Virtual showroom
Book an appointment
Stores
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge | Berkley Hasson
It’s always an honor when one of your closest friends or family members asks you to be a groomsman in their wedding party.
But if you’ve never been one before, you might be wondering …
Exactly what do groomsmen do?
Before you accept the proposal to be a groomsman on someone’s big day, it’s best to know what it means and understand all the groomsmen’s duties that come with such an honorable title.
Here’s everything you need to know about what a groomsman is, the role of groomsmen, and what to expect before, on, and after the big day:
What Is a Groomsman?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Chicago | Set Free Photography
A groomsman is the male equivalent of a bridesmaid — an attendant who supports the groom every step of the way. While the name suggests that all the groomsmen will be guys, many grooms ask their sister(s) or close female friends to be groomswomen too.
Groomsmen partake in all wedding festivities before, during, and after the wedding day.
Unlike wedding guests, groomsmen attend all the fun pre-wedding events. This includes the bachelor party and rehearsal dinner. They also stand beside the groom during the wedding ceremony.
What Does a Groomsman Do Before the Wedding?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte | Green Wedding Shoes
Groomsmen are responsible for all sorts of fun duties, many of which take place long before the wedding day:
From the day you’re asked to be a groomsman until after the wedding is over, be sure to remember your most important duty of all:
Supporting the groom and making the wedding planning process as stress-free as possible! As one of his right-hand men, you should be ready to step up and pitch in to help anytime he asks.
Related: 5 Things to Consider When Picking Groomsmen Attire
What Do Groomsmen Do on the Wedding Day?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Heather Durham
For a groomsman, the wedding day will be your moment to shine!
On the day of the wedding, you’ll need to:
Again, the most important thing you can do for the groom on his special day is keep him calm and stress-free!
What Can a Groomsman Do to Help After the Wedding?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Cleveland | Jenna Riddle
Is it a destination wedding?
If you want to be the best groomsman ever, offer to take on more groomsmen responsibilities in the hours and days after the reception, such as:
If it’s a backyard wedding or a small wedding at home or in a wedding venue that requires clean-up, offer to assist with tidying up after the guests leave.
Other Groomsman FAQs
Here are a few other questions you may have about being a groomsman:
How Many Groomsmen Does a Wedding Have?
The number of groomsmen in a wedding party is up to the bride and groom. While 3-5 groomsmen (and 3-5 bridesmaids) are most common, some couples only have one or two, and some choose to have a dozen or more.
Most couples also have a best man and a maid of honor (or matron of honor).
Does a Groomsman Give a Speech?
Most guys in the wedding party do not give speeches at the reception — that honor is usually bestowed upon the best man. Depending on your relationship
with the bride or groom, they may ask you to say a few words, but they probably won’t expect a full speech.
How Much Should Groomsmen Spend on a Gift?
There is no set amount that you must spend on a wedding gift, as it depends on many factors, like:
Depending on your budget and the type of gift you want to give, consider going in on a shared gift with the other groomsmen.
Keep in mind that you’ll probably receive a gift too. As a thank you, most couples buy bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts for all members of the wedding party!
What’s the Difference Between a Groomsman and Best Man?
Think of the best man as the #1 groomsman. While it’s the most honorable title, the best man has more responsibilities than the other guys. The best man plans the bachelor party and gives a heartfelt best man speech at the wedding reception.
What Do Groomsmen Wear?
Depending on the level of formality of the wedding, groomsman attire can be a shirt, tie, and vest with dress pants, a full suit, or a classic tuxedo.
This decision is completely up to the bride and groom. However, they may ask you to choose accessories, like cufflinks or tie bars, that show your personal style.
Shop groomsmen wedding attire & formalwear at Bella Bridesmaids!
Being a groomsman is a ton of fun, but it’s also a chance to make memories for a lifetime!
From the bachelor party to getting ready in the groomsmen’s suite before the wedding to standing beside him when he says his vows, you’ll enjoy a completely different perspective of his wedding day than if you were to attend as a guest.
As long as you can attend all the pre-wedding events and handle the responsibilities, the next time someone asks you to be in their wedding party, say yes!
Follow Bella Bridesmaids on social media!
