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The duties of the groomsmen can often vary depending upon the formality of the event and the wishes of the groom. Groomsmen are often friends or relatives of the groom, although in some cases they may be relatives of the bride. The number of groomsmen included in a wedding party often depends upon the size and formality of the wedding.
Before the Wedding
Primary groomsmen duties include assisting in choosing tuxedos and being present for the fittings. The actual tuxedo may be chosen by the groom or bride, but the groomsman is usually responsible for paying for his own attire. The groomsmen may also help the best man in planning and paying for a bachelor party. He is also responsible for his own travel costs to and from the wedding. Groomsmen should plan to attend the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and any other pre-wedding activities such as the engagement party and any couple showers that may be hosted for the bride and groom prior to the wedding.
During the Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony, the groomsman may be responsible for greeting guests and ensuring they are appropriately seated for the ceremony. The groomsman will accompany the best man and stand near the groom during the wedding ceremony. He is usually not responsible for holding the rings as this is the responsibility of the best man. He may also escort a bridesmaid, or other members of the wedding party such as the mother or grandmother of the bride or groom, during the processional and recessional, depending upon the wishes of the bride and how the ceremony has been planned.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony the groomsman should be present for formal pictures and may stand in the receiving line. During the reception he is typically seated at a head table with the rest of the wedding party. He is also generally expected to mingle with guests, dance with the bridesmaids and assist the groom with changing for his departure. Many groomsmen also help with loading gifts following the wedding or with decorating the couple's car in preparation of their departure for their honeymoon.
Following the wedding, the groomsman is responsible for returning his tux or formal wear to the cleaners or rental shop, although these activities may be coordinated by the best man. If there are to be any post-wedding events, such as a brunch on the day after the wedding, the groomsman should make plans to attend.
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