Thanking Your Groom's Best Friends
Like the old cliché, it isn’t how much you spend, it’s the thought that counts. Groomsmen’s gifts are your fiancé’s way of telling the guys how much they mean to him on the big day, and as a thank-you for all the work they’ve done (even if you don’t think they’ve helped much!). You can spend $10 a person, or $1,000. Traditionally, the gifts are given out the night before the wedding—or whenever the rehearsal dinner is held—especially if they’re something to be worn at the ceremony. The best man should get something a little more special, but along the same lines. If you buy the guys beer steins, for example, add a beer-of-the-month-club membership for him. Do not buy each a groomsman a separate gift.
Wrapping the presents is up to you, as is enclosing a note. Make sure, however, that the gifts are given out individually, taking a little time with each groomsmen to thank him for being there on such a special occasion.
Some of the most common items for groomsmen’s gifts are cuff links, ties, engraved flasks, watches, and anything sports-related. As weddings escalate, so do the options. Nowadays, there’s been a trend to give the grooms something more practical, albeit budget-crunching. Men are paying for their guys’ hotel rooms, air transportation (only applicable if all the guys are flying), tux rentals, and even store-bought tuxedos. Another popular trend is taking the guys out to somewhere extravagant (Vegas!) or simply fun (that brand-new sports bar).
On a less-expensive note, you can give out framed photos of the bachelor party, a manicure—hey, guys want nice nails on the wedding day too!—or a bottle of wine. When in doubt, your man should think about what he’d like to get. If he’s the kind of guy who’d throw away that “I Survived the Wedding of Laura and Steve” T-shirt as soon as he got home, do you really want to give that as a gift? Remember also that alcohol and cigar-related items are a waste for people who don’t smoke or drink. Finally, go with your gut and you’ll get the right thing.