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Choosing your groomsmen is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make during wedding planning. These are the friends and family who’ve been part of your journey and will support you through one of life’s biggest moments. But how many groomsmen should you actually have? The answer depends on your relationships, wedding size and personal preferences. This guide will help you choose the perfect number.

How Many Groomsmen Can You Have?

There is no rule dictating how many groomsmen you can have. While the average wedding has three to six groomsmen, you can have as few as one or as many as 10. Most grooms will choose a best man and one or two other close friends to be groomsmen. Others may have as many as 10 groomsmen for a larger wedding.

There are many factors that may determine how many groomsmen you choose. One thing to keep in mind is the cost. Having a bigger group might mean spending a bit more. If you’re working with a tight budget or just want a small, cozy celebration, you can totally stick with one or two groomsmen.

If you’re eloping or planning a destination wedding, lots of couples keep things really simple. Sometimes it’s just a best man and a maid of honor, which keeps the ceremony intimate and relaxed. However, if you’ve got a lot of siblings, cousins and close friends you can’t imagine leaving out, go for it. If it works with your plans and feels right, the more, the merrier.

Here are a few things you might want to think about:

• Bachelor party plans: How do you imagine your bachelor party? Think about whether coordinating travel and accommodations for a larger group sounds like fun or more of a hassle.
• Groomsmen costs: Consider whether your friends are comfortable with the costs of being in your wedding, such as travel, attire, and party expenses, especially for those who live farther away.
• Ceremony style: Will your day be traditional, with everyone walking down the aisle, or are you going for something smaller, like a courthouse ceremony with fewer people involved?
• Bridal party balance: Is your partner planning to have many attendants, or are you keeping things even? Some couples like matching numbers, but it’s totally up to you both.
• Must-have people: Can you imagine your wedding day without this person at your side? If not, then they should be part of your groomsmen.

5 Tips for How to Select Your Groomsmen

It’s totally normal to feel the pressure. Everyone wants to include the people who matter most, but you can only ask so many. Here are five tips to make the decision a little easier.

1. Take a Head Count

The first thing to figure out is how many groomsmen you actually need. A good way to decide? Look at the size of your wedding. Keep in mind, not everyone who’s invited will show up. Usually, about 70% to 80% of guests make it. So, if you send out 100 invites, you’ll probably see around 80 people RSVP “yes.”

Although five groomsmen are sufficient, a smaller headcount could mean fewer groomsmen. Likewise, a wedding with 150 to 200 people or more might have 10 groomsmen. Consider how many bridesmaids there will be. Most couples prefer the same number on each side for balance.

2. Prioritize Family Members

Picking your groomsmen is easier if you have brothers. Siblings often get a front-row spot in the wedding party, and it’s common for a brother to be the best man. Sometimes, a chat is needed to figure out who’ll step into the best man role and who’ll take the groomsmen roles. 

The key is choosing someone who feels right for the job and makes your big day even more special. You may consider your soon-to-be brother-in-law, too.

3. Select Your Best Friends

If you don’t have enough siblings or close relatives to fill out your group of groomsmen, it’s totally normal to turn to your close friends next. Think about who’s been in your life the longest. Maybe you have a childhood buddy or that silly college roommate. 

Are there friends you hang out with regularly or people you always make time for?. Choosing from the same circle can keep the energy fun and help steer clear of any personality clashes on your big day.

4. Break Tradition

There’s no rule saying your wedding party has to follow tradition to the letter. If you’ve got a close friend, sister or relative who’s played a big role in your life, it makes perfect sense to include her on your side. Often called a “groomswoman” or “groomslady,” they can wear a dress similar to the bridesmaids in a darker shade or a suit of her own.

What matters most is having the people who mean the most to you standing with you on your big day, no matter their gender. It’s all about celebrating your closest relationships in a way that feels authentic to you.

5. Consider Reliability

Groomsmen must show up and support the groom. Think about past experiences. Have they been reliable for important events? Someone who’s punctual, organized and accountable will make your wedding planning easier and less stressful.

If your brother is younger, maybe even a teenager, it might be too much to expect him to handle all the best man duties on his own. In that case, you could have a co-best man to help, or make your brother a groomsman instead. This way, everyone’s strengths are put to good use and everything runs smoothly.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Groomsman?

Before finalizing your choices, make sure you understand what you’re asking of your groomsmen. Being part of a wedding party requires more commitment than simply showing up on the big day. Here are the key responsibilities your groomsmen should be prepared to handle:

• Pre-wedding events: Your groomsmen should plan to attend engagement parties, the bachelor party and the rehearsal dinner. These celebrations are important milestones leading up to your big day.
  
• Attire coordination: They’ll need to coordinate with each other to ensure everyone looks cohesive in photos. Establishing a group chat or email thread early can help everyone stay on the same page.
• Ceremony duties: During the wedding itself, groomsmen typically usher guests to their seats, hold on to wedding rings until the right moment or participate in the processional. Some couples assign each groomsman a specific role, while others keep things more relaxed.
  
• Post-wedding tasks: After the celebration ends, groomsmen should return any rental attire promptly and may help pack gifts or coordinate transportation.

While these responsibilities aren’t overwhelming, they do require time and attention, so choose people who can commit to being present and helpful throughout the process.

Weddings are Meant to Be Shared Among Best Friends

The whole fun of weddings is sharing the special day with loved ones. Your groomsmen — however many you have — are some of your life’s most essential and supportive people. You wouldn’t want them to miss out on this major milestone moment.

Originally Published 06/17/2023 – Updated 07/01/2026