• Gift Your Groomsmen
• Counseling For Healthy Marriages
• Wacky Wedding Facts
• Wedding Day Transportation Options
• Wedding Musician Pointers

Gift Your Groomsmen for Under $50

Thanks to GroomsOnline, grooms can show their groomsmen how much they're appreciated with thoughtful gifts that won't break the bank.

When it comes to planning a wedding, grooms often take a backseat to their blushing brides. While men no longer serve a strictly spectator role when it comes to planning a wedding, much of the ins and outs of the wedding remain the bride's domain.
One area where men maintain complete control is gifting the groomsmen. A tradition that dates back decades if not centuries, gifting the groomsmen is the groom's way of showing his appreciation to those frequently overlooked but trusted friends who stand by his side on his wedding day.
"Groomsmen are often overlooked in a wedding party even though they play important roles," says Mark Walerstein, founding of GroomsOnline (www.groomsonline.com), an informational Web site offering tips, pointers and a host of unique gifts tailored to grooms with budgets big and small.
Understandably, many of today's grooms are working with budgets smaller than they might have been in years past. Fortunately, GroomsOnline.com boasts a bevy of gift ideas under $50, all of which will ensure lasting memories for years to come.

Hit a Homerun
Seemingly since the beginning of time, men have bonded over sports. Be it football, baseball, hockey, or hoops, grooms can find sports-specific gifts their groomsmen will love. At GroomsOnline.com, grooms can peruse an extensive catalog of personalized sports gifts, complete with all your favorite MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and even NCAA teams.
Be it a personalized locker room print, a stainless steel hip flask or a stadium fan framed print, grooms have a host of choices under $50 that won't break the bank but groomsmen will be proud to display every time they turn on the big game.

Stock the Bar
No man cave is complete without a fully stocked bar, and grooms can help their groomsmen transform their basement into a Mecca of man caves with a carefully chosen gift that's sure to prove a proud addition to their groomsmen's home bar.
Grooms can choose a personalized Pewter Medallion Glass Mug that says Best Man, Groomsmen or Usher and personalize each mug with up to two lines. For the groomsman who already has his own beer mug, consider a personalized 5-piece Decanter Set that's ideal for the man who loves to entertain. What's more, this uniquely personalized set makes a timeless reminder of the groom's big day whenever he visits his groomsmen to share a drink and a few laughs.

Embrace Everyone's Inner Executive
For older grooms whose groomsmen are all established businessmen, perhaps no gift will be more proudly displayed than a personalized Executive Silver Plated Card Case and Pen Set. A gift no rising corporate baron can resist, this unique set is professionally engraved and can hold business cards and an executive pen.
Executives on the rise will also love the personalized Executive Money Clip and Pen Knife Set, tailor made and personally engraved for the executive who's always on the move.
For more great gift ideas and tips on everything from wedding planning do's and don'ts to valuable timesaving tips leading up to the wedding, visit www.GroomsOnline.com.

Counseling for Healthy Marriages

A marriage doesn't have to be in distress to bring in the help of a counselor. Marriage counselors can help newlyweds start out on the right foot or help established couples fine-tune their marriages.

Counseling can help in a number of ways:

* Decrease conflicts that lead to fights.
* Provide communication strategies for men and women.
* Suggest new ideas for reconnecting.
* Identify potentially problematic areas that may be easily resolved
   or require further attention.

Couples should interview prospective counselors to determine the best fit and the one they feel most comfortable with. Not all counselors are the same, and some have specific areas of relationship expertise. There also may be counselors who work with both couples and families.

Wacky Wedding Facts

According to TheKnot.com, the unofficial experts on all things weddings, there are some things that may surprise the average person about weddings across the country. Here are some facts to consider.

• Weddings in Iowa and Nebraska are the biggest, averaging 200 guests.
• The average engagement ring costs more than $5,800.
• Most brides have one do-it-yourself element, such as favors or escort cards.
• "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Lady in Red" are the two most popular first dance songs (even though 87 percent of brides wear white).
• Only 19 percent of couples rely on a wedding planner.
• Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility. Today, brides must be fortunate to have only a little cake smashed in their faces!

Wedding Day Transportation Options Abound

Transportation to and from the wedding must be arranged in advance of a couple's big day.

Couples have many decisions to make regarding their wedding ceremony and reception. One of those decisions conerns transportation to and from the special event.

There are many options in wedding transportation. The more traditional options include renting a car or limousine. The Bridal Association of America reports that the average couples spends $400 to $500 for an automotive rental. However, prices may vary depending on geography and the type of vehicle rented.

Wedding transportation is perhaps something grooms-to-be can get excited about. After all, we're talking about cars -- some fancy, some large, and many decked out with different features. Plus, it's traditionally the responsibility of the groom to arrange transportation to and from the ceremony, reception and the hotel or honeymoon destination.

Grooms responsible for arranging transportation can consider the following options.

* Limousine: A limo is one of the most traditional methods of transport on a couple's wedding day. A limousine's size enables them to carry the bridal party in its entirety. Because the bride and groom often do not see each other before the ceremony, two limos may be rented, one larger for the bridal party, and one smaller for the bride and her parents, depending on personal preference.

* Classic car: Sports car enthusiasts may want to make an entrance -- and exit -- behind the wheel of a sporty vehicle. These can include a high-end Ferrari or an Aston Martin. Because of their high purchase price, sports car rentals may carry a premium.

* Stretch SUV: The traditional limo has morphed into the stretch SUV of popular models, including the Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition or even a stretch Hummer. Because of their popularity, these rentals may be snatched up quickly. Be sure to book well in advance of the big day.

* Party Bus: Many couples are leaning toward a party bus rental, which may be a single- or double-decker bus that can fit scores of people inside. These are particularly attractive to couples with a very large bridal party, or those who hope to begin the celebration even before reaching the reception hall.

* Horse-drawn carriage: Some couples truly want the fairytale feel on their wedding day. A horse-drawn carriage can evoke feelings of a Cinderella-type day. The carriage tends to be best suited to warm weather. For winter weddings, a horse-drawn sleigh might make a better alternative.

* Motorcycle: Exciting couples may want to ride off into the sunset on the back of a roadster or sports bike.

* Horses: Horses can haul more than just a carriage. A bride and groom atop a handsome steed can make for a memorable wedding transportation option and equally memorable photos.

* Boat: Individuals getting married by the sea or another body of water may want to consider attending the festivities via boat, be it a large vessel or a more intimate canoe or rowboat.

Wedding day transportation varies depending on each couple's preference. Here are some other things to keep in mind concerning transportation.
* Be sure to have transportation options at the ready for guests who may have over-indulged on alcoholic beverages.
* Wedding party participants who arrived at the wedding by a limo or other source will need a ride home somehow.
* Find out if a hotel nearby offers complementary transportation to and from the reception hall.

Wedding Musician Pointers

Brides and grooms have a few options when it comes to the music played at their ceremony and reception. Live musicians or deejays are often the entertainment of choice.

When hiring the entertainment, there are some important things to keep in mind.

The music of the wedding will set the tone for the event and keep guests entertained during key moments of the day. Musicians will often work in conjunction with a maitre d' to be sure the reception moves along smoothly and sticks to the schedule. Music will be played while guests are dining and when there are opportunities for dancing.

It's essential to listen to musicians or deejays before hiring anyone to ensure what they're offering will fit in with the wedding. Also, it's helpful to confirm the person or people being auditioned will be the exact individuals at the wedding. Some entertainment companies hire out contract musicians, meaning the preview musicians may not be the same person who will perform at the ceremony. That can potentially prove disasterous. If a certain musician or deejay is requested, be sure it is put down in writing in the contract.

Provide the musical entertainment with some information to further help the wedding go off without a hitch. This may include but not be limited to the following:

- Names of all wedding party participants so they can be properly introduced.
- Name of the married couple, including pronunciation of the last name, if necessary.
- The title of the couple's song.
- The titles of songs to be danced with mother/son or father/daughter.
- A listing of any preferred songs.
- The title of a "spotlight dance" song.
- Any music that is off-limits at the reception.
- Special announcements that should be made, such as mentioning a guest's birthday or another special event involving guests.
- Whether a bouquet and garter toss will take place, and which songs should be played during these traditions.

In most cases, wedding musicians are professionals who have handled many weddings and are very accustomed to what should be done to make the night a memorable one. Trust in the expertise of the musicians, and provide guidance where necessary.

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