Recently we talked about the custom of giving gifts to groomsmen on the wedding day. And that brings up another interesting question for discussion: do groomsmen give a gift to the groom?
The groomsmen are expected to rent or buy a suit or tuxedo, attend pre-wedding celebrations, get ready with the groom, provide support, etc. When you add in a destination wedding, there are travel costs you incur, as well.
So, do groomsmen give gifts to the groom, too? Let’s discuss it!
Groomsmen Gifts to the Groom: Necessary or Not?
This question came into our inbox from a reader named Michael, who writes,
“Hi Emmaline, I’m a groomsman in a wedding this February. Should I give a gift to the groom? My girlfriend says it’s necessary to give groomsmen gifts to the groom but I’ve never heard of it before. If true, what do groomsmen give as a gift?”
Hi Michael! Great question.
No, Not Necessarily
In terms of giving gifts, no, groomsmen do not typically give a gift to the groom, unless they want to.
I have heard of a Best Man giving a gift to the groom, but this isn’t mandatory.
Groom = Gives the Gifts
Typically, it’s the other way around: the groom gives a gift to the Best Man and individual groomsmen gifts and usher gifts to his attendants. There’s no official tradition where groomsmen must give gifts to the groom.
Wedding Gift
This isn’t to be confused, however, with a wedding gift, which is given to the couple together.
It is necessary for groomsmen to give individual gifts to the couple together, as a wedding present to the newlyweds. This is proper etiquette — i.e. give a gift of cash for the wedding or a present from their registry — as a guest at a wedding, just as you would normally do at any wedding reception.
But in terms of giving a specific gift to the groom himself from the groomsman, no, that’s quite optional.
So, what do groomsmen give as a gift? A wedding present for the couple. Nothing additional — gift-wise — is required.
Thanks for writing and I hope it helps.
Have fun at the wedding!
