Best Man's Gift: How Much To Give Generously

Being a best man at a wedding is an honour, but it can also be a financial burden. The role of the best man is often given to a groom's brother, close relative, or best friend, and it comes with specific duties and financial responsibilities. While there is no standard amount that a best man is expected to give, the cost of being a best man can quickly add up. Typically, a best man will be expected to pay for their wedding outfit, the costs incurred through the organisation of the bachelor party, and a wedding gift for the couple. Travel and accommodation expenses for the wedding and any pre-wedding events are also usually the responsibility of the best man. The groom may choose to cover some of these costs, but it's important for the best man to be prepared to bear these expenses.

The best man's financial situation

The financial situation of the best man will play a large role in determining how much they should give as a wedding gift. While some people suggest that the best man should give a gift of around $100 to $200, others suggest that the amount should be higher, ranging from $300 to $500 or more. However, it's important to note that the best man is already expected to cover other expenses associated with the wedding, such as their suit or tuxedo rental, the bachelor party, and any travel or accommodation costs. Therefore, it is generally agreed upon that the best man should give what they can comfortably afford, and that their presence and support are gifts in themselves.

It's worth noting that the best man's duties and expenses may vary depending on cultural and regional traditions. For example, in some cultures, it is expected that the best man pays for the wedding rings or the groom's suit. In other cultures, guests may pin money to the bride and groom's clothing, or give expensive gold jewellery as a gift. Therefore, the best man's financial situation will also need to accommodate these potential expenses, depending on the specific cultural and regional expectations.

Ultimately, the best man should communicate openly with the groom and other groomsmen about their budget and what they are expected to pay for. By having these financial conversations early on, the best man can plan accordingly and ensure that they are not burdened with unexpected costs. It's important to remember that the best man's presence and support are invaluable, and that their financial contribution should be within their means and not cause any financial strain.

Covering the cost of the bachelor party

The best man and groomsmen traditionally split the cost of the bachelor party. The groom usually doesn't pay for his bachelor party, except when the event involves travel and separate hotel lodging. In that case, it's common for the groom to cover his expenses.

The best man usually plans, organises and hosts the party, and often manages the bachelor party money. They should consult the groom to understand his ideal party and then talk to the groomsmen to understand how much they can comfortably spend.

The best man might cover something bigger, like a dinner, but they're also going out of pocket for lots of little things like labour, time, organisation, emails, booking and scheduling.

Bachelor parties can cost up to $1,000 or more per person. According to a survey from The Knot, a one-day bachelor party will cost $350 per person, two days will cost $550, and three-day parties average at $750 per person. Add airfare, and bachelor party prices climb. According to WeddingWire’s 2019 Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Study, attendees pay $813 for one-day events, $1,144 for three days, and $1,362 for five days. The average is $1,044.

• Take a survey. Send everyone an anonymous survey to gauge what attendees can pay.
• Provide a rough estimate of the final cost so attendees know what to expect.
• Shorten the length of the party.
• Invite more people to lower everyone’s financial contribution.
• Opt for budget-friendly activities.
• Plan ahead to save on flights, car rentals, and hotel reservations.
• Let guys opt out of certain activities.

To make managing the money easier, the best man can use a money pool app.

Gifts for the groom

Being the best man at a wedding can be a costly affair, with expenses such as tux rental, travel, and the bachelor party to consider. However, it is customary for the best man to also purchase a gift for the groom, and this is expected to be more than a generic gift. It should be a thoughtful, personalised gift that reflects the groom's interests, personality, or hobbies.

• Sports memorabilia or tickets to a game for a sports enthusiast.
• Unique kitchen gadgets or a high-quality cookbook for a foodie.
• Personalised cufflinks with the groom's initials.
• A stylish and functional cooler that doubles as a stool for an outdoorsy type.
• A personalised beer mug with an engraved message about your friendship.
• A personalised money clip with the groom's name and his role in the wedding.
• A personalised whisky glass with the groom's name, his role in the wedding, and the wedding date.
• Tickets to watch his favourite sports team for a memorable experience.
• A subscription to a cocktail box to help him maintain a well-stocked bar.
• A unique pair of socks printed with the wedding date and the groom's role.
• Accessories such as cufflinks or a watch engraved with the groom's initials.
• Custom beer tap handles or whisky glasses for a groom who enjoys drinking.
• Pocket knives, multi-tools, or fishing lures for an outdoors enthusiast.
• A grill, apron, or smoker for a groom who loves to cook.
• Signed merchandise or official gear for a sports fan.

When choosing a gift for the groom, it is important to consider your budget and not feel pressured to spend more than you are comfortable with. It is also a good idea to plan and purchase the gift well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and limited options.

Wedding gift cost

The best man is expected to give the groom a gift or coordinate a group gift from the groomsmen. However, the cost of being part of a wedding party can be high, with expenses such as travel, accommodation, and the bachelor party, so it is not uncommon for best men to worry about the cost of their gift.

There is no definitive answer to how much a best man should give as a wedding gift, and this will depend on a variety of factors, such as their financial situation, the cost of their expenses, and the expectations of the couple. Some people suggest that the best man should aim to give a more expensive gift than the other groomsmen, reflecting their more significant role in the wedding. Others suggest that a gift in the range of $75-$150 is appropriate, while anything above this may be considered extravagant.

Some people suggest that the best man should at least cover the cost of their meal at the reception, while others say that gifts are not required from the wedding party, and that their presence and the costs they have incurred are gift enough. It is also suggested that the best man could give a personalised, thoughtful gift, rather than a large sum of money.

If you are worried about the cost of your gift, it is best to speak to the couple and explain your situation.

Travel expenses

When it comes to travel expenses for the best man, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is common for the best man to pay for their own travel and accommodation when attending the wedding. This includes transportation, flights or car rentals, and hotel stays. If the wedding is in a different city or country, these costs can quickly add up. To save on travel expenses, the best man can consider sharing a vacation home rental or hotel room with other wedding party members.

In addition to travel costs, the best man often incurs other expenses related to the wedding. This may include the cost of renting or buying a suit or tuxedo, shoes, and other accessories. These costs can vary depending on the formality of the wedding and the specific requests of the groom. It is not uncommon for the groom to gift some of the accessories to his best man and groomsmen as a thank-you gesture.

The best man is also typically expected to contribute to the cost of the bachelor party, whether it is a local event or a destination celebration. This can include covering the groom's expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and activities. It is important for the best man to communicate with the other groomsmen to determine a budget that everyone is comfortable with.

With all these expenses, it is understandable if the best man is unable to provide a large monetary gift to the couple. In fact, many people believe that the best man's presence and participation in the wedding are gifts in themselves, especially if they have incurred significant costs for travel and other wedding-related expenses.

However, if the best man wishes to give a monetary gift, it is generally advised to give what one can comfortably afford. There is no set rule, but gifts from the best man usually range from $100 to $500, depending on their financial situation and the cost of their travel and other wedding-related expenses. It is also common for the best man to give a thoughtful, personalised gift instead of a monetary gift, especially if they are very close to the groom.

Frequently asked questions