Photo: Courtesy of Mantry, The Black Tux, Owen and Fred, Wonderbund, Christian Louboutin, and Izola.
The easiest way to get your groom to take an interest in the wedding-planning process? Invest in what he's thinking about too — the parts of the wedding that entail drinking, eating, looking sharp, and not taking it all too seriously. From cool groomsmen gifts to a pair of men's shoes you and your guy will love, we tracked down six finds that will make the party planning a lot more fun for your fiancé.
1. The Perfect Guy Gift
A food-of-the-month club for dudes? Genius. Whether you're getting a six-month subscription for your new hubs or a one-off for each groomsman, the Mantry is a modern artisanal company based in NYC that delivers nationally. Each shipment is a surprise assortment of six all-American products with a cool theme, delivered in a wooden crate. We love the boozy delivery pictured above — they had us at bourbon caramel. The Mantry, $85 for one crate, $225 for a three-month subscription, or $450 for a six-month subscription; Mantry
2. The Wedding Party's Tuxedos
If you're having a champagne-taste affair with groomsmen on a beer budget, suggest the Black Tux: a stylish online shop founded by a couple of guys who, as fellow groomsmen, were searching for an alternative to the standard rental options. The site offers high-quality, well-tailored tuxes, suits, and accessories that would normally retail for thousands of dollars. Tux and suit rental, from $95, includes free shipping both ways; The Black Tux
3. The Groom's Keepsake
Personalize your fiancé's big-day attire with custom collar stays. Consider your names or monograms, your wedding date, a sweet message or quote, or an inside joke. It's a lot cheaper (and more fun) than the long-endorsed fancy watch. Three sets of collar stays with oak case, $65; Owen and Fred
4. The Groomsman's Accessory
A business-in-the-front, party-in-the back cummerbund is a hilarious way to remind your groomsmen that the ceremony may be formal, but the party should be anything but. The fun two-in-one cummerbund's retailer debuted on Kickstarter in April and met its goal in just over a week thanks to rabid fans. Our fave is the classic black style that flips to reveal a gold-encrusted champ belt, but the site offers a variety of designs. The Champ's Belt, $75; Wonderbund
5. The Groom's Shoes
You're spending a small fortune on your wedding-day look, so why can't he? These metal-capped wing tips are the best dancing shoes we've seen in a long time. Gareth Zip Men's Flat in black calf, $1,195; Christian Louboutin
6. The Roadie
Get your groomsmen a vintage-inspired flask with a custom message or monogram for swigging on the go. This cheeky inscription is perfect for a nautical-themed bash. Flask, $27, additional $10 engraving fee for custom orders; Izola