Groomsmen are generally close friends or relatives of the groom and, sometimes, the bride. They have few responsibilities but are expected to: * Attend the rehearsal.

* Arrive to the ceremony at least forty-five minutes before the service begins.

* Welcome guests as they arrive.

* Hand out ceremony booklets.

* Escort female guests to their pew - seating the bride's family and friends to the left of the centre aisle and the groom's family and friends to the right.

* Escort the groom's mother to her seat and, just prior to the processional, escort the bride's mother to her seat.

* Stand with the groom through the ceremony.

* Escort bridesmaids up the aisle after the ceremony.

* Bring umbrellas to the reception to protect the bridal party and guests from inclement weather, such as rain or snow.