What does the Father of the Groom do during the wedding and rehearsal dinner?

It’s the father of the groom’s responsibility to act as a host for this event, according to Jeanette Tavares, president of Evoke Design & Creative in Washington D.C. That includes making the event a warm and inviting way to kick off wedding festivities, welcome all guests, and give a toast.

When is the best time to give a Father of the Groom his gift?

The ideal time to give a father of the groom his gift is the morning of the wedding, advises Tavares. “Normally the boys are all together relaxing after brunch. We find that this is the best time for a groom to hand over a little something special to his dad!” she said.

What are some other Father of the Groom gift ideas?

If the father of the groom loves experiences, give him an intangible gift he won’t forget! Consider a day at his favorite winery or brewery, or if he likes to live life adventurously, book a skydiving trip or a helicopter ride.

The 13 Best Gifts for the Father of the Groom of 2023

While the bride’s parents tend to play a larger role in weddings, the groom’s parents aren’t to be forgotten. The father of the groom typically has a key role during the rehearsal dinner and thus should be at the top of your list for extra special thank yous. Regardless, don’t you want to recognize the man who helped raise the man you’ll be marrying?

We rounded up some fun ideas, both big and small, to show him your appreciation. We’ve got everything from some customized sports glasses and a globe liquor decanter to a warm, cozy robe and a body care set. Pick the one that best suits his personality or interests, and he’ll for sure feel appreciated. Whether you're thanking your future father-in-law or looking for a sweet gift for your own dad, he'll love one of these unique presents.

Read on for the best gifts for the father of the groom.

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Love and Lace Hankies Custom Tie Patch Label

Make that tie extra special with a customized photo of the groom and his dad. Send a copy of the photo to the Etsy seller, and they’ll sew in a patch measuring 2.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches long into a tie of your choice. There are endless options to choose from, from solid colors to fun patterns and plaids.

Price at time of publish: $23 for Peel Stick Tie Patch

Girly Builds Personalized Divot Tool Set

Any father of the groom will be happy to hit the green with this divot toolset. It comes with both a divot tool in wood and chrome or gunmetal, both of which can be personalized with a laser engraved name and a golf club logo. It all comes in a stylish display case to help tuck everything away when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $35

Ugg Scuff Slipper

Your father-in-law won’t want to take these slippers off! Ideal for around the house, the exterior is made of suede and the interior is made of a soft, warm shearling lining. They’re available in black, chestnut, and espresso, colors that will all match any robe or loungewear.

Price at time of publish: $90

Baseball Park Map Glasses

This set of whiskey tumblers is sure to please the baseball lover. Each glass features a map of the recipient’s favorite MLB stadium on the side and the team’s logo on the bottom in either red or blue. They hold up to 11 ounces of whiskey and are dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publish: $35

Daneson Scotch Infused Toothpicks Gift Set

These toothpicks are infused with a barrel-aged, Islay single malt made by a 200-year-old distillery. Scotch aficionados will appreciate their smoky flavor featuring notes of peat and complex caramel. Just let the father-of-the-groom know that he needs to gently bite into the wood to release the flavors. They come in four glass vials of a dozen toothpicks each.

Price at time of publish: $36

Bevel Trimmer

There’s no need to go to a barber again with the Bevel Trimmer. Designed to combat dirt and oil, it features a soft-touch grip and 360-degree non-slip handling for a close, smooth shave. The handle doesn’t heat up the way other trimmers do, ensuring a comfortable cut. Bonus: it stays charged for up to 180 days.

Price at time of publish: $200

Black Diamond Midweight Screentap Fleece Gloves

No need to put the phone away come wintertime. Made of fleece and conductive leather, these gloves will keep the chill off while allowing for touch-screen use. Snug and comfortable, they’re perfect for a wide range of activities in lower temps, from walking to exercising.

Price at time of publish: $40

Maximum Henry Wide Standard Leather Belt

Belts really do all the work. They put the final touch on an outfit and prevent pants from falling—genius, no? This leather belt is timeless and understated, versatile enough to act as the perfect complement for the father of the groom’s wedding day attire or a more casual dinner out.

Price at time of publish: $135

Kimberly New York Echelon for Men

You can’t go wrong gifting this woodsy scent, which features orange zest, black peppercorn, leather, and mahogany mixed with subtly sweet anise. It comes in three different sizes, ranging from .5 fluid ounces to 3.4 fluid ounces, so you can pick the right one according to just how often the father of the groom wears cologne.

Price at time of publish: $109

Hamilton Men's Boulton Silver Dial Watch

A handsome leather watch never fails to impress. Featuring a gold-tone case, brown croco-embossed leather strap, and white dial, this Hamilton Men’s watch is timeless and classy. The face is made of scratch-resistant mineral crystal, and the watch itself is water-resistant for up to 100 feet.

Price at time of publish: $625

Robert Graham Titian Leather Briefcase

We’re guessing the father of the groom has had his work briefcase for years now. It’s likely wearing thin, so replace it with this handsome leather option. It features silvertone hardware and plenty of pockets to store pens, paper, a laptop, and more: two outside zip pockets, an inside zip pocket, and three inside slip pockets.

Price at time of publish: $298

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

Whether it’s a day working out in the shed, lounging on the beach, or camping in the mountains, this wireless Bluetooth speaker will keep the vibes going. It’s super portable and has 360-degree sound, 13 hours of battery life, and an outdoor boost button that enhances loudness when playing outside. Bonus: It’s waterproof and floats in the pool!

Price at time of publish: $98

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

With this comfy robe, you’ll never want to wear anything else. Made of Turkish cotton, it cozily wraps you up in a bunch of fluff and features two slouchy front pockets and a shawl collar. It comes in four different soft colors, from white to stone, and is perfect for that post-shower warmth.

Price at time of publish: $109

What to look for in a Father of the Groom gift

A gift for the Father of the Groom can range from something useful that you know he'll appreciate to a more frivolous, unexpected item that he would never buy for himself. If you're stuck, go with something personalized—that added extra touch will make any gift feel even more special.

FAQ

What does the Father of the Groom do during the wedding and rehearsal dinner?

It’s the father of the groom’s responsibility to act as a host for this event, according to Jeanette Tavares, president of Evoke Design & Creative in Washington D.C. That includes making the event a warm and inviting way to kick off wedding festivities, welcome all guests, and give a toast.
When is the best time to give a Father of the Groom his gift?

The ideal time to give a father of the groom his gift is the morning of the wedding, advises Tavares. “Normally the boys are all together relaxing after brunch. We find that this is the best time for a groom to hand over a little something special to his dad!” she said.
What are some other Father of the Groom gift ideas?

If the father of the groom loves experiences, give him an intangible gift he won’t forget! Consider a day at his favorite winery or brewery, or if he likes to live life adventurously, book a skydiving trip or a helicopter ride.

Meet the Expert

Jeanette Tavares is the president of Evoke Design & Creative, a Washington D.C.-based luxury event and wedding planning company.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has over six years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. When it comes to gifts, she loves those that are personalized. And in her experience, you can’t go wrong gifting a man something related to sports.