We hope you enjoy our 11-11-11 edition of groom-approved links. The best part about it? There’s no mention of 11-11-11 weddings! We’d also like to announce that we’re now on Google+. If you use the service, please circle us for the latest updates on groom news, content & gift ideas. Have a great weekend!

5 Proposal Tips for Men – gemvara

Should You Invite a Woman To Your Bachelor Party? – staggered usa

[A Just Because Gift Idea] Share Your Love With a Digital Billboard – robbins brothers

[Get in Shape] 10 Fall Fitness Resolutions – ask men

5 Wedding Traditions You Can Skip – huffpost weddings

11 Reasons Beer is Better Than Wine – made man

A Groom-Approved Inspiration Board – in a nutshell

Lego Wedding Invitations – wedinator

Tips on Communicating With Your Spouse – strengthen your relationship

Should a Man Be Inspired By History? – art of manliness

In this month’s guest feature from Michael O’Connor and Platinum Guild International, we’re showcasing some of the recent trends in celebrity engagement rings and how you can incorporate them into your marriage proposal (and budget).

Just like photos from red carpet events, when a celebrity gets engaged, we anxiously await a close-up photo of their engagement ring. After all, celebrities set engagement ring trends. Whether it’s Reese Witherspoon’s Ashoka cut diamond on a micro-pavé band, or Emily Blunt’s vintage ring, I’m noticing that celebrity brides are consistently choosing platinum. Why? Platinum is a great choice for engagement rings because it won’t change color or fade. It symbolizes a relationship that will endure. Since most of us can’t afford to spend hundreds of thousands (or millions!) on an engagement ring, I wanted to share my tips on how you can still get one of the latest platinum ring styles without breaking the bank:

Diamond solitaire set in platinum from Gelin Abaci (L), Micro pave diamond engagement ring set in platinum from Diamond In The Rough (R)

1. Diamond Solitaire: Carrie-Ann Inaba received a princess cut diamond on a solid platinum band. This design draws attention to the center diamond, and since platinum is naturally white, it makes the diamond sparkle even brighter and appear larger, regardless of the size! Solitaire styles are the perfect choice for women who know their style is going to evolve and mature, or change over time. A platinum set solitaire style will work with everything and is easily given a fresh appearance simply by changing out the bands that you put with it. Solitaires can also be extremely “budget-friendly” since it’s easy to find a diamond in a size and quality to fit almost any budget.

Custom designed platinum engagement ring from Gemvara.com

2. Customized Design: While a celebrity might choose a large center gemstone, it’s the customized design of a ring that truly makes it a platinum sparkler. Julie Benz received a one-of-a-kind platinum and cushion cut diamond engagement ring complete with a diamond frame and milgrain edge band. You can also inscribe a personal message or symbol and date onto the inside of your ring. This secret message sits next to the skin and is a constant reminder of the love and special moments a couple has shared. Personalization adds a huge emotional value to your ring regardless of how much you decide to spend. Having your message engraved in platinum will ensure that it lasts a lifetime.

3. Micro-Pavé Diamond Collar: Natalie Portman and Molly Sims chose the elegance of a micro-pavé or thin diamond collar to surround their center diamond. Diamond collars are the newest trend capturing the imaginations of Hollywood, providing an extra ring of sparkle and scintillation around the center diamond. This extra ring is not only dazzling, but it also creates the illusion of making a smaller diamond appear even larger and giving it extra life – the look you want at a price you can live with.

To view photos of the latest engagement ring styles within your price range, visit PreciousPlatinum.com/EngagementRings.

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

Grooms: have you considered any of the above styles for the ring you’ll be giving your future bride? Brides: which ring above stands out to you and why? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

In my humble opinion, today’s groom-approved link drop is one of the strongest we’ve ever put together. In fact, it might just be the best. Wedding bloggers: tweet us with your groom links for consideration in next week’s roundup. Enjoy!

[Video] Central Park Graffiti Marriage Proposal – pap the question

5 Smokin’ Styles for Gutsy Grooms – she & he plan weddings

The 3 Secrets to a Happy Marriage – success building blocks

[Fit to be Tied] Wintry Neckties – well-groomed

[Man Up] Tips on Being a Confident Groom – staggered usa

8 Great Ideas for Busy Couples – 05.com

Can You Use Coupons to Pay for Your Wedding? – gigmasters

Top 10 Tips for Traveling in Style – ask men

The Big Money Question: Who Pays for What? – onewed

Why You Shouldn’t Take a Friend to a Wedding – your tango

If watching ‘Mad Men’ has taught me anything, it’s that cocktails and men go hand-in-hand. They also tend to go over very well at showers, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. In fact, going with a signature cocktail as opposed to an open bar is one of the best ways to reduce your budget (especially if your friends drink like mine). A fun and increasingly popular concept is to opt for two cocktail selections, one selected by the bride and another by the groom. This way, you can have the best of both worlds. For the guys, here’s a few personal favorites to consider as you begin your quest to get your wedding guests sufficiently drunk and satisfied.

Feeling like an extra stealthy groom? The Vesper is famous for being James Bond’s drink of choice.

Ingredients – 3oz. Gordon’s gin, 1oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc

Preparation – In the words of Bond himself, shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.

It doesn’t get any more manly than the Manhattan. If you’ve never had one, you’d be doing yourself a huge favor ordering one the next time you’re out on the town.

Ingredients – 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth, 2 1/2 oz. whiskey (pref. bourbon), 1 dash Angostura bitters, 1 maraschino cherry, 1 twist orange peel

Preparation – Mix the vermouth, whiskey, and bitters with three ice cubes in a mixing glass. Gently stir the drink. Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the juice.

Trust us, it’s not as bad as the name implies. And did we mention, its main ingredient is scotch?

Ingredients – 1 1/2 oz. Scotch whisky, 1/2 oz. Drambuie Scotch whisky, 1 lemon peel twist

Preparation – Mix the Scotch and Drambuie together over ice and stir. Use the lemon twist to garnish the glass.

If you’re having a summer wedding and want a classic drink that’s perfect for a hot day, look no further than our old friend Mr. Tom Collins.

Ingredients – 1¼ oz. Tanqueray gin, 1 oz lemon juice or lime juice, 1 tsp sweet and sour mix, 1 splash club soda, 1 maraschino cherry, 1 orange slice

Preparation – In a shaker, mix the Tanqeray, juice and sweet/sour mix over ice. Shake well and then strain into a Collins glass that’s pre-filled with ice. From there, add the club soda and garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

Another classic cocktail that fits in great at weddings. It’s origins are French, France is romantic, you do the math…

Ingredients – 3/4oz. Cointreau, 3/4oz. brandy, 3/4oz. lemon juice

Preparation – Fill a mixing glass with ice and add in all three ingredients. Shake heartily and pour into a cocktail glass. For added taste, wet the rim of the glass and coat with a thin layer of sugar.

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Have you discussed having an open bar versus having a few select cocktails at your reception or rehearsal dinner? Would you consider serving any of these featured drinks at your wedding? Let us know in the comment section below.