Today is International Men’s Day which means it’s a fine time to delve into the diverse roles men play on one of life’s most significant occasions—the wedding day.
In this guide, we’ll explore the responsibilities of the groom, the fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, ushers, and two often-overlooked yet essential roles: the brothers of the bride and groom. As we take a look at these roles, let me share one of my favourite photos from our wedding day.
In the image, Mark stands proudly with his best men and ushers. This photo never fails to make us smile due to my brother’s (extreme left) straight legged jump (is he on an invisible pogo stick?!) and one of our best men’s overzealous facial expressions (that’ll be Robbie, second in from the right!)
The Groom’s Responsibilities:
Arrive in Style:
Make a memorable entrance that reflects your personality and style. It’s YOUR day, so be sure to do it YOUR way!
Support System:
Be the unwavering support for your partner, offering reassurance and calm.
Time Management:
Ensure punctuality, keeping the day’s events running smoothly (it’s important not to get led astray at this point!)
Groom’s Speech Tips:
The groom’s speech is actually one of the ‘easiest’ to do as it’s mainly about thanking people. Here are some tips.
- Express thanks to your guests.
- Share a heartfelt story about your relationship (I thought Mark was going overly slushy on his speech when he started with “I remember the day I met Jo really clearly. It was 13 October 2004… which I was stunned at him remembering… until he then went on to talk about Michael Owen’s eight-yard header on the 22nd minute in England’s qualifying World Cup Qualifying match against Azerbaijan!!)
- Thank your parents and in-laws.
- Compliment and thank your bride.
- Toast to the future.
Roles of Other Key Male Figures:
Father of the Bride:
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- Accompany the bride to the ceremony and escort the bride down the aisle (or try and keep up!).
- Deliver a warm, welcoming speech at the reception.
Father of the Groom:
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- Provide emotional support to the groom.
- We asked Mark’s dad to be one of our witnesses and he signed the register along with my mum.
- Show the groom how to wear a buttonhole if necessary!
Best Man (or Best Men if you’re indecisive like Mark!):
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- Organise the stag do (is there any more important job than this?!) and assist with preparations.
- Hold onto the rings during the ceremony.
- Deliver a memorable speech at the reception #nopressure !
- Try and avoid the groom from running off!
Ushers :
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- Assist with seating your guests and ensure a smooth ceremony.
- Hand out Orders of Service if you are having them (I mean, why wouldn’t you…they’re a wonderful item of wedding stationery!)
- Often, brothers can serve as ushers, playing a vital role in the wedding’s logistics
Brothers of the Bride and Groom:
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- Join the ranks of ushers, contributing to the seamless flow of the day.
- Cherish the moments—like Michael’s perfectly straight jump—creating lasting memories for the family.
- Help with logistics like playing music
- Try not to get into too much mischief like Jo’s brother…
On our wedding day, my brother not only contributed to the seamless logistics as an usher but also took charge of the church music.
Additionally, my brother-in-law and his father played a crucial role in ensuring the flowers gracefully transitioned from the church to the reception, where they could be appreciated anew. These unsung heroes behind the scenes embody the essence of brotherhood and support that makes a wedding day truly unforgettable.
So, as we mark International Men’s Day, let’s say ‘cheers ‘ to the men in our lives and celebrate the diverse roles that they play on the wedding day. From the groom’s spotlight moment to the behind-the-scenes efforts of dads, ushers and brothers, each role contributes to the magic of a wedding day.
May these roles be acknowledged not only on this special day but throughout the journey of life, filled with love, joy, and cherished memories!
Happy International Men’s Day!
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