| In past centuries, when thieves and vagabonds | | | | something a little extra special to denote his |
| abounded, men of any standing would have a | | | | importance in the whole set up but it is still very |
| whole clutch of men protecting him. Wherever he | | | | much accepted if he gets the same as everyone |
| went, he would always have his protectors, or | | | | else. |
| kinsmen, to take care of him and his entourage. | | | | So what do you give these young men? |
| This is how the idea of having several | | | | Sometimes, the groom will know them so well |
| groomsmen attendees at a wedding. | | | | that he can choose individual gifts for each and |
| These days, of course, there is usually no need | | | | every one of them. If time is tight then he will |
| for these men to be armed, but in days of old, | | | | pick out a gift and just buy in bulk for the number |
| they would normally be carrying swords and the | | | | of men who are helping. Either way is acceptable. |
| like. Indeed, this is how the bride found herself on | | | | If this is a particularly young wedding then these |
| the left of her groom so that he could leave his | | | | men may appreciate something for the 'dot com' |
| sword arm free in case of attack! This also | | | | generation. That is, computer cases, weekend |
| applies for men walking on the outside of women | | | | travel bags, or a combination of both. These |
| on sidewalks and the like and still harks back to | | | | come in all kinds of materials but the more special |
| those days. | | | | ones come in soft leather and can have their |
| Groomsmen's duties these days are not so | | | | initials engraved on them. They are a little |
| dangerous. They will normally escort people to the | | | | expensive, naturally, but if these men are close to |
| bride's side or the groom's side of the venue and | | | | the groom, then they will be overwhelmed by this |
| make sure that everyone has what they need to | | | | choice. |
| be comfortable. Even single ladies will be catered | | | | Some like to give jewelry as a bridal gift. Identity |
| for since these guys should make sure that they | | | | bracelets, in silver or gold, never go out of |
| always have a dance partner and that they are | | | | fashion, and the bride and groom's initials can be |
| not left alone to be a wallflower. | | | | added to make it extra special. Or, of course, the |
| Primarily, of course, the first duty of groomsmen | | | | name of the recipient can be placed on the |
| is to make sure that the groom is prepared and | | | | bracelet. |
| arrives on time for his wedding. This has turned a | | | | For something a little different, weekend passes |
| little grisly sometimes when, as a joke, they have | | | | for a great getaway for the groomsmen and |
| put him on a non-stop train bound for distant | | | | their partners is a perfect gift. Or, if cost is an |
| destinations, the night before the wedding! This is | | | | issue, a basket full of goodies which will include |
| usually the result of too much alcohol and too | | | | bathrobes; massage oils; scented candles; and |
| many high spirits and should be avoided at all | | | | everything that will give the recipient a chance to |
| costs! If the best man is in control, as he should | | | | relax with his significant other and have a |
| be, then he will go out of his way to make sure | | | | sensuous time getting away from the mad, mad |
| nothing untoward happens to his 'precious cargo' | | | | world. |
| the night or morning before the event. | | | | Many men will enjoy a perfect glass of wine or |
| On the day of the wedding, all the groomsmen | | | | fine whisky. This, too, will make an excellent gift. |
| and best man usually congregate to keep the | | | | Pristine crystal glasses come in all shapes and |
| nerves of the groom in check. Some will have | | | | sizes from goblets for red wine, to whisky shot |
| relaxing massages, one last game of golf or | | | | glasses and all can be personalized with the initials |
| basketball, or anything to keep him occupied and | | | | of the bride and groom or the initials or family |
| get him into a relaxed mode. Of course, it is | | | | crest of the recipient. This is a wonderful way to |
| traditional for the groom to always arrive at the | | | | say thank you and these glasses may well |
| venue before the bride and this is usually taken | | | | become family heirlooms down the ling. Be careful |
| care of by the best man and his entourage. The | | | | to check whether the recipient has any problems |
| best man also normally takes care of the wedding | | | | with alcohol though. It would be politically incorrect |
| rings until they can be given to ring bearer if | | | | to give alcohol related glasses to an alcoholic. This |
| appropriate. | | | | applies to giving a humidor to someone who has |
| As a 'thank you' for these services it has become | | | | sworn off smoking tobacco products so just do a |
| customary for the bride and groom to give a gift | | | | little research before choosing the gift. |
| to each of these men. The best man usually gets | | | | |