The Best Man's Gift: How Much To Spend?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding how much to spend on a best man gift. How much is the best man investing in the wedding? How involved are they in the planning process? How far have they travelled? How much have they spent on their outfit?

The average person spends between $30 and $100 on a wedding gift, with friends or relatives spending between $75 and $100, and close friends, family members, and wedding party members spending between $100 and $150 or more. However, there is no minimum or maximum amount that should be spent, and it is the thought that counts.

Gifting guidelines

There are no strict rules about how much to spend on a gift for the best man, and it's important to remember that it's the thought and effort that count rather than the price tag. The amount you spend should be based on your budget and the level of your relationship with the best man.

If you're comfortable spending $150 per person, that's great, but even $15 or $20 per person can be meaningful with a little thought. You can also put extra effort into writing heartfelt thank-you notes for everyone. Allocating a portion of your wedding budget for gifts early on can help you avoid financial roadblocks.

• Spend 10-25% of what your best man spent: If you ask your best man to spend a total of $300, consider giving him a gift that costs between $30 and $75. This ensures that your gift is proportional to the time and money he put into your wedding.
• Use your wedding budget as a guideline: If you're hosting a budget-friendly wedding and haven't asked your best man to spend a lot, a gift around the $25 price point is perfectly acceptable. On the other hand, if you're splurging on a lavish celebration, it's appropriate to give more expensive gifts.

It's worth noting that the average spend on a single groomsman is around $37, and you should aim to choose gifts that are meaningful and personalised. You can also give your best man a little something extra, such as a pair of socks or a tie bar, to make him feel special.

Average spend

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 groomsman. One source suggests that the average spend on a single groomsman is $37, while another source suggests that $150 per groomsman is a good figure if you can afford it. However, if that feels out of reach, $15 to $20 per person can also go a long way with a little thought.

If your groomsmen are spending a lot of money to be part of your wedding, it's a nice and easy guideline to spend 10-25% of what they spent on their gift. For example, if they spent $300, a groomsman gift priced somewhere between $30-$75 would be appropriate.

If you're hosting a lower-budget wedding and haven't asked your friends to spend a lot, it's perfectly acceptable to purchase affordable groomsmen gifts that hover around the $25 price point. On the other hand, if you're throwing a ritzy wedding bash, it's more appropriate to hand out more expensive gifts.

Budgeting for gifts

Consider Your Financial Situation

The amount you spend on the best man gift should be based on your financial capabilities. If you can comfortably afford to spend a more considerable amount, go for it. Similarly, if a smaller budget is what you can manage, that is okay too. Your loved ones will not expect you to go broke buying gifts. A thoughtful and personalised gift, regardless of its price, will be well-received and appreciated.

Allocate a Portion of Your Wedding Budget for Gifts

It is advisable to allocate a portion of your wedding budget for gifts early on in the planning process. This way, you can avoid financial strain when it comes to purchasing gifts for the best man and other members of the wedding party.

Spend Based on the Best Man's Expenses

A general guideline is to spend 10-25% of what the best man has spent on wedding-related expenses. For example, if the best man has spent a total of $300, you can consider gifting him something between $30-$75. This ensures that your gift is proportional to the time and money they have invested in your special day.

Use the Wedding's Extravagance as a Guideline

If you are hosting a lavish wedding and have requested your friends to spend a significant amount on their attire or other wedding-related expenses, it is appropriate to reciprocate with more expensive gifts. On the other hand, if your wedding is on the simpler side, with minimal expenses for the wedding party, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase more affordable gifts.

Personalise the Gift

While the monetary value of the gift is one aspect, it is also essential to focus on the thought and personalisation behind the gift. Consider the best man's interests, hobbies, and preferences when selecting the gift. A thoughtful and personalised gift, regardless of its price, will be well-received and cherished.

Combine a Sentimental Gift with a Monetary Gift

If you are unsure about the type of gift to give, you can consider combining a thoughtful, personalised gift with a monetary gift. This way, you can show your appreciation with a sentimental item and also provide the best man with the flexibility to purchase something they truly want or need.

Remember, the most important aspect of budgeting for gifts is to stay within your means and focus on the thought and effort you put into the gift. A well-considered and personalised present will be appreciated by the best man, regardless of its price tag.

Gift ideas

When it comes to choosing a gift for the best man, it's important to put thought and effort into finding something meaningful and personalised. Here are some gift ideas that will show your appreciation and make the best man feel special:

• Personalised Golf Balls: If your best man enjoys golfing, consider getting him a set of golf balls engraved with his initials or a special message.
• Adventure Gear: For the outdoorsy type, gift him adventure gear such as a camping hammock, a durable backpack, or a multi-tool set.
• Elegant Cufflinks: Help your best man elevate his style with a pair of cufflinks. Choose a design that reflects his personality or opt for personalisation with his initials or a meaningful symbol.
• Personalised Watch: A timeless gift that your best man will cherish for years. Engrave a heartfelt message or his initials on the back to add a special touch.
• Custom Money Clip: A stylish and practical gift for the best man who likes to keep his cash organised. Engrave it with his initials or a meaningful symbol to make it unique.
• Nice Bottle of Wine: Treat your best man to a bottle of his favourite wine or a unique vintage. Pair it with a personalised wine opener or a set of wine glasses to complete the gift.
• High-Quality Whiskey Glasses: If your best man is a whiskey connoisseur, he'll appreciate a set of unique or personalised whiskey glasses.
• Memorable Experience: Instead of a physical item, create lasting memories by gifting an experience such as a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game, or a relaxing spa day.
• Personalised Artwork: Commission a custom piece of artwork that represents your friendship or a significant moment in your lives. This could be a painting, a caricature, or a photo collage.
• Grooming Kit: Help your best man look his best with a high-quality grooming kit, including essential items like a luxury shaving set and skincare products.
• Personalised Barware: For the best man who enjoys a good drink, gift him a set of engraved whiskey glasses, a customised cocktail shaker, or a monogrammed decanter.
• Subscription Box: Treat him to a subscription box tailored to his interests, such as a monthly coffee sampler, a book club subscription, or a grooming kit delivery.

Remember, the amount you spend on the gift should be based on your budget and the level of your relationship. It's the thought and effort that count, so focus on making the gift meaningful and personalised.

Gift timing

It is important to consider the timing of your gift. You should avoid giving your gift too early—anything more than a month in advance is too soon. You want to make sure you are properly thanking your best man for everything they have done in the build-up to the wedding, including throwing the bachelor party. Therefore, it is best to plan to hand over your gift at the rehearsal dinner, the morning of the wedding, or a couple of weeks before the big day.

If you want to set up some private time with your best man before the wedding, this can be a great opportunity to give your gift. It will give you a chance to express your appreciation and spend some quality time together.

Remember, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute. With all the wedding planning, it can be easy to forget about selecting a gift, but leaving it until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and generic gifts. Take the time to plan and think about the best man's interests and preferences.

Frequently asked questions