Gifts for the Groom

It’s traditional for the best man to give the groom a small gift on the morning of the wedding. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be something he’ll keep. Personalised pieces with the date or his initials always go down well, and they’re one of the few things from the day that won’t end up in a drawer.

When should the best man give the groom his gift?

The morning of the wedding is the classic moment. Grab five quiet minutes while he’s getting ready, before the photographer and the ushers turn up. If the gift is something for the day, like cufflinks, it also gives him one less thing to forget. The night before works too, if you’re all staying in the same place.

What makes a good gift for the groom?

• Keep it personal. His initials, the date, or an in-joke from the stag do that only the two of you get. That’s what turns a present into a keepsake.
• Make it useful. A hip flask, a decent glass or a wallet gets used for years. Ornaments get dusted, if you’re lucky.
• Don’t overspend. It’s a thank you, not a competition with the bride. A small, thoughtful gift beats an expensive one he’ll never use.
• Add a note. A few lines in a card about what the day means to you will hit harder than anything in the box. Save the jokes for the speech.

Before you order

Personalised gifts take longer to make and usually can’t be returned, so order early and check the spelling twice, especially the bride’s name and the date.

If you’re the groom looking for something to give your best man or ushers, see our gifts for the best man and groomsmen gifts.