Groomsmen Guide: Making A Grand Entrance At The Wedding

There are endless ways for groomsmen to make an entrance at a wedding, from the classic to the creative. If you're looking for a traditional entrance, groomsmen usually line up according to height, with the tallest first, followed by the shortest, and enter in pairs with the bridesmaids. For a fun twist, groomsmen can enter with a personalised selection of music, or even a medley of songs important to them. For a more dramatic entrance, groomsmen can make their way in on scooters, roller skates, or even piggybacks. For a truly memorable entrance, groomsmen could wear costumes, whether it be superheroes, Disney princes, or meme-themed outfits.

Dance into the reception

Dancing is a popular choice for groomsmen and bridesmaids to make a fun and memorable entrance at a wedding reception. Here are some ideas to make your entrance a showstopper:

Music and Choreography

Play some upbeat and lively music to get everyone in the mood. Choose a song that is meaningful to the bridal party or go with the wedding theme song. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even create a personalised music medley. If choreography isn't your forte, don't be afraid to keep it simple with some basic moves, or seek inspiration from YouTube or TikTok for beginner-friendly wedding dance routines. Practice beforehand to ensure you're all confident and ready to impress!

Props and Costumes

Add some sparkle to your dance with creative props. Hand out masks, tiaras, and sashes to make your bridal party feel like royalty. For a fun twist, have the groomsmen wear dresses while the bridesmaids rock their tuxes. You can also go all out with a themed costume entrance, such as Disney princes and princesses or superheroes.

Make an Announcement

Have each groomsman and bridesmaid announced as they make their entrance. This is a great way to introduce everyone, especially if you have a large wedding with many guests who may not know the bridal party. To add a playful touch, have each member carry a drink and make a toast as their name is called.

Ride-on Vehicles

For a unique spin on your dance entrance, hop on some ride-on vehicles like bicycles or kids' scooters. Decorate the bicycles with flowers for a memorable touch. If you're feeling extra adventurous, try a tandem bike for an entrance that's sure to be a challenge and a laugh!

Dance-off

Divide the bridal party into two teams, groomsmen vs bridesmaids, and turn your entrance into a friendly dance competition. Each team can showcase their best moves and try to out-dance the other. This will add an element of surprise and entertainment for your guests.

Flash Mob

Surprise your guests with a flash mob! Ask your bridal party to sit with the guests before the big moment, keeping it a secret. When the music starts, they can take turns dancing down the aisle, creating a fun and unexpected entrance that will leave everyone smiling.

Ride in on scooters

If you're looking to make a fun and memorable entrance at your wedding, why not consider riding in on scooters? This idea is sure to bring laughter and joy to your special day and will definitely be one to remember! Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan this unique entrance:

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of scooters you want to use. You could go for kids' scooters, which will add to the playful and whimsical nature of the entrance. Alternatively, you could opt for something more sleek and modern, like electric scooters, which are becoming increasingly popular in cities. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try performing some tricks on your scooters as you ride towards the venue!

Next, consider the number of groomsmen you have and whether you want them all to ride scooters. If you have a large group, it might be fun to have some groomsmen riding scooters while others walk alongside or perform stunts. This can add a dynamic element to your entrance and create a visually appealing display.

Now, let's talk about decorations. You can decorate the scooters with flowers, streamers, or even personalised signs. You could also attach a small basket to the front of each scooter to hold a bouquet or other decorative items. If you're feeling extra creative, you can colour coordinate the scooters to match your wedding theme or the groomsmen's outfits.

To make the entrance even more entertaining, you can choreograph a routine or have the groomsmen ride in to upbeat music. They can practice riding in formation, performing tricks, or even carrying props. Imagine the surprise on your guests' faces as the groomsmen zoom in with a cloud of confetti or a trail of sparklers!

Finally, don't forget to plan a smooth exit strategy. You don't want the scooters to be a distraction during the ceremony, so designate a safe area where they can be parked or stored during the main event. You could even have a fun exit planned, such as riding off into the sunset with your new spouse!

Riding in on scooters is a unique and playful way to make your wedding entrance. It's a great option if you want to break away from tradition and inject some fun and spontaneity into your big day. So, start planning those scooter stunts and get ready to wow your guests!

Enter in a vintage car

Arriving in a vintage car is a timeless and classic choice for groomsmen to make a statement entrance at a wedding. Here are some ideas and tips to help you plan this memorable moment:

Choosing the Right Car

The type of vintage car you choose can add a unique touch to your entrance. You could opt for a sleek and elegant model like a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, or Cadillac. These cars offer a romantic and charming atmosphere for your arrival. Alternatively, you could go for something more quirky or unusual, such as a vintage Volkswagen Bus or a colourful Ford or Chevrolet. If you want to incorporate a theme, consider a car that fits the era or style of your wedding.

Decorating the Car

To make your entrance even more special, decorate the vintage car with flowers, ribbons, or other festive embellishments. You could also have the car festooned with colourful flares or cold fireworks for a dazzling display. Don't forget to have the car cleaned and polished to make it shine on your big day.

Planning the Route

Think about the route you will take to the wedding venue. You may want to make a few stops along the way for romantic photos at beautiful viewpoints or places that hold special meaning for you. Consider the speed of the vintage car, as older cars may have a lower maximum speed, which will impact your travel time.

Working with Photographers

Collaborate with your wedding photographer to capture stunning images of your arrival. They can help you choose the best angles and backdrops to showcase the vintage car and your grand entrance.

Adding Extra Touches

To make your entrance truly memorable, consider adding some extra touches. For example, you could have your groomsmen arrive in matching attire that complements the vintage car. You could also play a special song as you arrive or have your groomsmen carry colourful flares or sparklers for added drama and excitement.

Remember to plan and practise your entrance well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly and to create a lasting impression on your wedding day.

Wear costumes

If you're looking to add a unique and fun twist to your wedding, a costumed entrance is a great idea. Pick a theme and ask your groomsmen to dress up accordingly. You have a lot of options to choose from, like dinosaurs, superheroes, pirates, Disney princes/princesses, animals, or anything else you can think of. You can also ask them to wear costumes based on their interests and talents. For example, if one of the groomsmen is a magician, he can wear a magician's costume and perform a few tricks as he walks in.

If you want to add an extra element of fun, you can turn the entrance into a competition. Each groomsman can showcase their talent in their own unique way as they enter. For instance, if one of the groomsmen is a good dancer, he can show off some moves as he enters.

You can also add a gender-bending twist by having the groomsmen wear dresses while the bridesmaids wear tuxedos. This is sure to bring lots of laughter and will result in some unique wedding photos.

Another idea is to have a masquerade-themed entrance, where the groomsmen wear masks and practice their elegant walk to entertain the guests.

If you're having a retro-themed wedding, you can have the groomsmen dress up in era-appropriate gear and roller skate into the venue. Play some '70s and '80s music to complete the nostalgic atmosphere.

For a low-key but enchanting entrance, opt for a starry night theme. Dim the lights and put on a projector to display twinkling stars. The groomsmen can wear costumes related to the theme, such as astronauts or celestial beings.

If you're looking for a grand and glamorous entrance, consider a historical costume parade. Take inspiration from different eras throughout history and choose costumes with the best fashions of each era. For example, you could have the groomsmen dress up in togas from ancient Greece or the tubular day dresses of the 1920s.

For a regal entrance, a United Nations parade theme could be a great option. Give each groomsman a flag to represent a different country, and they can coordinate their outfits to match the color scheme of their flags.

If you want to incorporate cultural traditions into your entrance, you can have the groomsmen dress up in costumes that represent your heritage. For instance, you could have them wear kilts or kimonos.

Lastly, if you're having an outdoor wedding, a garden party entrance theme would be perfect. The groomsmen can enter amidst lush greenery and blooming flowers, creating a romantic and picturesque moment.

Use colour flares

Using colour flares is a fun and creative way to make an entrance at a wedding. It adds a joyful and colourful touch to the celebrations and is sure to impress your guests. Here are some tips to help you plan this unique entrance:

Choosing the Right Product

Opt for smoke grenades, flares, or bombs that produce colourful smoke. These can be purchased from various brands, but it is important to prioritise safety. Cheap versions may be unreliable and unsafe, so consider investing in a trusted brand like Enola Gaye, which offers non-toxic, biodegradable smoke grenades. Their products burn cool instead of hot, reducing the risk of injury. Each unit costs around £10-15, and you can buy a box with multiple colours.

Timing and Duration

The flares typically last 60 to 90 seconds, so plan your entrance accordingly. The 90-second flares provide more time for photographs, ensuring you capture the perfect shot. It is recommended to get a few extra flares for testing and to have spares in case of misfires.

Safety Precautions

These products burn with an internal flame, so safety is a priority. Use them in an open space with good ventilation, and avoid indoor areas. Ensure you have water buckets to extinguish the flares after use, especially if you're using them in a dry environment. It is best to use the flares early in the day, before people have consumed too much alcohol, to ensure sensible handling.

Wind Conditions

Wind speed and direction will impact the success of your entrance. Ideally, you want a light breeze to carry the smoke gracefully. Strong winds may require adjustments to your plans or even a decision to forego the flares if conditions are unsafe.

Staining and Clothing

Smoke bombs can stain clothing, so inform your groomsmen of this possibility. Hold the flares away from your bodies and clothing to minimise the risk. Additionally, the smoke bombs can get very hot, and there may be some sparks, so be cautious to avoid burns.

Photographer's Role

Discuss your plans with your photographer in advance. They can suggest the best locations for photographs and help you prepare. They may also refuse to shoot in certain situations if they deem the conditions unsafe, such as drunk guests or an unsuitable location.

Legal and Venue Considerations

Smoke bombs are a form of pyrotechnic, so check with your venue to ensure they are permitted. If you plan to use them in a public area, obtain the necessary permissions. Additionally, you cannot fly with smoke bombs, so keep that in mind for any travel arrangements.

Group Size

While smoke flares can be used for couple shots and small groups, larger groups may pose more significant safety concerns. Using them with a big group like the entire wedding party requires careful planning.

Colour Choices

Choose colours that match your wedding theme or opt for contrasting hues to stand out. You can even match the smoke colour to your wedding attire for a cohesive look. For a dreamy combo, mix purple and turquoise, or go for a bold statement with a bright magenta.

Using colour flares is a unique and memorable way to make an entrance at a wedding. By following these tips and planning carefully, you can ensure a safe and spectacular entrance that will wow your guests and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions