A groomsman is typically a man who is important to the groom in some way. He may be a friend or a relative. Like a bridesmaid, a groomsman is visible on the happy couple’s day and may perform important tasks before the wedding. In some cases, a groomsman may not be a man at all. Some men ask their female friends or relatives to act as their wedding attendants, wearing dresses instead of the usual tuxedos.

Similar to the way bridesmaids help the bride, groomsmen are expected to help the groom. Before the wedding, a groomsman acts as an advisor to the groom, supporting him and helping him to overcome any pre-wedding jitters. He may also help the groom with staying organized and planning certain wedding details. The groomsman also assists the groom with choosing attire for his attendants.

A groomsman is expected to attend all pre-wedding parties. This may include engagement parties, a bachelor party, and any coed showers. A groomsman is expected to attend the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner as well. A groomsman is also called on to provide moral support on the day of the wedding, helping the groom to relax and dress for the ceremony.

Typically, a groomsman has important jobs to perform on the day of the wedding. He is usually tasked with showing guests to their seats before the ceremony. However, some grooms do have separate ushers for this job. Groomsmen are also expected to stand near the groom during the ceremony, participate in formal photographs, escort bridesmaids from the ceremony, and dance with them at the wedding reception. After the reception, a groomsman assists with moving wedding gifts and other items belonging to the happy couple.

Being a groomsman entails certain costs. Wedding etiquette dictates that a groomsman pays for his own attire for the ceremony. He is expected to handle the costs of traveling to the wedding and securing a hotel room, if needed. A groomsman is also charged with helping the best man host and pay for a bachelor party. Furthermore, he is expected to provide one shower or engagement gift and one wedding gift.