What are groomsmen? In historical terms in many cultures they were necessary to defend the groom from irate parents trying to stop the wedding. At times the groomsmen and particularly the best man would help to "kidnap the bride" from her family home for the wedding. Later they became necessary to help the groom organise the wedding and reception. Are they still necessary and what is their role in todays weddings? How should they dress? Should they be in matching suits or tuxedos.