15 unique groomsmen gift ideas (for bridesmen, too!)
Do you have some groomsmen, bridesmen, or wedding party members who just prefer more masculine gifts? Have you been inundated with dop kits, ties, and knives(?!) all day every day in your search? This roundup of over 30 geeky, chic, and more unique groomsmen gift ideas awaits you. There’s likely an idea that will work here for all your techie, geeky, stylish, well-hydrated, and goofy friends.
Groomsgirl rules you HAVE to live by
These are the official rules that all groomsgirls, best women, and any ladies standing by their favorite dudes: there are NO rules. We recently spied Orange is the New Black’s Lauren Lapkus at this super gorgeous vegan and pink wedding as one of the groom’s attendants. She ROCKED a feminine suit that matched the groomsmen and even walked one of the bridemaids into the reception. Hell yes! After that, we knew we needed another reminder of how awesome groomsgirls and best women can be. (Oh, and spoiler: these tips totally work for bridesdudes, too!)
Here are the things you totally do not have to do as a groomsgirl:
5 things to do when your best friend said no to being in the wedding
About three days after getting engaged, I texted my best friend to quickly confirm that he would, indeed, be in my wedding party. His response was… not what I was expecting. Here’s how I dealt with it.
In a sadness tailspin, I reached out to my future husband, who was in the midst of a two hour work meeting. So I reached out to my ex-husband (who knows our relationship the best of anyone) and he had some awesome advice for anyone who has a best friend that said no to being in your wedding party…
“I looked like a princette” My experience as a non-binary bridesmate
My best friend got married recently, which was exciting and amazing. I was in her bridal party, which was also exciting and amazing. The only issue was that I’m non-binary — that is, I’m transgender and not a man or a woman. I know that many other trans, especially non-binary, people find themselves pressured to present in a way that makes them feel awful at weddings. Through my experience I think I really learned a lesson about presentation and how much small details and accessories make you feel as a non-binary bridesmate.
Marriage equality is for wedding parties too: 5 tips for bridesmen
Marriage equality has arrived and it’s not just for “the gays.” Wedding customs are evolving for all. Wedding parties are progressing, as well, and the tradition of “boys on one side of the aisle, girls on the other” is being adapted so that each spouse-to-be gets to stand with their tightest pals — regardless of gender. But not everybody is ready for this party. Some guests see a bridesman or groomsgal and don’t know what to do. Here are a few simple tips for managing OPA (“Other People’s Anxiety”) and performing at your very best.
Add a beer cap to your boutonniere
So your groomsmen or bridesboys like beer. And they need a boutonniere. Your solution? Add a beer cap from their favorite brew to their boutonniere! For more related inspiration, be sure to check out Beth & Brian’s victorian gothic heavy metal wedding, or spend some time browsing our beer archives.