A Guide to the Wedding Speech

Guiding you through the groomsmen wedding speech The groomsmen toast is dreaded by most men. The goal is to have a speech that fits in nicely with the wedding you're attending. You don't want a memorable speech, because you'll only be remembered if you screw it up. Don't freak out quite yet. No one expects you to make this wedding by dishing out an incredible speech. That said, you sure as heck can 'break' this wedding by delivering up a turd for a speech. Remember to be cool, you had to do something good to be a groomsmen. A good start is avoiding the lure of an open bar and staying off the topic of the bride's unusual feet. Still, if you'd prefer to go one step above complete bedlam, we've got a few tried and true pointers to keep in mind if you're groomsmen duties include a toast. Follow these tips to avoid some of the most common pitfalls that groomsmen face when they're asked to speak at a wedding. Be brief. Everyone loves a speech that gets to the point. If it's too long to memorize, it's okay to put your speech on notecards for reference, but try not to read directly from your notes. It looks tacky. That said, the best groomsmen speeches are outlined in advance. Keep this in mind, and stay curt. If you're audience is dozing off, you've taken too long. Even if you're planning to do the rest of your speech ad-lib (not recommended), have a few opening lines memorized before you stand up to speak. This should include a brief introduction of who you are and how you know the bride and groom. Focus on a theme and you'll be able to transition from that to an amusing anecdote and then your main point. Do not hunch over. You're doing it wrong if your posture looks like The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Focus on standing tall, and you'll be better off. Do not loosen up with booze. Using alcohol to ease your nerves is a one way ticket to an enormous mistake. Nothing terrifies a bride more than a hammed groomsman with a microphone. Nothing. Balance it out. The entire toast can't be about the groom. Even if you barely know the bride, create the illusion you do by talking about how the groom improved by being with such an incredible woman. Don't agree with that last statement? Make something up. Safe topics include his eating habits, the way he dresses, his apartment, or skipping the big playoff game to take care of her when she had the flu. Do not go beyond a PG rating. And we mean it. Your speech needs to be cleaner than Mr.Clean's shiny bald dust-free head. Just because the little kids can't spell out profanities doesn't mean the 90-year old grandma in the front row can't either. Don't incite nanny. Engage your audience. The best way to do this is by gesturing to the bride and groom whenever you mention them. Try to make eye contact by glancing casually from left to right as you speak. It'll make the crowd feel more included, and they'll be more engaged as a result. Also, be aware of how fast you're speaking. Since you're not Tony Robins, you'll likely be nervous. Nervousness makes us all tend to talk too quickly. Remember this, and focus on slowing down. Get personal. As a groomsman, you've got a bundle of great stories to pick from. So find the best ones while avoiding all the caveats mentioned above. Do not mention the groom's ex'. Even if you're trying to draw a nice contrast, it's never a good topic. Just act like the bride is the only girl he's ever known in his meek existence. Conclude on a good note. You want to end your speech with something that leaves the crowd happy and smiling. After all, this is a wedding. Remember, this isn't about you. You're there to honor the bride and groom, so don't try to steal the show with an especially clever or funny speech. Most importantly, try not to get nervous. If you stay PC, the worst that can happen is a ballroom of temporarily bored guests. They'll still clink their flutes and applaud when you're done. And everyone will return to the cake, the dancing, and the drinking eventually. So calm down, keep it simple, and have fun. Groomstand.com is your one stop online wedding store for groomsmen gifts. Our competitive prices and fantastic selection make us just the place to look for those gifts that men appreciate.

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Wedding Crashers: The Official Rules

Groomsmen relearn the sacred rules of crashing There aren't many wedding movies that are funnier than the 2005 film Wedding Crashers. If you haven't seen the classic flick ten times over by now, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson star as groomsmen that storm through the DC wedding scene. That is, until Owen Wilson falls for one of the bridesmaid attending a wedding that they crash.The rules of wedding crashing play a crucial role in the Wedding Crashers movie. Though we don't get all the rules of crashing, the few we do hear during the film are worth mentioning. Crashing weddings is a sport with a strict code of honor(a fact Vince Vaughn explains early on). Study the rules of wedding crashing below. Some are funny, some are ridiculous, and some are even sound advice if you're plans include attending a wedding as a groomsmen this summer. Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion. Rule #32: You don't commit to a relative unless you're absolutely sure that they have a pulse. Rule #16: Have an up to date family tree. Rule #6: Do not sit in the corner and sulk. It draws attention to yourself in a negative way. Draw attention to yourself, but on your own terms. Rule #5: You're an idiot. Rule #1: Never leave a fellow crasher behind. If you're attending a wedding this summer as a groomsmen, why not sit back and enjoy Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in their priceless roles in the movie Wedding Crashers. And remember, crashers take care of their own. That's why Groomstand.com has all the wedding and groomsmen gifts to make you're wedding shopping this summer fast and simple. From knives and glassware to engraved cuff links and affordable gift specials, Groomstand has the gifts that your groomsmen will cherish long after your wedding is over.

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911: Top 10 Wedding Day Emergency Kit Accessories

The traditional best man earns his groomsmen gifts by wearing many hats at a wedding. He's on point to keep track of the other groomsmen and ushers, he plans the bachelor party that didn't ruin the wedding (which is just semantics because the bride will never find out what happened anyway), and it's his job to toast the newlyweds at the reception. However, the ideal best man is the guy the groom turns to when he needs to get out of a pinch. With GroomStand's advice on how to prepare the wedding day emergency kit, any best man is on his way to becoming the hero on the big day. Wedding Day Emergency Kit Accessories: Place the following items in a bag: Roll of clear strapping tape - This is great for reinforcing clothing accessories that need to lie flat (e.g. a crooked bow tie). Just so you know, supermodels will bust this neat little trick out when they don't want their breasts popping out of a revealing shirt. Since the isle is just like strutting down the runway, do what the pros do. Clear tape is also a go to resource for preparing hems, or tying down the groom when he has cold feet. Small pair of scissors or pocket knife - Where would MacGyver be without this tool? You're probably won't have to defuse a bomb, or battle random 80's terrorist groups who could easily be foiled by a single vigilante. Instead, you're more likely to be faced with the daunting task of cutting a loose thread hanging from a button. The Personalized Rubber Grip 13-Function Army Knife should be the one to do the trick. A mini stapler - For the unlikely event that you rip the butt seam down the middle of your tuxedo pants, stapling the seam back together is a quick temporary fix. As a word to the wise, the only thing that looks worse than torn pants are pants that were fixed in a panic with exposed staples on the outside. If this emergency happens, make sure you take the time to remove the pants and fix the seam on the inside. A black permanent marker - This is a last resort when something is spilled on a tuxedo and it leaves a mark. If you have enough time and you're dealing with a rented tux, forgo the marker for a wet washcloth. Collapsible cup and aspirin - Have a pain pill, headache medicine or good old tension reliever ready at all times. The collapsible cup is a smart tool if the only source of water is the sink or drinking fountain. Flask - The tension reliever when water just won't do. This Personalized Stainless Steel Leather Flask also makes great groomsmen gifts for relaxing with you friends on the big day. Snack food - This day has been a long time coming, and built up nerves can really tear at an empty stomach. If you guys all eat breakfast together, make sure you still make time to have a banana, a sports drink or take it back to the good old days with a tasty pack of gushers. The best man and groom are going to need something in their gut if they take my original advice of sucking on their flask in the early afternoon. Baby wipes or laundry pen - Just in case you drop a juicy fruit snack on your white tuxedo shirt, a laundry pen or baby wipe won't have you looking like a fool for the rest of the day. Baby wipes are also ideal when someone needs to wash their hands or a last second remedy to shine the shoes before walking down the isle. Cash- If you don't have the tool for the job, money can always buy you that tool. Stuff a twenty and a few ones in the bag just in case you need to tip someone or buy something on the fly. Wedding CD - As a sentimental favorite, keep a copy of the CD for the bride and groom's first dance. If there is one CD the DJ might forget, you know it's going to end up being this one. Also, don't think you have your bases covered just because you have a copy of the song on your iphone. That bad boy is useless unless you can hook it up to the sound system. Just make a hard copy on CD.

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9 to 5 Groomsmen Gifts for Busy Groomsmen

Your quest among the groomsman gift choices is sure to take you many places, through blogs and web-stores and cozy little downtown boutiques, but why should it be that long of a process? You just need to find something about your groomsmen that involves day to day use. This is made especially easy when they happen to be a businessman or you know that they spend time at a desk. Desk gifts encompass a wide array of items, picture frames, desk caddies, maybe a nice keepsake box. You can even expand your options off the desk and give a little more tech savvy personalized gift or just something fun that any guy, groomsmen or no, would want to have handy in his office. Your options are many, but don't fret over it, all of your groomsmen gifts are just a click away with personalization just another after you've found that perfect gift.

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9 Surefire Ways to Tick Off Your Future In-Laws

Your father-in-law weeps uncontrollably at the reception. Her mom stopped serving you freshly baked cookies a long time ago. Her big brother, who bears an incredible likeness to Tony Soprano threatens to take care of you. (This is why you don't buy tough guys pocket knives for groomsmen gifts). What did you do? It could have been a long time ago. Maybe you waited nine years to propose. Maybe you hit her dad up for cash to buy those groomsmen gifts. Whatever you did, it takes years to get back in their good graces. Even if you're the perfect gentleman, you're still the guy who stole their little girl away. If you want to subject yourself to a life of misery, use this guide. Here are nine surefire ways to tick off the future in-laws: 9. Burp, fart, or lick your knife at the dinner table. In most families, piggish behavior from outsiders is not tolerated. Even if her family burps the Star Spangled Banner on a regular basis, don't join in. Nothing shall rip, slip, or roar while eating with the in-laws. That is, unless you want to be known as the numbskull son-in-law who burped in Grandma's meatloaf. 8. Make a crass remark about your fiance's weight. Sure, her thunder thighs might be a running joke between the two of you, but if you dare make a weight joke in front of her family, start running. FAST. It's a sensitive topic and makes you look like a grade-A jerk. GroomStand's words to live by: What's funny under the covers is not always funny in public. 7. Get sloppy drunk. You bought her brothers pilsner glasses as groomsmen gifts, now it's time to get sloppy drunk right? Wrong. No one wants to think of their sister, daughter, or friend as married to a guy with a drinking problem. Avoid keg stands when you're with the in-laws. Also, consider this: Your favorite libation could liberate you to do the eight other things on this list. 6. Don't honor the father and mother. Simply don't bother. Don't sign birthday cards. Refuse to ask any of her male family members to stand up with you on the Big Day. Skimp on everyone's groomsmen gifts. Turn her mother down when she asks for a dance at the reception. 5. Make a sex joke. If you want to really tick them off, make several. Keep in mind, once you turn into Andrew Dice Clay, there's no going back. GroomStand hint: If your best man decides to do his best Dane Cook impression during the toasts, your in-laws will think you share the same sentiments. Even if you don't. Point him towards the Perfect Toast and hope for the best. 4. Invite her father, brothers, or cousins to your bachelor party. In Vegas. With "dancers." Even if they look like they're having a good time (and they might very well be) they'll get a glimpse of you in a morally altered state. That impression hangs around like a foul stench. And sometimes that bachelor party ends up on a daytime talk show. Trust no one. The vision of you partaking in salacious bachelor party acts lingers long after the guys open their groomsmen gifts. Trust us. Solution: Host a board game night with her relatives as a decoy bachelor party. 3. Ask her Dad to barrow a few bucks. He might give it to you. He might look at you with kind eyes and tell you "things will get better, son." But from this point on, you'll forever be known as the guy who had to ask his wealthy father-in-law for cash. In other words, that no-good son-in-law who can't take care of Daddy's precious little girl. GroomStand hint: If you're short on cash for groomsmen gifts, get a paper route. 2. When your father-in-law's favorite football team loses, spike a football in the living room and scream "in your face." No one likes a sore winner. If you get penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game, smooth it over with a personalized sports sign that depicts his favorite team. Even if you think they're losers.1. Misplace a treasured family heirloom. When her fathers gives you an heirloom, like her grandmother's engagement ring to propose with or her grandfather's pocket watch, lose it. Store it in your pocket and let it slip out and fall into the street. When her father asks you where it went, respond with a cavalier attitude and shrug of the shoulders. He might cry. Or rip out his hair. Or rip out your heart. If you do any of the above, you're in-laws will surely despise you. And likely stop dropping by unannounced. All joking aside, treat your in-laws the way you wish to be treated. That goes the same for your groomsmen. Find gifts for groomsmen, attendants, and family members at GroomStand.

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8 Weird Dating Sites You Never Knew Existed

If you're soon to wed, you've probably been off the singles' market for awhile now. Things have changed since you last approached a woman with your trusty back pocket pick-up line: "Hey lady, are those space pants? Because your butt is out of this world." No wonder why online dating attracts more men than before. Modern bachelors have it easy. Instead of going to the nightclub, they sit comfortably behind a computer screen, typing in lol, brb, ttyl, and luv u 4ever at all the right moments. And if the guy can't think of anything to say, he has a couple minutes before the IM icon starts flashing. No uncomfortable silences or face-to-face rejection. No public breakups - simply delete the little lady from the buddy list. Since you found your bride-to-be, give your bachelor groomsmen a membership to one of these dating sites as groomsmen gifts. Even if he doesn't find the girl of his dreams, these sites are good for laugh. Out loud. Love Me Love My Pets - If your buddy gives a longing look at his terrier like the guy in this picture, he might have a problem. The idea behind LoveMeLoveMyPets is fine if you want to date the creepy lady with 17 cats. E-Amish - Amish, Mennonite and Bretheren Dating Site. "I would like to meet a nice guy from among the Amish. Must be a non-drinker, non-smoker, non-wife beater, hard worker." Whoa - high standards. Shouldn't she automatically assume that if her mate is Amish, he'll be a hard worker? And since when do the Amish use computers? At least there will be no surprises when he picks her up in the old horse-and-buggy. Democratic Singles - No more going to dinner with a lady and finding out that she's dun... dun...dun...a Republican. The horror. Now Democrats can meet someone that appreciates political bumper stickers and shares their disdain for George Bush (pretty much the whole country). Groomsmen Gifts Hint: If your bachelor buddy sets up a profile, prepare him for date night with this democrat steak brand. He can wow her with a branded tofu burger. Such are the things of lasting love. Nerd Passions - "Boldly eschewing the shackles of conventional popularity, Nerd Passions is a place to embrace your nerdiness!" A nerd definitely wrote that poetic declaration. Nerds are forever trying to rid themselves of that taped-glasses, high-jeans wearing, pocket calculator image from the 1980's (thanks Revenge of the Nerds). This dating site lets you put your inner geek out there. Nerd passions makes it OK to mention World of WarCraft on your very first chat. Check out the profiles. Wait a second...some of these people don't even know what a newbie is- impostors! No Longer Lonely - "We are a welcoming community that understands the trials and pitfalls of managing a mental illness." Feeling a little lonely since your stay at the state mental institution? Come here and find someone just as unstable as you. Image the love story: "We met online on No Longer Lonely and now we're crazy...about each other." The couple that hears voices together stays together. Women Behind Bars - If the women are behind bars, what are they doing on a computer? More importantly, do men behind bars know about this site? Best chat-up line for the incarcerated: "Baby, let's not go out together." Sugar Daddie - "Where the classy, attractive and affluent meet." Our translation: "I have money. Date me. I'll pay for things." You better have a fat wallet if you're going on this dating website. Is income listed on the profile? Ladies, where was this website 10 years ago? Groomsmen Gifts Hint: If your groomsmen thinks he's a sugar daddy, set him up with a wallet or money clip. Scientific Match - "ScientificMatch uses your DNA to maximize the chances of finding chemistry--actual, physical chemistry--with your matches." Wait - what kind of dating website asks for DNA? Our hypothesis: sending DNA to a future partner is probably a bad idea; it's kind-of a romance killer. Good thing you already found your fiance. Imagine the slim pickings in these chat rooms! Celebrate that you never have to go through the misery of dating again. Online and in person, it's tough out there. Being a married man does have its perks. Shop GroomStand for groomsmen gifts and everything else you'll need on the wedding day.

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7 Bad Bachelor Party Ideas

Avoid these 7 bad bachelor parties at all costs. Some are totally lame. Some are so hedonistic, they could land you in jail. If your comrades bring up these bad bachelor party ideas, tell them you have cold feet and if they persist, swiftly revoke those groomsmen gifts. Bad Bachelor Party Ideas 1. Walk the Plank. A short cruise on the open seas sounds like the bachelor party idea ever. What could be cooler than five guys on a boat, playing poker, sipping martinis, and grilling up some grub? Five guys at home, playing poker, drinking martinis, and grilling up some grub! Heck of a lot cheaper and no sea sickness. If "Gilligan's Island" taught us anything, it's to stay on shore. 2. Relive Swingers. C'mon guys. Reliving a movie for your bachelor party is the lamest idea ever. You're an original. Don't convince everyone to talk and dress like the crew from "Swingers". Don't suggest wine tasting with the boys like in "Sideways." Wine tasting could never be that much fun! And emulating "Very Bad Things" leads to someone buried in the desert. Think of it this way: Elvis sunglasses are awesome; Elvis impersonators are pathetic. Use elements of movies in your party plans, don't re-enact them scene by scene. 3. Amateur Hour.... at the Comedy Club. This is what happens when you let your fiancee plan your bachelor party: The bad comedy club. Don't spend your last night of freedom listening to a middle-aged comedian's amateur routine. Why? We guarantee his stand-up will be filled with stupid marriage jokes about how much he hates his wife. After a tortuous hour of "marriage humor," you'll be crying in your cocktail and wishing you never proposed. 4. Let's Get Tattoos! Do not under any circumstances go to a tattoo parlor the night of your bachelor party. This is precisely how regular dudes end up with blotchy unicorn tattoos. After this shin-dig, you'll have to give tattoo removal kits as groomsmen gifts. 5. Sky Diving, Base Jumping, Wind Surfing. Extreme sports (basically anything in an energy drink commercial) should be off limits for your bachelor party. Visible scars and broken noses just don't look right with a tux. Save the cliff diving for when you're honeymooning in Hawaii. 6.Tijuana. While Vegas is a suitable destination for a bachelor party, Tijuana is not. Tell your bride-to-be your going to Tijuana and no matter how supportive she is of stag nights, she'll raise her eyebrows and shoot you "the look." 7. A Salacious Show. We're totally for entertainment of the ummm...visual sort. That is, if it comes fiancee pre-approved. But avoid Vegas-type shows with scantily clad women for one reason: Justin Scheidt. Scheidt's bachelor party went sour after dancers pulled him on stage for the traditional "embarrass the groom" routine and he sustained permanent injuries to a sensitive area. Yikes. There you have it, the seven worst bachelor party ideas. As long as you stay away from boats and Tijuana, you'll be fine. Have a great time! PS. When it comes time to buy those groomsmen gifts, look no further than branddepot.com/collections/groomstand.

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5 Tips for Perfect Groomsmen Gifts

Groomsmen gifts don't have to be throwaways. Follow these 5 tips and your groomsmen may say 'thanks!' without the 'uuuuuh' in front. Consider the travelers. Don't buy gifts that weight 10 pounds each if you know that most of your groomsmen are coming from afar. They don't want a hernia to remember the occasion. Personalize tastefully. A nice, small engraving on the back of that wallet? Great. 30 point type reading "We got hitched!" on the front? Not so great. Think about the guys. What are their interests? If they're all basketball nuts, buy them gifts themed for basketball. It sounds obvious, but I've received enough engraved paperweights to know it bears repeating. When in doubt, be practical. If you're not sure what to get, buy something you think they'll really want. A new wallet might make sense, or a shaving kit. Don't blow the budget. No matter what you get, chances are these gifts aren't the reason your groomsmen are coming to your wedding. Be reasonable, and save some money for the honeymoon.

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5 Groomsmen Gifts that Keep Your Guys In Order

These Gifts for Groomsmen Ensure Your Wedding Day Goes According to Plan I'm sure you've seen the Taco Bell commercial where all the Groomsmen show up on their good friend's wedding day with beet-red faces. It's every bride-to-be's nightmare that the guys attending her wedding will somehow ruin her big day. We know, it has made for great comedies and commercials of late. But just because popular culture capitalized on unprepared groomsmen doesn't mean you won't be in the doghouse on your honeymoon if your friends show up in lackluster form on the day of your wedding. To keep your Groomsmen in good order, peruse these vital groomsmen gifts. These gifts will tidy up the grimiest groomsman, and organize your most disorganized friends. Personalized Two Tone Cuff Links It's no joke guys. Women love men in uniform. That's why for your wedding day, deck your groomsmen out in matching cufflinks. These cufflinks can be customized with your guys' names, so they'll serve double duty as excellent groomsmen gifts your friends will enjoy on other formal occasions. Personalized Sports Watch with Compass Are your friends notorious for being tardy? If they are, equip them with this elegant Sports Watch and Compass. Your financee won't mind when they're fiddling with these fine hand watches, and it will ensure your friends won't be late (or get lost) for any of the fun-filled festivities your bride has planned for your wedding. Stayclip Stay Organized: For the untidy groomsmen, these Cupronickel StayClip Stay Organized Collar Stays will keep those feisty tuxedo collars on the straight and narrow. The collar of a tuxedo can be a difficult - yet vital - aspect of the wedding attire. Your bride-to-be won't be able to find anything wrong with your friends' tuxedos if you get these Stayclip Collar Organizer as groomsmen gifts. iPod holster with Belt Loop Do your friends go nuts for the newest and coolest gadgets? Then it's probably no surprise that your fiancee complains about how often your friends check those brand new blackberries and iPhones for the latest baseball scores and sports highlights. Make sure that your groomsmen keep all those gadgets tucked away in style with this iPod Holster and belt. It may not solve the blackberry issue, but at least it will ensure all those iPods are left inside your friends' pockets when you're exchanging vows. Personalized Grillmaster Apron: Is the grill the central plane of existence for your male wedding attendees? If it is, then they're probably not the cleanest guys. Don't let your friends show up on your wedding day with clothing covered in steak and grease stains by gifting this handy grillmaster apron set beforehand. With generous pocket sizes to hold all those sloppy sauce covered utensils, the Grillmaster Plus apron is the perfect gift to keep your them stain-free on your Big Day. If your wedding day is fast approaching, look no further than Groomstand's assortment of groomsmen gifts. We've got the items guys look for. And don't forget to check out all our great on-sale groomsmen gifts if you're planning your wedding on a budget this spring or summer.

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5 Bachelor Party Don'ts

I just saw The Hangover, and let's just say I have a new found love of bachelor parties, tigers, and Mike Tyson. It's all fine in fantasy, but nothing can ruin your wedding faster than a bachelor party gone wrong. Picture this: You stumble down the aisle, half hungover after and as you take your vows, wondering what salacious acts you took part in the night before. Not fun. Have a good time but avoid these five bachelor party don'ts: Don't get tattoos. Bachelor party tattoos are out. Drunkenness + tattoo = splotchy mess on your neck that looks like a bruise or has your fiancee's name spelled wrong. Don't go skydiving. I'm all for skydiving, but do it either after your wedding or months before. Walking down the aisle wearing a neck brace isn't fun. Don't lie. Who wants to spend their bachelor party hiding out from their fiance. Don't tell your fiancee you're going wine tasting when you're really going to Vegas. Secret bachelor parties aren't fun at all. When you're supposed to be livin' it up, you'll be uncomfortably checking your phone for text messages. "Ssshhh, my fiance is on the phone." She's not your mom, she's your fiance. Talk about your expectations for the bachelor party well ahead of time. Don't be lame. It's your last night as a single man. If you're not a big drinker, forgo the shot glasses for poker sets. Whatever you do, find some way to celebrate the end of your bachelor days. Don't go to Tijuana. Vegas is one thing, Tijuana is a party animal of a different color. While I think it's a perfectly acceptable place to visit while you're completely single, it's not a good place to go when you're getting married the next day. Tell your in-laws you're headed to Tijuana for the bachelor party and you'll get more than a few raised eyebrows. And who knows if you'll ever make it back.

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4 Must-Follow Rules for Female Attedants or Groomswomen

Forget everything you think you know about groomsmen. They don't have to wear a black-and-white James Bond-style penguin suit. They don't have to be your brothers. They don't even have to be men!. That's right, these days you can pick your sister, your cousin, or your girl best friend from grade school. From groomsmen ...er...groomswoman gifts to bachelor party planning, here are four must-follow rules for female attendants: Thou Shall Not Make the Bride Jealous . Even if your bride and your ex-girlfriend are best buds (in what world?), or you dated your ex 10 years ago, you cannot ask her to stand up on your side as a groomswoman. When your "best woman" starts weeping at the ceremony, people will wonder if those tears are falling because she's still in love with you. Stick to your sister, cousin, or longtime, non-threatening friend (non-threatening means not as pretty as the bride). Thou Shall Not Make the Groomswoman Wear a Tux She's just one of the guys, but she doesn't have to look like one of the guys. A simple black dress will differentiate her from the bridesmaids and she'll still blend with your boys. Thou Shall Not Give her Gendered Groomsmen Gifts This is the hard part of adding a groomswoman into your gang: you have to find her a groomsman gift. You probably shouldn't give all your attendants old-fashioned shaving kits as groomsmen gifts -- unless your groomswoman is part of a traveling freak show. Personalized poker sets and flasks make great groomsmen gifts and groomswomen gifts. Still can't find anything? Peruse bridesmaid gifts for girly gifts she'll love. Thou Shall Not Make her Plan your Bachelor Party Even if she's your best woman, don't let her plan your bachelor party. Hiring the talent or adorning the hotel suite with blow-up dolls might make her uncomfortable - especially if she's your relative. Talk to her about all the best man duties before she signs on. Assure her that you delegated bachelor party planning to one of the guys, but that she's in charge of everything else. Groomswomen are automatically invited to bachelor parties, so don't leave her out. The only rule when it comes to your wedding party is to invite your supporters - those people who are happy you're tying the knot. Nowadays, you can have a dog, your grandpa, or your goldfish - it doesn't matter. Just make sure you thank all your attendants with well-appointed groomsmen gifts or groomswoman gifts!

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4 FoolProof Tips for Buying Groomsmen Gifts in a Dismal Economy

Yes, the Dow is deflating, but your spirits don't have to. If you are a groom who has yet to purchase groomsmen gifts,here are a few groomsmen gift-buying tips to help your new marriage from going the way of the Lehman Brothers. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #1: Buy in bulk. This practice works for saving money on bananas at the grocery store, and it can work for buying groomsmen gifts as well! Find a site that offers quantity discounts, and feel confident that you are getting as good a deal as possible on your groomsmen gifts. This tip is especially helpful for grooms with big families or friendship circles. Some groomsmen gifts retailers do consider a minimum order to qualify for quantity discounts, but if you've got the whole frat house in your wedding, this groomsmen gifts strategy is perfect for you. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #2: Look for Freebies While it's unlikely you can find actual free groomsmen gifts, many retailers will throw in free extras to make your gifts seem extra special. Remember, retailers need to stay in business during a rough economy, so don't be afraid to negotiate for free perks or bonuses. For example, several groomsmen gifts' retailers offer free personalization on their groomsmen gifts. This free perk is especially beneficial because customization gives the illusion of very expensive, hand-coutured groomsmen gifts...all at nada extra cost to you! Clever! Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #3: Sign up for the Newsletter Men are usually less likely than women to sign up for the newsletter when shopping for groomsmen gifts. Most likely they fear getting bombarded with glossies promoting "man-icures" and "wed-iquette." But the truth is, these newsletters are often hidden troves of discounts, rebates, and offers available only to subscribers. A little wediquette is a small price to pay when you realize you can get great groomsmen gifts at a sweet discount. Groomsmen Gifts Buying Tip #4: Never settle for less than free shipping. In this day and age, paying for shipping is as anachronistic as paying for CD's. Free shipping is practically a given, and certainly plentiful enough that you should be able to find groomsmen gifts that include this offer. After all, online retailers want you to choose them over bricks-and-mortar stores, and they know alleviating shipping costs is a key way to do that. Choosing a groomsmen gifts retailer that offers free shipping means a better deal for you, and also gets you out of hours of excruciating in-store shopping with your otherwise-lovely bride. Score.

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