Groomsmen But No Best Man: How To Handle This?

Picking a best man for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have many close friends or family members. While some people choose to have their father or cousin as their best man, others may opt for a close friend or sibling. In some cases, the groom might not have anyone they feel comfortable asking, or they might prefer not to have a best man at all. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Ask your dad to be your best man

Asking your dad to be your best man can be a great option if you don't want to have a best man at your wedding. While it is a break from tradition, you can set your own rules and create a wedding party that feels authentic to you.

If you are close to your dad, asking him to be your best man can be a meaningful way to involve him in your wedding. It is becoming more common for grooms to choose their fathers as their best men, especially in the American South. This choice can be especially appropriate if you don't have many close friends or if you want to avoid the hassle of choosing between several special people in your life.

There are many ways to make asking your dad to be your best man a memorable moment. For example, you could create a photo album of different pictures of you and your dad together throughout the years, with the last page asking him to be your best man.

Your dad might be honoured to be asked to be your best man, and it can be a touching way to showcase the bond between parents and children. However, if your dad is against the idea or you don't feel comfortable with it, there are other alternatives. You could ask a sibling, another family member, or a close friend to be your best man, or you could opt to not have a best man at all.

Don't have a best man

If you're getting married and are worried about not having a best man, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that wedding traditions are not mandatory and can be adapted to suit your needs and preferences. You can choose not to have a best man, and this may even lead to a smoother wedding day and preparation process, as large wedding parties can sometimes create confusion and distraction.

If you're concerned about specific best man duties, there are alternatives to fulfil these roles. For example, if you're worried about who will plan your bachelor party, there are companies that can organise it for you, or you can plan it yourself if it's not too much hassle. On your wedding day, you can ask your dad or a friend to be by your side and assist with tasks such as holding the rings and ensuring you stay hydrated. Your wedding planner can also help with various duties, such as exchanging gifts and making sure you have your favourite drink.

If you're worried about the wedding procession being uneven without a best man, you can consider having just groomsmen without a designated lead attendant, or you can scrap the wedding party altogether. You could also ask a sibling, parent, uncle, grandparent, or cousin to take on some of the best man duties. If you're a dog lover, your dog can even be your "best pup" and accompany you down the aisle, with the help of a pet-sitting company during the ceremony.

Remember, it's your wedding, so you can set your own rules and create a wedding party that feels authentic to you.

Have a best woman or best person

If you don't want to have a best man at your wedding, that's totally fine! Wedding traditions are flexible and can be adapted to suit your needs. Here are some things to consider if you choose to forgo the traditional best man:

Who will plan the bachelor party?

Although it's nice to have a close friend plan the bachelor party, it's not necessary. You can hire a company to plan the event, or you can even plan it yourself if you have the time and it's not too much trouble.

Who will be by your side on the wedding day?

On your wedding day, you may want someone to help with small tasks like holding the rings, passing you drinks, and making sure your wedding party is on time. You could ask your dad or a friend to be your sidekick for the day, or you could ask your wedding planner to assist with these duties.

Who will give the best man speech?

The best man's speech is a fun and heartfelt tradition. If you don't have a best man, you can ask a parent, mentor, or friend to give the speech instead. Or, you can skip the speech altogether and use that time for something else, like hitting the dance floor!

In a traditional wedding procession, the best man is the last person to walk down the aisle. If your partner has a maid of honour or best man, you may want to consider having someone on your side to keep things even. However, it's not the end of the world if the sides are uneven, and you can always choose to scrap the wedding party altogether.

Alternatives to having a best man

If you don't want a traditional best man, there are some alternative options to consider:

• Just have groomsmen: You can still have a group of groomsmen without choosing a lead attendant. Just make sure they can share the responsibilities and tasks.
• Have a "best pup": If you're a dog lover, why not make your furry friend your right-hand man or woman? You can have your dog by your side as you walk down the aisle, and there are pet-sitting companies that can take care of your pet during the ceremony.
• Choose a sibling or family member: If you have siblings or close family members, they can step in and help with any best man duties before and on your wedding day.

Remember, it's your wedding, so you can set your own rules and create a wedding party that feels authentic to you. Don't be afraid to break with tradition and choose what feels right for you!

Choose a close family member

If you're struggling to choose a best man for your wedding, or you don't want to have one at all, you could consider selecting a close family member to take on the role instead. This could be a great option if you have a large family and don't want to cause any upset by choosing one friend over another.

A close family member could be a parent, uncle, grandparent, or cousin. If you have a sibling, this could be an obvious choice, as they are likely to know you well and have been there for you for most of your life. If you don't have a sibling, you could ask a parent to take on the role. This can be a great way to involve them more closely in your wedding and give them a special role.

If you choose to go with a family member as your best man, it's important to consider their strengths and how they can support you on your big day. For example, are they good at public speaking? Will they be able to keep the wedding rings safe? Are they organised and trustworthy? It's also a good idea to choose someone who you know will provide moral support and be there for you if you get cold feet.

Remember, your wedding is your special day, and you can set your own rules. So, if you feel that choosing a close family member as your best man is the right decision for you, go for it!

Pick a friend to be your best man

Picking a best man for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have many close friends. While it is common to choose a close friend or sibling for this role, it is not a requirement. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose whoever you feel comfortable with. Here are some reasons why picking a friend to be your best man can be a great option:

• A friend can bring a unique perspective and add a personal touch to your wedding. They can offer emotional support and help you navigate any pre-wedding jitters or cold feet. A true friend will be honest with you and have your back, ensuring that your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.
• Friends often share similar interests and hobbies, which can be beneficial when planning the bachelor party or other wedding-related events. They can help plan an event that aligns with your interests and ensure that you have a memorable time with your closest friends before entering this new chapter of your life.
• A friend can also serve as a liaison between you and the groomsmen, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and coordinating their duties effectively. This can include helping with outfit selections, organizing the bachelor party, and collecting money for any group gifts.
• During the wedding, your friend can be entrusted with important tasks such as holding the wedding rings, keeping track of the groom's personal items, and ensuring that the groom and groomsmen are where they need to be at the right time. They can also be a familiar face to welcome and interact with guests, making everyone feel more at ease.
• Lastly, a friend can deliver a heartfelt and entertaining best man speech during the reception. They can share stories and anecdotes about the groom, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose whoever you want as your best man. Pick someone you trust and who will support you throughout the entire process, making your special day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions