Things Groomsmen Should Know...
- Gianna Connelly
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Dudes, listen up. Your buddy is getting married, and trust us, he will still be available for fishing trips and other activities for shenanigans. We promise.
Now, it’s your job to support his decision and be a useful part of the wedding day experience, and there is more to a wedding day than drinking and dancing. Just like Liam Neison in “Taken”, the best groomsmen have a very specific set of skills that make him an asset to the day, but without the dramatic Hollywood stunts and foreign language ultimatums.
Here is a list of things that every groomsman should know how to do before the big day.
How to tie a tie.
Our first act of gentlemanly service involves looking the part, and being self sufficient. Starting with wardrobe, the necktie is the first piece that trips up the occasional ill prepared reveler. Granted, most store rented tuxes or suits have the ties that are already tied, but if the groom has chosen a more custom route, you might be on your own to tie it correctly.
Here is a link to a few different ways to make it look good...
Pro tip: if you are totally against it and have a little say in how the day goes, convince the groom to adopt bolo ties. Easy to assemble and super classy, we think bolo ties need to be showcased more at weddings.
How to attach a boutonniere.
I get it, you’ve dealt with these things like twice in your life (prom senior year and your cousin's wedding when you were 8) and both times your mother was present to help you out. Mom isn’t around today, and you can score some awesome brownie points with the bridal party and photographers if you know how to attach it to your own coat (or at least the coats of your compatriots). Although, some of our best groomsmen photos come from the moment you realize you have no idea how to use two pins to make the thing stick to your shirt.
We’ve got your back. Check out this video we created to help you know how to do it, and keep your flower from becoming dance floor fodder later in the evening.
Pro tip: Magnets. Remind the bride that boutonnieres can be made with magnets. Your life will be simpler for it, we promise.
How to fold a pocket square.
Rounding out the wardrobe portion of our evening is a little used, but super classy way to make yourself look good. The pocket square can be simple, but stuffing it in the pocket simply doesn’t cut it.
The key here is to keep it simple, but sophisticated. There are literally dozens of ways to make it look good, but here is a video that gives you a few easy to explore options.
Pro tip: Practice beforehand. It can be with a handkerchief, a napkin, doesn’t matter. Find a design you like and perfect it before the wedding day so you don’t worry about it and can get to the celebration more quickly.
How to make a mixed drink.
Let’s be honest, you probably are most excited about the opportunity to have a drink or two throughout the day with all your best buddies, not stand on your feet in uncomfortable shoes and a hot suit coat.
In many instances, having one or two during the day will be acceptable, but being “that guy” at the wedding shouldn’t be your goal. This skill might come in most handy the night before, at a rehearsal dinner or other gathering, where it is a little less likely to get you in trouble with the bride’s inner circle.
Like most things on this list, simpler is better. Find a two or three ingredient favorite, and perfect it’s creation beforehand so you can show your worth in keeping the party alive.
Here are a few simple recipes to try:
Pro tip: Make a gallon of mixed ingredients before the event, and simply add alcohol on the day of. Quicker, less messy and gets you back to the party as soon as possible.
How to stand like James Bond.
Face it—most of your day will be spent standing around, with brief moments of action in between. But standing doesn’t have to mean slouching like you’re waiting in line at the DMV. Channel your inner 007 with a confident, relaxed stance. Keep your shoulders back, chest slightly lifted, and hands either in your pockets (thumbs out for a natural look) or loosely at your sides. Avoid crossing your arms or stuffing your hands deep into your pockets—it’s not a middle school dance.
When you’re called into action, whether it’s for a photo, a toast, or a dance floor takeover, be ready. Looking sharp in a suit isn’t just about wearing one—it’s about owning it. Stand tall, smirk like you’ve got a secret, and make your photographer’s job easy so they don’t have to fix your posture in front of all the pretty ladies.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, hold a drink in one (without a death grip) and keep the other in your pocket with your thumb hooked out. It’ll give you that effortless, confident look—like you just closed a million-dollar deal or saved the world before cocktail hour.
How to give a toast.
You’ve been sweating this part from about twenty minutes after he asked you to be his best man. It’s your time to shine, your time to roast, and your time to make the moment better.
A few steadfast rules:
Keep it short. It’s not your job to blabber. 1-2 stories max.
Tie it all together. Bring it back around to the beginning and wrap your words with a bow.
DON’T READ FROM A SCRIPT. It kills the moment and looks more sincere when you know what to say. You’ve had enough time to prepare. Memorize it and let it flow naturally.
As you prepare for your time on the microphone, read this:
At the end of the day, being a great groomsman isn’t just about looking sharp in a suit or knowing how to tie a perfect Windsor knot. It’s about stepping up, supporting your buddy, and making sure the day goes off without a hitch (well, aside from the one that’s supposed to happen). Whether it’s pinning a boutonniere, mixing a solid drink, or delivering a killer toast, a little preparation goes a long way.
So, take these tips to heart, have a blast, and most importantly—don’t be that guy. The bride and groom will thank you, the photographer will appreciate you, and you just might cement your reputation as the ultimate wedding MVP. Now go forth, suit up, and make 007 proud.
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