Groomsman vs. Bestman — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
A groomsman supports the groom in preparing for and during the wedding, whereas the best man leads the groomsmen and has additional responsibilities.
Difference Between Groomsman and Bestman
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Groomsmen are chosen friends or family members who support the groom in various wedding preparations and ceremonies. They have tasks like helping guests find their seats and participating in wedding photos. On the other hand, the best man holds a more pivotal role, often being the groom's closest confidant. He is responsible for organizing the bachelor party, keeping the wedding rings safe, and giving a toast during the reception.
While groomsmen are involved in the logistics of the wedding day, such as escorting guests and being part of the ceremony, the best man may also play a key role in the planning process. He might assist in choosing tuxedos, coordinating transportation, or managing minor crises on the wedding day.
Groomsmen usually wear attire that matches or complements the groom's, highlighting their role in the ceremony. Conversely, the best man's attire might have subtle differences to distinguish his special status, such as a different boutonniere or tie.
In terms of pre-wedding activities, groomsmen participate in gatherings like the bachelor party and rehearsal dinner. Whereas the best man is often instrumental in planning these events, ensuring they run smoothly and reflect the groom’s preferences.
The number of groomsmen can vary, usually reflecting the scale of the wedding. The best man, however, is a singular role, signifying his unique position and closer relationship to the groom.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Supports the groom, participates in the ceremony, and assists guests.
Leads the groomsmen, holds the rings, and gives a toast.
Responsibilities
Assisting with wedding logistics, escorting guests, and being in photos.
Organizing the bachelor party, managing crises, and speaking at the reception.
Attire
Matches or complements the groom's outfit.
May have subtle distinctions to stand out.
Pre-Wedding Activities
Participates in events like the bachelor party and rehearsal dinner.
Plans and ensures the smooth execution of pre-wedding events.
Number
Multiple, based on the wedding's size.
One, highlighting a closer relationship to the groom.
Compare with Definitions
Groomsman
Assists with wedding preparations and day-of logistics.
As a groomsman, Mike helped organize transportation for guests.
Bestman
Responsible for holding the wedding rings.
During the ceremony, the best man carefully held the rings.
Groomsman
Participates in the wedding ceremony.
The groomsmen walked the bridesmaids down the aisle.
Bestman
The groom's chief assistant and support.
Alex chose his oldest friend as his best man.
Groomsman
Involved in pre-wedding festivities.
The groomsmen planned a memorable bachelor party for the groom.
Bestman
Organizes the bachelor party.
The best man planned a weekend getaway for the bachelor party.
Groomsman
A member of the wedding party who supports the groom.
John was honored to be a groomsman at his brother's wedding.
Bestman
Gives a toast at the wedding reception.
The best man’s toast was both humorous and touching.
Groomsman
Wears attire coordinating with the groom.
The groomsmen wore navy suits to match the groom's.
Bestman
Helps with wedding day emergencies.
The best man fixed the music setup when it malfunctioned.
Groomsman
A groomsman (North America, Australasia) or usher (Britain, Ireland) is one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony. Usually, the groom selects close friends and relatives to serve as groomsmen, and it is considered an honor to be selected.
Bestman
Bestman is a surname.
Groomsman
A man who supports the groom leading up to and during a wedding.
Groomsman
A man who serves as one of a number of attendants to a bridegroom at a wedding, one of whom is the best man.
Groomsman
A male attendant of a bridegroom at his wedding; - the chief attendant is also called the best man; - the correlative of bridesmaid.
Groomsman
A male attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding
Common Curiosities
What does the best man do?
The best man leads the groomsmen, keeps the wedding rings safe, and delivers a toast at the reception.
Can a groom have multiple best men?
Traditionally, there is only one best man, but some grooms choose to have more to honor multiple close relationships.
What role do groomsmen play in the wedding ceremony?
They may escort bridesmaids and guests and stand with the groom.
Do groomsmen have special attire?
Groomsmen typically wear matching or complementary suits to the groom's.
How is the best man chosen?
The groom chooses his closest or longest-standing friend or relative as the best man.
What are the responsibilities of a groomsman?
Responsibilities include assisting with wedding logistics, supporting the groom, and participating in the ceremony.
What is a groomsman?
A groomsman is a close friend or family member who supports the groom before and during the wedding.
Is the best man responsible for the rings?
Yes, the best man traditionally holds onto the wedding rings until the ceremony.
How does the best man differ from groomsmen in attire?
The best man's attire might have subtle distinctions, like a different boutonniere, to stand out.
Who plans the bachelor party?
The best man is typically responsible for organizing the bachelor party.
Do groomsmen give speeches at the wedding?
Typically, it's the best man who gives a toast, though groomsmen might speak at smaller gatherings.
Can a woman be a groomsman or best man?
Yes, the terms "groomsman" and "best man" are roles, not gender-specific titles, and can be filled by anyone the groom chooses.
What is the key difference between a groomsman and a best man?
The best man has a leadership role among the groomsmen and carries additional responsibilities.
How many groomsmen can a groom have?
The number of groomsmen can vary, often depending on the wedding's size.
What is the most important duty of the best man on the wedding day?
Keeping the wedding rings safe and supporting the groom in any way necessary are considered the most important duties.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
