Weekend Wrap-Up

I told you you'll never truly get rid of me. Stop trying.

In lieu of a final Crossing the Aisle post, we've got a mini Weekend Wrap-up, beginning with a farewell tribute to The Groom Says on GroomsAdvice.com. 

My Favorite Posts from The Groom Says

Fellow groom pioneer Chris Easter (co-founder of The Man Registry) has been a good friend and drinking buddy since I began this wedding journey two years ago. Having an appreciation for odd and borderline offensive humor, Chris first asked me to guest post on Grooms Advice back in January of 2010, and we've been coming up with more and more man-centric, immature content since then ... including one post about Kellie Pickler's wedding video that deeply hurt one of Kellie's hardcore fans ... who may very well have been her mom. 

More feelings we hurt, 

then the more hits we get, see?

Now write, monkey, write! 

- Chris Easter

[the haiku above is fabricated]

So thanks to Chris for the generous tribute and the kind words. And readers, please continue to keep up with TMR and GroomsAdvice.com. Remember that Chris has a slew of gift options available on his registry site, all at ridiculously good prices. 

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Check out: How to dress a groom (Spongebob underwear not included) on MarthaStewartWeddings.com.

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And for readers in the Western Great Lakes/Minnesota and Wisconsin region, I've got the 411 on an event in your hood that might pique your interest.

This Thursday, October 13th, the Independent Wedding Association is hosting a Wedding Fair and (infinitely more important) Groom's Night at a bocce, bowling and bistro joint called Pinstripes. (Sounds like we need a Pinstripes in LA.) Rather than a stuffy, convention hall feel, the IWA boasts a cocktail hour atmosphere with an emphasis on the grooms. Yes, that means (but is not limited to):

• Unlimited bowling (that alone is worth it)
• Suit fitting and groom grooming demos
• Cigar and drink sampling
• S'mores bar
• Boutonniere alternatives (perhaps they've seen my Out of the Box collection?)
• Wedding lounge recommendations
• And a FREE companion ticket for your 2Es ... or your man date

Tickets are a more-than-reasonable $15, and all the info is on their website @ independentwedding.com. If any of you Great Lakers end up going, be sure to email me a shot of whatever man cave the IWA's got set up over there.

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For tickets and event inquiries, please contact Becca Dilley (Founder of the IWA) at dilley@gmail.com. Be sure to tell her The Groom Says referred you. I get free s'mores with each referral.

Crossing the Aisle Vol. IX + Must-Do Contest + Good Heavens!

To kick off a busy Friday morning wrap-up: a huge THANK YOU to our friend, image consultant and groom savior, Julie Rath of Rath & Co. This week Julie lent us her design sense and expertise and a handful of invaluable groom tips. Check out our edition of Stump the Stylist (at Kmart, for chrissake) and the tour of the sinfully groom-friendly Michael Andrews Bespoke studio, where Julie unveiled three amazing rehearsal dinner looks.

Note how the yellow accents coordinate with my pocket square.

Two, if you haven't yet entered the #wedlux giveaway sponsored by our pal Chris at The Man Registry (along with our friends at Gigmasters, Greenvelope, SmartBride Boutique and Wishpot), then you should seriously consider having yourself committed. They're giving away $1,500 in merch and services, people! Brides, Grooms - click this link to get the full scoop, read about all the ways to enter, and do so before July 13th.

Go. I'll wait.

OH - and great news, men. GoodHEAVENS, crazy talented tie designer and manufacturer, has been getting all kinds of love from all of the lady blogs these last couple months. Unfortunately, until recently, they were unable to ship to the states. So my gift to you today, because I'm in a giving kind of mood, is a link to their Etsy storefront. Fifteen styles for sale, all for $33 (absurd price) + $7 for US shipping. $40 all together for an awesome tie. You deserve it, groom.

Do it. I'll wait.

Finally, let's jump into our weekly series: Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs. Here goes:

Men of the Wood: a new musical ... via Green Wedding Shoes

A WHIMSICAL WOODLAND WEDDING: TRISHIA + JUSTIN
via Green Wedding Shoes
There's a couple things grooms can appreciate about this wedding, and no, it's not the "whimsical" element. But it might be the raccoon love ... and the geek lumberjack attire (see above) ... and the fact that their "unity symbol" is a bottle of Jameson. These are my kind of people.

THE FRESH HUBBY ... IN PRINT!
via Broke-Ass Bride
Our good friend and fellow groom activist Hunter Stiebel, the one and only "Fresh Hubby," is now a contributing editor to Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine, providing a manly dose of advice in every issue. Congrats Hunter! Click the link above to read his first article on destination bachelor parties.

You know a groom sketched out these vows ... via Ruffled Blog

STOCKING THE WEDDING BAR: THE RIGHT WINE AT THE RIGHT PRICE
via Lovely Little Details
Honestly, I'm jealous I didn't think of this first. On Tuesday, Jacin at LLD invited the sales manager at Colene Clemens Vineyard to provide some insight and tell you everything you need to know about wine and weddings and wine at weddings. Read on, grooms.

And to close:

This was the vegetarian buffet ... via Southern Weddings Magazine.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Guest Post: Wedding Night Jitters and Critters

Stop by The Man Registry today and read my latest guest post:

PUTTING THE "FEST" BACK IN INFESTATION:
HOW TO AVOID BED BUGS ON YOUR WEDDING NIGHT

Chris has actually prefaced the post with a disclaimer and note of caution. I couldn't be more proud.

Cheers,
Brian

Hangover 2: A Not Review

Let me start off by saying how sorry I am. I'm really, really sorry.

Here you are. You came here thinking you're going to read some kind of critical response to the quintessential guy movie of 2011. You came with expectations.

But I've got nothing. I've let you down. I'm not trying to make excuses, but believe it or not, this is the morning I've had.

Yes. It happened again.

Two weeks ago, my good friend Chris from The Man Registry commissioned me to write a review for Bridesmaids. So I went to the screening on his behalf and wrote a little late night piece called Bridesmaids: Why Hangover 2 Should Be Worried.

Naturally, Chris wanted a follow-up. He wanted me to judge the two side by side, to see if the boys of the Hangover 2 surpassed the maidens of Bridesmaids. But this is where I wake up.

How the f*** did I get on this roof? How did I manage to drag this f***ing mattress up here? Why do I have nothing written down?

The "oh shit" moment

You know what ... Hangover 2 should be worried. Worried that a mother might mistakenly bring her nine-year-old daughter to this movie. Worried that moviegoers might develop post-traumatic stress. Worried that people will think that a romantic rom-com like Bridesmaids will prepare them for this.

The genius of The Hangover 2 is its ability to one-up itself for two hours straight. Like its prequel, it takes a while to get there; but once you're there, it's full throttle. Groom Stu Price (Ed Helms) goes through more shit than the editors of The Real Housewives of Orange County ... but I won't speak a word of it here. It's too good to spoil. And even if I did let something slip, you wouldn't believe me. You'd think I was exaggerating.

"Chris. It's Brian. I'm sorry, man. I really did it this time."

By comparison, Bridesmaids is that film you put on repeat at daycare while you wait for mommies and daddies to arrive. It's cute. It's got a nice little message about being yourself or something. Hangover 2, on the other hand, is the product of Todd Phillips' twisted childhood and what must have been HUNDREDS of nights of binging and excess. Hangover 2 is pure filth, in its filthiest and most beautiful form.

Embrace it. And then shower immediately afterward.

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Photos by Joanna Wilson Photography

Verdict on Bridesmaids? The Groom Says: See It.

Chris from The Man Registry sent me on a mission last night; and no, it wasn't to fetch him more booze so he can wrap up the final chapters on his groom guide book.

Acting as TMR's film correspondent, I attended a special screening of Bridesmaids last night. Bridesmaids. Not to be confused with Groomsmen: the hilarious comedy that doesn't actually exist but plays constantly in my mind, starring Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Paul Rudd and an obese Brad Pitt.

Get the Groom's official take on Bridemaids on The Man Registry blog:

"Bridesmaids": Why Hangover II Should Be Worried

Guest Post: The Respectfully Egocentric Boutonniere Collection

Hello readers!

Check out this morning's guest post on The Man Registry's Grooms Advice blog to find out what this business is all about. 

See the post at:

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOUTONNIERE BOX

And if you missed my appearance on The Knot Live this morning, you are not a bad person. You can see the recorded show on their website at:

www.theknot.com/live

Love,

The Groom

5 Cuff Link Sets That Won't Bore You to Death

Chris Easter from The Man Registry has stopped in to clean out my fridge and rant momentarily about the impressive collection of groom-friendly cuff links that he keeps in his closet at home ... which, coincidentally, are also available at TheManRegistry.com.

Rant on, Chris:

Looking for a gift for your groomsmen that will actually be used for years to come? Cuff links are a great option. Guys can wear them and look dapper not only on the day of the wedding but at plenty of other formal or semi-formal occasions in the future. But rather than giving your guys the ubiquitous monogrammed version, why not go with something a little more interesting to let them know how much you appreciate them? Today there are many creative cuff link sets available, designed to fit the unique personality and interests of almost any guy.

Here are some options to consider:

Secret Agent Cuff Links. The name's Bond. James Bond. Give your favorite international man of mystery these tubular-shaped silver-toned cuff links, which feature a secret compartment that can be unscrewed to reveal a thank-you note or a more traditional "your mom" joke.

"Yeah, well, I'm gonna walk your mom down the aisle. Boo-ya."

Spiderman Cuff Links. Perfect for the comic book lover, the guy who's nostalgic about his childhood action figures, or your third cousin who's got a serious Andrew Garfield man-crush, these Spiderman head cuff links come packaged in an engraved silver-toned case that can be imprinted with the recipient's name or a special message, such as Thanks for being my best man - and my superhero!

Spidey's gonna shoot his web when he sees these 

American Flag Cuff Links. Whether you support the left, the right, or the Rent is Too Damn High Party, love of country is (hopefully) the one thing that binds us all. Our American flag cuff links come packaged in an attractive, personalized silver-toned case featuring the name of the recipient, making them an ideal gift for a military or any patriot.

These puppies just one-upped the flag pin

Airplane Cuff Links. It's a shame that the airlines don't give out that those plastic, clip-on airplane wings anymore. Fortunately for you, we've got the next best thing. Any pilot, airplane aficionado or world traveler will love these spitfire airplane cuff links, which also serve as a nice segue into a conversation about the mile-high club.

Interesting story about how I got these: see, I pushed the attendant call button, and my shirt somehow came unbuttoned...

Horseshoe Cuff Links. FACT: 88% of groomsmen that wear our horseshoe cuff links end up going home with a bridesmaid. The other 12% end up puking their guts out after closing down the open bar. I like those odds... 

...but I'll probably still end up in the bottom 12%.

Be sure to check out The Man Registry's engraved cuff link collection. Also, don't forget to take us up on our offer of free shipping on all orders over $149.

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Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com -- the leading website for all things grooms. After struggling to find guy-friendly wedding resources during the planning of his own wedding, he co-created The Man Registry. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, custom groomsmen gifts and a wealth of content aimed at helping men survive in the world of weddings.

Also check out The Man Registry's blog at GroomsAdvice.com.

6 Helpful Hints to Avoid Looking Foolish

Ladies & Grooms,

Please head straight down that corridor, make your third right and find the door marked The Man Registry for my latest guest post:

NAILING THE [WEDDING VENDOR] MEETING

Because no groom deserves to look like an idiot.

Cheers,
Madman

Another guest blog that reveals too much about my personal life

Ladies & Grooms,

Please take a moment and visit The Man Registry blog for the latest guest post:

WHY SHE'D RATHER MARRY A ROOMBA

And in case it slipped by you, also check out Exploring the [Wedding] Man Cave, a celebratory post in honor of the latest groom-friendly wedding trend, the Man Cave.

Cheers,
Madman

Guest Post: When You're Expecting

Hi readers,

Check out today's guest post, courtesy of The Man Registry. Men -- you may want to sit down for this one:

What To Expect In Your Third Trimester (of Wedding Planning)

Yes, the waddling is normal.

much love,
madman

Groom (& Bride) Scorecards for Sale!

At the request of numerous readers and blog enthusiasts, the Groom and Bride Scorecards are now for sale here on The Groom Says!

I know what you're thinking. "I already have one of those." Well, that's highly unlikely -- unless you're one of the five people in the WORLD who currently has one or the other.

I copied it from his site and put it on my desktop 

because I thought it was hysterical. 

- Anne Chertoff, AOL's Aisledash.com

And I know what else you're thinking. "What charity is my money going to?" Not a single one. To be perfectly honest, the money is going straight into our honeymoon wedding fund, which grows inch by inch, dollar by dollar every day. Call it a good cause if it makes you feel better.

I insisted that Brian send me over one and it’s 

pretty hilarious ... I’ll add certain points to my 

scoreboard, sometimes even if I haven’t really earned 

them ... you know, I can get points for bathing multiple

times in a day. ... If I take two showers, 

that’s an extra bonus point. 

 - Chris Easter, The Man Registry

Scorecards are 10" x 15" and are professionally laminated by yours truly. (Yes, I laminate. Professionally.) They make the perfect gift for a recently engaged couple, recently married couple, bridal or groomal or wedding showers or bachelor/bachelorette parties. Please email orders, questions or special requests to thegroomsays@gmail.com, and check out the pricing guide below.

Groom Rewards Score Sheet + Handy Dry Erase Marker: $15

 Shipping + Handling: $5

Total: $20

Bride Rewards Score Sheet + Handy Dry Erase Marker: $15

 Shipping + Handling: $5

Total: $20

Groom + Bride Rewards Score Sheets + 2 Dry Erase Markers: $25

Shipping + Handling: $5

Total: $30

You save: $10!

Tradition Dictates

Check out today's long awaited guest post on The Man Registry's wedding blog for men, GroomsAdvice.com: 

Taking the Scenic Route to the Rehearsal Dinner

much love,
madman

Groom Takeover on Utterly Engaged

A bunch of blogger grooms took hold of the popular wedding e-zine, Utterly Engaged, trashed their e-warehouse, used up the ink on their e-printers, and then proceeded to write a bunch of well-mannered snippets on being a good 21st century groom.

Check out the full e-zine here. Spoonfuls of wisdom from The Man Registry, Temple of Groom, Ben the Groom, I Am Staggered, Fresh Hubby & The Groom Says begin on page 32.

Ultimate Groom Decided (& He Cheated)

Hi readers,

I understand many of you were unable to sleep at night while awaiting the Ultimate Groom announcement from The Man Registry. For that reason, I waited an extra day to share the results.

Congratulations to TRENT McCOOL, winner of the Ultimate Groom Contest!

Now, look, I don't want to be "that guy" today -- but Trent essentially found a loophole in the system, and that's how he was able to conquer the other men. See, nowhere in the contest rules did it exclude robot grooms ... and that's precisely what Trent is. A robot groom. Trent is a robot.

(Hey, I was a judge. I had certain privileges.)

Robot hands. Robot smile. Manufactured robot happiness.

Seriously though, the guy published a book of their email correspondence. He, like me, is doing long distance planning. And a long distance relationship. He's booked the DJ and will be booking the caterer shortly. He talks to his fiancee about life and the future and stuff. He made Save the Date magnets, for chrissake. He's a damn robot. And because The Man Registry did not have the foresight to include a "no robots" clause (it is 2010, men!), this is the result. He is victorious. He gets a bunch of free stuff. So, whatever. Congratulations Trent ... 

... friggin' robot.

Ultimate Groom Contest! (Ultimate Grooms Only, Please)

The Man Registry is SO clever. They come up with this kickass Ultimate Groom Contest, open to all grooms who are residents of the U.S., and then they make me an official judge so I can't even enter the competition.

You are SO clever, Man Registry. So. Clever.

And why would I want to enter the contest, anyway? Is it purely for the title -- The Ultimate Groom? Is it bragging rights? Years of Twitter posts about how awesome I am? Perhaps it's the prizes, which include a honeymoon kit, a grilltopper set and the hottest pocket square you've ever seen.

It's definitely the pocket square.

If you're a groom, it's definitely worth checking out. And if you're a bride, it's definitely not open to you. But it is open to your fiance, and it's pretty much your bridal duty to nominate him between now and March 15th. See the contest rules and a complete prizes list here.

FYI - the contest is also sponsored by some awesome industry peeps (The Dessy Group, Whiteflash.com, Adam & Even, Grilltopper & MissNowMrs) and will be judged by the most unworthy group of grooms that the blogging world has ever seen. If that's not incentive enough ... honestly ... I don't know what is.

Guest Post (for the Ladies) (and the Guys, too)

Check out today's guest post on The Man Registry's Groom's Wedding Blog, conveniently linked here:

What a Groom Won't Do

Brides -- this one's for you.

cheers,
madman

The Groom App

...yes, there IS an app for that.

Check out my most recent guest post on The Man Registry:  
The Groom App 2.0 for iPhone.

And if you're on Digg, please show your love @ 
http://digg.com/gadgets/The_iPhone_Wedding_App_for_Grooms

Cheers,
Madman

Guest Post for the Men

Dear grooms,

For any of you who get chills at the thought of popping the question a second time ... please check out my guest post on The Man Registry:

http://groomsadvice.com/2010/01/19/popping-the-question-twice/

be strong,
madman

Groom Points via The Man Registry

Check out my "Groom Points" guest blog post on The Man Registry, the go-to resource for all things man- and groom- and man-groom-related.

http://groomsadvice.com/2010/01/08/introducing-groom-rewards-the-point-system-for-grooms/