Who Should I Ask to Be My Groomsmen?
When it comes to choosing your groomsmen, the decision can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Your groomsmen will stand by your side during one of the most significant days of your life, so it’s important to choose wisely. This is an honor that should be reserved for people with whom you share strong, lasting connections—those who have been with you through thick and thin.
Before diving into who to ask, sit down with your fiancé to determine the ideal size of your wedding party, as this will set the framework for your selections. Once you’ve agreed on the size, it’s time to consider who will be the best fit for your big day. In many cases, who you don’t choose to be a part of your party can be just as important as who you do choose.
Brothers
If you have a brother, asking him to be a part of the wedding party is often a no-brainer. Brothers share a unique bond, and it’s a tradition in many families to have a brother serve as the best man. If you have more than one brother, consider asking both to be best men, or one can serve as a groomsman while the other steps into the role of best man.
Your Fiancée’s Brothers
Incorporating your fiancée’s brothers into the wedding party is a great way to symbolize the joining of your families. It’s a thoughtful gesture that not only honors your future in-laws but also strengthens your bond with your fiancée’s family. Including them as groomsmen or ushers is a popular and respectful choice.
Close Friends
This is where the tough choices usually begin. Think about friends who have been by your side for a long time—those who have played a significant role in your life. Lifelong friends, childhood buddies, or high school and college mates often make the cut. College roommates, for example, are a popular pick due to the strong bond formed during that pivotal stage of life. Just remember, choosing your closest friends isn’t about numbers—it’s about relationships that have withstood the test of time.
Usher Roles for Other Close Friends
If you’re facing a dilemma about how to include other close friends without making the wedding party too large, consider asking them to be ushers. Ushers help guide guests to their seats and are an important part of the wedding day. Plus, this allows you to honor more friends without the formal title of groomsman. A good rule of thumb is to have one usher for every 50 guests.
Family Members
Cousins, nephews, and other relatives can be wonderful additions to your groomsmen lineup, especially if you share a close connection. If they’re younger, you can assign them the role of junior groomsmen or ushers, allowing them to be part of the celebration in a way that’s age-appropriate. Other family members, like uncles or close family friends, can also participate as readers, greeters, or even ring bearers. These roles give family members the opportunity to play a part in the ceremony without expanding your core group of groomsmen too much.
At the end of the day, choosing your groomsmen should be about who you want by your side on this momentous occasion. Whether it’s family, lifelong friends, or future family members, your groomsmen should be people who have earned a place in your life and who you can trust to support you on your big day.
