Best Man's Gift Guide: How Much To Give

Being the best man at a wedding is a big responsibility. From planning the bachelor party to ensuring the groom gets to the altar on time, the best man plays a crucial role in the wedding preparations and on the big day itself. So, when it comes to gifting, what is expected of the best man?

There are differing opinions on how much the best man should give as a gift. Some people believe that the best man should give a more expensive gift than the other groomsmen to reflect their greater responsibilities. Others suggest that the best man's gift should be in line with the other groomsmen's gifts, with perhaps a small additional gift or a more personalised touch to set it apart. Ultimately, the amount the best man spends on a gift depends on their financial situation and their relationship with the groom. While some best men may opt for a lavish gift of $500 or more, others may give a more modest gift of around $100-$200, or even just $25 if they are on a tight budget. It's important to remember that it's the thought that counts, and the groom will likely appreciate a thoughtful, personalised gift over an expensive one.

Gifting a personalised item

Cufflinks

Cufflinks with the best man's initials or a monogram are a perfect way to symbolise the emotional connection between the two of you. If he's into stylish accessories, this could be a great choice.

Money Clip

A money clip is a stylish and practical gift that can be personalised with the best man's name, his role in your wedding, and even a meaningful quote or date. It's a gift that can be used every day and will remind him of your special day.

Barware

If your best man enjoys a good drink, consider gifting him a set of engraved whiskey glasses, a customised cocktail shaker, or a monogrammed decanter. It's a functional gift that adds a personal touch to his bar collection.

Sports Memorabilia

If your best man is into sports, consider getting him personalised sports memorabilia, such as a jersey with his name on it or a ball signed by his favourite player. You could also gift him tickets to see his favourite team play, creating a memorable experience.

Personalised Artwork

Commissioning a custom piece of artwork, such as a painting, caricature, or photo collage, is a unique way to showcase your appreciation. It can be a fun way to represent your friendship or capture a significant moment in your relationship.

Remember, when it comes to gifting your best man, it's important to consider his interests, hobbies, and personality. Adding a personal touch through personalisation shows that you've put thought and effort into the gift, making it even more meaningful.

Covering the cost of the bachelor party

Planning and Budgeting:

Before planning the bachelor party, it's important to have an open discussion about budgets with the groom and other groomsmen. As the best man, you can take the lead in understanding how much everyone is comfortable spending and plan an event that fits within those parameters. This may involve choosing a location that is convenient for everyone, considering all-inclusive packages, or finding ways to reduce costs, such as opting for a more casual dress code.

Sharing Costs:

A bachelor party can be expensive, so sharing costs among the groomsmen is a common practice. As the best man, you can take on a coordinating role, collecting money from the group, and making payments to vendors. This ensures that the groom doesn't have to worry about financial logistics and can fully enjoy the event.

Group Gifts:

Instead of individual gifts, the best man and groomsmen can pool their resources to give the groom a group gift. This could be something that the groom has always wanted but might not have treated himself to, like a nice bottle of liquor, a fancy dinner, or an experience like golfing or boating. A group gift allows for a more substantial present while keeping individual costs reasonable.

Practical Gifts:

If you're looking for a more traditional gift, practical items related to the bachelor party are always appreciated. These can include accessories like matching t-shirts, hats, or other novelty items with a personal touch. These gifts are memorable and create a sense of unity among the group.

Last-Minute Options:

If you're running out of time, there are still thoughtful last-minute gift options available. Alcohol is always a safe choice, especially if it's the groom's favourite drink. Alternatively, you can opt for a restaurant or barber shop gift card, allowing the groom to treat himself before the wedding.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a gift that shows your appreciation for the groom and celebrates this special time in his life. Whether it's a grand gesture or a small token, it's the thought that counts.

Giving cash

When it comes to giving cash as a gift from the best man to the groom, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to consider your budget and financial situation. The amount you give should be based on what you can comfortably afford, and it is not necessary to go overboard. $100 to $200 is generally considered an acceptable amount for a cash gift, but you can give more or less depending on your means. Keep in mind that you don't want to put yourself in a difficult financial position, and a thoughtful gift that reflects your relationship with the groom can be just as meaningful as a large sum of money.

If you are the groom and you are wondering how much to give your best man as a gift, it is common to spend a little more on the best man compared to the other groomsmen to reflect their additional responsibilities. You could consider giving the best man a full-size bottle of liquor while the groomsmen receive miniature bottles, or you could add a thoughtful extra gift such as a set of whiskey glasses. Ultimately, the amount you give should be based on your budget and the nature of your relationship.

It is worth noting that giving cash is not the only option. Some couples choose to pay for some of the groomsmen's wedding expenses, such as their suits or accommodation, as a token of gratitude. This can be a more convenient option if you are unsure about the appropriate amount to give as a cash gift. Additionally, a personalised or sentimental gift that reflects your relationship with the groom or best man can be just as meaningful, if not more, than a cash gift.

When deciding on the gift, it is a good idea to plan ahead and purchase the gift one or two months before the wedding. This will allow you to avoid last-minute stress and ensure that any personalisations or special touches are taken care of. It is also recommended to present the gift shortly before the wedding, such as at the rehearsal dinner or on the morning of the wedding, to properly thank the best man for their contributions to the wedding.

Buying an item from the wedding registry

When it comes to buying an item from the wedding registry, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider your budget and how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Wedding gifts can range from $50 to $1000, but the average amount spent by guests is around $150. If you're the best man, you may want to spend a little more, but it's not a requirement.

Another factor to consider is your relationship with the couple. If you're close friends with the bride and groom, you might want to choose a more expensive item from the registry or opt for a sentimental gift. If you're attending as a colleague or distant relative, a gift between $50 and $100 is generally appropriate.

It's also worth noting that you don't have to buy a gift from the registry. You can choose to give a personal gift that you know the couple will love, or you can give cash or a gift card. Group gifts are also an option if you want to join forces with other guests to purchase a more expensive item.

When deciding what to buy from the registry, consider the couple's interests and needs. For example, if they love cooking, you could choose a kitchen appliance or a nice set of cookware. If they're coffee enthusiasts, a fancy coffee machine could be a great option.

Keep in mind that you don't have to break the bank to show your support for the happy couple. A thoughtful gift within your budget will surely be appreciated.

Gifting tickets to a sports game

Choosing the Right Game

When selecting a sports game to gift, consider the best man's favourite sports team or league. You can opt for tickets to catch a game from their favourite team or a niche event they would enjoy. If they are an avid sports fan, you can also consider gifting tickets to a variety of games from different leagues to give them a broader experience.

Timing and Presentation

It is customary to give the best man his gift before the wedding. You can present it at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party, or even the morning of the wedding if you have a moment together. When giving the gift, consider adding a personal touch with nice gift wrapping and a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and well wishes.

Budget and Practicality

While the gift's thought and effort are more important than the price tag, it is still essential to consider your budget. Tickets to sports games can vary in price depending on the team, league, and seat location. Set a budget that works for you and look for games within that price range. You can also pair the tickets with a practical gift, like a cooler or a travel mug, to make the gift more useful and memorable.

Adding a Personal Touch

Personalisation is always a nice touch when it comes to best man gifts. You can add their initials or a special message to the tickets or include a personalised item related to the sports game, like a customised jersey or a baseball cap.

Combining with Other Gifts

If you are also planning to give the best man a physical item or a group gift, you can combine the tickets with these gifts. For example, you could give them a personalised beer mug with a note saying you'll catch the next game together, or a set of engraved whiskey glasses to celebrate after the game.

Remember, the gift of sports game tickets is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for your best man and create a memorable experience for them.

Frequently asked questions