Gifts For The Best Man: Your Guide

Being the best man at a wedding is a big responsibility and a lot of work. From organising the bachelor party to helping with wedding preparations, it's a role that requires a lot of time and effort. So, when it comes to showing appreciation for all the hard work, choosing the perfect gift is important. Best man gifts can range from personalised keepsakes that remind them of the fun of the bachelor party to practical items they can use on the wedding day and beyond.

Gifts for the groom from the best man

There are many options for gifts for the groom from the best man. Here are some ideas to consider:

Timeless Classics

A personalised pocket watch, cufflinks, or a wristwatch are all sophisticated and timeless gifts. You can add a special touch by engraving the groom's initials or a meaningful message. A high-quality leather wallet is another classic option that can be personalised with the groom's initials or a heartfelt message.

Personalised Options

For a unique and special gift, consider commissioning a custom artwork piece that represents a special moment shared with the groom. If the groom enjoys a drink, an engraved whiskey decanter set with glasses is a wonderful choice. You can personalise it with his name and the wedding date. Alternatively, create a photo album filled with memories and include heartfelt messages to accompany the images.

Practical Gifts

A top-notch grooming kit with premium essentials like a razor, shaving cream, and a brush is a thoughtful and practical choice. A high-quality tool set is perfect for a groom who enjoys DIY projects or home improvements. If the groom is a cooking enthusiast, a personalised cutting board or knife set will be a practical yet sentimental gift.

Gifts for Relaxation and Entertainment

If the groom is a gaming enthusiast, consider gifting him a gaming console or accessories to enhance his gaming experience. For a groom who loves the outdoors, plan an adventure day such as a hot air balloon ride or a rock climbing experience. A book subscription is another excellent option to cater to the groom's literary interests.

Gifts for the Foodie

Indulge the groom's taste buds with a luxurious gourmet food basket filled with delectable treats, fine cheeses, and premium wines or craft beers. Alternatively, arrange a cooking class for the groom, or a couple's experience for the newlyweds, to explore new culinary adventures together.

Gifts for the best man from the groom

Personalised Gifts

A personalised gift adds a special touch and serves as a memento of your wedding day. Consider a gift that can be engraved, such as a pocket watch, wristwatch, or a set of cufflinks. You can add the groom's initials or a meaningful message to make it extra special. Other personalised gift ideas include:

• Whiskey decanter set with glasses
• Photo album with heartfelt messages
• Customised map of a significant location
• Bar sign with a humorous message
• Leather wallet with a heartfelt message

Practical Gifts

If you're looking for something more practical, there are plenty of options that the best man can use on your wedding day and beyond. Here are some ideas:

• Grooming kit with premium essentials
• High-quality toolset for DIY enthusiasts
• Personalised grill set or barbecue accessories
• Duffle bag or travel set
• Cooler bag or beer cooler
• Custom pocket knife or axe
• Sunglasses or a stylish watch

Gifts for Relaxation

For the best man who enjoys relaxation and leisure, consider gifts like:

• Custom artwork that represents a special memory
• Gourmet food basket with fine cheeses and wines
• Personalised cigar box or fancy cigarettes
• Astronomy gift, such as a telescope for stargazing
• Book subscription for the literary enthusiast

No matter what gift you choose, the most important thing is to express your gratitude and make your best man feel appreciated for their support and contribution to your special day.

Best man duties

Being the best man is an honour, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. Here is a detailed guide to the duties of the best man, so you can be well-prepared and supportive on the big day.

Lead the Pack

As the best man, you are the head groomsman, the one the rest of the group can go to with any questions or concerns. You are the point of contact and mediator between the groom and the rest of the wedding party, ensuring the groom can focus on enjoying the lead-up to his wedding.

Formalwear

You will be in charge of coordinating the groomsmen's ensembles. This includes gathering measurements, setting order deadlines, and placing the actual orders. Talk to the groom about what he envisions and whether he wants everyone to match or simply coordinate.

Bachelor Party

It is your job to plan an awesome bachelor party, whether that is a local affair or an epic trip. Enlist the other groomsmen to help with logistics and recommendations, and remember, the cost should be split evenly among attendees, except for the groom.

Pre-Wedding Events

Attend and enjoy pre-wedding events such as the engagement party and shower, and be sure to attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to bond with the other half of the wedding party and meet the couple's relatives.

Wedding Gift

Although being a best man can be expensive, you are still expected to contribute to a wedding gift. You may want to organise a group gift with the other groomsmen to save some money.

Transportation

You may be in charge of driving the couple to the reception venue, wedding-night hotel, or airport. This means staying sober throughout the wedding reception, but you can always pass this duty on to a professional transportation service so you can enjoy the open bar!

Right-Hand Man

On the wedding day, you will be the groom's personal aide, helping him get ready, delivering letters, serving as a point of contact for vendors, and ensuring the groom eats, drinks, and stays calm. You may also hold onto the groom's phone and help calm any pre-wedding jitters.

Time Enforcer

As the best man, you will ensure the groomsmen arrive on time for all events, from the rehearsal to the portrait session and ceremony. You will receive a timeline from the wedding planner or groom and are responsible for communicating important times to the groomsmen.

Wedding Rings

One of your most important duties is keeping the wedding rings safe until it is time to exchange vows. You will also fasten the rings to the pillow if the ring bearer is carrying them down the aisle.

Stand Beside the Groom

During the processional, the best man traditionally walks down the aisle after the groom and takes his place standing closest to the groom at the altar. After the ceremony, the best man and maid of honour typically exit side by side.

Marriage License

You will sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the maid of honour, and hand the officiant their fee in a sealed envelope.

Reception Host

At the reception, keep your eyes and ears open to ensure the newlyweds and guests are having a great time. Be a beaming ball of joy and energy, and get out on the dance floor to keep the party going!

Collect Gifts

Even if there is a gift table, some guests may want to hand over cards or presents to a person, and that's your job. Ensure gifts end up in the right place, and you may be asked to deposit cheques or keep them safe until the couple returns from their honeymoon.

Best Man Speech

One of your biggest responsibilities is delivering the best man's speech during the reception. Traditionally, the father of the bride and/or groom speaks first, followed by the maid of honour, and then it's your turn.

Getaway Car

Help decorate the couple's getaway vehicle, ensuring you have permission from the vehicle's owner.

Post-Reception

You may be asked to help with tasks after the reception, such as tipping vendors, transporting gifts, and returning any rented attire.

Best man gifts

Being the best man at a wedding is a big responsibility, and it's important to show your appreciation for all the hard work they put in. The best man gifts should be tokens of gratitude that not only serve as a memento of the wedding day but also remind them of the special bond shared during this exciting time.

Timeless Classics

A personalised pocket watch, an elegant wristwatch, or a pair of cufflinks are timeless and sophisticated choices. You can engrave these items with the groom's initials or a special message to add a sentimental touch. A high-quality leather wallet, engraved with the groom's initials or a heartfelt message, is another practical and classy option.

Personalised Gifts

Custom artwork, an engraved whiskey decanter set, or a personalised photo album are all wonderful ways to commemorate the groom's special day. For a more light-hearted option, consider a personalised bar sign, especially if the groom enjoys hosting gatherings. If the groom is a fan of golf, you can also personalise a golf putter set or golf cooler bag.

Adventure and Experience

If experiences are more the groom's style, you can plan an adventure day such as a hot air balloon ride, rock climbing, or a driving experience. For the literary type, a book subscription service will provide him with a new book each month to explore. Alternatively, an astronomy gift, such as a telescope or a stargazing experience, will be perfect for a groom who loves the night sky.

Practical Gifts

For the practical-minded groom, consider a tool set or a high-quality barbecue grill set, complete with essential tools like tongs, a spatula, and a basting brush. A personalised cutting board or knife set is another practical option that can be used in the kitchen and engraved for a sentimental touch.

Gourmet Treats

Indulge the groom's taste buds with a gourmet food basket filled with delectable treats, fine cheeses, and premium wines or craft beers. Alternatively, arrange a cooking class for the groom or a couple's experience for the newlyweds to enjoy together.

No matter which gift you choose, the most important thing is to convey your heartfelt support and congratulations to the groom on his special day.

When to give best man gifts

There are several opportunities to give the best man a gift, and the best time depends on the nature of the gift and the dynamic of your relationship.

If you are asking someone to be your best man, you can give them a gift at the same time. This could be a card and best man gift box filled with items such as a flask, cigar box, sunglasses, ties, and/or socks. A personalised box with their name, monogram, or nickname makes the gift extra-special. If gift boxes aren't your style, other ideas include a pocket knife for an outdoorsy friend, whisky glasses for a wedding-day toast, or a new necktie or bowtie and suspenders.

You can also give your best man a gift at the bachelor party, which is a great time to thank them for organising the event. Gifts that can be enjoyed during the bachelor party include flasks, cigar and lighters, decanters, or anything that can be useful for drinking and partying.

The rehearsal dinner is another common time to give gifts to the wedding party, including the best man. This is often the last night when the whole group will be together in one venue, and it's a good opportunity to thank your best man privately. If you want to give your best man a more lavish gift than the other groomsmen, this is a good time to do so.

On the morning of the wedding, you can give gifts to the wedding party while getting ready together. This timing works well if the gift is something the best man will use during the wedding, such as cufflinks, a watch, or a handkerchief.

Finally, you can give your best man a gift as a thank-you for participating in your special day.

Frequently asked questions