How to Be a Groomsman

By eHow Weddings Editor

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It's a rare groom who can carry the wedding load single-handedly. That's where groomsmen come in: to help him cope with formalities and jitters and to make sure he gets to the altar.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Men's Dress Shoes
Tuxedos
Party Decorations

Step1

Let the groom know that you are honored to be one of his groomsmen, and assure him that you will fulfill your role with dignity - without sacrificing the fun.

Step2

Attend as many prenuptial events as you can - and give the groom one less thing to worry about by being punctual.

Step3

Help the best man throw a bachelor party for the groom.

Step4

Rent your own tuxedo and shoes, per instructions from the groom.

Step5

Arrive 45 minutes early at the wedding site to go over the seating plan and to help the groom take care of any last-minute preparations.

Step6

Serve as an usher by escorting guests from their cars and leading them to their seats as specified by the seating plan. (For every group of guests that arrives, seat the oldest woman first.) You may also have to direct guests to parking facilities and restrooms and give directions to the reception site.

Step7

Perform ceremonial duties such as escorting the bridesmaids down the aisle and, most important, standing at the altar with the groom.

Step8

Dance with the bridesmaids during the first dance (after the newlyweds and their parents) - you may be the ones to jump-start the party.

Step9

Toast the couple at the reception after the best man does so.

Step10

Bedeck the bride and groom's getaway vehicle with flowers, signs, streamers and balloons.

Tips & Warnings

Stay flexible and on your toes. You may be called upon to handle unexpected circumstances.
Respect the groom's wishes if you throw a bachelor party. Be inventive, but stay within the boundaries of reason. He may have made some promises to his bride-to-be regarding his 'last night of freedom.'
Perform your duties with dignity during the ceremony.
Make the experience fun - humor is a good tonic for nerves - but be sure to keep the antics to a minimum, especially on the wedding day. What seems hilarious when you are plotting with fellow groomsmen can turn into a fiasco and result in hurt feelings.
Remember that the other ushers as well as the groom will be affected by your attitude, so be enthusiastic and have fun.