Responsibilities of Your Groomsmen - Pre-Wedding
Requesting your buddies to step up and serve as groomsmen is a huge honor in man code. Unlike the bride and her henhouse of bridesmaids, you probably aren’t really going to get all sentimental and gushy when asking for the favor of a friend to stand by your side on the “big day”. However, bestowing the title of “groomsman” or even more so, “best man,” on your posse means that these guys are your BFFs in the whole wide world (as your fiancée would put it)!
When you ask a friend to serve as groomsman or best man, many implied duties come along with the job. Because most men aren’t as well-versed on wedding etiquette, it might be a good idea to run down the following list with your wedding attendants to see what you all think they should contribute to the wedding event. Of course, in return, you’ll want to give your buddies a totally awesome choice in groomsmen gifts as a “thank you” for silently suffering through the whole wedding process instead of kicking back and spending the weekend watching ESPN!
Several Months Before “W-Day”: Your groomsmen will need to head down to the rental shop and get fitted for a tuxedo. You’ll want to be upfront before sending them down - discuss whose coin is paying for what. Also, the best man, along with the groomsman, can start planning the bachelor party. In addition to providing general support about “taking the plunge,” the groomsmen and best man can help the groom with his various chores on the wedding “honey-do” list.
Several Weeks Before “W-Day”: Groomsmen and the best man should check in with the groom to see if cold feet have set in and help work him through it if necessary. Also, there may still be wedding errands to assist the groom with, like shopping for a gift for the bride or helping make travel arrangements for his side of the family. Then there is the matter of the bachelor party; attend it and celebrate whole-heartedly - but not too close to the actual wedding that you might still be hung-over. Also, the best man definitely needs to start working on his speech for the wedding reception - don’t wait until the last minute.
Several Days Before “W-Day”: Groomsmen should pick up their tuxedos and make sure they have all the appropriate accessories for their formal look. Also, groomsmen will need to grin and bear it and attend the wedding rehearsal to learn the “moves,” as well as make an appearance at the rehearsal dinner for a good meal and photo opportunities. Help the bride and her family as requested; be the good guy! Also, if you are presented with one or more groomsmen gifts, thank the groom sincerely.The groomsmen gifts are symbolic of your shared friendship. If the groomsmen gifts are not up to snuff, take the high road, smile and express your appreciation - his lack of taste may not be his own!
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