bridegroom

The bridegroom is the man who is about to be married or who has recently married. In English, the term contrasts with bride and is often synonymous with groom, with bridegroom emphasizing the pairing with a bride. The word derives from Old English brydeguma, from bryde "bride" and guma "man, husband."

In a wedding, the bridegroom typically participates in the ceremony by exchanging vows and rings and by taking part in processions or other ceremonial elements alongside the bride. Attire is usually formal, commonly a suit, tuxedo, or morning coat, often with a boutonniere. After the ceremony, the bridegroom becomes a husband, and together with the bride, he may assume roles in the reception, family customs, and the couple’s wider social circle.

Cultural variations influence the structure of the groom's duties and the rituals he participates in. Some traditions assign specific responsibilities to the groom or his family, and dress codes or pre-wedding events may differ. The term bridegroom is more formal or traditional; in everyday usage, "groom" is common, and language around married men varies with cultural and personal preferences. In some contexts, the label is adapted to reflect same-sex marriages or nontraditional arrangements.

Related terms include groom, husband, and bride. The concept remains the male partner in a marriage ceremony and the transition from fiancé to spouse.