Franklin Dean
A groomsman or usher is one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony. The groom usually selects close friends and relatives to serve as groomsmen, and it is considered an honour to be selected. From his groomsmen, the groom usually chooses one to serve as the best man. The groomsmen's duties include helping guests find their places before the ceremony, planning celebratory events such as a bachelor party, and providing practical assistance with gifts, luggage, or unexpected complications. They may also participate in local or regional traditions, such as decorating the newlywed couple's car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Groomsman, Groomswoman, Best Man, Best Woman, Best Person |
| Description | Male or female attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony |
| Selection | Close friends and relatives chosen by the groom |
| Roles and Responsibilities | Help guests find their places, stand near the groom during the ceremony, plan celebratory events, provide practical assistance, participate in local traditions, act as legal witness, give a speech |
What You'll Learn
Groomsmen: the groom's auxiliary dudes
The groom's crew, his auxiliary dudes, his groomsmen—whatever you call them, these are the guys who've got the groom's back through the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Usually close friends or family members, groomsmen are there to support the groom and make sure he and his guests have a great time.
Choosing your groomsmen
It's an honour to be selected as a groomsman, and the groom will usually pick his closest friends and relatives to fill these roles. The groom might also ask other male friends and relatives to act as ushers, helping guests to their seats before the ceremony.
From his groomsmen, the groom will usually choose one person to be the best man. The best man is the groom's right-hand man and has additional responsibilities, including organising the bachelor party, giving a speech at the reception, and being keeper of the wedding rings.
Groomsmen's duties
Groomsmen's duties can include:
- Helping the groom get ready on the wedding day
- Planning pre-wedding activities, such as the bachelor party
- Participating in the ceremony by standing near the groom
- Acting as a legal witness to the marriage and signing the marriage certificate
- Helping to make the day go smoothly by talking to guests who are alone, dancing with unaccompanied guests, and providing practical assistance
- Taking part in local or regional traditions, such as decorating the newlywed couple's car
Attire
Groomsmen usually wear matching outfits, but if there's a bridesman or groomswoman, they can wear an outfit that matches the colour scheme while swapping out an accessory to better match the rest of the groomsmen or bridesmaids.
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Best Man: the groom's right-hand man
The best man is the groom's chief assistant and right-hand man at a wedding. The role is traditionally given to a close friend or relative of the groom, who will act as his main support throughout the wedding process. The best man is usually chosen from the groomsmen, who are the male attendants of the groom at the wedding.
The best man has a variety of duties and responsibilities, including planning the bachelor party, attending the wedding rehearsal, helping the groom on the wedding day, keeping the wedding rings safe, and giving a speech at the reception. He also stands next to the groom during the ceremony and acts as a legal witness to the marriage by signing the marriage certificate.
In some cultures, the best man's role may differ. For example, in Zambia, he leads processions at the wedding and pre-wedding events, and is expected to give an outstanding dance performance. In Uganda, the best man is usually married and guides the newlyweds in the ways of marriage, while in Bhutan, he presents himself as a ceremonial guardian to both the bride and groom and entertains the guests.
The best man is an important part of the groom's wedding experience, providing support, assistance, and a sense of camaraderie during the celebrations.
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Ushers: guide guests to their seats
Ushers are a key part of the wedding party, and their role is to guide guests to their seats. This is a task that is often carried out by groomsmen, who are male attendants to the groom. The groom will usually select close friends and relatives to serve as groomsmen, and it is considered an honour to be chosen.
The role of usher is often given to additional male friends and relatives of the groom at weddings with many guests. Their sole task is to show guests to their seats before the ceremony. Ushers may also be hired for very large weddings.
The role of the groomsmen is to help the groom and make sure he has everything he needs. This includes practical assistance with gifts, luggage, or any unexpected complications. Groomsmen may also be asked to help make the wedding more pleasant for guests, for example, by talking with people who are alone or dancing with unaccompanied guests.
Groomsmen have a number of duties before the wedding day, including planning the bachelor party and helping to decorate the newlywed couple's car. On the day of the wedding, groomsmen will often help the groom to get ready and will stand near him during the ceremony.
The best man is chosen from the groomsmen and has additional responsibilities, including giving a speech and acting as a legal witness to the marriage.
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Swordsmen: form a traditional saber arch
A wedding is a momentous occasion, a time-honoured ceremony celebrating the union of two people in matrimony. One of the most iconic symbols of this sacred bond is the traditional saber arch, often presented with military precision and pageantry. If you are part of the groom's honor guard, also known as swordsmen, it is your duty to create this memorable passage for the newlyweds and their guests. Here is a step-by-step guide to forming the saber arch:
Selecting the Swordsmen
The groom chooses swordsmen from among his closest friends, usually those who have served alongside him. These men form a tight-knit group, united by their shared experiences and dedication to the groom. It is an honour to be selected, and each swordsman plays a crucial role in the wedding ceremony.
Preparing for the Saber Arch
Before the wedding, the swordsmen must practise precision drills to perfect their timing and coordination. The saber arch requires absolute synchronisation, with each swordsman knowing their exact position and movement. Practise makes perfect, and it ensures that the arch is executed flawlessly on the big day.
Forming the Saber Arch
On the wedding day, the swordsmen, dressed in their military regalia, take their positions to form the saber arch. Typically, this involves two parallel lines of swordsmen facing each other, with their swords drawn and held upright. The swordsmen on the left side of the aisle hold their sabers with the blades facing inward, while those on the right hold their sabers with the blades facing outward. This creates a symmetrical arch, with the hilts of the swords meeting at the apex.
The Newlyweds' Passage
As the wedding ceremony concludes, the swordsmen remain motionless, their sabers forming the iconic arch. The newlyweds, beaming with joy, proceed through the arch, symbolically passing from one stage of their lives to the next. This moment is often captured in photographs, creating lasting memories of the occasion.
Guests Passing Through
After the newlyweds have passed through, the saber arch remains in place as a gesture of welcome and honour for the guests. The guests proceed through the arch, offering their congratulations and well wishes to the happy couple. The swordsmen, with their unwavering discipline, add a sense of solemnity and grandeur to the occasion.
The traditional saber arch is a unique and memorable aspect of a military wedding. It symbolises the strength and unity of the groom's bond with his fellow servicemen, as well as the honour and respect accorded to the newlyweds. By following these steps, the swordsmen can ensure that the saber arch is executed with precision and grace, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
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Bachelor party planners: organise the groom's last night of freedom
Planning a bachelor party, also known as a stag do or buck's night, is often one of the key responsibilities of the best man and groomsmen. Here are some tips for the best man and groomsmen to organise the groom's last night of freedom:
- Involve the Groom: While the bachelor party is meant to be a surprise for the groom, it's important to get his input on key aspects such as the date, location, and type of activities he would enjoy. This ensures that the event aligns with his interests and availability.
- Select a Suitable Date: Choose a date that works for all the groomsmen and, most importantly, the groom. Typically, the bachelor party is held one to two weeks before the wedding. Avoid scheduling it too close to the wedding day, as the groom will need time to recover and finalise any last-minute wedding preparations.
- Create a Guest List: Work with the groom to finalise the guest list, which may include the groomsmen, close friends, and male relatives. It's important to consider the groom's preferences and the dynamic of the group when creating the guest list.
- Determine the Budget: Discuss budget expectations with the groomsmen and decide on a per-person budget for the event. It is customary for the groomsmen to share the costs, excluding the groom, who is usually the guest of honour.
- Choose a Location: Select a location that suits the groom's personality and interests. This could be a lively city with fun nightlife, an outdoor adventure destination, or even a relaxing spa retreat. Consider the group's budget and travel requirements when making this decision.
- Plan a Variety of Activities: Organise a range of activities that the groom and the guests will enjoy. This could include anything from extreme sports, beer tasting, casino nights, or a day at the races. Ensure there is a good mix of relaxed and exciting activities to cater to different preferences.
- Book Accommodations and Transport: If the bachelor party involves travelling to a different city or country, book accommodations and transportation in advance. Consider the group's budget and try to find convenient and comfortable options.
- Prepare Refreshments and Entertainment: No bachelor party is complete without refreshments and entertainment. Stock up on drinks and snacks, and consider hiring entertainment such as a band, DJ, or mixologist to elevate the celebration.
- Surprise Elements: Add a few surprise elements to make the night extra memorable. This could be a special guest appearance, a unique activity the groom has always wanted to try, or personalised gifts for the groom and the guests.
- Keep the Groom's Interests in Mind: Throughout the planning process, always keep the groom's interests at the forefront. The goal is to create an enjoyable and memorable experience tailored to his personality and hobbies.
Remember, the key to a successful bachelor party is thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and ensuring the groom's comfort and enjoyment throughout the celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
A groomsman or usher is the equivalent of a bridesmaid. They are male attendants to the groom, usually close friends or relatives, who help the groom with various tasks and stand near him during the ceremony.
The duties of a groomsman include helping guests find their places before the ceremony, planning celebratory events such as a bachelor party, providing practical assistance, and participating in local traditions.
Another term for a groomsman is a "bride-knight". This term comes from the primitive days of marriage by capture, when a man called on his friends to help "lift" or kidnap the bride.
Yes, a woman can be a groomsman or, alternatively, a groomswoman. Gender-inclusive terms are becoming more common in wedding parties, and individuals should be referred to in a way that makes them comfortable.
The groom's party typically wears suits or other formal attire that coordinates with the wedding colour scheme. Boutonnières are often used to tie the group together.
