Everyone is of the view that the groomsmen have the easiest job in the wedding. However, with all the things to keep in mind, it can be difficult to know when and what exactly are the groomsmen expected to do.
So, we’ve compiled the ultimate groomsmen duties checklist to help you navigate the wedding and ensure your groom has the best day ever!
Image Credit: Sarah Mack Photography
Table of Contents
Before The Wedding
1. Purchase or Rent Your Wedding Gear
Like the bridesmaid dresses, you’ll have to pay for your own wedding attire. Whether you’re buying or renting, paying or not, you’re responsible for showing up at the appointment to get your suit or tux fitted. You’ll want to accomplish this at least two months before the wedding to spare some time for alterations. Also, make sure you’ve got all the right accessories like tie, socks, cufflinks, and shoes.
2. Plan The Festivities
Help the best man to plan all pre-wedding activities- the engagement party, rehearsals, wedding party pictures and of course, the groom’s bachelor party. With all the boys working together, it can turn out to be a night or weekend you’ll never forget. Stay in touch with the groom and be ready to help when required. Be available to run errands and pick up decoration to help set up the venue.
3. Attend The Wedding Rehearsal
The day before the wedding, there will be a rehearsal where the wedding walkthrough will take place. It’s important that you attend it as a detailed information about your duties will be given to you. This can also be followed by an actual rehearsal dinner with free victuals, drinks and one last celebration of the bride and groom before the big day. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to miss that!
4. Buy A Gift
It is customary for all members of the wedding party, including the groomsmen, to bestow a present on the couple. It is best if you purchase a wedding gift along with the other groomsmen. A collective contribution from the gang means more buying power and you can get a knock-them-off-their-feet wedding gift for the newlyweds. Also, you’ll never run out of gift ideas.
During The Wedding
1. Help The Groom
Help the groom to get ready on the wedding day and make sure every piece of his wedding attire is on point. Contrary to popular belief, grooms can get nervous and one of the main duties of the groomsmen is to keep the groom calm and collected during the ceremony. Nerves and stress can lead to not eating so make sure the groom has something to eat before walking down the aisle.
2. Make The Guests Comfortable
If there is no usher, the duty of seating the guests falls primarily on the groomsmen. Also, be prepared to direct guests to the restroom and the reception site. As a groomsman, you’ll most likely have to take up the duty of introducing guests to one another. Watch the room and make sure everyone is having a good time.
3. Know Your Cue
You’ll likely have learned and practiced your cue for the wedding ceremony at the rehearsals so make sure you’re well aware of when you’re supposed to walk down the aisle and in what order. Some couples want the bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk separately while others prefer the groom to escort a bridesmaid during the wedding procession. So make sure you know your cue thoroughly to avoid embarrassing yourself or killing the vibe at the wedding with your incoordination. Yikes!
4. At The Reception
Collect any gifts and gift envelopes guests bring to the reception. You are likely to be introduced with the bridesmaid you escorted during the processional so politely ask for a dance with her or other single female guests during the evening. Also, sneak out for a bit to decorate the honeymoon getaway car for the newly wedded couple to drive away in style. You can ask for help from other groomsmen and the bridesmaids for this one.
After The Wedding
1. Help To Declutter
After the party, there’s still much work to be done. The bride and groom’s families could use a few helping hands to break down the tables, put away leftovers and clean everything up. So helping them to declutter can be a nice gesture to thank them for making you a part of their celebration.
2. Chauffeur Duties
You can offer to drive the couple to their hotel or the airport after the reception. However, if they’re renting a limo or a slick set of wheels, you can obviously skip this task. You can also help drive out-of-town guests to the airport.
3. Return The Wedding Attire
If you’ve rented your tux or suit, make sure to return them to the designated store. Offer to drop the groom’s suit as well as the bride’s wedding dress so that the couple can enjoy their honeymoon in peace. Most rental companies require the return to be made the day after the event. Don’t forget to do this or you may be charged late fees.
Image Credit: Michelle Valantine Photography
In the end, get some rest! You’ve earned it. The wedding will be over before you know it, so put your best foot forward and don’t forget to have a lot of fun. After all, you’re there to celebrate the happiest day of your friend’s life.
