Is catching the garter an event men celebrate or fear?

All eyes are on  you.  As the men gather around the dance floor by requirement… in fear, their significant others gather around and wait in anticipation.

Every guy knows whoever the ‘lucky’ man is to catch the garter will be hearing about it for weeks after.  None of the men on the dance floor can out right look like they are trying to avoid the garter, but it never seems that the guys with girlfriends/dates at the wedding are putting forth their 100% effort.

We all know the myth: whichever guy catches the garter will be the next one married.  If this is such a myth than why do I sense true anxiety from some of the guys walking on to the dance floor when the DJ announces the garter toss?!

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