Best Man Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas To Show Your Appreciation

Being the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. From planning the bachelor party to making sure the groom has eaten and holding the wedding rings, the best man has a lot on his plate. One of the most important duties of the best man is to offer the groom moral support and be his confidant throughout the engagement and the wedding. So, if you're the best man, what should the groom gift you for all your hard work?

Gifts for the groom: engraved items, a personalised card, or an experience

Gifts for the groom can be a tricky area, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for engraved items, personalised cards, and experiences:

Engraved Items

Engraved gifts are a classic choice for groomsmen and the best man. You could consider a personalised pocket watch, an elegant and timeless gift that can be engraved with the groom's initials or a special message. Cufflinks are another option, perhaps designed to match the wedding theme or engraved with the groom's initials. A stylish wristwatch is always a good choice, and you can add a personal touch by engraving the case or strap. For a practical gift, a high-quality leather wallet can be personalised with the groom's initials or a heartfelt message. If the groom is a whiskey enthusiast, an engraved whiskey decanter set with glasses is a wonderful option, personalised with his name and the wedding date.

Personalised Card

A heartfelt and personalised card is a simple yet meaningful gift. You could write a letter to the groom, expressing your support and congratulations. Include a memorable photo or two, and perhaps add a humorous or sentimental message.

Experiences

If you're looking for an experience-based gift, there are plenty of options to choose from. You could plan an adventure day, such as a hot air balloon ride, rock climbing, or a driving experience. For the foodie groom, consider a cooking class, either for him alone or as a couple's experience. A wine-tasting tour is another great option, especially if you arrange a visit to a local vineyard or wine region.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Ultimately, the best gift will be something that reflects your relationship with the groom and shows your support and appreciation.

Bachelor party planning

Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task, but it's also a great opportunity to create lasting memories with your best friend before their big day. Here are some tips to help you plan an unforgettable bachelor party:

Choose a Theme or Activity:

Start by selecting a theme or activity that aligns with the groom's interests. Is he an outdoorsy type who would enjoy a camping trip or a day of golf? Or maybe he'd prefer a more relaxed evening with a whiskey tasting or a nice dinner? You can also plan something more adventurous, like a hot air balloon ride or a thrilling driving experience.

Decide on a Location:

The bachelor party can be held locally or turned into a weekend getaway. If the groom wants to stay close to home, you can organise an event at a local distillery or a fun night out on the town. If he's up for travelling, you can plan a trip to a nearby city or a scenic location for a more extended celebration.

Create a Guest List:

Collaborate with the groom to finalise the guest list. This typically includes the groomsmen and close friends of the groom. It's important to consider everyone's schedules and budgets when planning the location and activities to ensure that all invited guests can attend.

Set a Budget:

Discuss the budget with the groomsmen and other attendees. It's customary for the cost of the bachelor party to be split evenly among the attendees, excluding the groom. Be mindful of everyone's financial situation and choose activities and accommodations that are affordable for the entire group.

Send Out Invitations:

Once you have a theme, location, and guest list, it's time to send out invitations. Create a fun invitation that matches the theme of the party and include all the necessary details, such as date, time, location, and any special instructions. Give guests enough notice, usually a few weeks to a month in advance, to ensure they can make the necessary arrangements.

Plan the Itinerary:

Create a detailed itinerary for the bachelor party to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Consider the group's interests and plan a variety of activities to keep things interesting. This can include a mix of relaxed and energetic pursuits, depending on the preferences of the group. Don't forget to include time for meals, transportation, and any other necessary breaks.

Organise Food and Beverages:

Based on the theme and location, organise appropriate food and beverage options. If you're hosting the party at a restaurant or bar, coordinate with the venue to ensure they can accommodate your group. If you're planning an outdoor activity, pack snacks and drinks, or organise a picnic or barbecue.

Incorporate Special Touches:

Add some personalised touches to make the bachelor party extra special. You can create custom T-shirts or hats for the group, organise fun games or challenges, or prepare a playlist of the groom's favourite songs. Surprise the groom with a thoughtful gift, like a customised flask or a pocket watch, to mark the occasion.

Finalise Logistics:

Don't forget to take care of the small details. Arrange transportation if needed, and confirm all reservations and activity bookings. Create an emergency kit with items like extra cufflinks, a sewing kit, and pain relievers. Also, ensure you have a contact list for all the attendees, so everyone can stay connected during the event.

Remember, the key to a successful bachelor party is to plan something that the groom will truly enjoy. By choosing activities that reflect his interests and surrounding him with his closest friends, you'll create a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Pre-wedding duties: emotional support, coordinating attire, and being present for the rehearsal

Being a best man is a role that comes with a lot of responsibility and is a true test of friendship. The best man is the groom's right-hand man and is expected to provide emotional support, coordinate attire, and be present for the rehearsal.

Emotional Support

The best man is the groom's confidant and go-to person for emotional support. Wedding planning can be stressful, and the best man should be there to listen and guide the groom through all his emotions. It is the best man's job to reassure the groom, address his concerns, and keep him focused and calm in the lead-up to the wedding.

Coordinating Attire

The best man is typically in charge of supporting the groom with all wedding attire needs. This includes helping the groom, groomsmen, and important family members with their final outfit selections. The best man may also put together emergency kits for the groomsmen, including extra cufflinks, shoe polish, or an extra tie, to ensure everyone looks their best on the wedding day.

Being Present for the Rehearsal

The best man should be present at the wedding rehearsal and dinner, which usually takes place the day before the wedding. During the rehearsal, the best man should focus on his role and duties, such as presenting the rings, and coordinate with the rest of the wedding party to ensure a smooth ceremony. The best man may also be expected to make a small toast during the rehearsal dinner to kick off the festivities.

Wedding-day duties: keeping the groom and groomsmen on schedule, holding the rings, and welcoming guests

The best man plays a crucial role in ensuring the groom and groomsmen are on schedule and that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day. Here are some essential wedding-day duties for the best man:

Keeping the Groom and Groomsmen on Schedule:

The best man should ensure that the groom and groomsmen are ready and on time for all the key moments of the wedding day. This includes the morning preparations, pre-ceremony photos, the ceremony, and any post-ceremony activities such as the first dance. It's important to be organised and prepared to keep everyone on track.

Holding the Rings:

Traditionally, the best man is responsible for keeping the wedding rings safe before and during the ceremony. This duty is crucial, as the rings are a symbolic and expensive part of the wedding. The best man should ensure the rings are securely stored and easily accessible when the time comes for the couple to exchange them. In some cases, the best man may hold one ring while the Maid of Honour holds the other. Alternatively, the couple may opt to have a ring bearer, typically a young child, bring the rings down the aisle and hand them to the best man.

Welcoming Guests:

The best man should be the first to welcome the wedding guests and make them feel comfortable. This includes greeting guests as they arrive, thanking them for coming, and ensuring they are seated appropriately. The best man may also be involved in handing out orders of service, gathering guests for group photographs, and introducing guests to one another. A good best man will be friendly and mingling with guests, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and part of the celebration.

The best man has a vital role in ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly and that the groom and groomsmen are where they need to be. By being organised, responsible, and welcoming, the best man can ensure the day is enjoyable and memorable for all.

Post-wedding duties: returning groom's clothing, checking in with vendors, and decorating the getaway car

The best man's duties don't stop once the wedding is over. Here are some post-wedding tasks that the best man is expected to do:

Returning the groom's clothing

This is especially important if the couple is leaving for their honeymoon right after the wedding. The best man may be asked to take care of the groom's clothing after the big day. This includes making sure any rented attire is returned on time and in good condition.

Checking in with vendors

Once the party is over, the couple will be ready to leave for their honeymoon without interruption. To ensure this, the best man is usually tasked with checking that all wedding-related expenses are handled and that any outstanding payments are settled before the night ends.

Decorating the getaway car

The best man may be asked to help coordinate car transportation for the newlyweds to leave the reception. This could include helping to decorate the getaway car. It's important to first get permission from the vehicle owner and enlist the help of the rest of the wedding party.

Gift transportation

The best man may also be tasked with making sure any gifts get to the right place and, after the wedding, with transporting gifts to the couple's home or another safe location.

Post-wedding clean-up

The best man can also help with any post-wedding clean-up, such as returning rental items and making sure the venue is left in good condition.

Congratulating the couple

Finally, the best man should check in with the newlyweds after their honeymoon to offer congratulations and thanks.

Frequently asked questions