<P> For a wedding with many guests, the groom may also ask other male friends and relatives to act as ushers without otherwise participating in the wedding ceremony; their sole task is ushering guests to their seats before the ceremony . Ushers may also be hired for very large weddings . </P> <P> In a military officer's wedding, the roles of groomsmen are replaced by swordsmen of the sword honor guard . They are usually picked as close personal friends of the groom who have served with him . Their role includes forming the traditional saber arch for the married couple and guests to walk through . </P> <P> The most visible duty of the groomsmen is helping guests find their places before the ceremony and to stand near the groom during the wedding ceremony . </P> <P> Additionally, the groom may request other kinds of assistance, such as planning celebratory events such as a bachelor party, also called a stag - do or buck's night; helping make the wedding pleasant for guests by talking with people who are alone or dancing with unaccompanied guests or bridesmaids, if there is dancing at a wedding reception; or providing practical assistance with gifts, luggage, or unexpected complications . Groomsmen may also participate in local or regional traditions, such as decorating the newlywed couple's car . The other and also very important task of the best man is to give a speech during the wedding . This is usually decided between the bride and groom before the wedding . The best man speech is usually humorous and short . </P>

Where does the best man stand during the ceremony