Groomsmen play a big part in your wedding. They are not there just to assist the guest and to walk the bridesmaids down the aisle. So just as your wife would carefully choose who she wants to stand by her during the big day, you should also put a little thought into choosing the guys you want to stand with you on your wedding day, and all throughout your married life.

Things to Consider

But before you begin selecting your groomsmen, you'll first have to decide on a few things. First thing you should think about is whether you are going to have a big, festive wedding, or a smaller, solemn ceremony. If you are going to have a big wedding and your bride has decided to have five bridesmaids, then you should try to match that number so that they can walk evenly down the aisle during the processional. It would a bit embarrassing for a bridesmaid, or a groomsman, to be left without a partner.

But if you and your bride want a small ceremony, you may invite just two persons to stand as witnesses - your bride's maid of honor and your best man. In this case, groomsmen aren't really necessary.

The next thing you have to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to allot for your bridesmaids and groomsmen? Will you pay for the tuxedo rent, or have them fitted for their own suits? Will you pay for their transportation expenses? Some of your groomsmen might have to fly over to attend the wedding.

Family

Family members are traditionally included in the entourage, but you are not obligated to have all your brothers, uncles, and cousins serve as groomsmen to your wedding. Choose a family member you are genuinely close to.

If you want to foster a closer connection to your bride's family, you may also include some of her relatives. But be sure to consult this matter with your bride. Ask her who she thinks should be your groomsman; after all, she knows her family a lot better than anyone else.

Friends

Apart from family members, the groom's closest friends are usually chosen as groomsmen for the wedding. You might have a band of friends who you are close with, but you can only choose a few. So think about who among them you can trust and depend on, not just on the wedding day, but also for the years to come.

Ask yourself, who among your friends know you really well so that they would know what to say during a toast? Which of your friends care enough about your wedding that they would help you out during the wedding preparation? Who among your friends are genuinely concerned about your relationship with your bride so that they would be there for you in times of trouble?

This task may seem too serious. But answering these questions will help you narrow down your choices, and it will definitely make choosing you groomsmen easier.