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.

'Fashion'able Groomsmen Gifts
Traditionally, the wedding party's attire is color coordinated to keep in style with the overall mood of the wedding. Groomsmen usually need to purchase an entire outfit or rent a costly tuxedo. Why not consider fashion when choosing your groomsmen gift? Paying for the tuxedo rental is a considerate groomsmen gift when money is an issue; whereas cufflinks or a tie make thoughtful groomsman gifts as they can be worn at the wedding and in years to come. If an island wedding is what you have in mind, then matching Hawaiian shirts would make fun groomsmen gifts or give flip flops for groomsman gifts if you envision your groomsmen wearing them down the (sandy) aisle!

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, a specialty website, such as Groomsmen.com, has a wide selection of groomsmen gifts for all budgets.