What a groomsman actually does
A groomsman's job is to help the couple have an easy day: get fitted for the outfit on time, show up to the rehearsal and any events you agreed to, arrive early on the wedding day, help guests find seats, stand where you are placed during the ceremony, and handle small problems without fuss. Ask early what it will cost you, so you can say what you can and cannot do.
About 15 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Ask the couple early which events they hope you will attend and what costs to expect.
- Order or rent the outfit and get it fitted by the date the couple sets.
- Put the rehearsal, any parties and the wedding day timeline in your calendar.
- Arrive early on the day, dressed and ready when the photographer needs you.
- Help guests to their seats, carry things and run errands when asked.
- Stand still, face forward and keep your phone away during the ceremony.
- Help with setup or cleanup if asked, and make sure anyone who has been drinking gets home safely.
Common mistakes
- Saying yes, then finding out the costs in the last month.
- Missing the fitting deadline.
- Treating the day as your party instead of theirs.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: What a groomsman actually does
What to say
A groomsman's job is to help the couple have an easy day: get fitted for the outfit on time, show up to the rehearsal and any events you agreed to, arrive early on the wedding day, help guests find seats, stand where you are placed during the ceremony, and handle small problems without fuss. Ask early what it will cost you, so you can say what you can and cannot do.
What to show, in order
- Ask the couple early which events they hope you will attend and what costs to expect.
- Order or rent the outfit and get it fitted by the date the couple sets.
- Put the rehearsal, any parties and the wedding day timeline in your calendar.
- Arrive early on the day, dressed and ready when the photographer needs you.
- Help guests to their seats, carry things and run errands when asked.
- Stand still, face forward and keep your phone away during the ceremony.
- Help with setup or cleanup if asked, and make sure anyone who has been drinking gets home safely.
The check question
Ask: When should you ask about costs?
Related skills
- How to give a toast or best man speech
- How to be a good wedding guest
- How a suit should fit
- Every skill in People and Etiquette
Last reviewed . First published .