Where can I purchase monogrammed items with Cyrillic characters?
Usually in the US Russian products are found in Russian stores. If you happen to have one in your area it might be a good idea to check it out. Most of them sell only food. However, you might find information about other Russian products and services there. You can also talk to owners and ask if they can refer you to right direction. It would be rather hard to find a product with Russian writing or monograms on it. Typically you would find nesting dolls, jewelry boxes, broaches, paintings... It would have to be a special order. Check out these websites, you might be able to find some products you like or get more ideas: http://russian-crafts.com/products.html http://www.goldengrail.com/ http://craftsofrussia.co.uk/index.htm http://www.russianamericancompany.com/home.asp http://www.russianlegacy.com/catalog/ http://www.rus-sell.com/index.html Here is another link with Russian and Ukrainian arts and crafts products: http://www.ukrainian-n-things.com/russian.htm In Ukrainian culture they have decorative towels (rushnyky) at the wedding: http://www.ukrainian-n-things.com/rushnyky.htm Cross stitched items seem to be quite popular in Russian crafts. Here are some wedding samplers: http://www.cross-stitch-centre.co.uk/acatalog/wedding_samplers.html
Handkerchief with monogrammed initial - Should the initial be from the first or last name?
I received a set of monogrammed handkerchiefs for xmas - yay! I'm curious to know whether the initial letter that is embroidered, should be from my first name, or last name? So if my name were John Smith, should the letter be "J", or "S"? If you could answer in the following format, and include your country, that will help me judge whether it's a regional thing. If you have a good explanation as to one over another, go ahead and leave it. Example: First - Peru or Last - Austria Thanks!
Manly groomsmen gifts you can fly carry on with?
Don't worry about "traditional" gifts, or what magazines/websites tell you that groomsmen should receive. Additionally, the guys do not need to receive matching gifts. You CAN buy matching gifts if you truly find something that each of them would like, but that's not a requirement. It shows more thought to get them each something personal and individual. That being said, you obviously don't want to give one guy an iPad and the other a $10 bottle of wine, so keep the gifts in the same approximate price range. And, unless the guys like and regularly used monogrammed items, don't feel like you MUST get the gifts monogrammed. I don't know what it is about weddings that suddenly make brides/grooms feel like everything needs a monogram on it. Think about each guy and what he likes/what's practical, and go from there. Pretend it's their birthday or Christmas and shop accordingly. My husband got nice designer sunglasses for his groomsmen and the guys use them all the time. You could also do sports tickets, clothing (ball cap, sweatshirt, t-shirt from a favorite team or band), concert tickets, liquor, office supplies, camping equipment, tickets to a show or play, electronics, health/fitness supplies, books, DVDs. Anything, really. Different people have different interests. We can't tell you the perfect gift because we have no idea who these guys are. If you find something perfect and it can't go on a plane, have it shipped to their house and explain at the rehearsal dinner/wedding day that the gift will be coming to their home. Maybe give them a little something to open, too, like some beer or candy or a cigar that can be immediately consumed. Or just give gift cards. My husband's been a groomsman a few times, and each time he's gotten a "traditional" gift like a flask, engraved beer mug or money clip, etc. He doesn't use any of those things anymore. So don't worry about "traditional" - worry about what each guys enjoys.
What to get bigs for fraternity installs?
Hey guys, I just crossed into a fraternity and I have big bro and a big sis. My installs is in about 2 months and I'm not sure what littles usually get their bigs. I know that I'm suppose to get them paddles. I'm also suppose to get my big sis a banner or felting but my big bro doesn't need one. What else should I get them? Should I get them apparel or what? Thanks!