Brotherhood of the Bride & Groom: Your Essential Wedding Playbook

Let’s face it, being a groomsman is an honor—and a responsibility. You’re not just there to hold a drink and look sharp in a suit. You're part of the groom's inner circle, and your job is to help make sure he has the best (and least stressful) day of his life.

So, if you’ve been chosen to stand up beside your buddy on his big day, congratulations! Now let’s make sure you nail this wedding! Here's your step-by-step survival guide:

1. Show Up (On Time, Every Time)

This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. Bachelor party? Rehearsal? Tux fitting? Wedding day call time? Put it in your calendar, set an alarm, tattoo it on your hand—whatever works. Being late to anything wedding-related = groomsman foul #1.

2. Be a Grown-Up (Yes, Even at the Bachelor Party)

The bachelor party is legendary territory, but it’s not a free-for-all. Keep the groom safe, don’t invite randoms, and maybe don’t lose your passport if you’re going abroad. This isn’t The Hangover—no one wants to cancel a wedding because of your “adventure.”

3. Communicate, Don’t Ghost

Answer the group chat. Read the emails. Respond to the wedding day timeline. You don’t need to write a novel—just let people know you’re alive and not planning to wing it the day of. “Wait, what time’s the ceremony again?” is not a good look.

4. Wear What You're Told (and Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute)

If the groom wants you in a navy suit, don’t show up in black because you “already had one.” Follow the dress code, get fitted early, and—this is crucial—try your outfit on before the big day. No one wants a pants-splitting incident mid-vows.

5. Be Helpful, Not Helpless

Your job isn’t just to stand around looking handsome. Offer to run errands, wrangle guests, hand out programs, or help the groom breathe if he’s freaking out. Be the guy who says, “I’ve got it,” not the one asking, “What should I be doing?”

6. Pace Yourself (Yes, That Means Alcohol Too)

No one’s saying don’t enjoy a pre-ceremony drink—but don’t be the guy slurring through speeches or falling into the wedding cake. You’re part of the couple’s support team, not the entertainment (at least not until the dance floor opens).

7. If You’re Giving a Speech—Practice First

Short, sweet, and (mostly) sober. This isn’t open mic night. Keep it under 3 minutes, avoid inside jokes no one understands, and don’t share that story from college. End with a toast, not a punchline that makes grandma gasp.

8. It’s Not Your Day—So Be Cool

Don’t complain about photos, the schedule, the weather, or the boutonniere that keeps stabbing you. Smile, be flexible, and keep the vibe good. You’re not just there for the groom—you’re part of what makes the whole day feel smooth and fun.

Bonus: Be the MVP

Be the guy who has extra mints, a backup phone charger, a spare handkerchief, and maybe even a couple snacks. Future you will thank you—and so will the bride when she finds out you saved the day by fixing a boutonniere with a paperclip and sheer will.

Final Thought: Groomsmen Don’t Just Stand There—They Stand Up

Being a groomsman means standing up for your friend, showing up with your A-game, and making the day better just by being awesome. So wear the suit, learn the timeline, keep the jokes (mostly) clean, and help your buddy start his next chapter stress-free.

Oh—and for the love of wedding cake: DON'T LOSE THE RINGS!!