Best Man's Reward: How Much Is Fair?

Being the best man at a wedding is an honour, but it can also be a financial burden. The best man is usually expected to pay for their wedding outfit, the costs of organising the bachelor party, and a wedding gift for the couple. They may also have to pay for travel and accommodation, and any decorations for the getaway car. The groom may choose to cover the cost of the best man's suit, but this is not always the case. The best man should be prepared to pay around $750 to $1500, although this will vary depending on the wedding and the couple's expectations.

Travel and accommodation

As the best man, you will be expected to pay for any travel, whether that be to the bachelor party, the suit fitting, or the wedding itself. This includes accommodation costs, such as if you need to stay at the venue a couple of nights before the wedding. If the wedding is close to home, it may be more cost-effective to stay in your own home.

If the wedding is a destination wedding, everyone who attends usually pays their way and then a little extra to cover the groom's costs. For a destination bachelor party, you could be looking at costs of well over $1000, whereas a bachelor party closer to home may only cost a few hundred dollars.

If the wedding is local, the groom is traditionally responsible for arranging and paying for the best man's accommodation. If the groom's family is covering the cost of the wedding or part of it, they may be asked to pay for the best man's room. However, in the current economic climate, few people have the extra cash to cover these costs.

Wedding outfit

Traditionally, the best man pays for his wedding outfit, the costs of organising the bachelor party, and a wedding gift for the couple. The best man may also incur additional costs depending on the wedding and the couple's wishes.

The groom and groomsmen will typically pay for their wedding day suits. However, the groom may include the cost of suits in his wedding budget. As a best man, you will usually be expected to purchase a suit and shoes that match.

The cost of a suit can vary depending on the quality and style. You can find good suits for as little as $200, while more expensive options can cost upwards of $500. Shoes can also range in price, from budget-friendly options at $50 to more costly alternatives.

When it comes to the bachelor party, the best man usually covers the expenses, but the groomsmen often chip in as well. A destination bachelor party can be significantly more expensive, factoring in costs for accommodation, travel, food, and drinks. For a closer-to-home celebration, you may need to book a venue or restaurant, which can also vary in price.

As a best man, you may also need to budget for travel and accommodation expenses associated with the wedding, especially if it requires you to stay at the venue for a couple of nights.

Additionally, it is customary to give a wedding gift to the couple. This can be as modest or extravagant as you prefer, with amounts ranging from $50 to $200 or more.

Remember to have open and honest discussions with the groom about expectations and budgets to ensure you are well-prepared for any costs that may arise.

Bachelor party

Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Discuss the Budget:

Talk to the groom and the other groomsmen about how much everyone is comfortable spending. The cost of the bachelor party should be split evenly among the attendees, except for the groom, who shouldn't have to pay for anything. Be mindful of everyone's financial situation and plan accordingly.

Choose a Location:

The location of the bachelor party will depend on the budget and the groom's preferences. It could be a local bar or distillery, a weekend trip to a nearby city, or even a destination celebration. Remember to consider travel and accommodation costs when choosing a location.

Send Out Invites:

Work with the groom to create a guest list for the bachelor party. This usually includes the groomsmen and other close friends or family members. Send out invites well in advance, especially if the event requires travel, to ensure everyone can attend.

Plan the Activities:

The bachelor party should reflect the groom's interests and personality. It could be a night of drinking and dancing, a day of outdoor activities, or a mix of both. If the party is over multiple days, plan a variety of activities to keep things interesting.

Handle the Logistics:

As the best man, you'll be in charge of making all the necessary arrangements, including transportation, restaurant reservations, and activity bookings. Create a schedule for the event and communicate it to the attendees, so everyone knows what to expect.

Add Some Personal Touches:

The bachelor party is all about celebrating the groom, so feel free to add some special touches. This could include decorations, personalised gifts, or even a themed dress code. You can also organise pranks or games to keep the event lighthearted and fun.

Don't Forget the Food and Drinks:

Make sure to include food and drinks in your planning. If the party is at a restaurant or bar, confirm the booking and let them know the number of attendees. If it's at a private venue, organise catering or stock up on snacks and beverages.

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Changes:

Remember, not everything will go according to plan, so be flexible and ready to adapt. Have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes, and don't let minor hiccups ruin the fun.

Enjoy the Moment:

Finally, don't forget to savour the experience. The bachelor party is a chance for the groom and his friends to create lasting memories. Relax, have fun, and make sure the groom feels loved and celebrated.

As for the financial aspect, the best man is typically expected to pay for their wedding outfit, the costs incurred through the organisation of the bachelor party, and a wedding gift for the couple. On average, a best man might spend around $750 to $1500, but this can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances. It's important to have open and honest conversations about budgets and expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Wedding gift

Being the best man at a wedding is an honour, but it can also be a financial burden. The best man is usually expected to pay for their wedding outfit, the costs of organising the bachelor party, and a wedding gift for the couple.

The best man's wedding gift can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how much they are willing to spend. It is customary for the best man to give a gift to the couple, just as any wedding guest would. There is no particular amount required, just something nice the couple might enjoy. The gift is usually given on the wedding day.

The best man may also be expected to contribute to a group gift from the groomsmen to the groom. This could be something sentimental, such as a vintage bottle of scotch or a personalised wedding watch.

If the best man is particularly close to the groom, they may want to give a more expensive gift. For example, one source mentions a gift of $1000, which was considered a large amount by some but not by others. It is important to consider your financial situation and the expectations of the couple when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift.

In addition to the wedding gift, the best man may also be expected to help with other costs associated with the wedding, such as travel, accommodation, and decorations for the getaway car. It is always a good idea to discuss expectations and budgets with the groom beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings or financial strain.

Rings and other items

One of the most important duties of the best man is to keep the wedding rings safe until it's time for the exchange of rings. The best man may also be asked to hold the couple's personal items such as their phones, wallets, or vows.

The best man may also be asked to decorate the getaway car for the couple. This can be done with wedding decals, tin cans, flowers, or other creative ideas.

Additionally, the best man is expected to give a wedding gift to the couple. This can be a group gift from the groomsmen or a solo gift. The gift is usually given on the wedding day and can be something nice the couple might enjoy, ranging from $50 to $200.

The best man may also be asked to help with certain tasks at the end of the wedding reception, such as making sure vendors are tipped and paid, and transporting gifts to the couple's home or another safe location.

Frequently asked questions