What It Means
#Groomsmen celebrates the groom’s closest friends chosen to stand beside him on his wedding day. The hashtag documents groomsmen proposals, gifts, attire, bachelor parties, and the evolution from simple “will you be my groomsman?” asks to elaborate reveals.
History
Traditional Era:
- Groom informally asked friends to be groomsmen
- Standard attire: matching tuxedos (rental)
- Simple thank-you gifts (flasks, cufflinks)
Instagram Era (2013-2018):
Groomsmen Proposals:
- Inspired by elaborate bridesmaid proposals, grooms started creating “groomsmen proposal boxes”
- Contents: Personalized gifts (engraved flasks, pocket knives, cigars, socks, sunglasses), handwritten notes, “Will you be my groomsman?” cards
- Cost: $50-150 per groomsman
- Photos posted on Instagram with #GroomsmenProposal
Attire Evolution:
- Early 2010s: Matching black/gray tuxedos or suits
- Mid 2010s: Mix-and-match (same color, different styles)
- Late 2010s: Bold colors (navy, burgundy, tan), patterned socks, suspenders, bow ties
- Casual weddings: Vests without jackets, suspenders, jeans (ranch weddings)
Groomsmen Gifts:
- Personalized items: engraved watches, leather wallets, whiskey glasses, coolers
- Experience gifts: golf trip, brewery tour, concert tickets
- Practical: Suit rental covered, hotel room paid
Cultural Impact
Best Man Role:
- Organize bachelor party
- Hold rings during ceremony
- Give speech at reception
- Emotional support for nervous groom
- Social media documented “best man fails” (dropped rings, drunk speeches)
Groomsmen Costs:
- Average spend per groomsman: $500-1,200 (suit/tux rental $150-300, bachelor party $400-1,000, travel/hotel for destination weddings, gifts for couple)
- Complaints: Reddit threads about expensive groomsmen duties, especially multiple weddings in one year
Gender-Neutral Evolution (2015+):
- “Groomswoman” — female friends of groom standing on his side
- “Bridesman” — male friends of bride on her side
- Mixed-gender wedding parties became normalized
The Matching Photo:
- Groomsmen lineup photos became wedding staple
- Popular poses: Sunglasses on, looking away, silly faces, jumping shots, holding whiskey glasses
Related Hashtags
- #BestMan
- #GroomToBe
- #BachelorParty
- #WeddingParty