Best Man's Gift Guide For The Perfect Wedding

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and go-to confidante throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Typically, the best man is the groom's closest friend or family member, and he is often tasked with a variety of duties and responsibilities before, during, and after the wedding. From planning the bachelor party to giving a memorable speech, the best man plays a crucial role in ensuring the groom's special day goes off without a hitch. So, if you're wondering what to get your best man as a token of your appreciation, here are some ideas to consider.

Gifts for the groom

Being the best man is an honour bestowed upon a close friend or family member of the groom. It is a role that comes with a lot of responsibility and duties, from planning the bachelor party to giving a speech at the reception. But one of the most important tasks is choosing a thoughtful gift for the groom. Here are some ideas to make the groom feel extra special on his big day:

• Garment Duffle Bag: If the groom is having a destination wedding, a garment duffle bag is a perfect gift. This unique bag doubles as a garment bag, allowing him to pack his suit and other clothes without wrinkling them. It's lightweight, water-resistant, and fits as a carry-on for air travel.
• Monogrammed Travel Set: A practical gift for the groom is a vegan leather passport cover and luggage tag set, monogrammed with his initials. This will keep his essentials safe during his honeymoon and future travels.
• Personalized Pocket Watch: A sleek gunmetal mechanical pocket watch and fob can be engraved with the groom's initials, the wedding date, or a custom message. It will make the groom look dapper on his wedding day and serve as a timeless keepsake.
• Custom Wedding Party Illustration: A custom illustration of the groom and his groomsmen is a heartfelt gift. It can include their hairstyles, skin colours, and clothing choices, and each groomsman can sign the print to make it even more special.
• Personalized Drinkware: A custom-engraved decanter and tumbler set, etched with the groom's monogram, will be a practical and personal gift. He can use it to toast at the bachelor party or on his wedding day, and it will be a prominent addition to his home bar.
• Engraved Alcohol Bottle: For a groom who enjoys a stiff drink, a nice bottle of his favourite liquor, custom-engraved with his name, the wedding date, or a special message, will be a well-appreciated gift.
• Cigar Humidor Gift Set: For a luxurious gift, consider a cigar humidor with a leather-wrapped exterior and a cedar-wood interior to keep the groom's cigars at the ideal humidity. It often comes with an ashtray and cigar cutter, and you can add a personal touch by engraving his monogram on the top.
• Whiskey-Infused Toothpicks: A unique gift for the groom is a set of whiskey-infused toothpicks, ensuring there's nothing stuck in his teeth on his wedding day. The set includes four flavours: Cinna Mint, Mint, Single Malt, and Bourbon.
• Craft Beer Subscription: A subscription to a craft beer club is an excellent way to make the groom's gift stand out. He will receive a monthly or quarterly delivery of 12 to 24 cans of beer from breweries across the US, ensuring the celebration continues long after the wedding.
• MLB Ballpark Pint Glasses: For sports enthusiasts, a set of pint glasses printed with the stadium map and team logo of their favourite baseball team is a fun choice. It's a way to commemorate their friendship and shared love of the game.
• Hanging Toiletry Bag: A light brown canvas toiletry bag, embroidered with the groom's monogram, is a practical gift, especially if he's travelling for the bachelor party or honeymoon. It can be hung on a door, saving counter space while keeping his essentials within reach.
• Beard Grooming Set: If the groom takes pride in his facial hair, a beard grooming set that includes a comb and styling products will be a thoughtful gift. It's a way to restock his favourite products before the big day and help him look sharp.
• Men's Waffle Robe: A cozy waffle robe, embroidered with the groom's name, initials, or the title "Groom," is a perfect gift for him to wear while getting ready on his wedding day. It's a comfortable and personalized touch to make him feel special.
• Bluetooth Speaker & Water Bottle: A water bottle with a built-in Bluetooth speaker in the lid combines hydration with entertainment. The groom can use it to stream his favourite tunes on the morning of his wedding, staying refreshed and relaxed throughout the day's festivities.
• First Dance Song Wall Art: A gift for both the groom and his spouse is a modern artwork that displays the lyrics to their first dance song as a vinyl record. It includes their names and wedding date, printed on canvas, metal, or acrylic. It's a thoughtful way to commemorate their special day and the song that holds a meaningful place in their hearts.
• Anniversary Wine Box: Fill a personalized wooden wine box with three nice bottles of wine to give the couple a lasting gift. On each anniversary, they can open another bottle, celebrating their love and your support for their union.
• Best Man Picture Frame: While it may be a bit sentimental, a photo gift is a classic choice. A picture frame that reads, "Best man for a day, best friend for life," along with the wedding date, is a heartfelt way to showcase your favourite snapshot together.
• Custom Pet Lapel Pin: If the groom has a furry friend, honour their bond with a custom lapel pin made of sterling silver, engraved with the likeness of their dog or cat. It's a thoughtful gift that only a best man would think to give.
• Worldwide Assorted Coffee: If the couple is delaying their honeymoon, a Bean Box's World Coffee Tour is a perfect gift. It includes 12 expertly curated freshly ground or whole bean coffees from around the world, providing a global coffee experience without leaving home.

These gift ideas offer a range of options to suit the groom's interests and personality. Whether it's a practical gift for their travels, a personalized keepsake, or a unique way to commemorate their special day, these choices are sure to make the groom feel loved and appreciated by his best man.

Bachelor party planning

Planning a bachelor party can seem daunting, but it's a fun and important way to celebrate the groom-to-be and create lasting memories. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan an unforgettable bachelor party:

Talk to the Groom:

Begin by discussing the groom's dos and don'ts, and what type of celebration he envisions. Some grooms may want a surprise, while others prefer to be involved in the planning. Be respectful of his wishes, and try to incorporate his interests and preferences.

Finalize the Guest List:

The guest list typically includes the groomsmen and the groom's close friends and family members. Get the groom's approval on the list and ensure that all attendees are also invited to the wedding.

Discuss the Budget:

Understand everyone's budget constraints and expected costs, including travel, accommodations, food, and activities. The groom's expenses are usually covered by the group, so factor that into the overall budget.

Pick a Theme or Party Style:

Determine the general vibe of the party. Are you going for a relaxed weekend by the beach, or an action-packed adventure trip? This will help guide your choice of location and activities.

Choose a Date and Location:

Select a date and location that works for the groom and the majority of the crew. Popular bachelor party cities include Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, and Scottsdale. Aim for the party to take place about two months before the wedding.

Book Travel and Accommodations:

Book travel and accommodations, such as flights and rental homes, three to four months in advance. Get confirmation from everyone in the group before booking to ensure equal cost distribution.

Finalize Activities:

Reserve any remaining activities, such as restaurant bookings or event tickets. Popular options include golf outings, pool days, comedy shows, or brewery tours. Don't forget to include some downtime in the schedule for guests to relax.

Confirm Attendees and Share the Itinerary:

A few weeks before the party, confirm final attendance and create a detailed itinerary with important information such as hotel details, arrival times, and contact info. This is especially helpful for multi-day bachelor parties.

Pack and Travel:

Start packing your suitcase or setting aside items if you're staying local. Don't forget decorations and party swag like t-shirts or koozies. As the host, plan to arrive earlier than the guests to handle any setup.

Celebrate:

It's time to enjoy the bachelor party! As the host, you may need to enlist the help of another groomsman to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Regroup and Say Thanks:

After the party, send a quick thank-you note to the group, expressing your appreciation for their time and celebration. Follow up on any missing payments and outstanding expenses once you've had a chance to review your finances.

Remember to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed. Planning a bachelor party is a collaborative effort, and it's important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and well-informed throughout the process.

Wedding attire

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and is responsible for helping the groom choose and rent or buy wedding formalwear, as well as coordinating the other groomsmen's ensembles. This includes gathering everyone's measurements, giving the group an order-by deadline, or placing the order yourself. The best man also ensures that each groomsman orders his attire in a timely fashion and that any alterations are made.

The best man should discuss ideas with the couple about style and decide whether the groomswear is to be bought or hired. Traditionally, the couple pays for the wedding suits or the cost of hiring them, but if financial contributions are required, this should be discussed openly and upfront with the ushers.

If the groomsmen are renting or buying their attire from the same retailer, the best man will make sure the order is placed, alterations are made, and everyone receives their attire on time.

On the day of the wedding, the best man should help the groom get ready and ensure that the groomsmen are appropriately dressed and wearing their boutonnieres.

Emotional support

The best man should be the groom's right-hand man, helping to calm any pre-wedding jitters and keeping him focused and alert in the lead-up to the big day. They should also be a source of calm and positive energy for the groom on the wedding day, helping him get ready and making sure he eats, drinks and breathes (yes, weddings can be stressful!).

The best man is also there to provide moral support during the ring selection and to help the groom with any pre-wedding admin and logistical details, such as booking vendors, managing RSVPs and coordinating schedules.

Wedding rings

Style and Materials

• Wood and metal combinations
• Meteorite
• Dinosaur bone
• Antler
• Silicone
• Gold, platinum, silver, or titanium
• Slim or wide bands
• Brushed or polished finishes
• Inlaid with precious stones

Where to Buy

When it comes to purchasing a wedding ring, there are numerous options to choose from, including:

• Local jewellery stores
• Department stores
• Chain jewellery stores
• Online vendors such as Etsy, eBay, or specialist retailers

Cost

Customisation

Many couples choose to customise their wedding rings to make them even more special and unique. This can include engraving, adding special dates or meaningful quotes, or incorporating rare materials that hold personal significance.

Practical Considerations

When choosing a wedding ring, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, durability, and safety. Wider bands may be more difficult to wear for those who work with their hands, and certain metals may be dangerous if they need to be cut off in an emergency. It is also worth noting that some cultures and religions have specific requirements for wedding rings, so be sure to do your research if this applies to you.

Timing

It is recommended to allow ample time when purchasing a wedding ring to ensure a comfortable and confident choice. This includes time for customisation, alterations, and to account for shipping delays if ordering online.

Care and Maintenance

Finally, keep in mind that wedding rings may require ongoing care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Some materials, such as white gold or silver, will need regular upkeep, while others, like silicone or wood, may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions