Its not just the bride who needs to choose support on the day – it’s important that the groom chooses a friend or two (or ten) to help him get ready for the wedding. This article shares details on who is who when it comes to the groom’s party; from roles and responsibilities to gift ideas when it comes to thanking them at the end of the day.

The Best Man at a wedding is typically the best friend or brother of the groom. This special buddy will be a trustworthy friend who you may have grown up with, met at University or met through work, and will be by your side through thick and thin when it comes to planning the wedding. He’ll also be in charge of planning a super stag party along with the important task of traditionally making the the longest speech at the wedding reception. Your Best Man should come to suit fittings with you (as he’ll need a suit too), be there for you if you need support, and stand by your side at the altar as your partner walks down the aisle towards you.

Ushers will be a great help on the day – and during the run up to it. They’ll also help plan your Stag do, along with the best man, and they will stand up at the altar with you as you the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. They may distribute Order of Service cards to your wedding guests as they arrive, or help elderly friends and relatives to their seats. Ushers will be on-hand to help with anything you or your partner may need on the big day. In some cases, they may even be asked to move wedding flowers or the cake, if your suppliers aren’t able to stay. An usher or Best Man may be a ‘point of reference’ if the team at your wedding venue need to discuss important items such as adding more money to your float, looking after valuables such as a wedding post/card box or

You could ask your Best Man or Usher to call guests in to dinner or act as a Master of Ceremonies if you aren’t hiring one.

Not every couple opt to have a page boy or two, but if they have a young son(s) together, this role could be just perfect. A godchild or nephew would also be ideal. The role of a page boy is to walk down the aisle ahead of the bride – sometimes with flower girls. Sometimes a page boy will carry a ring cushion/pillow with the wedding rings tied on so that they don’t slip off down the aisle. Alternatively, the page boy could help the flower girl scatter petals down the aisle, or carry a comical sign to put the groom at ease.

• Take them with you to shop for an engagment ring (pre-proposal of course)
• Ask their advice on wedding suit styles and colours, especially if they have been married themselves
• Speak to them honestly about your stag party – or confirm that they have free range to do whatever they thing is best!
• Give them a to-do list for the wedding day – you’ll need to consult with your other half about this
• Seek their advice when it comes to planning your honeymoon

You may want to give the guys involved in your wedding a gift to thank them for all of their hard work that they’ve put in to helping you. Gifts would typically be given during the Groom’s speech. Here are ten of our top gift ideas for the grooms party:

Personalised cufflinks
A stylish hip flask
Experience day voucher
Bottle of whiskey
Beer tankard
Traditional pocket watch
Golf accessories
Luxurious leather goods
Premium pen
A watch