Stand-Up Guys - a Groom's Guide to Choosing His Groomsmen

Aside from the lovely bride, the handsome groom, and the beautiful bridesmaids, the famously attired groomsmen are major players in a wedding ceremony and reception. Being asked is both a privilege and an honor.

The band of groomsmen, including the groom's best man, is the elite male squad of the wedding party. Their duties are important, as they assist the bridegroom with planning, personal preparations, and participation in the matrimonial proceedings. Choosing the right guys is important!

If you have asked your bride to stand with you for life, whom will you ask to stand with you for the wedding?

Family First?

Family members often expect to be included in your wedding party. This may be an assumption, but it need not be automatic. Of course, you are not obligated to select your brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews as groomsmen. However, if you have a close family, you might think of ways these folks could participate.

Many grooms select a handful of groomsmen, who escort the bridesmaids down the aisle and stand up at the altar for the proceedings. In addition, they may choose a squad of ushers, who assist guests with seating. Younger relatives may serve as junior groomsmen or ring-bearers.

All official participants usually wear the wedding party attire, whether it be a traditional tuxedo or a top hat and tails! This way, even a large family may be included.

You can easily foster friendships between your family and your bride's family by selecting from among both your relatives and hers for your wedding party. Does your beloved have a treasured brother or cousin? Why not include him?

Friends Count.

Traditionally, a groom may choose his closest friends to accompany him during his nuptuals. If you do not select a brother or fond relative as your best man, then you will certainly want to ask your dearest friend to serve in this way. Perhaps he is your childhood pal, your high school buddy, or your college roommate.

Of course, you will want to select individuals you admire and trust as your set of groomsmen. Ponder these questions: