Here are some unique Bridesmaid and Groomsmen gifts I have found that I love:

For The Guys:

Perfect for Tailgating! Check out Vat19.com for details

Black Bar Glasses to hide the identity of your friends after a crazy night.  Order them at Catching Fireflies

Holds 5 Beers..Drink fast boys or it will quickly get warm! —> Catching Fireflies

For the Girls:

I love all of the creative designs these aprons from   offer.  You will have fun picking out a style that meets each women’s personality.  ——>Wrapables

Keep your door open with some style.  I love these high heel shoe stoppers!! —–> Spoon Sisters

Purse size cocktail shakers. Be able to mix up your favorite drink anywhere with a fashionable touch.  ——>Wrapables

A wedding lei exchange is a popular ceremony performed by ministers in Hawaii.  The Hawaiians believe that it is the giving of the lei with a kiss that imparts that special aloha. We therefore encourage our brides and grooms to give each other a kiss on both cheeks when they place the wedding lei on their beloved.

A Hawaii traditional maile lei for men is made of green leafy plants and is open on the ends (so that it hangs down his chest).

If you are hosting a destination wedding on the islands, or you are trying to bring the island style to your wedding here in the US—consider adding a lei exchange during your ceremony to add that special aloha!!

Have you ever seen a Lei Exchange at a wedding you attended?

I am pretty sure when you sat down with your florists and went over the flowers you needed for the ceremony a bouquet for the groom was not mentioned!  Then why in all of these pictures, Grooms are carrying the bouquets?

No…do not pick up the phone and call your florist insisting on needing 1 extra bouquet…but at some point during the day the groom seems to always end up with the lavish bouquet.

What gentleman doesn’t offer to carry their ladies purse every now and then, why would the groom not want to help their bride hold the heavy bouquet? And I am sure those smiles are genuine…

Did your groom get his token picture with the bouquet?

Sources:  Getty Images, Rainy Day Photos, 123rf Photography, Jaci Clark, Brian Wedge Photography

So often we see the same old black, red and occasionally champagne colored ties for men in weddings.  They purchase their black tux and keep it simple with a black tie to match.  Sometimes we will see a slight pin stripe or design but rarely do groomsmen take it to the extreme with bold pattern filled ties!  I love to watch as this trend begins to change and brides and grooms become more daring in their style with the wedding party!

Whether you choose stripes or polka dots, your guys’ ties will add so much more style and spunk to the wedding.  There is such a large variety of options for men’s ties you don’t have to sacrifice formality because you add a pattern.  Even a subtle pattern will add texture to the attire the groomsmen will wear and although it might not stand out at first it will be one of the fabulous details you will look back on and be glad you were creative with.

Be BOLD and do not shy away from the bright colors.

Sources: Bridal Guide, Silk from the Hartz, Betsey White, A Man Fashion Blog

Don’t settle for the typical bachelor party consisting of only drinking, bars and girls…step outside the box and you may surprise you and your friends on how much fun you can have!  Make your bachelor party stand out as an exciting trip for everyone, leaving no one disappointed.

The best bachelor party stories I have heard (never experienced!) are the ones that are adventures.  What guy doesn’t love an event that involves a little bit of danger and a whole lot of action?  Head camping with the guys to an area that has plenty of activities for everyone.  A great example of this is going white water rafting for the day and building a fire to camp out that night.

I have heard great stories of setting up a “roast” for the groom and each guy takes a turn telling old stories and funny situations that the groom has been in.  Another suggestion would be to bring a poker table with you camping, and spend the evening competing against each other in a tournament.

The great thing about camping is you get away from everything…TV, computers, phones…it is just you and the guys that you have spent many years getting to know and great memories with!  You can go to the bars any night (and how much do you actually remember after the evening is over?) Make your bachelor party a night to remember!

For you brides out there reading this…suggest this idea to your future hubby’s best man…sometimes guys need ideas to help plan these parties!