When a groom (also called ‘bridegroom’) is planning to get married, he selects one or more men to assist with certain aspects of the wedding. These men are called groomsmen, and are better known as the ushers in the wedding party. Customarily, there is a one-to-one ratio between the number of groomsmen and the number of bridesmaids in the bridal party, but not always. The best man is also counted as part of the groomsmen.

The best man is part of the groomsmen, just as the maid or matron of honor is part of the bridesmaids. However, the best man is usually a closer relation to the groom (such as brother or best friend) and has a higher honor and greater responsibilities than do the other groomsmen.

The best man serves as the witness to the marriage. The groomsmen assist the groom in the planning and orchestration of the wedding and ceremony.

Responsibilities of the Groomsmen:
• Seating the guests prior to the ceremony
• Arranging the bachelor party
• Assisting with tuxedo choices and rentals
• Entertaining the bridesmaids at the reception
• Depending on country and custom, other responsibilities

Additional Responsibilities of the Best Man:
• Caring for the bride’s ring while at the altar
• Serving as witness to the marriage
• Giving the speech at the reception
• Depending on country and custom, other responsibilities

Just as the bride gives gifts to the bridesmaids, the groom typically gives gifts to the groomsmen. The gifts often are delivered during the rehearsal dinner or other event prior to the day of the ceremony. Other customs call for the groomsmen gifts to be given during or after the reception.

Although any gift can be given to the groomsmen, grooms would be advised to select wedding gifts, which are both unique and appropriate for the ushers and occasion. Cufflinks are among the most popular gifts for the groomsmen. Golf gifts, engraved, or personalized gifts, including stud sets, money clips, and watches are common wedding gift ideas.

Too Cheap? Too Expensive? These are common issues the groom faces when shopping for individual usher gifts. The amount of money spent on the groomsmen should be proportionate with:

• The wedding budget
• The cost of tuxedos (which should be consistent with the wedding budget)
• The number of responsibilities the groomsmen are expected to undertake

For example, if the wedding costs $100,000 and the groomsmen are renting high-priced tuxedos, spending $5 on each groomsman gift would be an insult. Likewise, if the wedding budget is only $5,000, giving out $200 groomsmen gifts is unnecessary.

Although there are many places on the Internet to purchase gifts such as cufflinks, a specialty website, such as CuffLinksDepot.com, has the widest selection of groomsmen gifts for all budgets.