The Best Man's Financial Duties: What To Pay For

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and go-to confidante throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. While the role is typically assigned to the groom's closest friend or family member, there are no set rules.

The best man's duties include planning the bachelor party, coordinating the groomsmen's attire, delivering a speech at the reception, and keeping the wedding rings safe on the day.

The best man is also expected to pay for his own suit or tuxedo rental, the bachelor party (although groomsmen usually chip in), and a wedding gift for the groom or the couple. He may also pay for decorations for the couple's getaway car.

Travel and accommodation

As the best man, you are expected to pay for your own travel and accommodation. This includes transportation costs, such as flights or train tickets if you are travelling out of town, as well as the cost of your accommodation, whether that be a hotel or Airbnb.

If the bachelor party is taking place in a different location, you will also be responsible for covering your own travel and accommodation costs for the trip. It is also expected that you will pay for your own meals, drinks and any group activities during the bachelor party.

If you are driving the couple to the wedding reception, wedding-night hotel, or airport after the reception, you will need to stay sober throughout the wedding. Alternatively, you can pass this responsibility on to a hired transportation service so that you can enjoy the open bar.

Pre-wedding grooming

As the best man, you are expected to pay for your attire, the bachelor party, and travel expenses. You may also be expected to chip in for a wedding gift, especially if you are one of several best men.

Three Months Before: Start a workout routine if you want to tone up or lose a few pounds before the wedding. It is also a good idea to get a facial to give your skin a healthy glow. However, make sure to do this in advance in case your skin has an allergic reaction.

One Month Before: Work on your smile by opting for at-home whitening systems or visiting your dentist for professional whitening.

Two Weeks Before: Get a full-body massage to relax and ease any tension caused by wedding planning and last-minute work commitments.

One Week Before: Get a manicure to ensure your hands and nails look neat and well-groomed for the wedding photos. If you don't want to get a professional manicure, you can simply clip and file your nails and apply some lotion or coconut oil.

One Day Before: Get a haircut, especially if you plan to stick to your usual style. If you are experimenting with a new style, it is recommended to do this several months in advance.

On the Wedding Day: Treat yourself to a professional shave, or if you are prone to ingrown hairs, get a hot towel shave the day before.

Bachelor party

Planning a bachelor party can be a fun but challenging task, especially when it comes to finances. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate the financial aspects of organising a memorable bachelor party:

Who Pays for the Bachelor Party?

The cost of the bachelor party is typically shared among the attendants, including the best man and the groomsmen. Each attendee is generally expected to cover their own expenses, such as transportation, food, drinks, and accommodation. Additionally, the group may decide to split the groom's expenses or treat him to certain meals or activities.

The Role of the Best Man:

The best man usually takes on the role of planning, organising, and managing the finances for the bachelor party. This includes calculating costs, collecting money from the groomsmen, and making payments. While the best man does not pay more than the other groomsmen, he may end up covering some costs upfront and then getting reimbursed by the rest of the group.

Transportation and Lodging:

If the bachelor party involves travel, each attendee, including the groom, is typically responsible for their own transportation costs, such as airfare, bus, or train tickets. For lodging, guests usually pay for their own hotel rooms or split the cost of a shared accommodation like an Airbnb. However, if the journey to the destination is drivable, the group may offer to share gas or rental fees.

Food, Entertainment, and Activities:

When it comes to food and entertainment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Casual meals before the main activities may be split among the group or paid for individually. For more formal or pricey outings, such as a group dinner or special activities, the attendees may decide to treat the groom or split the cost among themselves. It is essential to plan a mix of activities to ensure that guests have the flexibility to participate in what fits their budget.

Decorations and Giveaways:

The best man and groomsmen are typically responsible for covering the cost of decorations, branded items, and other props for the bachelor party. These items are often kept as a surprise for the groom and add to the fun and memories of the event.

Communication is Key:

It is important to have open and honest conversations about finances with the groom and the groomsmen. Discussing budgets, expectations, and comfort levels will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings. It is also a good idea to provide guests with a rough estimate of the expected costs so they can plan and budget accordingly.

Groomsmen attire

The groom and groomsmen usually wear matching attire at a wedding, but the style can vary from suits to tuxedos to dress shirts and slacks. The attire should match the formality of the wedding and the venue.

When it comes to paying for the groomsmen's attire, it is customary for each groomsman to pay for their own outfit. This includes the cost of renting or buying a suit or tuxedo, as well as any necessary accessories like shoes, socks, cufflinks, ties, and pocket squares. However, if the groom chooses a particularly expensive outfit or knows that one of his groomsmen is struggling financially, it is considerate to offer to pay for their attire or at least contribute towards the cost.

To avoid any confusion or financial strain, it is important to communicate expectations clearly and early on. The groom should discuss the financial responsibilities with the groomsmen before they agree to be part of the wedding party. This includes not only the cost of the attire but also any pre-wedding activities, the bachelor party, and wedding gifts.

• Budget: Consider the financial situation of your groomsmen and choose an affordable option.
• Renting vs. Buying: Renting a suit or tuxedo can be more affordable than buying, so it may be a good option to suggest to your groomsmen.
• Rewear Potential: If you ask your groomsmen to buy their suits, choose something they are likely to wear again.
• Season: Take into account the season and weather when selecting the attire.
• Time of Day: Consider the time of day and dress accordingly; for example, opt for lighter fabrics if it will be hot.
• Wedding Venue: Match the level of formality of the venue.
• Wedding Theme or Dress Code: Pay attention to any information provided by the couple about the wedding style and dress code.

Remember to plan and shop for the attire months in advance to ensure everyone has enough time to order and tailor their garments.

Wedding gift

While the best man traditionally pays for his own suit or tuxedo rental, there are other wedding-related costs that he may be expected to cover. Here are some paragraphs on the topic of wedding gifts for the best man:

The best man is expected to buy a wedding gift for the couple, just like any other wedding guest. There is no set amount for the gift, but it should be something thoughtful and meaningful that the couple will appreciate. It is usually given on the wedding day.

The best man may also choose to give a separate gift to the groom, either individually or as a group gift from all the groomsmen. This gift is typically given during the bachelor party festivities and is meant to be something sentimental that the groom will cherish.

If the best man is attending the wedding with a plus-one, it is customary for them to spend a little more on the wedding gift. This is not a requirement, but it is considered good etiquette.

The best man should also be prepared to contribute to any group gifts that the groomsmen decide to give to the groom. This could be a bottle of vintage wine, a nice watch, or something else that aligns with the groom's interests.

In addition to the wedding gift, the best man may also offer to take the couple out for a celebratory dinner or drinks after the wedding as a token of congratulations. This is not a requirement but is considered a thoughtful gesture.

Frequently asked questions