What Does A Groomsman Do? (The Complete Groomsmen Guide)

Yes, it is! Being asked to be a groomsman is a significant honor. It means that you are an important part of the groom's life, and he wants you to stand by his side on one of the most important days of his life. This role goes beyond just wearing a suit and showing up on the wedding day; it carries a lot of responsibilities, which we'll get to very soon.

Groomsmen are usually those closest to the groom, like siblings, relatives, and close friends. Don't forget the bride's siblings, either! Including a future brother-in-law can be a meaningful gesture.

One, five, twelve—there's no magic number for groomsmen! Traditionally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids, but it doesn’t have to. For a more balanced look, aim for a number close to your bridesmaids, but ultimately, choose what works best for your wedding.

Whether you have one groomsman or eight, there's no rule about how many you should have. Photo credit: Haley Mercedes Photography

Of course! People get married at all ages these days, so it's very common for "older" grooms to have married groomsmen. (And no, being married doesn't mean they have to be paired with their spouse as a bridesmaid.)

Yes! Traditionally, groomsmen are male, but in the 21st century it's perfectly acceptable to ask a close female friend or relative to be a groomsman. As for attire, a groomswoman may match the groomsmen or wear a dress in the same color as the groomsmen's suits. (Wearing the same color dress as the bridesmaids does not distinguish the role.)

Perhaps you want to include a younger sibling in your wedding party. Pre-teens and teens can absolutely be groomsmen. In fact, they are often called junior groomsmen. However, for younger children, consider having them as ring bearers instead. This way, their responsibilities are more suited to their age. (For more details on junior groomsmen, check out our blog post What Is A Junior Groomsman? that's all about the role)

Pre-teens and teens can be part of the wedding party as "junior groomsmen." Photo credit: Melanie Conner Fine Art Photography

The best man is a groomsman, but he has a few extra responsibilities than the other groomsmen. He is usually the groom's brother or best friend, or another close relative. See our blog post, Best Man Responsibilities, for more details on the role of the best man.

An usher is a member of the wedding party who escorts guests to their seats before the ceremony. They might be a groomsman, but often they are in addition to the wedding party. They may also escort the mother(s) of the bride and/or groom at the very start of the ceremony. While ushers are a traditional role, not all weddings use them today.

Traditionally, only the best man gives a speech at a wedding, not other groomsmen. While there are exceptions, there's only so much time for speeches. If more than one groomsman speaks, we recommend keeping things short and sweet so dinner, dancing, and the all-important cake cutting can begin!

This is an important question and could affect your decision to be a groomsman. Typically, being a groomsman does come with costs, but these can vary greatly by wedding. You might be asked to pay for your suit or tuxedo rental, as well as accessories like ties, socks, and cufflinks.

As a groomsman, you may be responsible for covering the cost of your suit rental. Photo credit: Erin Wilson Photography

Another expense to consider is the location of the wedding. Destination weddings will naturally cost more than local ones, but even local weddings might mean hotel and parking fees. You may also need to pay for an extra night at the hotel to attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner.

Additionally, the groomsmen often split the cost of the bachelor party, which can vary depending on the location and activities. If you live far from the groom, this might mean an extra trip before the wedding.

Lastly, groomsmen are still expected to give a wedding gift or money, typically ranging from $50 to $125.

Understanding these potential costs can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to accept the role.

Absolutely! It's okay to turn down being a groomsman, even if you feel bad about it. There are many valid reasons to say no, such as conflicting schedules, budget constraints, or not being comfortable in the spotlight. Don't worry, you're still likely be invited to the big day even if you decline a role in the wedding.

Groomsman, groomsmen; what's the difference? Just like "man" versus "men," when it's one member of your wedding party, it's "groomsman." When there's more than one, it's "groomsmen."

The same is true for female groomsmen: Use groomswoman for one person and groomswomen (or groom's people) for multiple.

A groomsman is one person, while groomsmen means more than one. Photo credit: Madi G Photography

Now that you know exactly what a groomsman is, it's time to talk about what a groomsman does. The responsibilities of the groomsmen don't just start at the ceremony. Take a look:

As a groomsman, you will be involved in various pre-wedding activities and tasks, such as:

Planning The Bachelor Party: Along with the best man and other groomsmen, you’ll help plan and perhaps pay for the bachelor party, ensuring it's a memorable and enjoyable event for the groom.

Offering Support: Wedding day jitters are real! The groom might get nervous as his big day approaches, so be there to offer support and help him stay calm and focused. Your encouragement can make all the difference!

Assisting With Preparations: Don't stress—the groomsmen aren't in charge of wedding planning, but might be called upon to help with last-minute preparations or errands on the rehearsal or wedding day. With so much going on before the big event, any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated by the bride and groom.

The wedding rehearsal is crucial! Typically held the afternoon or evening before the big day, it's the wedding party's chance to learn exactly how the ceremony will unfold. You'll go over where to walk, stand, and what to do, so everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.

At the rehearsal dinner, which immediately follows the wedding rehearsal, the groomsmen's main roles are to enjoy the meal and socialize with friends and family. While there might be plenty of drinks, it's important to keep it responsible in preparation for the big day. And don't forget to help ensure the groom makes it to bed at a reasonable hour and doesn't overindulge.

Walk Down the Aisle: Wedding formats can vary, but groomsmen often walk down the aisle alone or paired with a bridesmaid. In some weddings, they might enter from the side or back of the venue alongside the groom. After the bride and groom are officially declared husband and wife, the groomsmen typically exit the ceremony one by one down the aisle with a member of the bridal party.

Stand With The Groom: During the ceremony, the groomsmen stand beside the groom to offer support and witness the vows. (And guys, it might be a good idea to tuck a tissue or two in your pockets—just in case the groom needs them!)

The groomsmen stand with the groom during the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Photos: Get ready for the camera. Groomsmen will be featured in a ton of wedding photos—not just during the ceremony and reception. Expect shots getting ready with the groom, plus more group photos taken between the ceremony and reception. A mix of posed and candid shots can be expected, and don't be afraid to let loose and have some fun!

Make An Entrance: The wedding party typically makes their grand entrance to the reception after all the guests are seated. Often, members of the wedding party are announced as they enter. Depending on the wedding's vibe, the groomsmen might even make a memorable entrance by dancing in one by one with members of the bridal party.

Sit With The Wedding Party: While traditions are evolving, the wedding party typically sits together with the bride and groom at the front or center of the wedding reception.

Dance: Get ready to hit the dance floor! After dinner, it's time to dance the night away at the wedding reception. Occasionally, the bride and groom might plan a surprise choreographed dance for their guests, and the entire wedding party—including the groomsmen—may be asked to join in.

Even if you haven't rehearsed a choreographed dance, you'll still want to hit the dance floor. When the wedding party is out there having fun, it encourages guests to join in and helps make the wedding an unforgettable celebration.

Groomsmen can encourage others to dance by stepping onto the dance floor themselves.

Whether you're the groom, a bride planning the big day, or a groomsman gearing up for your role, understanding the ins and outs of what it means to be a groomsman is essential. With these insights, you'll be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and memorable wedding experience for everyone involved.

TieMart offers budget-friendly men's wedding accessories in a huge range of solid colors and patterns, which includes ties, socks, pocket squares, and more. You'll find accessories for the entire wedding party, from the groom and groomsmen to the ring bearer and father of the bride. Match your wedding colors by requesting free fabric color swatches today.