Who doesn’t love a hot ride?

While most of the things that will be covered here at Groomify aren’t mean to be uber-expensive or completely out there, there comes a time that it can’t be missed. One thing that absolutely qualifies is something that has been in my drafts for weeks now, and I just got another swift kick in the rear - the one that isn’t the almost daily mention by Craig Carton on WFAN’s Boomer & Carton Show on the morning drive - to point to Vulcan Motor Club. On Friday, Gear Patrol’s Marc Arevalo dropped dime on what appears to be one of the more badass opportunities to drive almost any killer ride you can think of - but it’ll cost you.

With annual plans starting at $9,500 - which gets you 10 days of driving cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo or Audi R8, and 1,000 miles - and going all the way up to the Platinum plan at $25,000, getting you 40 days, 4,000 miles, vehicle delivery and up to 7-day “rentals,” it’s not for the faint of heart - or wallet.

That said, however, Vulcan offers one badass gift that I’d either pay for myself, beg and plead for as a wedding gift for myself, or perhaps get for my best man. Check it out - it’s the Wind and Fire Tour. Wind and Fire, for $1,195 for one person to get 5 hours of driving, switching to a new car every thirty minutes, or $598 for each person in a pair (you and your dad, or best man, for instance?) where you swap cars, and positions, every thirty minutes. I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty fantastic, and $600 isn’t unreasonable at all. Okay, so you’ve gotta get to Chester, NJ to start it all off, but if it takes you on some of the roads that I’m guessing it does within a five-hour circuit in the area, it’s going to be well worth it. These badboys are selling like hotcakes for 2008, and July 23 is the next “open” date you can get your butt in a seat for.

Theming your groomsmen gifts

Heidi Wurpel at From Engagement to Anniversary makes some pretty good suggestions on gift ideas for groomsmen that are worth checking out. I won’t steal her thunder, but she makes a great correlation between the type of things you might be doing for your bachelor party / weekend and the types of gifts you can choose from. Good call, Heidi.

Cufflinks don’t make the man, but…

As I rustle through all the great items that are of interest to grooms and others taking part in formal events, cufflinks continue to rise to the top of the pile. This past week, I’ve been spending what is probably an unhealthy amount of time checking out ‘links at Tateossian [found via Winding Threads], and yes I’ve done the math on how much these puppies are in American cash.

They’ve got a slew of awesome options, but I definitely enjoyed these, the “Dating Scene” model, though I wouldn’t exactly show your significant other the “desperate” and “adulterous” options that you can spin the visible section to. Though maybe they wouldn’t make a bad option as a groomsman gift, huh?

Good idea groomsmen gifts

While AisleDash (who I’ll continue to reference as it’s a great site to pay attention to) has luxury bridesmaid gifts on lockdown, I thought it worthwhile to offer some thoughts and ideas on some groomsmen gifts that might not be “the norm.” Anyone who’s been in a wedding has probably gotten an engraved flask or cigar case - both which are excellent gifts that are useful, and maybe has gotten something a little more creative or descriptive to the relationship the groom has with the participants in the wedding.

So, where to begin?

I’m gonna cherry pick the easy thing that I’ve seen done really well, but obviously doesn’t work with every group and groomsman. That said, it’s a cool idea that I would recommend if you’re able to spend the loot on it.

Sports-related Stuff

While every guy doesn’t dig sports, there are a lot that do. Knowing a bit about the interests and habits of these guys, you might have come across what their favorite teams are or who the players they follow are. Taking that info and running with it, one great idea would be to snag team / player or even “customized” jerseys, and get something a little different for each. Sure, a New York wedding might feature all Yankees or Mets jerseys for the baseball-loving crew, but a Yankees jersey for the hardcore fan, a Rangers jersey for the big hockey guy, and a 49ers jersey for the West Coast import participating in your wedding gives a “customized” flavor that shows you actually thought about what you’re buying.

If jerseys aren’t your thing (or theirs), maybe autographed bats are. Louisville Slugger will provide you with an “authentic” signature bat for each of your groomsmen, if you’re slick enough to connive a signature out of them. This is a pretty cool thing that will probably end up in their office or mounted to the wall somewhere, though you run the risk of a kid (or them) taking it out for batting practice in the yard if they’re not careful.

Wine & Liquor

No, it’s not what you’re thinking I’m talking about, I’m talking a serious bottle (and a serious bottle doesn’t have to cost you $100) and maybe a set of glasses to go along. For example, a killer bottle of Delille Doyenne Syrah, of which 2004 is a very good year, would work out well, or perhaps a bottle of scotch. Scotch, just as wine, is sometimes tricky, so you might have to know what someone likes before making a purchase. That said, checking out a solid Macallan aged a few years could work, or just asking a few questions at your local shop will probably do the trick.

To boot, a decanter for both scotch or wine is an awesome addition, and something that will stick around long after the bottle is poured and finished off.

Travel & Entertainment

If your party is more into the party, game, or event type of thing, then hooking them up with a big game, such as playoff tickets to a local pro team, or a big concert in town might be the way to go. In fact, it’s another opportunity to get “the gang” all together, post-bachelor party, and not get in trouble for what you’re doing while you’re there. Well, maybe.

Of course, anything’s a good thing when it all comes down to it. What definitely matters is that you’ve got an idea of some things that will get your crew to know that you appreciated their participation in your wedding. Whether you spend $30 or $150, there are plenty of options to meet your needs, theme, or interests.

Any other suggestions, successes, or ideas to share, Groomify readers?

[Photo credits: Morguefile, Delille]

Get your drink on conveniently and in style

Dethroner’s got the scoop on Trav-L-Bar’s three-bottle-holding, four-cup-slinging, tool-having kit. Tworeviewers on Amazon gave it an average of 4.5 stars (yeah, I did that math all alone), so how can they be wrong, right?

Decanters worth springing for

Cool Hunting brings it today with a killer batch of decanters from Riedel. While some people I know have been surprised to see the brand offering glassware at Target at prices a lot lower than expected, I have yet to see a Riedel product that I didn’t like, and these new decanters more than qualify.

Besides the fact that you’re going to want to buy these for yourself, keep in mind that you’ve probably registered for a reason. In the meanwhile, at least pick up one or two of these for the family or people in your wedding party.