文章： A Gift for the Best Man and the Father of the Bride
A Gift for the Best Man and the Father of the Bride
Among the many thank-yous of a wedding day, two carry particular weight. The best man has stood beside the groom, steadied the nerves and delivered the speech; the father of the bride has walked his daughter down the aisle. A gift for either should be more than a token. It should be well made, personal without being sentimental, and used long after the day itself.
A handmade umbrella meets each of those tests. This short guide explains why, which Bucklesbury umbrella suits each man, and how to have it ready in good time.
Why an Umbrella Makes a Fitting Wedding Gift
Many traditional thank-you gifts are admired on the day and then put away in a drawer. An umbrella is different. It is carried on grey mornings, hung over the arm on the way to work and kept by the door for years, and each time it is used it is a quiet reminder of the occasion.
It also suits the British wedding calendar. Few couples plan a wedding in Britain without a glance at the forecast, and an umbrella given on the morning of the wedding may well be put to use before the day is out.
For the Best Man: The Bucklesbury London Umbrella
The best man is often the friend the groom has known longest, and a gift for him can afford to be a little special. The Bucklesbury London Umbrella is the most traditional umbrella we make: its handle and shaft are one continuous length of English chestnut, with no joint between them. The canopy is made from Japanese-engineered fabric, and each umbrella is individually finished by a craftsman.
Black is the natural choice, sitting quietly beside a morning suit or a dark lounge suit. French navy and dark green are equally traditional, and a good choice for a best man who already owns a black umbrella.
For the Father of the Bride: A Gift from the Couple
A gift for the father of the bride usually comes from the couple together, and is often given on the morning of the wedding or quietly at the reception. It is a gift of thanks for years of support as much as for the day itself, so it should be a gift he will use, not simply keep.
The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is a fine choice for everyday use. It is built on a shaft of solid English beechwood from sustainable forests, with a canopy 106 cm across. It is about 91 cm long and weighs about 0.5 kg, so it is light enough to carry over the arm all day. Navy blue and black both sit well with his wedding attire and with everything he wears afterwards. For a father who would appreciate the most traditional construction, the Bucklesbury London Umbrella, cut from a single length of English chestnut, is the more considered gift.
For the Ushers and Groomsmen
Some couples prefer to give the whole wedding party matching gifts, so that the best man, the ushers and both fathers receive the same umbrella. The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella in black works well here: it is the most versatile of our umbrellas and suits every guest.
For an usher who travels for work, the Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella may be more useful. It folds to 45 cm for a bag or briefcase, opens automatically and has a canopy 102 cm across. Our guide to wedding umbrellas and gifts for the wedding party covers the rest of the party, and our post on choosing a wedding umbrella covers the bride and the day itself.
Choosing the Right Umbrella
- Formality. The Bucklesbury London Umbrella is the most traditional choice; the Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is a lighter umbrella for every day.
- Colour. Black sits naturally with morning dress and dark suits; navy and dark green add a little more character.
- How he travels. A full-length umbrella for town; the Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella for the bag or briefcase.
- Matching gifts. If the whole party is to receive the same gift, choose one umbrella and one colour for everyone.
Presented and Ready to Give
Every Bucklesbury umbrella is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box, so it arrives ready to hand over on the day. Each product page has an optional gift note field for a short message of thanks. Umbrellas are dispatched in 2–3 working days, with free UK delivery and DHL Express worldwide, so there is no need to order months ahead; it is still wise to allow a little time before the wedding. For a winter wedding, or for Christmas giving, UK orders should be placed by 16 December.
A good umbrella asks for little in return: leave it open to dry after use, never store it wet, and keep it away from radiators. Our Umbrella Care page has the full notes, and they are worth passing on with the gift.
Made in London
Each Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805. Whichever umbrella you choose, it is a gift that will be carried long after the speeches are over.
