Best Man's Gift: Separate Or Not?

The best man is expected to give the groom a gift or organise a group gift from the groomsmen. This is in addition to the costs of the bachelor party, travel expenses, hotel rooms, and wedding attire. While it is not required, it is a nice way to show appreciation for the groom and to commemorate his wedding. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship. It is not necessary to give an expensive gift, and it is more important to consider the groom's interests and preferences.

Should the best man give a separate gift to the groom?

The best man is expected to give the groom a gift or organise a group gift from the groomsmen. This is in addition to the costs of the bachelor party, travel, accommodation, and attire for the wedding. While it is not required, it is a nice gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship.

Some people believe that the best man should give a separate gift to the groom, while others think it is sufficient to give a gift as part of the groomsmen group. Ultimately, it is up to the best man's discretion and budget. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to give a separate gift:

• Budget: Being a best man can be expensive, with costs for the bachelor party, travel, accommodation, and attire for the wedding adding up quickly. If your budget is tight, you may want to opt for a group gift or a smaller individual gift.
• Time and Effort: The best man often takes on additional responsibilities, such as planning the bachelor party and assisting with wedding preparations. Consider the time and effort you have put into your role when deciding on a gift.
• Relationship: Think about your relationship with the groom. If he is a close friend or family member, you may want to give a separate gift to show your appreciation.
• Expectations: Discuss expectations with the groom and other groomsmen. It is important to communicate openly to avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings.
• Personalisation: A separate gift for the best man can be more personalised to his interests, hobbies, or personality. This adds a thoughtful touch and shows that you have put extra effort into choosing his gift.
• Timing: It is generally recommended to give the gift before the wedding, such as at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party. If this is not possible, the morning of the wedding is also appropriate.
• Thoughtfulness: Choose a gift that is meaningful and shows your appreciation. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be something that the groom will appreciate and use.
• Presentation: Consider the presentation of the gift. A nicely wrapped gift with a handwritten note can make it even more special.
• Practicality: A practical gift that the groom can use is always a good option. Think about his daily needs and hobbies when selecting a gift.
• Avoid Inappropriateness: Stay away from gifts that could be offensive, controversial, or embarrassing. Respect the groom's personal preferences and values.

Should the best man give a separate gift to the couple?

The best man is traditionally expected to give the groom a gift or organise a group gift from the groomsmen. This is to commemorate the groom's wedding and thank him for his friendship. The best man has unique responsibilities, such as organising the bachelor party and ensuring the groom arrives at the altar on time, so it is customary to give him a separate gift.

However, it is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, and it can be a nice gesture to show appreciation with a small, token gift or a card with a heartfelt message. This is especially true if the best man has already spent a lot of money on the bachelor party, tux rental, and other wedding-related expenses.

Some couples may also ask their wedding party for financial donations instead of physical gifts, but this is not an etiquette rule and can put added pressure on the best man, who has already spent a lot of money on wedding-related expenses. In this case, it is acceptable for the best man to give a modest gift or cash amount, or even nothing at all, especially if he is saving up for his own wedding or other financial goals.

Ultimately, the decision to give a separate gift to the couple is up to the best man's discretion and should be based on his budget and relationship with the couple. If he chooses to give a gift, it is best to give it before the wedding, either at the rehearsal dinner or on the wedding day before the ceremony.

What are some best man gift ideas?

It is customary for the groom to give a gift to the best man as a token of appreciation for their support and participation in the wedding. The best man also often receives gifts from the couple or the groom. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship. It is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, but it can be a nice gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man.

Gifts for the Outdoorsy Type

• Multi-tool or pocket knife (engraved with his initials)
• Leather field notes cover (with a personal note written inside)
• Camping or fishing gear (paired with a plan to go camping or fishing together)
• Adventure gear such as a camping hammock, a durable backpack, or a multi-tool set

Gifts for the Beverage Enthusiast

• Bottle opener or corkscrew (personalized, or from a favourite bar)
• Personalized flask or pint glass (paired with a bottle of his favourite whiskey or beer)
• Tickets to a beer festival or pub crawl (with a plan to go together)
• High-quality whiskey glasses
• A nice bottle of wine

Gifts for the Stylish

• Necktie or bowtie (in his favourite colour)
• Set of personalized cufflinks
• Wristwatch (engraved with his initials)
• Elegant cufflinks
• Custom money clip

Gifts for the Traveller

• Leather luggage tag (with his initials)
• Passport wallet (with a gift card to his favourite restaurant tucked inside)
• Dopp kit (with his initials or his favourite aftershave inside)
• Leather backpack

Other Gift Ideas

• Personalized golf balls
• Subscription box tailored to his interests
• Personalized artwork
• High-quality grooming kit
• Personalized barware
• Retro arcade machine
• Book

When is the best time to give the best man a gift?

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding, from planning the bachelor party to ensuring the groom arrives at the altar on time. It is only natural to want to show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift. But when is the best time to present this gift?

The timing of the gift is important, and it is generally recommended to give the best man his gift before the wedding. This can be done at the wedding rehearsal dinner or even at the bachelor party. If these options are not feasible, the groom can give the gift to the best man on the wedding day itself, before the ceremony.

Giving the gift before the wedding is advisable as many members of the wedding party may have consumed alcohol during the reception, and it may not be the best time for gift-giving. By giving the gift beforehand, you ensure that the best man has something tangible to remember the occasion by and feels appreciated for his efforts.

It is also worth noting that the gift should be presented in a straightforward and discreet manner. While you want to show your gratitude, you don't want to embarrass the best man or make the other groomsmen feel envious. A simple, tasteful gift that falls within the range of $75 to $150 is generally appropriate.

So, in summary, the best time to give the best man a gift is either at the rehearsal dinner, bachelor party, or on the wedding day before the ceremony begins. This will ensure the gift is received with the appreciation and gratitude it deserves.

How much should the best man gift cost?

There is no set amount that you have to spend on a best man gift. The amount you spend should be based on your budget and the level of your relationship with your best man. It's the thought and effort that count, so focus on finding a gift that is meaningful and personalised.

On average, most grooms spend anywhere from $35 to $45 per best man. However, this amount is not set in stone and can vary depending on your financial situation and cultural background. For example, in some cultures, it is customary to give larger gifts, such as $500 or more, to close friends or family members.

When determining how much to spend on a best man gift, you can consider the following guidelines:

• Spend 10-25% of what your best man spent on your wedding: If your best man spent a significant amount on your wedding, such as suit rentals, the bachelor party, or travel expenses, it is considerate to reciprocate with a gift of similar value.
• Use your wedding budget as a guideline: If you are hosting a simpler wedding and have not incurred significant expenses for your best man, a smaller gift around $25 may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you are having a more extravagant wedding, a gift in the range of $100-$200 may be more suitable.
• Personalise the gift: Regardless of the amount you spend, it is important to put thought and effort into the gift. Consider your best man's interests, hobbies, and personality when choosing the gift. A personalised or sentimental gift will show your appreciation and be more meaningful than an expensive but generic gift.

Frequently asked questions