Best Man Duties – The Ultimate Guide!
Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a great honour. But it’s also a big responsibility. As the best man, you will be expected to take on several critical duties before, during, and after the wedding. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to fulfil your role as the best man and make the wedding a day to remember.
BEFORE THE WEDDING:
Help with the Planning
The best man’s first duty is to help the groom with the wedding planning. You should be prepared to offer advice and support when it comes to choosing a venue, selecting the menu, and picking out the groom’s suit. You can also help by organizing the bachelor party and ensuring that all the groomsmen are up-to-date with their responsibilities.
Attend the Rehearsal Dinner
Traditionally, the best man is expected to attend the rehearsal dinner, which takes place the night before the wedding. This is an opportunity to meet the other members of the wedding party and to get a feel for the venue where the wedding will take place. You can also use this time to make any last-minute arrangements for the wedding day.
Organize the Groomsmen
As the best man, you are responsible for ensuring that the groomsmen are ready for the wedding day. This means coordinating fittings for suits, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and making sure that all members of the wedding party have a timeline of events.
ON THE WEDDING DAY:
Get Ready with the Groom
On the wedding day, the best man should be with the groom from the start. You should help the groom get dressed, make sure he looks his best, and ensure that he has everything he needs. You should also help the groom stay calm and focused and offer words of support and encouragement throughout the day.
Help with the Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony, the best man has several key duties. These include holding the wedding rings, standing beside the groom at the altar, and giving a speech or toast during the reception. You should also be on hand to help the groom if he needs anything during the ceremony, such as a glass of water or a handkerchief.
Be the Go-To Person
As the best man, you should be the go-to person for the wedding party and guests. You should be available to answer questions, help with issues, and provide support and encouragement throughout the day. You should also be the one to make sure that the wedding timeline is being followed and that everything is going smoothly.
AFTER THE WEDDING:
Return Any Rental Items
After the wedding is over, the best man should help to return any rental items, such as tuxedos or suits. You should also make sure that any other items are returned to their rightful owners, such as gifts or decorations.
Help with the Thank You Notes
The best man can also help the groom and bride with their thank-you notes. This can be a time-consuming task, so offering to help can be a great way to show your support and appreciation for the couple.
Stay in Touch
Finally, the best man should stay in touch with the couple after the wedding. This can mean sending a congratulatory message, checking in on how they’re doing, or offering to help with any post-wedding tasks.
In conclusion, being the best man at a wedding is a big responsibility, but it can also be a great honor. By following this guide, you can fulfil your duties and help to make the wedding day a success. Remember, the most important thing is to be there for the groom and bride, offer your support and encouragement, and help to create a dream day for the couple.
Jo Pyman is an award-winning UK Wedding Planner and founder of One Curious Dream Wedding Planning Agency.
If you’d like to enquire further about my wedding planning services, I welcome you to book a free, no-obligation consultation here.
Alternatively, you can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
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