M E N ' S • FA S H I O N
B 114
Gifts to Show Your Gratitude At a loss for cool new ideas? We’ve got you covered.
You’ve read articles on writing your speech, set yourself an essential reminder to pack the rings, and you’re ready to say “I do.” But have you thought about your groomsmen’s gifts?
Like the gifts the bride gives her attendants, the groomsmen’s gifts are a token of gratitude for all of the help and support that they’ve given you through the wedding process. Typically, gifts are given to the members of the wedding party, the best man, all groomsmen, the ring bearer, the father of the bride and your father as well. Not sure how grand the gesture should be? A common range is between $75-150; take into consideration how much they had to spend on hotels, wardrobes and associated celebrations. Your gift should reflect the time, money and thought that everyone put into helping make your day amazing. Also, compare with your bride and her plans for bridesmaids’ gifts they should be comparable to the groomsmen’s gifts. It’s common to get matching or similar gifts for all the guys, but you certainly don’t need to. Personalizing each gift and finding things they ’ll love is a thoughtful gesture that will ensure your thank-you won’t be forgotten in a drawer. If you’re not the first gent in your social circle to tie the knot, most guys probably already have a flask or two gathering dust - just to use one example. Typically, the best man, fathers of the bride and groom, and the ringbearer will receive personalized gifts, even if you opt for otherwise matching gifts.
• You can never go wrong with a nice addition for their liquor cabinet. Think beyond expected classics and find something special like a local craft brew or wine from the venue if you’re getting married at a vineyard. • Spring wedding or rainy location? Keep the rain at bay with a slick umbrella. Famously fashionable, American president John F. Kennedy gifted each of his groomsmen engraved umbrellas at his wedding and his style was always impeccable. • A sharp, well-made weekend bag. While they likely have casual duffels and reliable suitcases, they probably don’t have a serviceable but sharp weekender. Help them arrive in style with a nicely constructed bag for those weekend getaways. • A metal money clip is an under-appreciated accessory, especially for those days (like your wedding) when tucking a full wallet in your pocket isn’t ideal. Clips are a great way to wrangle together just the essentials, like cash and a card or two. Gifts wrapped and ready? The best time to give them out is at the rehearsal dinner while the bride is giving her gifts to her bridal party. The rehearsal dinner is an intimate celebration and opportunity for your entire wedding party to gather together, making it the perfect time to thank everyone for their role in your big day. The ideal way to present your gifts is individually so you can take the time to express your gratitude in each person’s role. If you do choose to give the gifts at the rehearsal dinner and are having formal seating, you and your bride may also opt to beautifully wrap and set the gifts at each person’s seat. Whether you choose to put the gifts at their place setting or to give the gifts by hand, ensure you include a thoughtful note! If you’ve opted for alcohol or a similar gift, you may want to give your gift at a different time (like the bachelor party).