A lot of people tend to confuse the differences between ushers and groomsmen – and that’s because a lot of couples treat the men the same – in role and responsibility. Some use ushers to seat guests while others use them groomsmen as ushers as well. But what’s the traditional roles?
The ushers’ primary job is to seat the guests at the wedding once they arrive, whereas the groomsmen are the lads that stand beside the groom once the ceremony begins. They offer their arms to the bridesmaids and escort them down the aisle and at the reception as well.
Usually, the ushers are invited to all the pre-wedding festivities that the groomsmen are and they’re a highlight and thanked at the reception just like the rest of the wedding party. They’re also able to mingle and get the party started once the dance music begins to play – getting single ladies on the floor and everyone loosened up a bit.
Whether or not you want to dress the ushers differently than the groomsmen is merely personal preference. We like to see them dressed the same for consistency reasons, but we regularly see them distinguished by tie colors or something of the sort.
Other Expert Answers
The Spruce
“The Responsibilities of an Usher
Ushers should be the first smiling face your guests will see upon arrival at your wedding. The usher is typically a close friend or family member of the couple who is given a role and responsibilities to perform at the wedding.
The job of an usher at a wedding is to greet guests, distribute programs, and escort people to their seats. They may also help with ceremony preparation, including handling tasks such as arranging chairs or testing the sound system, or any of those other essential last-minute tasks that would be of help to the couple on the big day.
The Difference Between Groomsmen and Ushers
While both roles signify a close bond with the happy couple, the groomsmen are typically the people who have a closer relationship to the couple than the ushers. The ushers are sometimes not included in pre-wedding events (such as the bachelor party) and maybe dressed slightly differently than the groomsmen.
Both ushers and groomsmen should be given boutonnieres to help guests identify them. At some weddings, there might not be any difference between the two. They are still performing a role that they should be thanked for, and may also be included in photos with the couple and bridal party depending on the timeline of the day.” – The Spruce
Modern Wedding
“Groomsmen
- Help the best man orchestrate the Bucks Party.
On the Day
- The groomsmen arrive at the ceremony a little early so that they can greet and seat the guests as they arrive and hand out the Order of Service.
- Look after the guests with special requirements.
- Stand at the end of the aisle and keep the groom company while looking good
- After the ceremony, they escort you and the other bridesmaids down the aisle and out to the cars,
- Each of them wears and pay for their matching formalwear and
- Finally, they hopefully keep the groom relaxed and feeling supported through the whole day.
Ushers
An usher usually is only required to carry out duties at the ceremony.
- Their main purpose is to greet and seat the guests appropriately and to hand out the Order of Service,
- They may also be required to assist the groomsmen in seating people in their correct places at the reception and
- Of course, they should make themselves available to the groomsmen and best man in case any of them need any help throughout the day.” – Modern Wedding
Martha Stewart Weddings
“Ushers are often the first people a wedding guest will see when they reach the ceremony venue. These pivotal attendants (usually men) watch the doors, waiting for guests to arrive so that they can direct them to their seats or escort them down the aisle.” – Martha Stewart Weddings