A Guide On What to Put in a Groomsmen Box
Groomsmen hoist the groom into the air. Photo Credit: Joeyy Lee.
The spotlight may be on the bride, but you can’t have a wedding without a groom! And to make it to the end of the aisle, he needs the support of some of his closest friends and family members as his groomsmen.
Because they play such a special role in your big day, they deserve a special treat! Some couples give groomsmen gifts, while others get creative with a groomsmen box!
Let’s find out what a groomsmen box is and what items you can add to make an unforgettable groomsmen proposal box.
Understanding a Groomsmen Box
A groomsmen box is a package filled with gifts to thank your groomsmen for being a part of your wedding day. It can be given at the start of the wedding planning process as a “proposal” to be in your wedding party.
Or you can give it towards the end of your journey as a thank you for always being there. Gifting a box to your groomsmen will boost morale and make your guys feel appreciated.
Depending on what you choose, it can also help them get ready for the big day and connect with the theme. You can make sure they are using products and accessories that match and take your wedding to the next level.
Who Should Receive One?
Each groomsmen should get a box of their own, even the ring bearer! This way no one will feel slighted or left out. You can choose to give them all the same box or customize it based on their role.
Make sure the gifts are age appropriate, especially if you have younger family members in your wedding party. You can also opt to give the best man a unique box.
He is likely your groom’s closest confidant and deserves a special token of appreciation. This could mean that you give them a box identical to the others with a special gift or a completely customized version.
Customizing the Box to Each Groomsman
Groomsmen getting ready on the wedding day. Photo Credit: Asdrubal Luna.
Personalization is huge when it comes to groomsmen boxes. Some items require sizing while others may be a matter of preference. When you first invite him to be a part of your wedding party, ask him to fill out a questionnaire.
Much like a bridesmaid questionnaire, you can easily make one through Google forms. Include questions like t-shirt size, pants size, scent preferences, dietary needs, and hobbies/interests.
For instance, if you want to get the groomsmen matching t-shirts, you’ll need everyone’s size. The same goes for edible items. You want to make sure whatever snacks you add to the box can be enjoyed!
Items to Include In Your Groomsmen Boxes
Classic Items to Include
Engraved cufflinks
Monogrammed pocket squares
Personalized tie clips
Traditional groomsmen gifts are a great place to start when building your box. Customized accessories, like engraved cufflinks, monogrammed pocket squares, and personalized tie clips.
You can personalize them with their initials or a special symbol that represents your wedding. You can also include a tie or bow tie.
Choose colors that fit your wedding palette so they can wear these items on the big day and add them to their collection to reuse if they want! Watches also make stunning gifts that are both functional and fun.
Grooming Essentials
Hair products
Shaving kits
Face creams
Beard oils
Wooden beard combs
Travel-size cologne
You’re groomsmen are going to need to look their best as they lead your bridesmaids down the aisle. So include some grooming items to help them feel good.
Hair products like gel can be used to style their hair on your wedding day. If they have facial hair, a high-quality shaving kit will serve them long after they’ve finished their duties.
Guys with longer beards would include products like beard oil, scissors, and a mahogany beard comb. Body products are another great addition.
Give them lotion, face cream, or body wash they can use to freshen up before they get dressed. Have them smelling super fresh by including a travel-size cologne.
You can survey them to find out their scent preferences or choose a popular variety they can wear anytime. Want something original? Go for a modern solid perfume that travels well and won’t risk spills!
Practical Items
Pocket knives
Multi-purpose keychains
Phone accessories
Custom phone cases
Leather wallets
Leather belts
Next, add some functional items that the groomsmen can use in their day to day lives. Pocket knives come in handy, especially when they have features like nail clippers or screwdrivers.
Keychains that double as bottle openings and have personalized elements like initials. Cell phone accessories are also practical and likely to be used over and over again.
A phone grip can help them take selfies on the wedding day. Or a custom phone case with a wallet feature can help them lighten the bulk in their pockets.
Leather wallets or card holders can be reused over and over again. Leather belts are also surprisingly affordable and can help coordinate the groomsmen.
Coordinate the color to the bridesmaids and groomsmen’s outfits. For example, black suits should have black wallets, while navy suits should have brown accessories.
Fun and Unique Additions
Gaming accessories
Gaming console accessories
Gift cards
Concert or event tickets
Unique candies
Mini liquor bottles
Personalized notes
Once you’ve added practical and traditional items, it’s time to really personalize the groomsmen box! Choose fun items that go with their personal interests and hobbies, especially if they align with the groom’s!
Gaming accessories like custom controllers or game merch will put a smile on their faces. You can even give customized skills that can be placed on their consoles for a personalized touch.
You can also give them a future experience with gift cards, tickets, or experiences. These can be for the whole group as a post-wedding bonding experience or individualized so they can enjoy them at their leisure.
Think baseball games, local comic cons, or gift cards to their favorite restaurants. Unique candies and snacks are another great addition.
Offer freeze-dried versions of their favorite candies, like Skittles and gummy worms. Beef jerky in fun flavors will give them a protein boost on your wedding day. You can also include fun beers and mini bottles of liquor to enjoy post-event!
Finally, there’s nothing quite like a personalized note expressing the couple’s gratitude. Take the time to write a meaningful letter to place in the box.
Packaging and Presentation
After you’ve gathered all of your gifts, it’s time to pack the box! Choose a sturdy box with a lid to make it easy to transport. You can find boxes made from cardboard, wood, or even leather, depending on how much you’d like to spend.
If the lid isn’t secure, use ribbons or a leather strap to hold it shut. This will help maintain a sleek, sophisticated silhouette. If you don’t want lids on your boxes, take extra care to arrange your items.
You can use fillers like tissue paper or shredded paper to add bulk and protect the most sensitive gifts. You can keep the decorations simple. Align the colors to your wedding theme and package the items in the same pattern so the boxes look cohesive.
Budget Considerations
A black and white groomsman box that is sure to be a hit! Photo Credit: MargoAndBees.
Setting a budget is very important. Costs can easily get out of hand, especially once you are on a roll buying all sorts of fun things! Decide how much you want to spend per person and make a plan to stick to it.
To save money, look for DIY options you can put together yourself. If you or someone you know can sew, buy high-quality fabric to make into pocket squares.
This is a great way to offer expensive-looking gifts at a lower cost. You can also mix your own beard oils and lotions, customizing the scent and labels to make them pop.
If you’re looking for deals and discounts, look for bulk items online and in store. Shop after major holidays and scour the clearance aisle for good deals.
For example, you’ll find lots of interesting groomsmen gifts at deep discounts around and after Father’s Day. Always be on the lookout, you never know when you’ll stumble into a bargain!
Timing: When to Give Your Groomsmen Their Boxes
Once you’ve put the boxes together, it’s time to hand them out! Proposal boxes should be given early so groomsmen have time to accept and prepare to be part of your wedding.
Include items they can use right now and plan to give any items they will need for the big day later on to avoid anyone misplacing them.
If you’re giving them as a thank you, the rehearsal dinner is a great time to hand them out. If you wait until your wedding day, it’s more likely the groomsmen will lose track of the gifts.
Have your future spouse help you hand them out so you both can thank each groomsman personally.
Conclusion
It takes a village to make a magical wedding day. So show your thanks to the guys who have your man’s back by putting together a thoughtful, fun groomsmen’s box.
Take your time and do your best to reflect the unique personality of each recipient as you shop. It won’t be long before you’re handing over the box and getting ready to walk down the aisle!