Wedding Etiquette: Can You Have Two Best Men?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Hannah B Miller

Wedding etiquette and wedding rules are always evolving. For some couples, that means breaking tradition to have a man of honor on the bride’s side, a best woman on the groom’s side, or bridesmen and groomswomen on each side of the wedding aisle.

But what about having two best men?

If you can’t decide between your two favorite guys to be your best man, you’ll be happy to know that it’s a decision you might not have to make.

You can have them both play that special role on your wedding day.

This post explains what you need to know about having two best men by your side on the big day. We’ve also included a few style recommendations that will help them look the part!

Can You Have Two Best Men?

The simple answer to this question is yes! It’s your wedding day, and you can plan it with as many bridesmaids, groomsmen, or best men as you wish.

It’s traditional to have just one best man, but if you can’t decide between two close friends or relatives, then by all means, have two.

Some couples have two best men because they want to give both their brother (or a close family member) and a best friend the coveted title. If you have adult children, you might make your two best men your sons.

In some cases, couples choose two close friends from different stages of life, such as a college best friend and an adult best friend.

Related: Can You Have Two Maids of Honor?

Getting Your Best Men Acquainted

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Washington, D.C. | Steven Dray

If your two best men don’t already know each other, you’ll want them to get acquainted well before the big day. Since they’ll be sharing the best man spotlight together, be sure to introduce them months in advance.

Your best men will need to work together to take care of all sorts of important pre-wedding details and day-of duties.

This includes:

• • Planning the bachelor party
• • Holding the wedding rings during the ceremony
• • Helping you get ready on the morning of the wedding
• • Giving speeches at the reception

   

How To Handle the Best Man Speech

When it comes to the best man speech, it’s a good idea for your best men to coordinate so they don’t give similar speeches.

One way to differentiate the speeches (and keep your wedding guests entertained) is for one speech to be a bit more sentimental and one to be a bit funnier.

Of course, that depends on the nature of your relationship. If they’re both your best friends from college, they might want to work on the speech together and deliver one.

Let Both of Your Best Men Plan Important Pre-Wedding Events

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Leslie Hollingsworth

Typically, the best man plans the bachelor party. If you have two right-hand men, encourage them to share in the party planning duties. Suggest that they join forces and tackle it together as a team.

Alternatively, divide the tasks: One person books the hotel or venue, and another makes the travel arrangements.

Make Both Best Men Stand Out

Your best man should stand out from the rest of the wedding party, which usually means wearing a different tie, vest, or boutonniere.

If you have two best men, they should both stand out!

One way to do this is to have your groomsmen wear regular ties and the best men wear bow ties. Or you can have them wear patterned ties while the rest of your guys wear solid ties.

One of the most important things you can do as the groom is to make sure your best men feel like equals to each other.

Remember: These are two of the most important people in your life. So encourage them both to help with wedding planning details and play specific roles on your special day.

Let Your Best Men Walk the Aisle Together

At the end of most wedding ceremonies, the best man and maid of honor (or matron of honor) exit the aisle together, right before the bride and groom. With two best men, let them both accompany your maid of honor during the processional.

One of the main best man duties during the ceremony is holding the wedding rings. With two best men, have one hold the bride’s ring and one hold the groom’s ring. Or have one in charge of the wedding rings and the other keep the marriage license safe and secure during the reception.

How Many Groomsmen Can You Have?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte | Anchor & Veil Photography

Most couples have 3-6 bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side, but you can have as few or as many as you want! There is no rule on this. It’s your wedding, so do what feels right for you.

There’s no limit on groomsmen. However, the bigger your wedding party, the trickier it can be to get everyone together for pre-wedding moments. That includes suit/tux shopping and alterations, the bachelor party, and the rehearsal dinner.

Learn all about groomsmen & best men in our other posts:

Groomsmen Responsibilities | Groomsmen Attire | Groomsmen Gifts

Some of Our Favorite Suits for Co-Best Men

Whether you have one best man or two, here are some looks that will make your right-hand men look spectacular on your wedding day:

SuitShop Light Blue Suit Jacket

SuitShop Men’s Light Blue Suit Jacket

Available in slim and modern fits, the SuitShop Light Blue Suit Jacket offers a polished look that’s perfect for best men and groomsmen alike. Pair it with the SuitShop Light Blue Suit Pants or add the matching vest for an even more formal look.

If light blue isn’t your vibe, this suit also comes in grey, dark green, tan, and navy blue.

SuitShop Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Jacket

SuitShop Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Jacket

The SuitShop Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Jacket and pants are timeless. In slim and modern fits with luxe satin accents, this look is perfect for any formal wedding celebration, no matter how many best men or groomsmen you have.

Shop our complete groomsmen collection of suits, shirts, ties, and accessories in the Groomsmen Shop.

Having two best men might not be traditional, but if you have two guys in your life who deserve the honor, it’s a tradition you can break for a more modern wedding. This is your big day, and you can plan it and celebrate in any way you want.

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