Best Man's Financial Responsibilities: What To Expect

Being the best man at a wedding is an honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and financial obligations. While the best man is not expected to contribute to the wedding itself by paying for food, drinks, or entertainment, there are several other costs that are traditionally covered by the best man. These include the cost of renting or buying a suit or tuxedo, planning and paying for the bachelor party (although other groomsmen usually chip in), and buying a wedding gift for the couple. The best man may also be asked to pay for decorations for the wedding vehicle and to return any rented attire after the wedding. In addition to these expenses, the best man has several important duties, such as holding the wedding rings during the ceremony, serving as a witness and signing the marriage certificate, and giving a speech at the reception.

Travel and accommodation

If the wedding is close to home, it may be more cost-effective to stay at home. Traditionally, the groom and his party stay together the night before the wedding, which can help to save on accommodation fees.

Destination bachelor parties can be very costly. For example, a weekend in Las Vegas will include accommodation, travel, food, drink, and entertainment costs. For a closer-to-home bachelor party, you may still need to book a holiday home, restaurant tables, or VIP seats at a bar. Usually, the groom's party will split the costs.

For a destination wedding, guests typically pay for their own travel costs and may also pay for their own accommodation. However, it is sensible to consider the financial situation of your best man and chip in if necessary.

As best man, you may also be in charge of driving the couple to the reception, wedding-night hotel, or airport after the reception.

Pre-wedding grooming

While the best man has a lot of responsibilities, pre-wedding grooming is an important aspect to ensure the groom looks and feels his best on the big day. Here is a pre-wedding grooming guide for the best man to help the groom navigate the days and months leading up to the wedding:

3 Months Before:

Start a reasonable and healthy workout routine to tone up and boost energy levels. It takes around 66 days for a habit to stick, so beginning three months before the wedding is ideal. Facials are another essential pre-wedding task, but these should be done in advance to ensure the skin doesn't have an allergic reaction. Once a comfortable facial routine is established, schedule one for the week of the wedding for a glowing complexion.

1 Month Before:

Focus on teeth whitening. The groom will be front and centre in hundreds of photos, so it's important to ensure his pearly whites are camera-ready. Visit a dentist for professional whitening, or try at-home whitening systems.

2 Weeks Before:

Book a full-body massage to ease any tension and help the groom feel relaxed and refreshed before the big day.

1 Week Before:

Get a manicure to ensure the groom's hands are well-groomed for the wedding. If he's hesitant about a professional manicure, he can simply clip and file his nails, apply lotion or coconut oil, and gently push back any visible cuticles.

1 Day Before:

Get a haircut, especially if the groom is visiting his regular barber. It's best to avoid a new hairstyle right before the wedding; any experiments can be done later.

On the morning of the wedding, the groom can treat himself to a professional shave with a hot towel service. This will leave him feeling fresh and looking dapper as he prepares to tie the knot.

Other Pre-Wedding Grooming Tips:

• Shave, trim, and maintain facial hair regularly.
• Invest in beard oil to provide nourishment and promote smooth, acne-free skin.
• Comb the beard to encourage growth.
• Oil massage the hair to increase blood circulation, prevent dandruff, reduce hair drying, and protect the follicle.
• Use a mild shampoo to wash off the oil, and avoid hydrating, moisturising, or smoothing shampoos if you have an oily scalp.
• Go for a pedicure to ensure clean and well-groomed feet.
• Use sunscreen to protect the skin from ageing, reduce spots, and even out skin tone.
• Cleanse, tone, and moisturise regularly to remove excess dirt, restore nutrients, reduce redness, and fight against wrinkles.
• Use an under-eye cream to reduce puffiness and dark circles, ensuring the groom looks fresh for pre-wedding photo shoots.
• Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation. Natural ingredients like besan, milk, and turmeric can be combined to create a scrub, or a charcoal mask can be used once or twice a week.
• Invest in a facial to remove excess skin and cure deep creases, providing a youthful appearance.
• Eat healthily and maintain a balanced diet in the lead-up to the wedding.

Bachelor party

Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finances. Here are some tips to help you navigate the financial aspects of organising a memorable celebration for the groom-to-be:

Planning and Budgeting:

The best man usually takes on the role of planning, organising, and managing the finances for the bachelor party. It's essential to consult the groom to understand their dream celebration, and then discuss with the groomsmen to determine a comfortable budget. The best man should also keep track of all shared expenses and collect money from the attendees.

Transportation and Lodging:

Guests typically pay for their transportation to the bachelor party destination, whether by bus, train, or plane. If driving is an option, the group may split the cost of gas or rental fees. For lodging, guests should expect to cover their own hotel rooms or split the cost of an Airbnb evenly.

Food, Entertainment, and Activities:

The approach to these expenses can vary. Casual meals like breakfast or lunch may be paid for separately, while the group may decide to treat the groom to a special dinner. The best man and groomsmen usually cover the groom's meals, drinks, and entertainment, such as shows, paintball, or strippers. It's recommended to limit pricey outings to one or two to avoid burdening the guests.

Decorations and Giveaways:

The best man and groomsmen typically cover the cost of decorations, branded items, and other props for the party. These expenses are generally not too high but add to the fun and memories of the celebration.

The Groom's Expenses:

The general rule is that the groom pays for nothing, especially when the bachelor party doesn't involve significant travel. However, if the event includes travel and separate lodging, the groom may offer to cover their travel expenses to ease the burden on the wedding party.

Communication and Inclusivity:

It's essential to communicate openly with the groom and the wedding party. Be mindful of everyone's budget constraints, especially when planning a destination bachelor party. Providing a rough estimate of the total costs ahead of time allows guests to make informed decisions about their participation.

In conclusion, while there are no set rules, the key to a successful bachelor party is effective communication, budget management, and ensuring that the groom has a memorable time without shouldering the financial burden.

Wedding attire

• Consider the dress code. If the wedding invitation doesn't specify a dress code, don't be afraid to ask the couple for clarity.
• Think about the venue and season. For example, a beach wedding calls for lightweight fabrics and relaxed vibes, while a city wedding might call for a sleek and stylish ensemble.
• Add your own flair. Feel free to add your own touch to your outfit, as long as it's appropriate for the occasion.
• Pay attention to the details. Ensure your suit fits well and is tailored to your body.
• Accessorize. Cufflinks, tie bars, wristwatches, pocket squares, and dress socks can add a touch of personality to your look.
• Black-tie wedding: Wear a black or midnight blue tuxedo, black patent leather or velvet oxford shoes, and a collared dress shirt.
• Formal wedding: Opt for a dark-colored suit, such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue. Experiment with accessories like tie bars and cufflinks.
• Cocktail/semi-formal wedding: Go for a suit or blazer with dress pants. Keep colors and patterns classy and avoid anything too casual.
• Casual wedding: Keep it relaxed with chinos or dress pants paired with a button-down shirt. Add personality with accessories like a stylish watch or belt.

Wedding gift

The best man traditionally has a lot of responsibilities, from planning the bachelor party to giving a speech at the reception. He is also expected to buy a wedding gift for the couple. While there is no set amount that a best man should spend on a wedding gift, it is generally expected to be a thoughtful and reasonably priced gift.

• A personalised gift, such as engraved watches, beer coolers, or travel bags.
• Something practical that the couple can use together, like a chef's knife set, a barbecue set, or a fancy coffee machine.
• A gift card to their favourite restaurant or store.
• A bottle of their favourite alcohol or a set of fancy glasses.
• A gift that is meaningful to the couple, such as a book they both like or a gift related to a shared hobby.
• If the best man is financially comfortable and wants to give a larger gift, he could consider giving cash, a voucher, or a cheque to the couple to spend as they wish.

It is important to remember that the best man's gift is a way to show appreciation and celebrate the couple's special day. It should not be a burden or cause financial strain.

Frequently asked questions