Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody Must Be In the Wedding Party

Your lovely fiancée has chosen her 'maids, and now you're stuck with the task of finding just the right number of family and friends to pair them with. How do you decide who makes the cut?

The Usual Suspects

Remember: No matter what your family or friends say, there aren't people who "must" be in the wedding party. Select buddies you're close with-not guys you feel obligated to ask. If you're unfamiliar with wedding etiquette, however, here are the "usual" rules for including groomsmen in your wedding party.

Brothers-yours and your bride's-come first. Unless there are strange circumstances (if you don't speak to your brother, for instance), your brothers and her brothers are automatically in the wedding party. Next come your closest friends (some may be relatives) who are responsible-and let's get real here-financially sound. Being in a wedding, especially if travel is involved, is expensive.

The Best Man for the Job

We'd like to advise you to ignore anyone who offers input on choosing your best man, but we know this isn't entirely realistic. We will say, however, that you'll want to choose the male who is closest to you and has been there for you. Whether he's a blood relative or close friend, you'll be glad when your wedding day arrives that you picked your best friend.

Great Expectations

When you begin asking your friends to stand up in your wedding, be sure to explain what's expected. The basics include:

• Travel and accommodations
• Attend the rehearsal and dinner
• Renting tuxedo and shoes
• Attend tuxedo fittings
• Help plan and attend the bachelor party
• Seat guests at the wedding
• Walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid (maybe)
• Dance with same bridesmaid
• Wedding gift (unspoken requirement, of course!)

If this is manageable for your buds, you're in business.

Who Doesn't Make It

Keep in mind that a lot of money (whether it's yours is inconsequential) and effort are being spent on the biggest day of your life. You don't want to start your lifetime commitment with the following burdens (trust me, I'm a wife): friends who get too drunk, who are late for everything, and who have a reputation for not showing up for important events. These guys are not the best choice for groomsmen. If there's any doubt about whether your skiing buddy, "GanjaDaddy," will fulfill his duties, you probably shouldn't ask him. We suggest, based on horror stories we've heard and witnessed, that you choose your most responsible friends for this very special day.

This doesn't mean you load your wedding party with a bunch of stiffs. You know what we're saying. Keep it reasonable.

About the Author

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, gifts for your groomsmen, and much more.

http://www.weddinggazette.com

---

The Perfect Wedding Budget

Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More

Maid of Honor Duties

Being chosen as a maid of honor is a great... Read More

How Is A Professional Wedding Designer Different From Other Wedding Vendors Who Do Event Planning?

Often when you are looking for wedding vendors who suit... Read More

Mens Diamond Rings ? The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man

Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with... Read More

All The Details: 25 Ways to Make Your Wedding a Unique and Truly Memorable Event

If you've been to one wedding, you've seen it all.... Read More

Wedding Planning -- Staying Within Your Wedding Budget

Planning and organizing a wedding budget can greatly reduce the... Read More

Why You Should Buy that Wedding Gift from the Gift Registry - OR, the Wedding Gifts from Hell!

When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More

Marriage Advice: Ten Danger Signals to Watch for in Your Marriage

Healthy marriages require time, attention, energy, and vigilance. It's not... Read More

The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More

Renewing Your Marriage Vows - On the Right Side of the Law

Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could... Read More

Anniversary Gifts that Say I Love You

Exchanging anniversary gifts is a long standing tradition. Many couples... Read More

Here Comes the Bride

As we hear the music begin to play the Bridal... Read More

Planning Your Outdoor Wedding Reception

An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost... Read More

Cancun Honeymoon Vacation - Pleasure Unlimited!

The Cancun honeymoon vacation comes with its bagage of sweet... Read More

Who Wants to Be Rich?

Well you may not become a billionaire or even a... Read More

What You Should Know About Buying Engagement Rings Online

Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or... Read More

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

Tracking down a wedding officiant can be a little intimidating.... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 9

When it came to love-making, Napoleon, that short plump bundle... Read More

Diamond Engagement Ring, on Two Months Salary - Maybe Not!

Diamond spending - well, that is up to you. What... Read More

Top Ten Reasons to Plan a Destination Wedding

You and the one you love are dreaming of an... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 4

When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More

Want To Know More About Wedding Planners?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased... Read More

A Unique Diamond Engagement Ring ? In Platinum

Diamond engagement rings for many years typically came in the... Read More

To Register or Not to Register (for Wedding Gifts)

I say always register for gifts! You see, people tend... Read More

Wedding Photography - Tips for a Wonderful Session

Every couple wants wonderful photos of their wedding day that... Read More

Heavenly Bahamas Honeymoon Resorts

Celebrating under the attentive care of Bahamas honeymoon resorts, there... Read More

Wedding Tips for Saving Your Sanity and Your Bank Account

Overwhelmed is a common feeling a bride-to-be experiences as she... Read More

Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More

Cost Effective Weddings

Many people believe that weddings have to be costly. But... Read More

Marital Fulfillment: Tips for Intercultural Couples

Through my personal & professional coaching practice, marital issues often... Read More

Ten Beliefs That Can Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage

Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More

Wedding Extravaganza

The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More