Best Man's Guide: Spending Money Wisely

Being the best man at a wedding can be a costly affair. While there is no definitive answer to how much money one should spend as the best man, there are several factors to consider. These include the relationship with the groom, the number of groomsmen, the cost of travel and accommodation, the outfit expenses, and any other wedding-related costs incurred. The gift amount can range from $30 to $50 on average, with some suggesting a minimum of $100 to $300, and others even going as high as $1000. Ultimately, it is a personal decision based on one's financial situation and comfort level.

Gifts for the groom

There is no definitive answer to how much money the best man should spend on the groom, as it depends on a variety of factors, such as budget, the cost of wedding-related expenses, and the expectations of the couple and their families. However, the best man is expected to give a gift to the groom, and possibly the bride as well.

• A personalised gift, such as something with a special date engraved on it or a gift that incorporates photos or videos of the groom's family or childhood.
• A traditional gift, such as a nice bottle of wine or a fancy coffee machine, depending on the groom's interests.
• A practical gift, such as a steamer if the groom wears suits often, or a Nintendo Switch if he enjoys gaming.
• A sentimental gift, such as a framed invitation from the wedding or a handmade item.
• A group gift, such as a set of personalised whiskey decanters or flasks for the groom and groomsmen.
• An experience, such as a day out or a trip down memory lane to honour old traditions or revisit special places from the groom's past.

The best man should consider his relationship with the groom and choose a gift that is meaningful and personalised. It is also important to be mindful of the groom's interests and avoid giving a gift that may be considered inappropriate or gauche.

Gifts for the bride

As the best man, you may be expected to pay for wedding-related expenses such as a tux rental, travel costs, and parties. If these expenses are significant, it is generally considered acceptable not to provide a gift at all. However, if you wish to give a gift to the bride, here are some ideas:

Gift Ideas for the Bride

• Offer to help with the bridal shower, bachelorette party, or other pre-wedding events. This could include planning, organizing, or contributing financially.
• Give a thoughtful, personalised gift that holds sentimental value. For example, something that reminds the bride of a shared memory or a special person in her life.
• If the bride is close to you, consider a gift card to one of her favourite stores or a store where she has a wedding registry. This gives her the flexibility to choose something she truly wants or needs.
• For a destination wedding, offer to help with travel or lodging expenses. This can be a meaningful way to support the bride and reduce her financial burden.
• If you are crafty or have a special skill, consider creating a handmade gift or offering your services. For example, you could offer to do the bride's hair and makeup for the wedding or create a personalised piece of art or jewellery.
• For a more traditional approach, give cash or a cheque as a gift. This can be a flexible option for the bride to use as she wishes, such as contributing to a honeymoon fund or covering wedding expenses.
• If the bride and groom have a registry, you can choose to give a group gift by joining forces with other friends or groomsmen. This can be a thoughtful way to contribute a larger item without exceeding your budget.
• Consider the bride's hobbies and interests when choosing a gift. For example, if she enjoys coffee, you could gift her a fancy coffee machine. If she wears suits for work, you could give her a clothing steamer.
• If the bride is close to you, ask her fiancé or a member of her bridal party for gift ideas. They may have insights into specific items she would appreciate or experiences she would enjoy.
• If you have the financial means and a very close relationship with the bride, a more substantial cash gift may be appropriate. However, be mindful of your own budget and comfort level, and do not feel obligated to give more than you can afford.

Gifts for the best man

The amount of money a best man should spend on gifts depends on a variety of factors, including cultural background, the cost of the wedding, and the financial situation of the best man.

Cultural Background

In some cultures, it is customary for the best man to pay for specific items, such as the wedding rings or the groom's suit. In other cultures, guests may pin money to the bride and groom's clothing, give expensive jewellery, or present cash in envelopes.

Cost of the Wedding

It is common for wedding guests to aim to cover the cost of their meal and drinks with their gift. This amount can vary depending on the wedding's location and style, from $80 per person to several hundred dollars.

Financial Situation

The financial situation of the best man is an important consideration when determining how much to spend on gifts. Some people suggest giving a week's income as a gift, while others recommend a more flexible approach, such as covering the cost of your meal and drinks, or giving what you can afford and feel comfortable with.

Gift Ideas for the Best Man

• A thoughtful, personalised gift that holds sentimental value for the groom, such as something related to a shared childhood memory or experience.
• A custom or handmade item, like a set of whiskey decanters, flasks, or knives.
• An experience or activity that the groom enjoys, such as a spa day, a golf outing, or a hunting trip.
• A practical item that the groom can use in their daily life or for their hobby, such as a nice watch, a wallet, a duffel bag, or a coffee machine.
• Covering the cost of the groom's suit or other wedding-related expenses, such as accommodation or travel.
• A combination of a smaller monetary gift and a thoughtful card or photo of the wedding party.

Remember, the most important thing is to give a gift that comes from the heart and shows your appreciation for the groom. It is not about the price tag but the thought and effort behind it.

Gifts for the groomsmen

Grooms typically spend between $25 to $100 per groomsman, but this can vary depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some gift ideas for the groomsmen, taking into account different budgets:

Budget-Friendly Gifts ($25 to $50)

• Personalized keychains, bottle openers, or socks with their initials.
• Stylish sunglasses.
• Money clips, ties, cufflinks, or wallets.
• A set of beer mugs or shot glasses.
• Custom tie clips.
• Custom money clips.
• Bottle openers.

Mid-Range Gifts ($50 to $75)

• Leather wallets.
• Engraved flasks.
• Personalized watches.
• Groomsmen decanters.
• Pocket knives.
• Personalized slim wallets.

High-End Gifts (Over $100)

• Custom experiences.
• Luxury items like high-quality personalized bags.
• Custom artwork.
• High-end tech gadgets.
• Premium whiskey sets.
• Custom suits.

Travel and accommodation

As the best man, you may be expected to cover your travel and accommodation expenses. The cost of these will depend on the wedding's location and your own. If it is a destination wedding, for example, you may need to budget for flights and several nights in a hotel. If the wedding is local, you may only need to consider transport costs and perhaps one night in a hotel if you don't want to travel home late at night.

If the wedding is in another country, you may also need to take vacation days, which could impact your budget.

It is also worth considering the costs the couple are incurring for you to be there. For example, are they asking the groomsmen to wear a specific outfit? If so, you may want to factor this into your budget.

If you are also organising the bachelor party, you will need to budget for this separately.

The amount you spend on travel and accommodation as the best man will depend on your personal circumstances and your relationship with the couple. If you are close friends, you may want to spend more to be there for all the pre-wedding events. If you are not in a strong financial position, it is perfectly acceptable to spend less.

Some cultures also dictate the amount of money you give, so this may be something to consider when creating your budget.

Frequently asked questions