Groom’s Guide: Boys on the side - Attendants & Their Duties
Groom’s Guide: Boys on the sideCourtesy of Jim's Formalwear
The men you choose to be part of your wedding party are for the most part your closest friends. Categorizing them into best man, the groomsmen, and ushers is one of the harder decisions you’ll have to make. But luckily, there’s no limit to the number of ushers or groomsmen (except maybe the size of you alter). In fact, there’s no law that says you can’t have more than one best man, or that you can’t have a woman in your wedding party. In making your decision, however, you’ll want to remember that each job comes with its own responsibilities and implications.
The Best Man:
Your best man should be someone you can count on to make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s customary to choose your brother or your best friend for this job. You may even give the honor to your father. The best man’s main responsibilities are:
Planning the bachelor party.
Attending the rehearsal.
His own tuxedo rental.
Helping you get dressed on the day of the wedding.
Standing with you at the alter.
Presenting the bride’s ring.
Serving as one of two witnesses signing the marriage license.
Giving the officiant his or her “gift” before the ceremony (before the rehersal dinner is also acceptable).
Proposing the first toast during the wedding reception.
Returning your tuxedo the day after the wedding.
You may also asking him to help handle tasks, including:
Making sure the men in the wedding are fitted for tuxedos.
Picking up out-of-town guests, at the airport.
Arranging for your transportation after the reception.
Packing your luggage in the car and filling it with gas.
Making sure he other groomsmen return their formalwear.
Helping deposit cash wedding gifts in the bank.
The Groomsmen:
Your other brothers, your fiancee’s brothers or any of your close friends can serve as groomsmen. Each will be paired up with a bridesmaid whom your fiancée has chosen. The groomsmen’s responsibilities include the following:
Co-hosting the bachelor party.
Renting their own tuxedos.
Attending the rehearsal.
The Ushers:
Friends and relatives can serve as ushers. You’ll want to have at least one usher for every 40 to 50 guests. The usher’s responsibilities are as follows:
Escorting people to their seats-your guests on the right side of the chapel, the bride’s on the left.
Offering a helping hand to the florist, photographer, musicians, or anyone needing last-minute assistance.
Helping out-of-town guests find transportation from the wedding ceremony to the reception.
The Ring Bearer:
A younger brother, relative or friend who is between 4 and 10 years old is a perfect addition to your wedding party. He walks in the processional and carries a small white pillow with a ring sewn on (not necessarily the wedding ring). An especially young ring bearer who might not make it down the aisle can stand in the pew with his parents and be included in any wedding portraits.
