Best Man's Gift: Tradition Or Obligation?

The best man has a lot of responsibilities, from planning the bachelor party to ensuring the groom is on time for the wedding. But is he supposed to give a gift?

While it is not mandatory, it is customary for the best man to give the groom a gift, or to organise a group gift from the groomsmen. This is in addition to any gift he may give to the couple. The gift is a token of appreciation and a way to celebrate the groom on his special day.

The gift should be something meaningful and personalised, that reflects the best man's interests, personality, or hobbies. It need not be expensive, but it should be thoughtful.

So, while the best man is not required to give a gift, it is certainly a nice gesture and a way to show gratitude for the honour of being chosen for this important role.

Best man's gift to the groom

While it is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, it is a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship.

• Personalized cufflinks: Engrave the best man's initials on a pair of cufflinks to add a personal touch.
• Cooler that doubles as a stool: Choose a cooler in the groom's favourite colour that he can use for outdoor activities or sports events.
• Personalized beer mug: Engrave a meaningful message or the wedding date on a beer mug for a thoughtful gift.
• Money clip with initials: A money clip engraved with the best man's name and role in the wedding is a practical and memorable gift.
• Whiskey glass with personalization: For a sophisticated touch, gift the best man a whiskey glass with his name, role, and wedding date engraved on it.
• Tickets to his favourite sports team: Treat the best man to tickets for a memorable experience watching his favourite sports team.
• Tickets to a local pub crawl: Give the gift of access to exclusive parties and events with tickets to a local pub crawl.
• Cocktail subscription box: Instead of a single bottle of wine, opt for a cocktail subscription box to keep the best man's bar well-stocked.
• Personalized socks: Add a fun touch to the wedding with socks printed with the wedding date and the role of each groomsman.
• Elegant cufflinks or watches: Cufflinks or watches engraved with the best man's initials are timeless and practical gifts.

Remember, when choosing a gift, it is important to consider the best man's interests, personality, and hobbies. Avoid generic gifts and aim to add a personal touch to show your appreciation.

Groom's gift to the best man

While it is not mandatory for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, it is a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship. Here are some ideas for a groom's gift to his best man:

• Personalized Cufflinks: Cufflinks engraved with the best man's initials or a monogram are a perfect way to showcase your emotional connection.
• Cooler Stool: A cooler that doubles as a stool comes in various colours and is perfect for the beach, sports events, or outdoor activities.
• Personalized Beer Mug: Engrave a few lines of text on a beer mug to convey the depth of your friendship. Every time he sips his favourite beer, he will think of you and smile.
• Personalized Money Clip: Gift your best man a money clip engraved with his name, his role in your wedding, and some meaningful quotes or symbols.
• Personalized Whiskey Glass: A whiskey glass etched with the best man's name, his role in the wedding, and the wedding date will be a wonderful addition to his bar collection.
• Tickets to His Favourite Sports Team: Gift your best man tickets to watch his favourite sports team from the best seats in the arena.
• Tickets to a Local Pub Crawl: Give your best man the opportunity to attend some of the hottest parties and events in town with a gift certificate to a bar of his choice.
• Cocktail Subscription Box: Help your best man maintain a well-stocked bar with a cocktail subscription box.
• Personalized Socks: Gift your best man and groomsmen socks with the wedding date, their roles, and their initials printed on them. They will surely be a source of amusement for everyone at the wedding!
• Custom Watch: A timeless gift, you can engrave a watch with a heartfelt message or the best man's initials.

Remember, when choosing a gift for your best man, it is important to consider their interests, personality, and hobbies. Avoid generic gifts and try to add a personal touch to show your appreciation.

Best man's gift to the couple

While it is not expected of the best man to get the couple a gift, it is a thoughtful gesture to celebrate their union. The best man has already incurred several expenses, such as the bachelor party, tux rental, and hotel room for the wedding. However, if the best man wishes to give a gift, it is customary to give something small and symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship.

• Personalised artwork: Commission a custom piece of artwork that represents their friendship or a significant moment in their lives together. This could be a painting, a caricature, or a photo collage.
• Subscription box: Treat the couple to a subscription box tailored to their interests. Whether it's a monthly coffee sampler, a book club subscription, or a gourmet food delivery, they'll enjoy the surprise and convenience of receiving curated items regularly.
• Nice bottle of wine or whiskey: If the couple enjoys wine or whiskey, consider gifting them a nice bottle to enjoy together. You can pair it with a personalised wine opener or whiskey glasses to complete the gift.
• Experience gift: Instead of a physical item, treat the couple to a memorable experience. This could be a whiskey-tasting tour, a spa day, or tickets to a sports game or concert.
• Personalised barware: If the couple enjoys drinks, consider gifting them personalised barware such as engraved whiskey glasses, a customised cocktail shaker, or a monogrammed decanter.
• Homeware: If the couple has a new home together, you could gift them something to decorate their space, such as a personalised photo frame or a set of monogrammed towels.

Best man's gift to the groomsmen

Being a best man is a tough job, and it's only natural to want to show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas for best man gifts that will make him feel valued and appreciated:

Personalised Gifts

Add a personal touch with monogrammed or engraved items such as cufflinks, a money clip, a watch, or a beer mug. These gifts are a great way to showcase your friendship and will be treasured for years to come.

Experience Gifts

Instead of a physical item, treat your best man to an experience you can enjoy together. Consider a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game, or a spa day. These memories will last a lifetime and strengthen your bond.

Practical Gifts

Think about your best man's daily needs and hobbies, and choose something he can use long after the wedding. A personalised toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, or a durable travel mug are all great options that are both thoughtful and practical.

Pre-Wedding Planning Gifts

The best man often plays a crucial role in the lead-up to the wedding, so why not get him something to make those tasks easier? A nice bottle of wine or a cocktail box subscription can be a great way to unwind during the stressful planning process.

Sentimental Gifts

A gift that symbolises your friendship can be very meaningful. Consider commissioning a custom piece of artwork or personalised barware. Alternatively, a high-quality grooming kit or a set of elegant cufflinks can also be a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

Remember, when choosing a gift, consider your best man's interests, personality, and budget. Adding a handwritten note is also a great way to make the gift even more special.

Best man's gift to the officiant

The best man is expected to give the groom a gift or organise a group gift from the groomsmen. The groom, in turn, is expected to give a gift to the best man and the officiant. The best man's gift to the officiant could be a token of appreciation, such as a personalised gift or a gift card. Here are some ideas for a best man's gift to the officiant:

• Personalised cufflinks: Cufflinks with the officiant's initials engraved on them are a thoughtful gift that they can wear on the wedding day and beyond.
• Money clip: A money clip engraved with the officiant's name and a meaningful symbol is a stylish and practical gift.
• Whiskey glass: A personalised whiskey glass with the officiant's name and the wedding date is a great way to remember the special day.
• Gift card: If you're unsure what the officiant would like, a gift card to a nice restaurant or store is always a safe option.
• Experience: Instead of a physical gift, you could treat the officiant to an experience such as a spa day or a tour.

Remember to present the gift in a nice gift box or wrapping paper, and include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and congratulations. It is also a good idea to give the gift before the wedding, either at the rehearsal dinner or the morning of the wedding.

Frequently asked questions