Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve as attendants in their weddings.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen each have different responsibilities in the wedding.
In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom's bodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to his future wife.
Today, the groomsmen's roles are not based on saving life and limb.
They serve as assistants to the groom and help plan the bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the ceremony.
They may have a few other responsibilities, depending on what the couple wants of their assistants.
PRE-WEDDING
- Help pick out the tuxedos and show up for fittings.
- Help plan and share the cost of the bachelor party.
- Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and appear at the rehearsal dinner.
- Pay for their own wedding attire or formal wear rentals.
- Help unload cars with supplies if the couple is doing the decorating the wedding themselves.
- Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the celebration.
- Return formal wear for themselves and the groom.
- Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honeymoon destination if the best man is unavailable.
DURING THE CEREMONY
- Greet and seat guests at the ceremony in the appropriate rows or pews.
- Stand near the groom during the ceremony.
- Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony.
- Cater to anyone's needs and mingle with the guests afterward.
PARTY TIME
- Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated.
- Sit at the table of honour beside the rest of the bridal party.
- Mingle with the guests. - Participate in all photos if asked. - Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart.
- Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterward.
