Archive for March, 2010

Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Mar

Don’t Forget the Guys: Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Bridesmaids get showered with fun little gifts to thank them for their participation, so why not the guys? Your groomsmen are your right hand men during all of the festivities, and it’s only fair to give them a little something thanking them for their help as well!

The gifts for your groomsmen need to be a little more 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!

Top Gifts for Groomsmen

Here are the top groomsmen gift ideas and picks for 2010:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Purchasing Gifts for Groomsmen

Oftentimes, you can find the best deals online or in specialty wedding catalogues. Another option is to hit your local sporting goods store when there’s a sale running. Deciding on groomsmen gift ideas may be the farthest thing from your mind, but they’re important purchases. Surprise your friends and show them that you appreciate their help with the wedding events – from grill accessories to Poker Night festivities, your best friends will get a kick out of their gifts! Groomsmen now have a reason to celebrate too!

About the Author

Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Wedding Favors, the premier site for unique anniversary, baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Her wedding ideas have also benefited readers of many websites, including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before establishing Creative Wedding Favors in 2006, she worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing all the special moments of the nuptials and ceremony. Search for fun, festive favors by visiting www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com.

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Frugal Wedding for Next to Nothing

Mar

Recession-Chic: Throwing a Fabulous, Yet Frugal Wedding for Next to Nothing

Sometimes, less is truly more. In these hard times, saving a few bucks is a necessity. What’s a bride-to-be to do when money is already stretched thin? Recession-chic weddings, the trend of 2010, can be just as classic – but for a whole lot less! Elegance comes in many forms with or without money in hand. Here are a few tips to help you throw a fabulous, yet frugal wedding — on a budget that’s next to nil!

The Trend of 2010: Learning How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

Frugal wedding tip #1: Repurpose a used or vintage gown. Sure, some dresses are outdated design and cut-wise. If you’re a modern girl, you want the clean look without fuss; if you’re more on the traditional side, you want that classic look to fit a little better. Solution? Re-purpose a used or vintage dress, which can often be found for $200 or less at secondhand/consignment shops or vintage clothing stores in your area. If you’d rather search in a larger pool, eBay is an excellent option, with new dresses being listed every day. Once you find a dress that will work, take it to your local seamstress or tailor and tell him or her exactly what you have in mind. Since this is your dress, taking it to a professional is a must!

Wedding budget impact: ~ $800 on average

Frugal wedding tip #2: Sew a custom garter. Granted, a garter won’t be a major dent in terms of your wedding budget, but it’s a great way to save a few dollars. And it’s easy!

You’ll need a thin piece of elastic banding, about ¼-inch, a piece of 7/8-inch lace, and a piece of matching 3 ¼-inch ribbon. Measure the circumference of your thigh, noting the measurement. Cut an appropriate piece of each material, leaving leeway on the ends. Simply center the ribbon on top of the lace and carefully sew the ribbon to the lace, staying as close to the edges as possible. Leave the ends unsown. Now insert the elastic under the ribbon using the open edges and pull through. Stitch the ends of the garter together, leaving a ½ inch seam. Trim. Now, press the seam open, and on the outside of the garter, top stitch the pressed seam close to the edge. And you’re done! Decorate to match wedding colors or personal preferences.

Wedding budget impact: ~ $50 on average

Frugal wedding tip #3: Find an intimate venue. All the components that make up a wedding reception can be incredibly expensive. With the average price to rent a wedding venue now at $1,200, the bride on a strict budget could be in a financial bind. Usually, the cheapest places to have your guests mingle are at small restaurants or gathering places outside the city limits as well as at Foreign Legion halls and city, county, and state park sites. The perks? You have more leeway in terms of decorations and food offerings, the settings are often much more intimate, and you get more bang for your buck so to speak.

Wedding budget impact: ~ $1,200 and up

Frugal wedding tip #4: Make affordable centerpieces. Your best friend will soon become the local craft store. Centerpieces often tie your wedding design scheme together, and you can incorporate your colors and/or theme. Candles and/or tea lights are a dramatic statement that can be placed in pretty glass containers (left open of course). You can also find low-cost mini-mirrors or brightly colored baubles to scatter about the reception tables. Inexpensive glass cloches provide the perfect housing for little knick-knacks. Flowers are also a central part of the design scheme – your local florist may be able to accommodate your request for flowers that are a few days old – AND offer them at only half the price.

Wedding budget impact: 10 tables at $30 per centerpiece = $300

Frugal wedding tip #5: Feed an army on a dime. This is the fun part, though planning for X amount of guests can get hairy and expensive. A buffet is a notorious waste of food, so if you’d like to serve dinner, plan a sit-down meal that allots each guest a certain amount of each course. An after-ceremony reception that serves hors d’oeuvres only is also an option. Little plates of fruit, cheeses, crackers, dips, veggies, and sweets are a great way to cut down costs significantly. If you do have to plan a sit-down dinner, consult your venue. Oftentimes, you’re required to use their caterers and nothing else.

Wedding budget impact: 100 guests at $30 a dinner = $3,000

Making a Frugal Wedding Elegant

There are a few things, however, that should not be taken lightly. You’ll not want to skimp on crucial elements such as a photographer/videographer or comfortable shoes. And if any of these five frugal wedding tips are absolutely non-negotiable, there are always other ways to cut back and plan a wedding on a budget. The trick to saving money is keeping a detailed budget and not exceeding it. No matter what. With the average wedding today costing about $20,000, it’s enough to make anyone go into debt.

Using these five simple, yet frugal wedding tips, you could save over $5,350!

About the Author

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