Name names

Prepare your side of the guest list.

Go for the gold

Choose the wedding bands, which can match or just have matching engravings. Some couples have their initials engraved with their wedding date inside the ring. Avoid etching “RIP.”

Keep it real

Call the marriage license bureau to determine the necessary requirements and timing.
Arrange for the blood test, if necessary.
Schedule the marriage license appointment.

Get from Point A to B

Book transportation to and from the ceremony and after the reception.

Speak eloquently

Give a toast at the rehearsal dinner in response to the best man’s toast. Mention how lucky you are to marry your bride and thank your parents, in-laws, and guests.

Provide shelter

Book a hotel room for your wedding night, unless you are leaving directly to the honeymoon.

Plan getaway

Honeymoon getaway, that is. While you’re probably going to pick a place with your bride, you are still responsible for most of the legwork.

Be a valet

Serve as the groom’s personal aide and adviser throughout the engagement and wedding.
Help book accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen.

Be a stylist

Help with tux selection and other groomsmen’s rentals.
Decorate the getaway car with the bridal party.

Be a pimp

Plan the bachelor party, hopefully with the assistance of other groomsmen. It probably won’t be hard to find help. What guy would turn down interviewing strippers, shopping for beer, and screening suitable pornography?

Be there

Attend the rehearsal dinner.
Be announced with the maid of honor when the reception begins.
Dance with both the maid of honor and the bride during the first dance.

Be a pillar

Stand next to the groom at the altar.
Hold onto the bride’s ring until the vows are exchanged.

Be a shepherd

Corral the other groomsmen, making sure they’re performing their wedding duties.
Make sure everyone has fun at the wedding.

Be a conspirator

Sign the marriage license along with the maid of honor.

Be a banker

Hand the officiant his or her fee after the ceremony.
Collect gift envelopes at the reception and possibly deposit into couple’s bank account. No, you don’t get to charge a handling fee.

Be a statesman

Give the first toast at the reception, keeping it relatively clean.

Suit up

Like the bridesmaids, you should pay for your wedding gear. Leave enough time for alterations.

Party down

Attend all pre-wedding festivities, including the engagement party, Couple’s Shower, bachelor party, and rehearsal dinner. Two words: free grub.
Help plan bachelor party.

Gather round

Usher guests to their seats. At traditional Christian ceremonies, guests of the bride’s family sit on the left and guests of the groom’s family sit on the right. At Jewish ceremonies, it’s the opposite. With couples, take the woman’s arm and escort her to a seat.
Be announced with the bridesmaid you escorted during the ceremony.
Dance with bridesmaids and single female guests.

Help out

Keep groom from running out the door.
Answer questions.
Make sure everyone has fun at the wedding.

Pitch in

Purchase a wedding present by yourself or as a group gift with other groomsmen. Think big. And groom-friendly.