By: Northwest Square Staff

Let’s talk about the other side of the aisle—the one currently cracking jokes, forgetting socks, and pretending they don’t know what a boutonniere is.

As a bride, you’ve probably got a Google Sheet with color-coded tabs, an emergency sewing kit, and enough bobby pins to construct a small metal sculpture. Meanwhile, your groom and his groomsmen are over there deciding whether to play cornhole or open the whiskey first.

This isn’t a complaint—it’s just the charming chaos of the wedding morning. But if you’re dreaming of a stress-free, on-time ceremony (and groomsmen who don’t arrive with their ties in their pockets), here’s how to help the guys stay focused, have fun, and still make it to the altar like the gentlemen you know they can be.

1. Set Expectations Before the Big Day

Here’s the truth: your groom’s crew probably isn’t trying to sabotage the timeline. They just don’t know it exists.

A week or two before the wedding, have your groom (or let’s be honest—you) send a clear, friendly text or email that lays out the schedule. Include:

• Arrival time at the venue

• When to be dressed and ready

• Photo call times

• A heads-up on any extra duties (ushering, speeches, etc.)

Keep it simple. Bullet points. No fluff. Pretend you’re explaining it to someone distracted by a fantasy football draft.

Pro tip: If you’re lucky enough to have a venue with on-site accommodations (like we do at Northwest Square), you’re already winning. No hotel checkouts. No lost car keys. Just walk out of the suite and boom—photos.

2. Designate a Groomsmen Captain (a.k.a. The “Groom Wrangler”)

Every group has a natural leader. Or at least one guy who’s mildly responsible. Identify him early and make him the Groomsmen Captain.

He doesn’t need to carry a clipboard—he just needs to be the guy who says, “Alright, let’s get dressed,” or “Hey, the photographer’s waiting.”

Bonus: Give him a title and a joke award at the rehearsal dinner. Guys will take it seriously if it comes with a fake trophy or a personalized flask. Somehow, the badge of honor works.

3. Build in a “Fun Buffer”

You don’t want to kill the vibe. Groomsmen are supposed to have fun—it’s part of the charm. But fun has a tendency to run 30 minutes late and spill something on a shirt.

So instead of scheduling fun, build a “buffer zone” into the morning. If you want them dressed by 1:00 PM, tell them to be ready by 12:30. And give them the first half of the day for all the bonding they want: golf, poker, cigars, pool, Xbox, whatever.

They’ll still enjoy themselves—and when it’s time to get serious, you’ve got wiggle room.

4. Feed Them. Hydrate Them. Then Repeat.

Groomsmen running on an empty stomach + nerves + a double shot of whiskey = chaos.

Set up a simple food station or ask the venue to provide snacks. Think protein-heavy: breakfast sandwiches, trail mix, fruit, and plenty of water. (Okay, and maybe a mimosa or two—but balance is key.)

At Northwest Square, the on-site groom’s suite makes it super easy to stage a pre-wedding snack zone. You can even stock the fridge the night before and forget about it until go-time.

5. Dress Rehearsal Isn’t Just for the Bride

They may act chill, but here’s a secret: most guys have no idea how to tie their tie or pin a boutonniere.

Save them the shame spiral. The night before the wedding, do a quick 5-minute how-to session—either in person or via a link to a video tutorial. Better yet, print out a little cheat sheet and leave it in the groom’s room.

Pro tip: Assign a “Boutonniere Boss” (your florist, planner, or a savvy family member) to be on call to handle this on the wedding morning. Trust me, someone’s going to stab their lapel on the first try.

6. Capture the Chaos (But Keep It Contained)

Some of the best photos come from the groom’s suite—the cheers, the candid jokes, the “just before we go” pep talk. Let the guys enjoy that moment.

Just make sure the photographer knows the timeline, and that the groomsmen know what’s next.

Otherwise, that beautiful toast could turn into a 45-minute scotch tasting that ends with everyone half-dressed and missing shoes.

7. Give Them a Job (or Two)

Groomsmen want to help. They just need clear direction. Instead of vague “be available” energy, give them real, tangible roles:

• In charge of the rings

• Ushers for guests

• Groom’s phone holder

• Ceremony playlist DJ

• “Tidy the groom’s suite” guy

You’ll be amazed how focused they get when they feel important.

8. Don’t Forget the “Groom Moment”

While you’re likely surrounded by your glam squad, getting your hair curled and lashes fluffed, your groom might be pacing in his socks, trying not to sweat through his dress shirt.

A little bride-to-groom love goes a long way. A handwritten note, a surprise gift, or even a short video message can bring him into the moment emotionally—and help center him before everything starts.

It’s a meaningful pause that can help settle nerves and remind him what (and who) the day is really about.

9. What If They’re Still Late?

Okay. Let’s say, worst-case scenario, the groomsmen are late. Someone forgot a tie. One guy’s missing a belt. They’re still half-dressed when the photographer shows up.

Take a breath.

If you’ve chosen a venue with everything on-site—getting-ready rooms, ceremony space, photo ops—you’ve already minimized the fallout. No traffic delays, no scrambling across town. The beauty of a place like Northwest Square is that once they’re here, they’re here.

At that point, a little delay is just part of the story. And honestly, it’ll probably be a funny one you’ll laugh about later.

10. Trust That They’ll Pull It Together

Here’s the thing: most groomsmen rise to the occasion. They might start the day as a bunch of goofy best friends with questionable time awareness, but when that moment hits—when the music plays and the doors open—they straighten their ties, stand tall, and show up exactly the way they should.

Because ultimately, they’re not just there for a party. They’re there for you.

And that’s what makes the chaos, the timeline wrangling, and the morning of mayhem all worth it.

Final Thoughts

Brides, you’re planners. You’re timeline savants. You’’ve got vision boards and backups to our backups. And yes, sometimes you watch the groomsmen with a mix of love, panic, and deep curiosity about how they function without a packing list.

But with a little structure, a few key players, and an on-site venue that sets everyone up for success—you can help the groom’s side show up in all the best ways.

Let them laugh. Let them toast. 

Just make sure they’re dressed by 1:00.

And someone—please—check that they’re wearing matching socks.