Being a groomsman is like being a supporting actor in a film featuring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. The bride and groom are pulling the weight. In fact, they’re the only reason anyone is there. All you need to do is be in the right place at the right time. Seems easy enough, right? It will be… if you’re prepared. But if it’s your first time as a groomsman, it could be difficult to adapt to the rhythm of weddings. Now, don’t freak out, because being a groomsman is simple when you get the hang of it. So before you make a rookie mistake, here are five slip-ups you can avoid:
Messing up the Outfit
What’s the last thing you thought about wearing today? It was probably your shoes, right? You were in a hurry to get out the door so you didn’t give it a second thought. Reverse this thought process for the wedding. Every single detail of your outfit needs to be in lockstep with what the bride wants.
The bride isn’t concerned about matching groomsmen? Please. Pull your fellow groomsmen together and agree on the same pair of argyle socks. If the bride comes back with a link in the group chat, telling everyone which pairs of socks to wear, click that link and make your purchase ASAP.
Coordination is key with the groomsmen. These pictures of the ceremony will live forever on the internet. You better make sure your group is looking dapper.
Pro Tip: Seek validation by sending a picture of your outfit to the happy couple at least a month in advance.
Being Obnoxious
This is undoubtedly the biggest day of your friend’s life. As the groom, he will be nervous even if he’s the most steady, even-keeled person you have ever met. His life is about to change. Remind him why that’s a good thing.
Positivity and calmness go hand in hand. As a groomsman, you need to be the bearer of good news.
Potential fires will appear throughout the day but it’s your job to be the buffer between letting it ruin the day and coming up with a solution. Tackle the problems head-on so the groom won’t have to worry about it, even if it’s as simple as taking lunch orders during pre-ceremony pictures.
Pro Tip: Plan on getting to where you need to be 15 minutes early.
Not Standing Still
The last thing a supporting actor does is stand in front of Pitt and Decaprio. You’re filler. The wedding party needs to walk down the aisle in the correct order, stand still and look at the officiant.
Nothing is more distracting to the audience than a fidgety groomsman. To prevent this, grab your wrist and place your arms in front of you. Slightly bend your knees so you don’t restrict airflow and look forward.
Pro Tip: Spit out the gum and use the bathroom before the ceremony. Avoid energy drinks until post-ceremony.
Overindulging Before the Reception
As a groomsman, your job isn’t over after the rings have been exchanged. You need to stay on high alert and ready for any lurking hiccups before the reception. It’s hard to do this with a whiskey glass in your hand.
Having a drink here and there before dinner is fine, but go easy until dinner. The fun is coming.
Pro Tip: Hydration, hydration, hydration; and don’t skip lunch.
Avoiding the Dance Floor
The couple’s first dance, the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance are important moments during the reception. During this time, you and your fellow groomsmen need to hatch a plan to get more bodies on the floor.
The best way to get the party started at the reception is for the groomsmen break the ice on the dance floor. The more embarrassing and uncoordinated, the better. You need to make people feel comfortable out there, what better way than shamelessly dancing the night away?
The most important thing to remember being a groomsman is to relax and be there for your best friend. It’s the best day of his life, so be present in the moment and make sure it sparks fond memories years down the road. Now go out there and get the party started!
Need more help? See wedding tips and groomsmen gift ideas on the GroomsShop.com blog.
