Groomsmen are essential to any wedding party, and there’s no better way to show your gratitude than to give them a gift. Traditionally, groomsmen are given their gifts at the rehearsal dinner and are something that can be worn at the wedding, such as cufflinks or a tie pin. However, today’s trends are giving groomsmen a gift that they can really enjoy. Look at the following list for ideas on what to give and you’ll have a happy wedding party.
Before you find a specific gift to thank your groomsmen, you may also want to show your thanks by making it as easy as possible to be in the wedding. Print up a 5 x 7 card with all of the important dates and resources related to the wedding. Give your groomsmen all of the pertinent information that they’ll need to rent their tuxedos. Laminate the card and attach a magnet to the back so that it won’t be lost. Your groomsmen will appreciate this extra step you took to keep them in the loop.
You can also mark the occasion with something commemorative. Personalized beer steins and custom decks of cards are a great way to thank you and mark the occasion. Make sure the personalization is in the groomsman’s name. No one likes to carry around an item with the names and wedding date of someone else.
Don’t feel like you need to give the same gift to all of your groomsmen. Try to custom tailor a gift for each member of your wedding party. A wine and beer lover will enjoy a membership in the beer of the month club. A handyman will appreciate a gift certificate to the local hardware store or lumber yard. An entertainment buff will love a DVD set of his favorite television show. A sports fan would welcome tickets to his favorite event or some memorabilia from his favorite team. Giving gifts this way means that you won’t have to try to find a “one size fits all” gift for the entire group.
Practical gifts are almost always more appreciated than ornamental ones, especially by men. Try giving your groomsmen a gift that they will actually use. For example, give a grilling set that includes barbecue tools, a collection of sauces and a grilling apron. Try a DVD gift set, such as all of the Godfather movies or the Matrix collection depending on the taste of your groomsmen.
In addition to getting each groomsman an individual gift, you could also arrange a special event for all of your groomsmen to share. This should be a separate event from your bachelor party and completely arranged by you. You could share a sporting event together, such as a baseball game or a boxing match, or host a card game. Make the event relaxing and one that everyone can enjoy.
When it comes to giving groomsmen gifts, customization is everything. Make the gift about them and not about your wedding and they’ll be sure to appreciate it.
