Best Man Gift: Before Or After The Wedding?

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding process, from planning the bachelor party to ensuring the groom arrives on time at the altar. It is customary for the groom to give the best man a gift as a token of appreciation for all his hard work. But when is the best time to give the best man his gift?

The best man spends most of the wedding day with the groom, so it is ideal to give the gift when you have a few minutes to yourselves before the ceremony or with the other groomsmen. It is best to give the gift before the wedding, but it is ultimately up to the groom how far in advance. The gift can be given at the rehearsal dinner or even the bachelor party. If not possible during these times, the groom can present the gift on the wedding day before the ceremony.

Best man gift ideas

When it comes to choosing a gift for your best man, it's important to show your appreciation for all their hard work. Being the best man is a tough job; they are there to make every moment of the wedding preparations a celebration. It is customary for the groom to give the best man a gift, and this should ideally be done before the wedding, at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party. If this isn't possible, the morning of the wedding is also appropriate, when you have a few minutes alone or with the other groomsmen.

• Personalised cufflinks with their initials are a perfect way to express the emotional connection between you.
• A personalised beer mug engraved with a few lines of text conveying the depth of your friendship.
• A personalised money clip engraved with their name and their role in your wedding is a gift they can use every day.
• Tickets to watch their favourite sports team play.
• A subscription to a cocktail box to help them maintain a well-stocked bar.
• A unique pair of socks with the wedding date and their initials printed on them.
• A personalised cooler that can also be used as a stool and comes in a variety of colours.
• Customised whisky glasses engraved with their name, their role in the wedding, and the date.
• A personalised grill set with a bamboo case.
• A set of custom pocket knives.
• A funny or thoughtful card expressing your gratitude.

Remember, it's the thought that counts, and you know your best man better than most, so choose something that suits their personality and interests.

When to give the best man his gift

Giving a gift to the best man is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for all his hard work and support on your wedding day. But when is the best time to present him with this token of gratitude?

There are a few different opinions on when to give the best man his gift. Some sources suggest that the gift be presented on the morning of the wedding. As the best man is typically with the groom before the ceremony and throughout the day, this can be a good opportunity to give him the gift when you have a moment together, either privately or with the other groomsmen.

However, others suggest that the gift be given before the wedding day, either at the wedding rehearsal dinner or even at the bachelor party. This way, the best man can fully enjoy the wedding day without having to worry about any additional responsibilities or tasks.

If giving the gift before the wedding is not possible, the groom can present the gift to the best man on the wedding day, before the ceremony. This can be done either individually or as a group with the other groomsmen.

Regardless of when you choose to give the gift, it is important to put thought into the presentation. Consider using a nice gift box or wrapping paper, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or card expressing your gratitude.

Why it's important to get a gift for the best man

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding, and it is essential to show your appreciation for all his hard work and dedication. Here are some reasons why it is important to get a gift for the best man:

• Expression of Gratitude: The best man has likely put in a lot of time, effort, and money to make your wedding day special. He may have organized the bachelor party, helped with wedding preparations, and provided emotional support throughout the process. A thoughtful gift is a perfect way to express your gratitude and show him how much you appreciate his contribution to your big day.
• Celebration of Friendship: The best man is typically a close friend or family member of the groom, someone who has been there for him through thick and thin. A gift is a meaningful way to celebrate this special friendship and the memories you share. It reinforces the bond between you and acknowledges the significant role he plays in your life.
• Acknowledging His Efforts: Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the best man often takes on a lot of responsibilities to ensure the day goes smoothly. From organizing the groomsmen's attire and transportation to being the groom's right-hand man, the best man's duties are extensive. A gift is a way to acknowledge and thank him for all the time and effort he has dedicated to making your wedding day memorable.
• Personal Connection: When choosing a gift for the best man, it is important to consider his interests, hobbies, and personality. Selecting a gift that aligns with his unique qualities shows that you value him as an individual. Whether it's a personalized item, a gift related to his favorite hobby, or an experience you can share together, it demonstrates that you put thought and effort into choosing something special for him.
• Timely Recognition: It is best not to wait until after the wedding to give a gift to the best man. Presenting the gift before or on the wedding day itself is ideal. This way, you can surprise him when his efforts are most fresh in everyone's minds, and he will feel appreciated in the moment. It also ensures that you don't get caught up in the post-wedding rush and forget to recognize his hard work.

How to personalise a best man gift

Giving a gift to the best man is a thoughtful way to thank him for his contribution to your wedding. Here are some ideas to personalise a gift for the best man:

Know His Tastes and Interests

Before choosing a gift, consider his hobbies, style and daily routine. For instance, if he is a whisky enthusiast, a personalised whisky glass or a premium whisky decanter set could be a great choice. If he is an outdoorsy person, a pocket knife or a multi-tool kit might be a good option.

Customise with His Name, Initials or Monogram

Adding a personal touch such as his name, initials or a monogram can make the gift extra special. For example, you could gift him a personalised money clip, a customised watch or a set of engraved cufflinks.

Include a Sentimental Message or Inside Joke

Include a customised message or card with the gift to express your gratitude and reflect on your friendship. You could also incorporate an inside joke or a shared memory, making the gift more meaningful and fun.

Gift Boxes or Proposal Boxes

Curate a personalised gift box with items that match his interests. For instance, a box could include a flask, a cigar, sunglasses, a tie or socks. You could also include a personalised box with his name or a nickname to make it extra special.

Timing of the Gift

While you can give gifts at any time, there are a few traditional opportunities: when you propose to or "pop the question" to your friend to be your best man, at the bachelor party festivities, or as a thank-you gift after the wedding.

Best man gift etiquette

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding, and it is customary to give him a gift as a token of appreciation. Here are some tips to consider when giving a gift to the best man:

Do: Consider Their Interests

Think about their hobbies and what they enjoy doing in their free time. If they are into sports, consider sports memorabilia or tickets to a game. If they love cooking, look for unique kitchen gadgets or cookbooks. By considering their interests, you can find a gift they will genuinely appreciate and use.

Don't: Give Generic Gifts

Avoid giving generic gifts that lack thought and meaning. Take the time to choose something that reflects the best man's interests, personality, or hobbies. This shows that you value their unique qualities and put thought into their gift.

Do: Personalize the Gift

Personalization is key when choosing a gift for the best man. Adding a personal touch to the gift shows your appreciation for their role in your special day and will create a lasting reminder of your friendship.

Don't: Make it All About You

Remember that it's not just about you; consider the best man's preferences and interests as well. Avoid selecting a gift solely based on what you like or think is cool. Take the time to think about what they would genuinely appreciate and enjoy.

Do: Consider the Budget

When selecting a gift, it is important to consider your budget. While you want to show your appreciation, it is also essential to stay within your means. Remember that it's the thought and effort that count, not the price tag. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can still make the best man feel special.

Don't: Choose Something Inappropriate

Avoid choosing something offensive, controversial, or embarrassing. Stay away from gag gifts or anything that may not align with their personal values or preferences. Remember that the gift is meant to show your appreciation and celebrate your friendship, so choose something thoughtful and meaningful.

Do: Give a Practical Gift

Practical gifts are always a good idea as they show your appreciation and ensure that the best man can use and enjoy the gift. Consider their daily needs and hobbies when selecting a practical gift. Some ideas include a personalised toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, or a durable travel mug.

Don't: Wait Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute to choose a gift. With all the wedding planning, it can be easy to forget, but leaving it to the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and generic gifts. Take the time to plan and consider the best man's interests and preferences to find the perfect gift that shows your appreciation.

Do: Remember the Presentation

When giving the gift, remember to make the presentation special. Use a nice gift box or wrapping paper, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or card. Include a small token that symbolises your friendship or a shared memory. Putting effort into the presentation shows that you genuinely value the best man and appreciate their role in your wedding.

Do: Include a Handwritten Note

When giving the gift, remember to include a handwritten note. It may seem small, but a heartfelt message can turn a regular gift into a special and memorable present. Express your gratitude, share memories, and let the best man know how much their friendship means to you.

Don't: Expect a Gift from Your Best Man

While it is customary for the best man to give a gift to the groom, it is not expected or required. Being a best man can be expensive, with costs for travel, attire, and accommodation. In most cases, no wedding gift is given by the best man, so don't expect one. Instead, focus on their role in making your day special.

Timing of the Gift

The best time to give a gift to the best man is the morning of the wedding. The best man is usually with the groom before the ceremony and throughout the day, so take a moment before the preparations begin or during a quiet moment with the groomsmen to present the gift.

It is also acceptable to give the gift at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party, or even the day of the wedding before the ceremony if those options are not possible.

Frequently asked questions