10/14/10

Groomsmen Gift Ideas--Don’t Forget the Guys!



Wedding Supplies at The Knot Wedding Shop



Written by Cherie Johnson

The gifts for your groomsmen need to be durable though – and useful to boot. There’s nothing frilly here, monogramming is certainly not necessary, and gift wrapping is an afterthought. The best way to thank your best man and groomsmen? Give them something they’ll use time and time again; fortunately, there are groomsmen gift ideas that make everyone happy. The only challenge is the purchase. If the issue is budget, there are groomsmen gift ideas that won’t break the bank. If the issue is creativity, simply use this list to decide on the best gifts for your groomsmen!

Here are the top groomsmen gift ideas and picks

1. Cooler chairs: What’s better than sitting down to enjoy a nice, cold beverage? Perhaps having that cold beverage within arm’s length of your chair! This chair/cooler combo is perfect for tailgating and other sports events as well as fishing, hunting, and outings that your best man and groomsmen might attend.

2. Silver flasks: A man’s ideal companion to a night on the town, a flask is one of the best gifts for groomsmen who are hard to buy for. Sterling silver prevents discoloration and rusting, plus it’s discreet enough to be tucked away in a jacket or pants pocket for later use. Monogramming is optional; just make sure to pre-fill them with the liquor of choice.

3. Tankards, Mugs, & Beer steins: Whether you want thick metal or hand-fired ceramic, tankards, mugs, and beer steins are great groomsmen gift ideas. Personalized or not, a beer stein can hold up to 22 ounces (or more) of cold, refreshing liquid. And whether or not your best man or groomsmen choose to use them, they make great catch-alls on top of bureaus, desks, and tables.

4. Cufflinks: A classy approach to groomsmen gift ideas, cufflinks can be customized or simply chosen with a fun design already engraved. Silver is the traditional choice, though they are available in flashier options, such as gold, pewter, and bronze. Give the cufflinks before the ceremony and your groomsmen can wear them during the big event.

5. Keg-A-Que: The ultimate in outdoor grilling, the keg-a-que, one of the most popular groomsmen gift ideas available, is just what it sounds like. A mini grill made from a keg! It’s small and portable enough to be taken on tailgating events or on camping trips, and is ideal for a quick steak dinner. The opportunities are limitless with the durable, completely metal, and fun Keg-A-Que at your groomsmen’s disposal.

6. Cigar tools: From a humidor to cigar cutter or even silver Zippo lighter, the cigar smoker in your life will thank you. In terms of humidors, the options are limitless: choose from classic cherry wood or mahogany, or even a pocket-sized cigar holder/flask combo. Now your groomsmen and best man can enjoy a cigar after the ceremony.

7. Golf accessories: Ideal gifts for groomsmen, golf accessories remain a popular choice. After all, an afternoon on the golf course may be just what your friends love to do to unwind. So, give them something they’ll appreciate: mini-golf divot tools, a golf bag with their initials, or even a pewter golf ball marker set. Now, they can hit the links in style.

8. Poker pieces: A great way to celebrate a guys’ night out! On Poker Night, there’s nothing but good food and good friends. Highlight these memories with unique gifts for your groomsmen, such as top-of-the-line Vegas-style poker chips and professional cards or a fully-equipped poker set in a durable wooden case! The poker aficionado will love being able to host his own Poker Night
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Wedding Toasts - Tips for the Bride, Groom, Best Man




By Cori Russell

There´s nothing like a great toast. And nothing worse than an absolutely torturous one. Here´s how to handle the speeches whether you´re the bride, groom, best man or really any wedding guest...

What to Say (and Not to Say)

1) Always thank the bride´s parents. And both families for that matter.

2) Thank the guests too since they make the day what it truly is.

3) Look for a particular anecdote that quickly emphasizes a point you´re trying to make. For the best man: a moment when the groom´s personality truly shined.

4) Funny is always good, but dirty or too risqué almost always falls flat.

5) Inside jokes in front of hundreds of family and friends are pointless too.

Speaking Tips

Think back to the last time you gave a speech or presentation in front of lots of people. How nervous were you? Did you get on a roll when you had cues to rely on or was it better when you were speaking off the top of your head? This should be your guide as to how much time, thought, and effort you need to put into preparing for the speech. Beyond that, here are some tips:

1) Even if you´re a veritable John Stewart, think of what you want to say at least a day or two before the wedding.

2) The good news is that your subject is something (or rather, someone) dear to your heart. Let that guide you.

3) Try to avoid needing to memorize or type out the entire speech. Instead, use a few note cards and practice it a few times to get your rhythm.

4) Perhaps the most important thing about a toast though, beyond its pithy stories and emotional moments, is its brevity. Keep it to 2-3 minutes max. Whether you´re the bride, groom, best man, father of the bride, or maid of honor, this day obviously means a lot to you. And while it means something to all of the guests, it´s not as big of a deal for them. So get to the heart of the matter quickly, and get out.

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