The weather is heating up and so is wedding season! Summer and Fall are a popular time for this big life event. Maybe you’ve been asked to be in a wedding party this season, or perhaps you’re the one tying the knot! We’ve got recommendations for all.
For The Groomsmen
If you’re planning a wedding, you’re more than aware of the expenses your big day is incurring. It can be tempting to skip out on some of the “smaller” expenses. However, what better way to say thank you to those who have been your support system through your big day than a thoughtful, nice groomsmen gift.
Gift giving is a timeless action that represents friendship and connection. In fact, wedding gifts have been given to a newly married couple since the beginning of time. However, the idea of a groomsman gift came about during the latter half of the 20th century as the “common” person’s wedding became bigger and more expensive. Handed out by the groom to his inner circle of friends, these gifts work to mark and remember the occasion as well as show a token of the grooms’ appreciation for all that goes into being part of the event itself.
Accepting a role as a groomsman takes significant time, energy and monetary obligation to ensure that the wedding event is a success. Though you may feel that you are honoring your guys with the invite, it is the gents themselves who are doing you the favor. A groomsman gift to them should reflect your gratitude.
When deciding how much to spend on groomsmen gifts, you can consider your budget, how much your groomsmen invested in your wedding, and how much your partner is spending on gifts for the wedding party. We also recommend personalizing the gifts rather than individualizing them, meaning gift everyone in the wedding party the same thing with a personalized touch like a color change, monogram, or other personalization rather than gifting each person something different, this could cause discord if some gifts are perceived to be more expensive than others. You can also consider spending more on the best man and fathers of the groomsmen, but keep it within range.
Not sure where to start? We have many great recommendations for your wedding party!
The Ryder Dopp Kit
The York Billfold
A great traditional option, a personalized wallet such as the York will get continued use by your groomsman. Handcrafted with American full-grain leather, the wallet will only build character with use. The York II leather billfold wallet offers the same slim minimalist profile as the York but now has two additional card pockets for added flexibility on what you take with you on the go. With eight total scalloped credit card pockets and a vertical stash pocket, the York II is perfect for stylishly carrying all the essentials while keeping your cards and cash secure.
Arlo Leather Hip Flask
Another great option for the bachelor party or even the night before the wedding, every gentleman needs a high quality flask. Make it even better with personalization.
The Haywood Leather Pistol Case
If shooting happens to be on the agenda for the bachelor party this gifting option is a no-brainer! The Haywood Leather Pistol Case features an American full-grain leather exterior and synthetic fleece interior. The Haywood is designed to fit most medium to large frame pistols and revolvers and can also be monogrammed with up to three initials. The Haywood also comes in waxed canvas for a more budget friendly option!
For The Groom
As a groomsman, etiquette does recommend giving a gift to the soon-to-be-married couple. Contrary to some popular thought, your expenses related to being part of the wedding party are not a gift in themselves. Traditional guidelines on how much you should spend can vary, but a typical recommendation would be to spend about $100, increasing this value if you’re closer to the couple or in the wedding party. As a groomsman, you’re one of the groom’s inner circle. Maybe you’ve known each other since childhood, maybe you’re a brother or cousin, or maybe you’ve spent prolonged time in a shared experience working or traveling together. While your budget is an important constraint to what you decide to give the groom, consider the symbolic nature of this gift. It is likely to be the most important gift you ever give them. It should be something with a value equating your relationship. While you could gift the couple something off their registry, it is also appropriate as a groomsman to give a gift particular to the groom himself.
If you need some suggestions, you’ve come to the right place. We recommend the following best-selling items that are sure to make an impact and remain in rotation for decades to come.
For the Traveler: The Twain Leather Weekender
The Twain weekender in Korchmar's Classic Leather is made of American cowhide leather that is selected from the top 5% of available hides. Colored only with aniline dyes, this leather retains its natural beauty over time and features visible markings that are characteristic of only the finest leather. One of our best-selling weekender styles, the Twain is ideal for leisure or business travel. You could give him this prior to the bachelor party so he can use it then and onto the honeymoon! Gold and silver foil monogram options, as well as blind stamp monogramming, all make excellent ways to elevate your gift with the perfect finishing touch. Available in waxed canvas for a more budget friendly option.
For the Commuter: The Garfield Briefcase
If the groom works in a business field that requires an office commute, the Garfield business briefcase is a great option. Featuring a classic, timeliness silhouette, the Garfield is designed to accommodate most 15” laptops and includes a removable, adjustable shoulder strap so that it can be worn comfortably over the shoulder or by hand. We also recommend adding a personalized touch with a monogram. Embossed or foil monogramming is also available! The Garfield also comes in a waxed canvas version.
For the Modern Day Stylish Gent: The Mason Backpack
If the groom is a business professional also focused on practicality, the Mason backpack is a top seller for a reason - enter style and comfort for the modern working professional. The Mason is a waxed canvas and leather backpack designed to accommodate a 15" laptop. Featuring numerous organizational pockets, including a water resistant side pocket designed for water bottles, and an interior iPad pocket, the Mason is an ideal solution for work or leisure. Also available in all leather or ballistic nylon.
Whatever you decide to gift your friend, we hope you’ll consider a quality piece of Korchmar leather. We design all of our products to last a lifetime, so your piece will live on for years to come, reminding you both of this exciting, momentous life occasion.
