Are you and your fiancee/spouse celebrating Valentine's Day this year?

By Steve Cooper, Hitched Media

I’ll be the first to admit that not long ago, I would have been quick to declare that Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a “Hallmark” holiday. You know, “It’s just a reason for greeting card companies to push more product.” While they certainly capitalize on the holiday, I had an epiphany that brought me on board with the celebration.

Even before the light bulb went off above my head, I still celebrated Valentine’s Day and even enjoyed the holiday, although a certain piece of me felt it was contrived. Why should the calendar dictate when I show my sweetheart affection? Restaurants certainly don’t make me feel warm and fuzzy, raising their prices every year for this one night of candle-lit romance.

But don’t you see? That’s the problem. Not the prices, but that this happens just once a year. (Okay, so the prices can be excessive sometimes.) I was talking with one of our Hitched experts a few years ago and something in our conversation struck me. I don’t remember the topic of the conversation, but within our discussion it dawned on me that outside of our weddings and anniversaries, most of us don’t seek out to honor our relationships. Heck, a common complaint is that men don’t even remember anniversaries.

I actually think it’s good that we have a system in this country that commercializes love and romance. It’s nice to think of all the dollars that are spent to promote such a good cause. Can commercials and advertisements promoting love really be that damaging? Of course they’re self-serving, but as we zip past our husbands and wives throughout the days, months and years, isn’t it nice to know that there are forces out there working to remind us to slow down and take our spouses out for a night of romance?

A new survey by BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation estimates that $15.7 billion will be spent on Valentine’s Day this year. Spouses and significant others are projected to spend an average of $68.98 on gifts and dates. Research has shown that married couples who engage in new experiences with each other are likely to be happier over the long term. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to spend money for a new experience, but the holiday is a terrific opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and reconnect.

If you still aren’t convinced that Valentine’s Day is a good thing, I have a few final questions for you. When was the last time you went on a date with your spouse? When was the last time you dedicated one night just to romance? When was the last time you shared something with your spouse as a token of your appreciation, love and respect? If your answer is more than 30 days for any of these, you’re overdue.

Embrace this day of flowers and cupids. Put in a little extra effort to show your husband or wife that you don’t take them for granted. Let them know that you’re still hot for them and that you’re up to the challenge to woo them—even if they’re expecting it. Be nostalgic. Be creative. Be daring. Be sexy. Be romantic. Be your spouse’s valentine!

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What are you and your fiancee/spouse planning for Valentine’s Day? Are you celebrating? If not, why? Let us know in the comments section below.

What anniversary gift from your wife would have you giving a thumbs up?

By Jewelry & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

We’ve all seen the story played out on numerous television sitcoms: Poor guy finds out that today is actually his wedding anniversary. Guy realizes that it’s only a few hours before he’s supposed to meet his wife at a dinner she’s planned for them at a romantic restaurant.  Guy panics trying to find the most amazing gift for her while covering up the fact that he didn’t remember the date. It’s a familiar story.

Well let’s cut guys some slack, Guy’s aren’t the only people to forget dates! And when it comes down to it you’ve already purchased her the most amazing gift – her platinum and diamond engagement ring- a gift that probably cost about two months salary. So when is it YOUR turn?

The objective of an anniversary is to commemorate the history of a couple and to celebrate the future that they both look forward to together. Therefore, anniversaries are the perfect opportunity for the giving of mutual gifts that are precious, rare and symbolize both past and future.

L - Stuller Platinum Cufflinks for Men R - Platinum Tie Accent From CliQ Jewelry

These days, one of the most popular trends in giving is to buy gifts that will truly be used and enjoyed, things that may be worn daily. For many men who spend a good deal of time in the office, items such as platinum cuff links or tie accents, platinum neck chains or a platinum bracelet make a perfect gift that ideally fits the bill for anniversary giving.
The reason that platinum jewelry is perfect is that platinum is one of the most durable, precious and rare of all jewelry choices. It will stand up to a lifetime of wear while continuing to look good, through your future together. Unlike some other white jewelry, platinum won’t fade or change color over time and won’t corrode. The purity of platinum means that it is not only white now, but in time it will never lose its natural whiteness and turn yellow. It’s the ideal “men’s metal”! Over time, platinum will actually develop a rich finish, called a patina which creates a unique sheen on a platinum piece that many view as a romantic recording of life’s many precious moments.

Trends today toward a more casual office attire also mean that open collars with a neck chain and shorter sleeves with a bracelet have become the “norm” in office wear. Unique pieces of platinum jewelry allow men to express individuality in an elegant and understated manner. Platinum is preferred by the world’s finest designers so it’s easy to find masculine pieces to suit every guy’s individual style. Many designs start for as little as $1000.

So when it comes to giving anniversary gifts, isn’t it only fair that you should expect a gift that is precious, rare and durable? For more information on platinum or to see a wide selection of platinum jewelry styles go to www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

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What type of platinum jewelery would you want as an anniversary gift? What would be “fair” based on the jewelery you’ve purchased for your fiancee/wife?

If it weren’t for the Coors Light, this might warrant consideration for coolest groom’s cake I’ve ever seen.

A groom's cake for the BBQ and Coors Light lover.

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What are your thoughts on this groom’s cake? What beer (if any) would you replace the Coors Light with? Tell us in the comments below.

may the force be with you as you plan your wedding… and as you check out two awesome star wars wedding links that kick off this week’s groom-approved link roundup.

Luuuuke, I am your awesome and unique wedding accessory

Darth Vader Cufflinks – wedinator

An Entirely Star Wars Themed Wedding – offbeat bride

Why Watching the Super Bowl Together Can Help Your Marriage – your tango

How To Be [the best] Best Man – bravo bride

Some Things to Consider When Planning the Rehearsal Dinner – valley & co.

Bride and Groom Pacman Wedding Rings

How To Pop the Question To Your Best Man and Groomsmen – onewed

Putting Your [Wedding Vow] Muse(s) to Work – the groom says

[Super Bowl Bound] Green Bay Packers Wedding Inspiration – gig masters

Treading Water in a Woman’s Wedding World – ring of yes

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Groom’s Cake – imgur

Video of the Week: Platinum Rings vs. White Gold

our weekly column from the wedding babe offers a woman’s response to common questions we receive from grooms. today, our topic is whether or not you should take your girlfriend on an engagement ring (window) shopping trip.

The Wedding Babe thinks it can never hurt to do a little window shopping to see what she likes... and doesn't like.

Q – I’m planning a surprise marriage proposal. Should I still plan on taking my girlfriend ring shopping?

Before you pop the question, should you take your girlfriend ring shopping? If you want your proposal to be a total surprise and you already have a good idea about what kind of ring your girlfriend likes (possibly even down to the color, cut and size — turns out you really were listening when she dropped all those hints!), then you can forgo a shopping trip.

But otherwise, taking her ring shopping is a great idea. There are so many options available when it comes to engagement rings, you don’t want to make a completely uneducated guess and risk disappointing her. Picture this: You get down on one knee with a heart-shaped diamond ring in yellow gold, only to find out later that she wanted a traditional white gold round diamond ring. Awkward… Don’t let this happen to you. Most likely at this point in your relationship, you both know that marriage is on the horizon, so why not see what ring options are out there ahead of time and get a better idea of what she likes? Remember, this is a ring that she’ll wear every single day and should absolutely love.

Although you don’t have to tell her how much you’re planning to spend or if you’ll absolutely be getting a specific ring, at least you’ll have her input, which will make it easier to make this big purchase when the time comes. Trust me; she’ll definitely appreciate the opportunity to clue you in on what she has in mind. And just imagine the look on her face when you propose with her dream engagement ring….

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Stay tuned each week as we’ll be posting new advice from The Wedding Babe (as well as more info on the babe herself). If you’ve got a burning question for her, please submit it here. And please, no more requests for dates. The Wedding Babe is a happily married woman.. who could probably kick your ass.

Are you planning a shopping trip with your girlfriend to look at ring styles? Has she been dropping hints on what type of finger candy she wants to wear for the rest of her life? Tell us about it in the comments section below.