Expert Wedding Advice: How Many Groomsmen Should You Have?

Planning a wedding can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, filled with countless decisions. Preparing for your wedding day involves tackling a long to-do list, from selecting the perfect venue to choosing the groomsmen's suits. One crucial decision you'll face is to consider how many groomsmen are there in your wedding party. This is because these gentlemen will not only be part of your bachelor party but will also play a significant role on your wedding day.

Wondering if there’s a magic number that ensures the perfect balance and how many groomsmen are too many? While the final choice of groomsmen is up to you and your fiance, we have gathered the best expert recommendations to help guide you in choosing the perfect number of groomsmen for your wedding. 

Roles of the Groomsmen 

Your wedding groomsmen play a crucial role from the preparations leading up to the wedding, through the wedding day, and even after the event. Here are the core responsibilities of the groomsmen.

• Assisting the groom to pick out the perfect wedding suit, ensuring it fits well and suits his style and the wedding theme.
• Planning and organizing a memorable bachelor party tailored to the groom's preferences.
• Renting or purchasing groomsmen wedding attire, ensuring a coordinated and stylish look in line with the wedding theme.
• Giving a toast during the reception, celebrating the couple with heartfelt words.
• Assisting with various wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, setting up the venue, and coordinating with vendors.
• Acting as ushers by guiding guests to their seats and distributing programs to ensure a smooth ceremony.
• Collecting and safeguarding wedding gifts and cards from guests to prevent loss or misplacement.
• Pairing with a bridesmaid down the aisle and participating in the groomsman and bridesmaid dance at the reception.
• Participating in wedding photography, contributing to formal and candid photos for lasting memories.
• Assisting with post-wedding duties such as returning rented attire, helping with cleanup, and ensuring the couple's belongings are taken care of.

Creating Groomsmen Balance with the Bridesmaids

Balancing the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids is often the first step in creating a cohesive wedding party. Ideally, if you have five groomsmen, there should be a corresponding five bridesmaids. This balance not only looks great during the ceremony but also simplifies coordination.

For instance, if your bride-to-be plans to have six bridesmaids, you might feel the need to match that with six groomsmen. This symmetry ensures that everyone has a partner for the procession and helps the wedding photos look orderly and well-arranged. However, the number of groomsmen can also depend on other factors such as the size of your wedding venue and the dynamics within your wedding party.

How Many Groomsmen Should You Have?

When it comes to the question, how many best mans can you have? The answer is obvious - one. Figuring out the number of groomsmen for your wedding is an important decision you need to make before the big day. So, how many groomsmen can you have? Even though there is no stated rule on how many you must have, there are some factors to consider when determining the ideal groomsman for your wedding party.

First, consider the size of your wedding. If you're planning for a small wedding, say about 50 attendees, two groomsmen plus one best man is a good starting point. For an intimate wedding of up to 80 to 100 guests, you can have groomsmen ranging from two to four. It ensures each groomsman plays a significant role in your wedding party. 

A wedding with 100 to 150 guests can have four to six groomsmen. If you are expecting to have over 150 guests at your wedding, consider increasing the number of groomsmen between six to eight. This allows them to assist with organizing the event and handling any issues that may arise during the course of the wedding.

By tailoring the number of groomsmen to the size of your wedding, you ensure that everyone has a meaningful role and that your wedding runs smoothly.

What to Look for in Deciding Your Groomsmen

There are a few things to remember when choosing groomsmen who will be a part of your special day. Here are factors that will be looked for in deciding your groomsman. 

• A good communicator is a plus to the wedding party. Choose people who can relate and communicate effectively with everyone. This ensures that any questions or concerns can be addressed smoothly and promptly.
• The groomsmen should also be great at helping people with the correct information. They should know how to talk to the guests, couple, bridesmaids, the parents of the couple, and any other person at the wedding.
• You want to have kind and considerate people to your guests and everyone else at your wedding. Your groomsmen must be well-mannered and approachable.
• Your groomsmen should be reliable and responsible. They’ll have duties to perform on the big day, from helping with logistics to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Choose individuals you can count on to be there and perform their roles effectively.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your groomsmen will contribute positively to your wedding day, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Who Should Be in Your Groomsmen List

When picking your groomsmen, you might want to include as many important people as possible without leaving anyone out. Start with family—if you have brothers, they are often the first choice for groomsmen, as including family members can strengthen bonds and make your wedding day even more special. Next, think about your close friends, the buddies who have been with you through thick and thin, as they will be thrilled to stand by your side. Don’t forget your bride’s brothers; this gesture not only strengthens family ties but also shows your commitment to merging families. If you have close relationships with colleagues who have supported you both professionally and personally, they can also make great groomsmen. Lastly, consider your old friends from college or even long-lost schoolmates—reconnecting with these friends for your big day can be a wonderful experience. By reaching out to these groups, you’ll be sure to have a supportive and enthusiastic group of groomsmen who are honored to be part of your wedding crew.

Choosing The Right Groomsmen Suits

How do you choose attire for groomsmen? Here are some key factors to consider to ensure they look their best.

Season and Time of Day

When are you getting married? The time of year and expected weather conditions play a crucial role in selecting groomsmen attire. Lightweight fabrics like linen suit or cotton suit are perfect for summer weddings, while heavier materials like wool suit or tweed suit are better suited for fall and winter weddings. Ensure the suits are comfortable for the weather to keep your groomsmen looking and feeling their best.  Morning and early afternoon weddings might call for lighter colors and fabrics, while evening weddings often suit darker, more formal attire.

Wedding Venue and Theme

The formality of your wedding, the overall theme, and the venue will significantly influence the choice of groomsmen attire. For instance, a formal wedding in a grand ballroom calls for classic tuxedos or tailored suits in traditional colors like black, navy, or charcoal. For a more casual or rustic wedding, such as a beach wedding, consider lighter suits in shades like tan, gray, or even mix-and-match pieces that reflect a more relaxed vibe.

Color Coordination

The color of the groomsmen suits should complement the wedding color palette. This can include matching the suits to the bridesmaids’ dresses, the overall decor, or the season. It's essential to ensure the groomsmen's attire does not clash with the bride and groom's outfits but rather complements them harmoniously. Some weddings feature the best man in a slightly different suit or a different color tie to distinguish him from the rest.

Body Types and Sizes

Consider the different body types and sizes of your groomsmen. Opt for suits that can be tailored to fit each individual perfectly. Custom Suits or made-to-measure suits are excellent options to ensure everyone looks sharp and feels comfortable.

 To find the perfect suits for your wedding party,  Check out the best wedding suits for groom and groomsmen at StudioSuits. 

Grooms Gift Ideas

Choosing the perfect gift for your groomsmen is a great way to show appreciation for their support and friendship. Here are some thoughtful and stylish gift ideas:

• Personalized Accessories : Engraved cufflinks, monogrammed tie clips, or pocket squares add a special touch.
• Custom Watches: Engrave a stylish watch with a message or the wedding date for a timeless gift.
• Leather Goods: Personalized leather wallets, belts, or dopp kits are classy and durable.
• Grooming Kits: High-quality grooming kits with essentials make luxurious and practical gifts.
• Custom Clothing: Tailored shirts or ties that match your wedding theme are both stylish and useful.
  
• Experience Gifts: Give unforgettable experiences like golfing, whiskey tours, or event tickets.
• Tech Gadgets: Wireless earbuds, portable chargers, or smart home devices are perfect for tech enthusiasts.
• Personalized Drinkware: Customized whiskey glasses, beer mugs, or flasks paired with their favorite spirit.

Choosing a thoughtful gift that reflects your appreciation and the unique bond you share with your groomsmen will make your gratitude memorable. These ideas cater to various tastes and interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Dos and Don'ts for Choosing Groomsmen Suits

Getting the right groomsmen suits for a wedding is a great starting point for the best wedding experience. With unforgettable memories and breathtaking pictures that will serve as remembrance, you want your groomsmen's suits to stand out.

Dos

• Consider a well-tailored custom suit that enhances your groomsmen’s appearance and complements each of their body shapes. A perfect fit ensures they look their best.
• Opt for high-quality fabrics that maintain a timeless appeal. These fabrics add sophistication and ensure your groomsmen feel their best throughout the day.
• Ensure that accessories like cufflinks, ties, and pocket squares complement the outfit and color palette.  These details can significantly enhance the overall look.

Donts

• Never neglect your partner’s input and consideration when trying to achieve a cohesive wedding party. Their perspective is crucial for ensuring a unified aesthetic.
• Ignore the one-size-fits-all approach because it doesn't work. Groomsmen have different body types and require suits that fit them individually.
• Starting early ensures a seamless process. Don’t wait until the last minute to choose the groomsmen’s suits, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and potential fitting issues.
• Be mindful of budget constraints, and don't get carried away with extravagant options, Choose stylish yet affordable suits for everyone involved.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure your groomsmen look sharp, feel comfortable, and contribute to a cohesive and stylish wedding party.