Unique ideas for groomsmen gifts are available in a wide price range. Select groomsmen gifts that are unique to your wedding and serve as a valued keepsake. You can select the best gifts for your groomsmen based on sports, hobbies and personal interests.
Groom Responsibilities
The men in a wedding have a number of responsibilities, including:
- Helping the best man with the bachelor party
- Advising the groom
- Offering support
- Helping the groom get organized
- Acting as ushers by seating wedding guests
- Directing guests to the reception
- Decorating the wedding car as gaudily as possible
Thank You
Couples often want to say thank you to the special people in their lives who stand beside them when they say, "I do." The groomsmen gift is traditionally given by the groom and can be just about anything that has special meaning. It might be expensive or inexpensive, depending on the couple's budget. According to Keith Henderson, the average cost of purchasing all the gifts for the men in the bridal party is around $300.00. This cost varies, depending upon the number of groomsmen and the cost of the gift. The easiest formula to use is to take the overall budget for gifts and divide it by the number of people in the wedding party. However, there is no rule that states each bridal party member must receive the same gift. Some couples choose to spend more on the maid of honor and best man, as they do more work and are often closer to the bride and groom.
Traditional Gift Ideas
For years, grooms have given the men in their wedding party traditional gifts that have stood the test of time, such as:
- Engraved cufflinks
- Pens
- Watches
- Flasks
- Money clips
- Pocket watches
Even traditional gifts can become unique and meaningful when a special message or monogram is engraved on the item.
Unique Groomsmen Gift Ideas
A unique gift might be inspired by the theme of the wedding. For example, a medieval themed wedding might encourage the groom to give the groomsmen a coat of armor to hang in his home. The history the couple has with that groomsmen might also motivate the couple to give him something unique. A friend who plays golf with the couple might get an engraved putter. An old frat buddy might receive an engraved stein. A fellow church member would appreciate a personalized cross wall hanging or a bible with his name engraved on a leather cover.
Here are a few ideas:
- Humorous ties
- Quality sunglasses
- Tickets to a concert or ball game
- Set of books by each man's favorite author
- Designer wristwatch
Gifts on a Budget
According to the "American Weddings Study" conducted by the Fairchild Bridal Group, the cost of the average wedding runs almost $30,000.00. Because they face rising costs in so many other areas of wedding planning, groomsmen gift ideas also need to be reasonably priced for most couples. If a wedding party is particularly large and the gift budget small, then creative ideas become even more important.
Here are a few gifts for under $30:
- Small Swiss army knife
- Engraved lighter
- Engraved business card holder
- Gift card to a favorite restaurant or retailer
- Framed motivational message print
- Leather wallet
A Few Other Ideas
Still looking for additional groomsmen gift ideas? What about a personalized NFL beer mug? The younger crowd might enjoy a vibrating pillow alarm clock. Older men appreciate tools such as a 90-degree auto leveler.
Groomsmen Gifts Conclusion
These are the men that the groom has asked to stand beside him on one of the most important days of his life. It is important to choose something with meaning. Think about what type of gift you'd like to receive and then factor in the other man's likes and dislikes, hobbies, and favorite sports and events. Whatever gift you choose, the important thing is to give an item he will cherish just as much as you cherish his friendship.
