Manly Tasks New Grooms Must Tackle

Grilling meat. You don’t necessarily need to know your way around the kitchen if you can grill. Grilling is an important skill for the newly married man because it shows your wife that you can share in the food preparation chores – in a way that lets you stay outside and drink a beer! Since the Stone Ages, men have been impressing their wives by stoking a fire and throwing on a carcass of meat. Rather than just gnawing the meat right off the bone, present your wife an actual plate of steak along with something green (and we mean a vegetable) next to it. Also, a glass of wine couldn’t hurt! Tools you might night for great grilling include a grilling implement set, a durable grilling apron and a personalized koozie in which to keep your beer cold!   Carving a turkey. This sort of goes along with cooking meat over a fire. A man worth respecting should be able to carve a turkey at the head of the holiday table. It’s a tradition that must be respected. We can’t exactly explain how to carve a turkey with words, it’s one of those interactive learning experiences that must be passed down from one man to another. Ask your dad, watch your dad, imitate your dad. We do know that while a personalized pocket knife is handy to have for so many reasons, it’s not going to get the job done on a plus-sized piece of poultry. https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand does carry a filet knife that will help get you started.   Killing spiders. If you are squeamish when it comes to squashing bugs, flying insects and spiders, you are just going to need to get over it! As a husband, you will be manning up every time a small critter crawls into the house. Find a way to deal with it. From the shoe stomping method to the more human catch-and-release methods, just make sure the offending six or eight-legged interloper is caught and that your bride screaming is stopped.   Fixing Flat Tires. Even if your wife-be-to isn’t a damsel in distress, it is always a good idea to know how to fix a flat tire and take care of any other roadside emergencies – even if it is just calling a tow truck. Whether you DIY on the car care or call in the experts, always take the credit for saving her from impending doom. That being said; keep calm, carry on and always have our personalized leather automobile utility kit in the glove box.   All of these products mentioned also make great groomsmen gifts for the fellows in your wedding party. We’re pretty sure that each also has to step up the man game every now and then to impress a wife, significant other, girlfriend or potential date.

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Wedding Celebrations Leading Up to the Big Day

The day the vows are exchanged is rarely the only celebration of a marriage. Most cultures have a variety of other traditional parties intended to honor the happy couple. Some require the planning of the bride and/or groom while other events are hosted by friends and family – all you need to do is show up. Here are some great reasons to party like you’re getting married – hey, wait, you are getting married! Engagement Party: This celebration lets everyone know that you have made it official and asked her to get married. Traditionally, this shindig is held by the bride’s family to formally announce the betrothal to society. However, today, anything goes! Have a party for yourself, invite all your friends and serve delicious food and drinks in custom barware monogrammed with your last name initial (which will soon be hers too)! Wedding Showers: These pre-wedding parties were often just hosted for the bride as a way for her be gifted with items she might need to set up house. Today, many wedding showers are co-ed, including both men and women in the fun. Couple showers can be a great time for friends and family to mingle and have fun, enjoy great fun and drink – all while celebrating the upcoming nuptials between the happy pair. Bachelor Parties: Many guy’s think of bachelor parties as being old-school, wild events that include lots of drinking, carousing and quite possibly even exotic dancers. Today, the bachelor party has evolved – it could be a day of golf followed by a good steak dinner, Or, it could be a guys’ trip to Las Vegas or a relaxing fly fishing trip. It really just depends on the groom’s temperament and desires. Our bachelor party t-shirts are a fun way to announce that your group is ready to get the party started! Also, some grooms find this to be a great time to present their buddies with groomsmen gifts. Also, just know that if you are having a bachelor party, it’s pretty certain your bride-to-be will be having a bachelorette party too! Rehearsal Dinner: Traditionally, the groom’s parents have hosted this dinner the night before the wedding. Usually, all the close family, bride and groom, and wedding attendants convene practice the “roles” of the wedding day and then just relax over good dinner and great company before the big day. There may be toasts, so you may want to prepare a few words – or have a professional toast written – just to be ready. Of course, the actual wedding ceremony and wedding reception are so common place, they don’t really need detailed explanation. However, there can be other pre-wedding (and post-wedding) events that you may want to consider – these could include sight-seeing tours for out of town guests, a post wedding brunch the next morning in the hotel where guests that spent the night, If the wedding takes place at the end of a weekend, schedule a golf tournament for the men and a museum or shopping trip for the ladies. For all you gift needs for a wedding, whether shopping for groomsmen gifts, best man gifts, gifts for the bride and groom or thank you gifts for the host of a wedding celebration, check out GroomStand.com for a unique selection of personalized gifts.

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Wedding Stories Behind the Whitehouse

Did you know that James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, was a lifelong bachelor. I guess that got him off the hood for finding the perfect best man gifts and groomsmen gifts! All the other presidents were married at some point in their lives, although a number were actually widowers while they were in the White House. I have always though it was interesting to learn more about these love stories and am letting you in on the scoop between the three latest couple’s to rule the free world. Michelle and Barack Obama: She was working at a law firm as an advisor to a summer associate from Harvard Law; his name was Barack Obama. While Barack discovered he didn’t have a passion for corporate law, he did find that he was falling in love with Michelle. Other associates at the firm could tell that the two were smitten as they would spend long hours in the office in rapt discussion. On their first date in 1989, they both felt that they clicked immediately – although it was three years later until they said their “I do’s.” Of their vows, Michelle has said, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.” This year the presidential pair celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. Hillary and Bill Clinton: The two both attended the same Civil Liberties class at Yale Law School, but they didn’t actually speak until bumping into each other at the library later that year. Apparently Hillary, age 27 at the time, made the first move and struck up a conversation with Bill, then aged 29. Rumor has it that Bill was so flustered that he forgot his name! The two started dating, even going on a European vacation together. But, every time Bill proposed, Hillary turned him down. One day, she admired a house for sale in an off-the-cuff way. Without her knowing, Bill bought the house, asked her to marry again and this time she said “yes.” The wedding was small and informal, only 15 guests and she wore an off-the-rack dress. However, they did have a large reception in the backyard with several hundred of their friends and family. Despite always being in the news about some salacious scandal or another, the ex-President and Secretary of State have been married for 38 years. No word on if Clinton was a cigar aficionado back then. Laura and George W. Bush: George and Laura met at a back yard barbeque at the home of mutual friends, obviously hit it off, and were engaged 2 1/2 months later. The two were married just weeks after the engagement in a small ceremony in a Midland church where Laura was baptized. The story goes that George took Laura to a miniature golf course on their first date. I think they should get one of our popular groomsmen gifts, a personalized golf putter, as a sentimental reminder of the day. Both Laura and George were 31 when they tied the knot and have been married now for almost 37 years. So, imagine you were invited to one of these weddings, what would you have brought as a wedding gift? Better yet, if you were serving as an usher or groomsman in the wedding of a man who would one day become president, what would you expect to get as groomsmen gifts? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hiring a Wedding Planner For Your Big Day: Pros and Cons

Hiring a wedding planner: pros and cons Make up your mind about a wedding planner early on. auchard / Foter.com / CC BY Hiring a wedding planner may take a lot of weight off your own shoulders. Ideally it would mean not having to worry about the nitty-gritty on that special day and the days leading up to it. It would also mean having everything done on time and someone else taking responsibility for it, while you and your partner set your heart and mind entirely on what lies ahead. Here are some more advantages to having a wedding planner take the lead. Pros: A good wedding planner will take into account all your preferences and requirements and will make sure they're accomplished. You will not have to trouble yourself with logistics, and if you do then it'll be a matter of giving your approval or disapproval. Having someone else plan the wedding will save you time... and nerves. He or she will be the main point of contact with vendors, the venue, the catering and limo service. And they'll also make sure to find the best wedding gifts for the groomsmen or bridesmaids, instead of you having to spend time thinking about this. While paying the planner will be an addition to your wedding costs, their expertise will probably save you money elsewhere. Most wedding planners, especially if they've been around for a while, work with other companies and get discounts, deals and special offers. Chances are, you won't get these if you organize your wedding on your own. A wedding planner will take care of emergencies. Any last-minute decisions or unexpected events - if your planner is experienced, they'll take care of them with confidence. On the other hand, there are also, though few, a number of disadvantages or considerations to bear in mind before hiring a wedding planner. While it may save you time and stress it might, if you're not careful, create some as well. Cons: A wedding planner can be costly. And if your budget does not allow it or if you're simply having a small, modest and local wedding, maybe you don't really need to hire a professional for the job. If the venue has a planner you might be able to have them help you out with part of the logistics on the day. That way, especially if you're not having a big wedding, you'll have fewer things to worry about and the planner's service will probably be included in the bill for the venue. Maybe you simply prefer to take charge yourself? Or you even enjoy planning and taking care of all the details together with your partner, as part of the experience? While that is not a disadvantage of wedding planners per se, it is a noteworthy consideration. Lest you end up being dissatisfied with the organization. Furthermore, there are plenty of other people around - friends and family - who will probably gladly extend their support. Finally, it is important to make sure you're dealing with a professional. Don't settle for someone you don't trust. Trust is vital when you're working with a wedding planner because you'll be assigning them with the task of planning one of the most important days in your life. They better know their job, right? Their qualifications and preparedness may mean the difference between a perfect and a failed wedding. Lastly, if you're still not sure about whether you need a planner for the whole wedding, you could instead opt for a 'day-of wedding planner'. You'll do the planning and they'll take care of it all once the big day arrives.

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Wedding toasts - a nightmare moment or a great moment

The big day is coming and you have to get your wedding toast ready? So far, you are on the right track. This is something that can go wrong easily so initial research and a responsible attitude is important. But what else is there? What should you say? Should you make that joke you just thought about? Let's get you ready for the mother of all wedding toasts. Wedding toasts are memorable. Is the one that you make going to be good? Stua / Flickr / CC BY-NC Why Should You Give a Toast? Simply put - it is going to be the best present you give to the newlyweds. This is your time to step it up and deliver a great speech to congratulate two people making the most important decision in their lives. The speech will represent the bride and groom at the reception - the classy part of the wedding. Keep that in mind and stay away from risky behavior and jokes that may be perceived as inappropriate. Wedding Toasts - The Key to a Good Reception Colmjude / Flickr / CC BY If there’s one thing that gets remembered from receptions it is the toast. People expect to hear something genuine about the newlyweds. So make it personal. Splitting the speech in three parts makes sense - start with the past. Introduce yourself briefly and talk about how the couple have changed since they met. This could be the right moment to include a joke. Keep it clean, though - you don’t know half the guests. Ryan G. Smith / Flickr / CC BY Cover their life as it is currently and if you think you can pull it off - leave some space for improvisation and talk about the wedding. Top it all up with your wishes for the future and you’ve got yourself a decent speech. And do yourself a favor - don’t write a speech about yourself. Tell a story that connects to the audience, avoiding cliches. Have all your speech written down and get familiar with it rather than going through the unnecessary hassle of memorizing it. Practice the whole thing in front of a friend who knows the couple. You will get some valuable feedback and grow confident in yourself. People will look at you with renewed affection and respect if you manage to deliver a good wedding toast. What Not To Say… and Do OhioState / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA First and foremost, make sure you are in a fit condition to do the job.This means staying clear of alcohol. Wedding toasts are not easy to pull off so you want to be the best version of yourself. Double check that you're looking sharp, don't underestimate the details - sport some engraved cufflinks if you wish as you will be the center of attention for 3-4 important minutes. Make sure you are not telling an endless story. Or a story about exes for that matter. Even if there are no hard feelings, this will only bring unnecessary awkwardness. Speaking of awkward moments, making a mistake might be one. If this happens, don’t sweat over it too much, just move on. Nobody is expecting you to be perfect. Nevertheless, approach everything about the toast with great caution. Be considerate when thinking about compliments as well; it’s not just jokes that can do harm. Avoid anything that could be misconstrued. It’s inevitable to ask for help when writing your speech and often times people turn to the internet for this. Despite some interesting options like personalized wedding toast services, a great danger lurks. The danger of a noticeably plagiarized, very impersonal toast is real and yet easy to avoid. Remember to pay tribute to the couple's personal qualities and keep rash comments to a bare minimum.

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Wedding Gifts: From The Registry to The Weird Ones

Both wedding newbies and pros have a hard time deciding on what wedding gift to furnish. We all strive to choose the best gift out there but, in reality, we are often left rueing our selection. The psychologist Barry Schwartz explains this doubt as the paradox of choice. We, on the other hand, are here to give you some ideas for wedding gifts, ranging from ones that could be anticipated, to ones found on a couple’s wish list, to the weird gifts out there that would surprise anyone. Things to Consider Start by analyzing the bride and groom. Take your time and think about what they have bought together and what vacations they have had. Then write them all down. Try grouping them into categories that make sense to you. Once done, you will notice that a comfort zone emerges. This is your best bet for a wedding gift that is safe and will be appreciated. Next - your budget for wedding presents. It sounds pretty straightforward but we overlook basic things. If you are the best man or bridesmaid, you should step it up a notch. Their presents should be a bit more substantial, so if you haven’t been chosen for best man or bridesmaid, make sure you don't go over the top and leave room for that special present. What about sticking to the gift registry? Remember that comfort zone? If the couple in question is laid-back or even conservative, try going for something on the registry. This is a safe bet that will save you a lot of worries and will come in handy for the new family. However, for the adventurous and open-minded ones, you can go with something more outside the box. Keep in mind that these are not set rules. Feel free to bend or completely break them in order to make a gift that will make the couple feel special. The Usual Suspects Cozy restaurants are an excellent choice for newlyweds Renée Suen / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND The present that wouldn’t surprise the newlyweds doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. Even kitchen appliances can be a great present in the right situation. Going beyond them, however, guarantees more fun. So dig up some old photographs of the bride and groom, find a good framing shop and make the best personalized gift out there. Get the newlyweds a dinner in a cozy family-owned restaurant that suits their exquisite taste. Just make sure you do your research in order to pick a good spot. Don't overlook wine tasting opportunities. Even if the couple aren't the biggest fans of wine, this will help them explore and most likely rediscover it. Bistros that offer wine tasting have a romantic atmosphere and make for a nice relaxing night out between the wedding and the honeymoon. Extra Special Wedding Gifts Honeymoon presents will be remembered Dennis Wong / Flickr / CC BY These are almost a must for best men and bridesmaids. These are the kinds of gifts that will surprise and it’s up to you whether it’s going to be pleasant or not, so be considerate. Making the newlyweds' honeymoon extra sweet is an excellent idea. Find out where they’re going, what’s there and take action. The dinner will impress them even more if it's in a romantic restaurant under the stars. Alternatively, you can get them one of those retro or instant cameras that are coming back into fashion. Most of them are pretty simple to use and will ensure that the couple records their special time together in a unique way. If you are the best man, go the extra mile and throw in a day out with the groom. Find a good barber shop and treat yourselves to a stylish trimmed beard. This is an excellent opportunity to get them a nice grooming kit. Grab lunch together. This will give you some time to rehearse the agenda not just for the wedding, but the honeymoon too if you plan it well. Borderline Weird Gifts Trapeze lessons for the thrill lovers David Galindo / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA Don’t play this card unless you have shared the idea with a friend and you are convinced that it will work out. Forbes have said it quite well - experiences matter more than possessions. New Yorkers, for example, might not be aware of the trapeze school in their city. A class there is an excellent opportunity to impress your sport-loving friends who don’t mind the adrenaline rush. If NYC seems a bit far, look for similar experiences locally. You’d be surprised by the things you find. If the new family is moving in together, what better opportunity for some personalized art? Get them a trendy comic book portrait that will give you the opportunity to put them in a superhero situation of your choice. References to memories from the good old days bring a ton of extra points. Also, don’t be afraid to play it a bit safer and split the present into two parts. Personalized jewelry makes for a fine gift for her, especially if you have memorable pictures that they might have forgotten about. The new hubby will surely enjoy something for his man cave. Whatever you choose, be cautious. References to sensitive moments from the past are a no-no. Go for something you genuinely believe will make them happy. Last of all, don’t forget to spend enough time on writing the card. Think about the message as well as some explanation if you have prepared a more thoughtful gift.

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6 winter wedding trends in 2014

Thanks to the Polar Vortex, we had a proper winter this year. And what better than a snowy white background for your winter wedding? The white color allows for a lot of variation and experimentation, so each year there are new winter wedding trends. Here are 6 trends you can use for your wedding. Flowers This year's trend in flowers is said to be bouquets of white flowers, decorated with seasonal greenery and other winter elements such as pinecones, hypercium berries or china berries. The flower experts at FiftyFlowers suggest a mixture of Polo White Roses, Vendela Ivory Roses and White Veronica. Wrap them into bouquets using dark plaid ribbons, add pinecones and you have an elegant yet rustic touch to your wedding. For an extra wintery feeling, consider snowy wedding tables. FlowersByMeredith / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Baked Goodies Comfort food is appealing in the winter like no other time of the year, so your guests are going to expect something to warm them up on the inside. The Knot, a website about wedding inspiration and ideas, suggests pot pie, mac and cheese or a course of warm cheese, such as baked brie, garnished with blueberries. For the sweet part, try chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread man... well, any kind of cookies for that matter. In the drinks section think hot chocolate, mulled wine and spiced apple cider. mellowfood / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Wedding Invitations In an interview for Bridal Guide, celebrity wedding planner David Tutera says that the traditional creamy-colored wedding invitations are falling out of fashion. They are being replaced by richer and bolder colors such as: “bronze, copper, and golden hues; earthy blends of burgundy, sienna, and chocolate brown; and deep shades of purple.” Still, don't be afraid to experiment if you think a particular color conveys your personality. zoe.wang / Foter / CC BY Music Goes Indie David Tutera is noticing another interesting trend. People are shifting away from the “evergreen” love songs, typically played during the reception or the first dance. Their place is increasingly being taken by “quirky, playful, and upbeat—alternative or indie selections”. One of the explanations is that this way both the guests and the happy couple will remember that dance as something exceptional. Bridesmaid Dresses Bridesmaid fashion is not to be underestimated. Bridesmaids whose dresses and colors are matching will bring more esthetics to the wedding. The experts of The Knot say this year jewel tones such as navy or eggplant will be making a strong presence. A black dress is always a good choice too, because it can be worn for other occasions too. At the same time the typically winter hues of ice blue, silver and ivory will remain popular embellishments of the snowy setting. Jackal of all trades / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA Wedding Cakes Many bakeries go for a cake that is decorated with traditional colors such as green and red. These can put too much emphasis on the winter holidays, so opt for something different. Many wedding experts now agree that white cakes dusted with edible silver powder are a great stylistic addition to a winter wedding. As for the flavor, you can experiment with fragrances that speak of winter, such as cinnamon, ginger or caramel. henry alva / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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A Lesson in History: Cufflinks

  Personalized Black Border Cufflinks https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand Today's cufflinks are a recognized symbol of elegance for men and women alike. They can be seen wearing them at weddings, dinner parties, conferences and all kinds of official events. But cufflinks underwent a long journey before they became what we know them for today. It all began in the Middle Ages.   The beginning Every ornament started off as something practical. It’s the same with cufflinks. The cuffs on men’s clothes had to be held by something – mostly strings, laces and pins. Somewhere around the 13th century, buttons, the closest predecessor to the cufflink, started being used. To be fair, there are records of what are called “wrist-clasps” as early as the 6th century AD. They were elaborately made clasps used to fasten the two sides of long-sleeved clothes. Wrist-clasps were worn by women of high status in parts of East England but they were definitely not the norm everywhere. Fast forward to the Renaissance. With the arrival of the stitched buttonhole, buttons were gaining in popularity, but lacy cuffs and ribbons (mostly a status symbol) were still the preferred way of cuffing the sleeves. It was not until the 17th century that lace was replaced by sleeve buttons. Sleeve buttons were jeweled buttons, most often made of silver or gold and sometimes ornate with precious gems. In the latter part of the century, during the reign of King George, sleeve buttons were even ornate with miniature paintings made on a piece of glass or quartz. These, as you can guess, were very expensive to make and were thus reserved for the nobility. They mostly used them to celebrate special occasions.   Cufflinks and the Industrial Revolution Luxe Rectangular Rhodium Cufflinks https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand What about the common man? Well, it took the Industrial Revolution to facilitate the manufacturing process and therefore make prices more affordable. In the 1840s, the so-called French cuff shirts came into fashion (sometimes called double cuff shirts) and people usually credit Alexander Dumas' novels for their rapid popularization. Oddly enough, that is something that lasted until today. Yet, it wasn't until the end of the 19th century that cufflinks became a common accessory of the middle class. One of the most notable inventions of the time came in 1882. George Krementz, an American jeweller, invented a machine (based on a Civil War cartridge) that could mass produce cufflinks. As you can imagine, most of these cufflinks were not as exquisite as those of the royalties and were made out of cheap replicas of precious stones. Still, the fact remains that cufflinks were no longer reserved for gala events but were granted a more casual status.         Cufflinks at their Peak You could say that the early 20th century saw the golden age of the cufflink. Luxury jewelry makers such as Tiffany's and Cartier began producing them. In the 1920s, they saw a new redesign when the Fabergé family started making them out of enamel. Forced out of Russia by the communist government, they spread throughout Europe and enamel cufflinks became part of the glamor of the Roaring 20s. Today, cufflinks made during that period are highly valued. The 1930s ushered in the Great Depression, however, which led to the production of cheaper cufflinks, made of plastic.   Cufflinks Today Best Man Cuffllinks with Engraved Box https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand The remainder of the 20th century saw ups and downs in the popularity of cuffs, but then came the 90s when the French cuff shirt was reintroduced into mainstream fashion. That once again spurred interest in cufflinks and both designer houses and mass manufacturers started coming up with new lines. Today you could say the cufflink is here to stay – people of all ages, genders and backgrounds wear them for a range of occasions. And here's a curious fact – some people believe that men shouldn't buy their own cufflinks. Instead, they should be given to them as gifts. That's something to consider next time you are looking for gifts for groomsmen!    

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Top 5 Groomsmen Gifts That Aren't Lame

As a groom, there are more important things on your mind than what to give your buddies as a groomsmen gift. As grooms, we’re planning color themes, look at venues, and planning a seating arrangement that keeps both sides of the wedding happy - well maybe planning is not the correct word, it's more like just saying yes. However, it's not acceptable to let your closest friends think you don't care about them, after all they've done you a huge honor by being a part of your wedding party. The impersonal gifts many plan to pick up on the way to the ceremony aren't enough to reflect the meaning behind these tokens of appreciation. However, you should not fret. We've done the research for you and found five groomsmen gifts that your buddies won’t call lame. Silver-Plated Shaving Set with Mach3 Razor The majority of us men have shaving in our daily or weekly routine, and if you’re not one of them, we envy you! Help your groomsmen feel manly while they shave with an old-fashioned shaving set complete with a badger brush. Give them that old school barber shop shave feel, in the comfort of their homes. Go the extra mile by throwing in some shaving soap. Vintage is in, so give them a hip gift with a silver-plated shaving set. Personalized MLB Locker Room Sign Do you and your buddies enjoy catching baseball games in the summer? If so, you can let them pretend they're on their favorite team with a personalized MLB Locker Room Sign. These prints, which can be ordered in any team, will spruce up their office, apartment or man cave, by allowing them to show off their fan hood. Just make sure that you double check the spelling of your buddy's last name before you get it printed on a sign that'll hang in his man cave for years to come. Personalized Secret Agent Cufflinks Who doesn’t pretend to be a secret agent when they’re getting dressed before a wedding? The perfectly ironed shirt, flawlessly tied tie and figure fitting jacket may have you feeling like James Bond. We also know that wearing a tuxedo lends itself to daydreaming, but your groomsmen need something special to finish the secret agent look. Customize secret agent cufflinks with an inside joke or your buddies initial, and see the joy in their faces when slipping them on in place of the ones that came with the rented tux. Personalized Amber Growler There's something special about drinking a craft beer out of a personalized growler. Give your groomsmen a talking point when they have company over with a personalized amber growler branded with their name or let them daydream of having their own beer named after them. All of you will love being able to tell drinks apart the next time you get together with your best buddies. Personalized Mini-Whiskey Barrel Are your groomsmen the kind of guys who have everything from personalized whiskey glasses to a vast collection of cufflinks? There's a pretty good chance that they don't have a mini-whiskey barrel just lying around. Let your buddies age their own whiskey, wine or even tequila, with their personal whiskey barrel. Just be sure to warn them, that they should give their whiskey a week in the barrel if they want it to draw flavor from the smoked wood barrel. This gift can be paired perfectly with a personalized flask, allowing your friends to take some of their home-aged whiskey with them. If you're struggling to figure out how to show your appreciation to your groomsmen, don't fall into the trap of buying a lame, boring gift. Pick one of the unique options listed above to show you care without getting too sentimental. The last thing you want to do is spend money on a groomsmen gift that won’t see the light of day because it’s stuffed in your buddies closet or basement.

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5 Classy Ways to Thank your Groomsmen

While it is common practice for wedding goers to buy nice gifts for the bride and groom, the soon to be married couple should also reciprocate the favor. Groomsmen deserve a classy gift that says “thank you” in a respectful and sincere manner. Something like a small box of chocolates with a picture of the wedding couple on the front won't suffice. Nor will a handful of mints in a tin can with the wedding date on the cover. Groomsmen deserve better than that. Take a look below for 5 classy groomsmen gift ideas that express gratitude in the proper fashion. Pocket Knives and Multi Tools Now this is something that every man can use. Let your groomsmen summon their inner MacGyver with a utilitarian multi tool or pocket knife. We all had one of these when we were younger and boy, did we enjoy them. This is the sort of gift that will inspire feelings of nostalgia and youthful bliss. It will also come in handy more than almost any other gift that you can think of. Even if your groomsmen live in urban environments, they'll still find a use for a pocket knife. Or, get them a pocket knife/money clip combo unit. If you want to go the extra mile, get an engraved pocket knife with each groomsman's initials or name. Customized Pens Even though we've gone digital as a society, everyone still uses pens at least a couple times a week. People still write notes, fill out checks, create grocery lists and sign their names. So pick out some high quality personalized pens and cases and make them unique with engravings for each groomsman. Or, pick out stylish journals, portfolios, journals and letter openers if you think your groomsmen would appreciate them a bit more. Flasks Every groomsman will enjoy a flask. Most brides and grooms take the idea a bit further and provide their groomsmen with personalized flasks, engraved with their names or their initials. Men love their alcohol, especially after a long wedding process involving rehearsals, tuxedo fittings, a bachelor party and the actual wedding itself. It's a stressful series of events that groomsmen will appreciate much more when they are downing some hard liquor out of a customized flask, unique to them. Flasks are typically available in stainless steel and leather. If your groomsmen are the outdoors type, opt for leather. If they are urban warriors, go for stainless steel. If you don't want to engrave their initials on the flasks, engrave something like your fraternity's letters, nicknames or a short, meaningful saying. Don't forget to fill those flasks up! That way the boys can start partying right away. Cigar Humidor A personalized cigar humidor is a masculine gift that is sure to please any groomsman. A humidor is essential to maintaining quality cigars as it keeps them fresh for the long haul. Even if some of your groomsmen don't smoke, they can use the humidor as a container for other objects like personal valuables and keepsakes. Engraved Cufflinks Cufflinks help a dress shirt's cuffs look much more stylish. Cufflinks are especially rewarding when engraved. Although they sound expensive, engraved cufflinks are actually quite affordable. Cufflinks are like the gleaming rims on a luxury sports car. They are the final piece to a man's unique personal aesthetic. Choose between brass, rhodium and silver cufflink finishes for the ultimate classy groomsman gift.

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Groomsmen Gifts for a Destination Wedding

Your wedding is coming up and fast, and you still need to figure out not just what to get your groomsmen, but how to transport it to your destination wedding. Unless you want your wedding to be mostly shipping costs to get those gifts there, chances are you are going to be looking for something on the smaller side. While smaller gifts can appear to be less thought out, you also want to avoid looking like you ran into a convenience store on your way to the wedding and picked up something last minute. A unique groomsmen gift is something that your groomsmen will cherish for a long time, and while it may seem like a challenging task, finding the right unique gift for your buddies is quite easy when you really get down to it. Engraved Gifts Engraving is a great way to personalize plenty of different items for your groomsmen. Lasers can engrave anything from wood to metal to glass in a fraction of the time and cost that it did in the past. Monogram towels, mugs and even cigar humidors, are great ways to show your buddies that the time they've dedicated to your big day was appreciated. What feeling is better than hitting the green with your 6 iron and cleaning it off with a towel containing your initials? Engraved Flasks Flasks are an excellent gift for so many reasons. Give them an engraved flask them with their initials, the date of your wedding, or pretty much anything in letters and numbers, which would be meaningful to them. It is a gift that they will probably use time and time again, as well as something that can be done up so that it is as classy as you want it to be. A filled flask is one step up, too, especially if you fill it with their favorite top shelf liquor. Flasks are also easy to pack and won’t take up the precious room in your suitcase. Travel Set It's a destination wedding after all, so why not get your groomsmen a sweet travel gift set that they can bring to your wedding? Not only does this mean that they will be using your gifts immediately, it also means they will not have to worry about packing the essentials, as they are already packed in a personalized toiletry bag. Personalized Cufflinks Cufflinks are another small sized gift that packs easily, but can be used immediately on your wedding day. Unlike the flasks, the bride's mother probably won't look down on your groomsmen for wearing their cufflinks during the ceremony. These cufflinks can be engraved however you want, and while rented tuxes can come with standard ones, having a special accessory like a pair of engraved cufflinks can make anyone feel classy. These cufflinks can be used time and time again as they will aid your buddies in making good impressions at interviews, networking events or business meetings. No matter what you give your groomsmen, make sure it is personal and shows you thought. The last thing any of us guys wants is to be thanked with a gift that shows no meaning.

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5 Things Don Draper would give his Groomsmen

Don Draper, in 2009, received the distinct honor of being named the Most Influential Man by Ask Men, ahead of real life individuals. The mysterious and expertly crafted fictional character from Mad Men is, in many ways, the epitome of masculinity and adulthood. He is guarded, but sophisticated; he is intriguing, yet ordinary. His style is high class, and his charm, intellect and intrigue bag him the biggest clients and a career that boggles the mind. While Don Draper's life prior to his ad career is only partially understood through flashbacks, we can assume that Don offered up some great groomsman gifts upon his marriage. We've collected five gifts that Draper would have happily gifted to his groomsman, and you too can act like Draper for a day with these high-end groomsmen gifts. Cocktail Shaker Don Draper loves a sophisticated drink in the show, and, we are sure, in real life, too. Drapers signature drinks could all benefit from a cocktail shaker, and we are sure he would have offered one up to his groomsman as a gift. If you are going to go with a cocktail shaker, consider one with a bit of personality; customization is a nice touch. Consider a personalized glass shaker or a steel shaker for the simplistic, masculine charm that Draper was known for. Zippo Lighter As a smoker Don Draper couldn't be caught without a lighter, but Bics weren't the way Draper would have operated. For a sophisticated smoker a Zippo is the only answer. Even if your groomsmen aren't smokers, they'll appreciate the craftsman ship and charm of a Zippo lighter. Zippos can be found in a number of styles and you can pick lighters that speak to your Groomsman's personality and interests. If you want to go truly high class like Draper, consider one of the high-end, personalized chrome Zippo lighters currently on the market. Money Clips Draper knew how to pull in some serious dough with his advertising ideas, so it would stand to reason that he'd need a way to carry his money. Draper wouldn't use a plain, old wallet to store his cash, he's way too cool for that, and we are sure your groomsmen are, too. To offer them a bit of Draper's panache gift them with a money clip, either in leather or silver. Magnetic money clips are an easy way to store cash, and they look much more sophisticated than a wallet when pulled out of a pocket. Flask It is no secret that Draper liked a good drink, but as a man-on-the-go we are sure he had to get creative about how he got his booze in during the day. If you want to offer your groomsman up a way to carry a bit of liquid courage with them during the day, consider gifting them a flask. Groomsmen Flasks are the epitome of cool and dignified, and your buddies will appreciate the understated and classy way of carrying liquor that a flask allows. Buy Belt Buckled Flask Cufflinks Don Draper, a business man, was always expected to wear business attire. A crisp shirt and a great suit was absolutely necessary attire, so if your groomsman are looking to replicate his classic, understated style, they are going to need a pair of cufflinks. Keep it simple with a great pair of engraved cufflinks that speak to their business sector or interest to stay true to the Draper style.

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