Gifts For Your Best Man And Groomsmen: Unique Ideas

Being a best man is an honour, but it's also a big responsibility. The best man is the groom's right-hand man and go-to confidante, tasked with supporting the groom and acting as a point of contact for the groomsmen and the groom's family.

The best man is usually a close friend or relative of the groom and is often expected to plan the bachelor party, give a speech at the reception, and keep the wedding rings safe on the big day. They may also be responsible for choosing and buying the groomsmen's attire, and making sure everyone is where they need to be on time.

With so much to do, it's a good idea for the best man to get a head start on planning. This could include sending out creative invitations to the groomsmen, such as engraved bottles of their favourite spirits, or even just a simple card.

Gifts for groomsmen proposals

There are many ways to propose to your groomsmen, and it's important to make the invitation feel special and personal. Here are some ideas for "groomsmen proposals":

• Send them a box with a collection of items inside and a note asking the question.
• Buy them a gift, such as a personalised beer mug, whiskey flask, or a pair of cufflinks.
• Ask them all at the same time by bringing them together for an event, like a lunch or a weekend hangout.
• Get them a starter kit with some essential items, such as cufflinks, a bow tie, and a small bottle of their favourite drink.
• Send them a bouquet of liquor, with miniature bottles suspended on sticks inside a vase or pot.
• Send them an invitation card, which can be personalised and as simple or detailed as you like.

It's also important to consider the practicalities when asking your groomsmen. Ideally, you should ask them before the save-the-dates are sent and no later than six months before the wedding. This gives them time to clear their calendars and purchase their attire.

Groomsmen attire

Choosing the Attire

• It is customary for the groomsmen to pay for their attire, so it is important to consider their budget when selecting the suits.
• Discuss with the couple their preferences for the style and whether the suits will be bought or rented.
• If the groomsmen are renting or buying their attire from the same retailer, the best man will ensure the order is placed, alterations are made, and everyone receives their attire on time.
• Consider the formality of the event when choosing the suits.
• Accessories such as ties, suspenders, cufflinks, and socks can be a great way to add a unique touch and can be gifted to the groomsmen as a token of appreciation.

Coordinating the Look

• The best man is typically in charge of helping the groom choose the groomsmen's attire and ensuring everyone is well-coordinated.
• It is common for the groomsmen to match or coordinate their ensembles. Ordering as a group can often save money.
• If the wedding party is large, it may be easier to stick within one circle of friends to avoid offending anyone.
• The groomsmen's attire should complement the overall style and theme of the wedding.

Pre-Wedding Prep

• The best man should assist with any final suit fittings or alterations that may be needed for the groom and groomsmen.
• Keep an eye on the clock on the morning of the wedding to ensure everyone is ready and on time.
• The best man can organise an event for the groomsmen to get ready together, creating a fun and memorable experience.

Adding Personal Touches

• Customised cufflinks with a short message or the groomsmen's initials can add a unique and thoughtful detail to their attire.
• If the wedding has a particular theme, incorporate it into the groomsmen's accessories, such as themed cufflinks, socks, or suspenders.
• For a light-hearted touch, engrave their groomsmen invitation on their favourite bottle of spirits or present them with a cigar, adding a touch of sentiment to the occasion.

Remember, the groomsmen's attire should reflect the style and personality of the wedding party, creating a cohesive and memorable look for the special day.

Bachelor party planning

Planning a bachelor party? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Pick a Date:

It's important to choose a date that works for everyone, especially the groom and the groomsmen. Try to pick a date that is at least a few months before the wedding to give everyone time to recover and focus on the wedding preparations.

Create a Guest List:

Work with the groom to finalise a list of people he would like to attend. This could include the groomsmen, close friends, and family members. Consider the budget and preferences of the group when deciding on a number.

Choose a Location:

Discuss potential locations with the groom and guests. It could be a local spot or a destination event, depending on the group's preferences and budget. Remember to take travel and accommodation into account when making your choice.

Plan the Activities:

The activities you choose will depend on the groom's interests and the group's budget. It could be a night out, a golf day, or even a weekend getaway. Consider what the groom would enjoy and try to incorporate a variety of activities to suit different tastes.

Send Out Invitations:

Get creative with your invitations! You can send personalised cards, gifts, or even plan a group event to pop the question. Make sure to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to travel or take time off work.

Finalise the Details:

Work with the groomsmen and other guests to finalise the smaller details, such as transportation, food and drink options, and any special requests from the groom. Remember to keep the groom's preferences in mind and try to make the event personalised and memorable for him.

Enjoy the Party:

On the day of the bachelor party, make sure everything runs smoothly by being the point of contact for any last-minute changes or issues. Ensure the groom is having a good time and that all the guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves.

Remember, the most important aspect of planning a bachelor party is ensuring the groom has a fantastic time celebrating with his closest friends. Try to personalise the event to his interests and involve the groomsmen and guests in the planning process to create a memorable experience for everyone.

Groomsmen speeches

Choosing the Right Tone

Decide on the tone you want to set for your speech. Consider your relationship with the groom, the overall vibe of the wedding, and your personal style. The best groomsmen speeches strike a balance between humour and sincerity. You want to make people laugh while also expressing your genuine love and appreciation for the groom and the couple.

Deciding Between Humour and Heartfelt

If you're unsure whether to go with a humorous or heartfelt approach, reflect on your relationship with the groom. If you're known for your silly sense of humour and the groom loves your jokes, a lighthearted speech might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you've shared serious life experiences and have a deep bond, a more heartfelt and emotional speech would be more appropriate.

Balancing Humour and Sincerity

Once you've set the tone, find a balance between the two. Even in a humorous speech, include sincere moments of appreciation for the groom and their spouse. Similarly, if you're going the heartfelt route, add a few jokes or funny stories to lighten the mood. You could start with a funny story or joke and then transition into a sincere expression of your feelings.

Tailoring Your Speech to the Couple

Remember to tailor your speech to the couple and their unique relationship. If they are a traditional couple, a classic and heartfelt speech is a safe bet. However, if they are known for their silly humour and laid-back attitude, feel free to have some fun with your speech. Ultimately, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and express your genuine love and support.

Essential Elements of a Groomsmen Speech

• Strong Introduction: Grab the audience's attention with a confident introduction. Let them know who you are and your relationship to the groom.
• Personal Stories and Memories: Share entertaining and meaningful stories that illustrate your relationship with the groom. Look for moments that highlight their best qualities, such as their kindness, sense of humour, or loyalty. Don't be afraid to get a little emotional and speak from the heart.
• Express Gratitude and Well Wishes: Thank the couple for including you in their special day and let them know how much their friendship means to you.
• Toast or Words of Wisdom: Wrap up your speech with a toast to the newlyweds or offer them some words of wisdom. You can keep it simple and heartfelt or include a piece of advice.

Crafting the Perfect Opening

The opening lines of your speech are crucial for capturing the audience's attention and setting the tone. Here are some tips for a strong opening:

• Greet the Audience and Introduce Yourself: Start by warmly greeting the audience and introducing yourself. A simple "Good evening, everyone" or "Ladies and gentlemen" followed by your name and your relationship to the groom is a classic way to begin.
• Set the Tone: Use your opening lines to give the audience a sense of the tone and style of your speech. If you plan to be humorous, start with a lighthearted joke. If you're going for a more sentimental approach, express your joy and honour at being part of this special day.
• Capture the Audience's Attention: Engage the audience from the beginning with a captivating opening line or story. Share a funny anecdote about the groom or a poignant memory of your friendship. You could also use a thought-provoking quote about love and marriage.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes and Memories

Sharing personal stories and memories is an important part of your speech as it gives the audience a glimpse into your friendship with the groom. Here are some tips for choosing and incorporating these anecdotes:

• Choosing the Right Stories: Select stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. Look for moments that showcase the groom's character, your friendship, or their relationship with their spouse. Aim to strike a balance between humour and sincerity.
• Highlighting the Groom's Best Qualities: Use your stories to highlight the groom's positive qualities, such as kindness, loyalty, sense of humour, or dedication. Share examples of how they have demonstrated these traits in your friendship or their relationship with their spouse.
• Demonstrating the Strength of Your Friendship: Choose anecdotes that demonstrate the depth and importance of your friendship. Share stories about the challenges you've faced together and how you've supported each other over the years.

Delivering Your Speech with Confidence

• Practice and Prepare: Write out your speech and practice, practice, practice! Stand in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask a trusted friend to be your audience. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you'll feel on the big day.
• Managing Nerves and Anxiety: Feeling nervous is normal, so take some deep breaths before you begin. Remind yourself that the audience is on your side

Groomsmen duties on the wedding day

Groomsmen are the groom's attendants, often his closest friends and relatives, and are there to help out the groom, bride, and wedding hosts before, during, and after the wedding. Here is a detailed list of their duties on the wedding day:

Before the Wedding

• Groomsmen work with the best man to plan all aspects of the bachelor party.
• They are in charge of booking their own travel and hotel accommodations for the wedding weekend.
• Groomsmen should attend the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
• They are responsible for either assembling, buying, or renting their wedding day attire.
• They should attend all pre-wedding festivities, including the engagement party, couples shower, bachelor party, and rehearsal dinner.
• Groomsmen may be asked to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner.
• Groomsmen are expected to be ushers for the ceremony, showing guests to their seats.

On the Wedding Day

• Groomsmen should arrive at the venue early to help the groom get dressed and ensure he is calm and collected before the ceremony.
• They should ensure the groom is hydrated and has eaten something.
• Groomsmen may be responsible for driving the groom to the ceremony location.
• They should be a point of contact for guests and vendors, helping to direct incoming guests to parking, restrooms, handicap access, exits, and refreshments.
• Groomsmen act as ushers, handing out ceremony programs and guiding guests to their seats.
• They should be in place and ready for the ceremony, paying attention and performing any other duties that have been arranged.
• Groomsmen should be ready to pose for photographs with the happy couple, either before or after the ceremony.
• They should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks, and participate in guest-related activities like signing the guest book or visiting the photo booth.
• Groomsmen may be asked to dance with the bridesmaids, a lonely flower girl, or other single guests throughout the night.

After the Wedding

• Groomsmen should stick around and help with cleaning up or breaking down the venue.
• They can offer rides to the airport for out-of-town guests.
• Groomsmen should return their formal wear promptly to avoid late fees.
• If the couple is leaving for their honeymoon directly after the reception, groomsmen can ready their luggage so they can hit the road right away.
• Groomsmen transport all the wedding gifts to an appropriate place.

Frequently asked questions