In the market for groomsmen gifts? We’ve got the hook up. Check out the gallery of 15 creative gift ideas that we put together for OneWed. Once you’ve found the perfect gift for your main men, check out our buying guide for tips on presenting and getting the most for your money.

For those of you that aren’t past the proposal, our friends at Proposal-Ideas have just launched a website that’s entirely devoted to planning local proposals. Remember, “how did he do it?” is the most frequently asked question that women receive after the engagement. Give her something to brag about!

You may have heard about this little site called The Huffington Post. We’re proud to be the regular groom blogger over there. This week, we shared Valentine’s Day proposal tips and pre-wedding primping ideas with their readers.

I’m not sure how we missed hearing about the ‘Metallicouple’ last year. I recently met Dennis Diaz and his wife Annette and heard about their amazing story. They took a very different approach to their wedding entertainment. The first video below is of them playing Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’ in full wedding garb at their reception. Through the power of viral video, Metallica ended up seeing the video and inviting them to perform on-stage at a show in San Francisco. See the awesome results for yourself in the 2nd video.

We’ve long said that fall weddings are a sports fan’s worst nightmare. Between the MLB playoffs and kickoff of the NFL and NCAA football seasons, there aren’t many autumn weekends without big games. Generally this would be more upsetting to the groom and his crew, however now it’s the brides that are pissed. Due to conference realignment, college football schedules for this fall haven’t been released yet. This is preventing certain venues from committing to weddings because they’d rather hold the dates for college football viewing parties. Just one more reason to hate the BCS.

We want you to take a good long look in the mirror before committing to a certain type of bachelor party. You know your personality and interests better than anyone. Why is this important? AskMen says that your bachelor party will say a lot about the time of man you are. There’s no rule that says you have to go strip clubbing and binge drinking. Be yourself.

Finally, be sure to take a look at two of our newest Pinterest boards: creative cufflinks and wedding party gifts.

Guys: Still looking for a great Valentine’s Day gift or a wedding gift for your bride? Whether you’re looking for one amazing gift or something to pair with another gift (like lingerie, a spa gift certificate, or a weekend getaway), we’ve got you covered. Here’s a round-up of romantic offerings that are perfect for the lovely lady in your life.

Customizable You Are My World Heart Map ($23, Etsy). This beautiful and modern 16×20 print, which features a world map made of tiny red hearts, can be customized with your names and wedding or anniversary date to create a unique and sentimental gift.

Personalized Wide Cuff Bracelet ($22, TheManRegistry.com). This simple yet classic silver-plated bracelet, which can be engraved with a monogram or initial, is a go-to accessory she’ll wear for years to come.

Petite Antique Skeleton Key Necklace ($29, Etsy). Does she love vintage finds? This beautiful vintage skeleton key, which dangles from a feminine sterling silver chain with Swarovski pearls, is sure to please.

Personalized iPad Case ($36.95, TheManRegistry.com). Perfect for any iPad lover, this stylish black case features a four-position adjustable stand and a plaque on the front that can be engraved with her name or initials.

Personalized V.I.P. Luggage Tag ($20, TheManRegistry.com). Great for frequent fliers or the upcoming honeymoon, this classic luggage tag, which can be inscribed with a monogram, makes a perfect accessory for her travel bag.

Personalized Wine Cork Tray Kit ($50, RedEnvelope). Great for any wine lover, this solid oak serving tray holds about 100 corks, including one that comes with the kit that can be personalized. It’s topped with a Plexiglas cover and offers metal handles, making it perfect for serving and carrying.

Gilded Needlework Earrings ($38, Anthropologie). These gold-dipped lace stunners make a great addition to any jewelry addict’s collection—one she may even want to wear on the wedding day.

Steak Branding Iron ($34.95, TheManRegistry.com). Whether she’s a die-hard sports fan or loves to show off her school spirit, show her you’re her No. 1 fan with this NCAA steak branding iron.

Fresh Brown Sugar Affair Set ($50, Sephora). Pamper her with a relaxing at-home spa experience with this three-piece gift set, featuring Brown Sugar body polish, body cream and a lip treatment.

Personalized I Heart U Alphabet Pillow Cover ($59.95, RedEnvelope).  This pillow’s modern graphic text will show her just how you feel about her. Add your names at the bottom for an extra personal touch.

Now that football season is officially over, what the hell are you going to do with yourself on Sunday afternoons? Our suggestion: become a better groom by reading our new book, Be the Man. The book is a complete guide on what the groom can expect from the moment he pops the question through the honeymoon.

This week, we’re hooking one lucky reader up with a free copy of the book. Additionally, we’re throwing in a beer belt… because reading is more fun with beer, right? To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us what type of beer you’ll fill your belt with. We’ll pick one winner at random this Friday at 11:59pm EST (2/10/12).  Good luck!

The Beer Belt

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What are you waiting for? Leave your comment below to become eligible! Contest is open to residents of the United States only, sorry Canada! Please use a valid email address as you leave your comment. If we’re unable to make contact with the winner within 48 hours of attempt, we will choose another name. Good luck!

Many couples are overwhelmed by the choices of engagement and wedding rings. With a little effort, you can become a knowledgeable buyer, and more confident in choosing the right rings for you. Educate yourself not only about diamonds, but also about metals and jewelry workmanship. From personally guiding thousands of couples in choosing or custom-designing their rings, I learned to focus individuals on what’s most important: 1) the quality of the materials used; 2) the craftsmanship; and 3) designs that match tastes, lifestyles and budgets.

Primo Halo Heart Ring by Phillip Press

Superior quality is important in both the gemstones as well as the precious metal chosen. When choosing a precious metal, know that platinum is the highest standard. PLAT 950, meaning that 95% of the alloy is platinum, is a higher grade than PLAT 900. Platinum is hypoallergenic and its natural white color makes diamonds look incredibly white. Platinum is 60 percent denser than 14k gold and more substantial. White gold is never truly white and must be plated to become similar in color to platinum. However, this plating wears-off over time, requiring additional upkeep and expense. We strongly recommend 950 PLAT for anyone seeking heirloom-quality bridal rings.

When it comes to diamonds, we recommend gemstones that are ideally cut, certified by a recognized diamond-grading organization, and of at least I color and SI-2 quality, or better if your budget permits. The quality of any smaller diamonds in your ring is equally important. If you want diamonds that are sustainably mined or recycled from an estate collection, ask for it.

Fine craftsmanship in your bridal rings is also essential. You will wear them every day so they must be well made and durable, as well as stylish. There are several questions about craftsmanship to explore:

1) Is the ring wholly made by hand, partially handcrafted or caste and mass produced?

2) Where are the rings made and what is the skill and experience of the artisans creating the ring?

3) Does the designer have its own workshop? Are they a jeweler themselves and are they directly involved in the process of making the ring?

4) Is the manufacturer a master at working in platinum, which requires additional talents and different tools than goldsmithing?

5) What is the reputation of the manufacturer for quality, consistency and originality?

Review online information and ask many questions. Understand the level of craftsmanship and assess value based on the quality of the materials, workmanship, and price, not just a designer brand name.

Finally, the style of the rings you choose should suit your everyday lives and exude your personal signature. Narrow down your ring choices with the following questions:

1) Do you love modern or vintage, or a combination of the two?
2) Do you prefer glamorous and unique or simple and traditional?
3) Describe your dream ring.
4) What price range is most comfortable for your budget?
5) What diamond shape is your favorite?

With a little homework, you will be poised and ready to choose the perfect rings that you will love today and for many years to come.

To view more tips on buying engagement and wedding rings, visit PreciousPlatinum.com/whyplatinum.

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Phillip Press

To learn more about Philip Press and his latest ring collection, visit RenaissancePlatinum.com

platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

In honor of the Facebook IPO, we’re kicking off this week’s link roundup with ten “clever” ways to propose via social media. Just how clever are they? That’s for you to decide. Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

10 Clever Ways to Pop the Question via Social Media – mashable

The Hottest Places to Honeymoon in 2012 – huffington post

When You Say Save & She Says Splurge – onewed

Dad Misses Wedding, Gets Photoshopped In – imgur

Two Swell New Wedding Books to Pick Up – bridal guide

7 Interests a Man Shouldn’t Lose After Marriage – guyism

How to Determine Your Blazer Size – ask men

Are you a Gym-Going Groom? – a groom’s diary

Grooms & the Wedding Industrial Complex – offbeat bride

Creative Groom Cufflinks on Pinterest – pinterest