Groomsmen Gifts

Many brides complain about how their fiancées wanted nothing to do with the wedding planning, and how they were content to simply "show up and get married." To me, the funny part about these stories is that often the women who make these complaints are the same women who would be horrified if their plans were questioned. So, in most cases, it is good that these aforementioned grooms did not want to help with the planning. Some groomsmen have it even easier. With the exception of planning the bachelor party, most groomsmen must simply show up, look presentable, pose for the obligatory pictures, and escort a bridesmaid down the aisle. Every wedding party differs, depending on the attitude and aptitude of the bride and groom. There are plenty of weddings in which the bride plans her own shower, and the groom, his bachelor party. Regardless of the work and time put in by the wedding party, it is important to remember to honor them on your special day. It is my hope that in this article you will find several ideas to properly thank the groomsmen in your party.

At our wedding, my husband's groomsmen were important family members, and the gifts were carefully thought out. His best man, my father-in-law, received a beautiful watch that my husband had engraved for him. For our brothers, his groomsmen, we purchased nice leather wallets in which we placed gift certificates. It was our hope that this was a nice way to say thank you, and tell them how much they meant to us.

The Internet offers a multitude of options. One of the most popular websites for groomsmen gifts is the aptly named My Groomsmen Gifts (www.mygroomsmengifts.com). Not only do they sell the requisite army knives, flasks, and barware, with monogramming available, but they also offer a host of creative options. One of their best sellers is an embroidered cooler chair. This is a tote-along folding chair that contains a cooler in which you can place a six-pack of beer. This normally retails for $49.95, but can be purchased for less on this website.

Cufflinks are another gift that has kept continued popularity over the years. Groom Stand (www.groomstand.com) offers engraved cufflinks for as low as $21.95 per pair. This is a gift that every attendant will be able to use again. They are simple and elegant, in addition to being thoughtful and useful. However, even cufflinks are changing with the times. Websites such as Cuff-Daddy (www.cuff-daddy.com) have cufflinks with a delete key, for your I.T. groomsman, scales of justice cufflinks for the lawyer groomsman, and even Homer Simpson cufflinks for the younger groomsman.

Things Remembered (www.thingsremembered.com), a retail chain that specializes in engraved gifts, often sells money clips as groomsmen gifts. Retailing for approximately $20.00, and available both on-line and in the stores, a money clip is something to give a groomsman that he'll have for a long time.

Outside of the standard gifts, a creative groom can go a long way. Beer loving groomsmen might like the "Capcatcher," a bottle opener that mounts on the wall, catches the beer caps in the bottom, and comes complete with the name of the married couple engraved on it, or a simply stated "thank you." You can purchase this item at www.capcatcher.com.

For the gambling groomsman, personalized poker sets, chips, and cards are available on a multitude of websites. One of the most reasonable is Personalization Mall (www.personalizationmall.com). Their regular price for a clay poker chip set, with personalization, is $32.95.

Sometimes the simplest gift is best. My husband was recently in a wedding where every groomsman was given a gift certificate to Best Buy. When asked, the groom explained that he gave this to his friends because he wanted them to choose their own gifts. This was simple, thoughtful, and highly regarded between my husband and his fellow groomsmen.

It is important to start out married life on the right foot with both families, and both sets of friends. Bridesmaids' gifts should not be the only attendant gifts that are well thought out. The groomsmen deserve the same appreciation. Hopefully there are enough ideas here to get you started. Remember, the wedding is about more than the bride and groom, and it is important to thank everyone who helps get you to your special day.