terms ñnever ending beer mug.î Unfortunately for my easy to nauseate constitution, the first link I clicked through was a video of a completely wasted guy drinking about half of his pint glass and then puking it back up into the mug. Over and over again. You will be spared the disgustingness of having to view this on the GroomStand.com blog, but it you are compelled to seek it out yourself, itÍs a free world. Belch. Finally, after a littler more searching, I found what might be the solution to my desire to drink beer through an entire football game without ever having to get up and grab another. Now this is quite possible the ultimate gift for the groom. Some beer-loving dudes actually came up with a product called the Bottoms Up beer dispenser that will be your perpetual bar maid from the comfort and convenience of your home. Some might call it slothful to not want to get up out of an easy-boy chair, but I call it oh-so-very smart to have my glass continuously filled as I set it back down on the table. Check out the video of the contraption being put together and demonstrated: So, what do you think about this invention? It works thanks to a hole in the bottom of your cup. Wait, what? A hole in the bottom of your pint glass? Well, the hole is sealed with a magnet and when you place the specially designed cup on the beer dispenser, it breaks the seal, and fills the glass from the bottom up. That's right. In theory, you could fill up your beer mug and walk away to some other area of the house or just sit there and take a sip, set it down, watch it refill, pick it up, and never get thirsty again. Imagine the reaction if you presented these as creative groomsmen gifts? One flaw; the wives, brides-to-be or significant others of your buddies may eventually start complaining about the big keg defiling the d_cor in the living room. Now, itÍs hard to believe that the inventors expect to release the product this month (March 2013) with a price tag of $1,149. Looks like itÍs made with a bunch of old stuff found piling up in the garage. And, no this hefty price tag does not include never-ending beer. Actually buying the beer is up to you. According to my rough calculations, you could hire some neighborhood kid for $5/hour to come over to your house and shuttle beer back and forth from the fridge for a four hour shift every weekend of the year! This covers all the sports seasons (basketball, football, baseball _ you name it) and youÍd still have a little money left over the beer fund too! If you canÍt live the dream and purchase the never-ending beer machine, you can still enjoy your favorite brew in a big way. A jumbo-sized monster beer mug will do the job. Get a personalized beer mug that holds two pints (32 ounces) and you wonÍt miss a game-defining play or clever commercial until you have to get up and visit the facilities (and afterwards, you can run by the kitchen for a refill). Another idea for groomsmen gifts? The Joe Six-Pack Belt literally straps on six cans of brew around the mid-section of your favorite suds-sucker so heÍll never be without. So, what is your hydration plan when it comes to watching sports games? Do you keep a cooler by the TV? Do you run back and forth to the fridge? Do your drink out of super-sized mugs? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more