The Best Man's Responsibilities

If you have been chosen as the best man then you must hold a special place in the groom’s heart. Keep that in mind and take your responsibilities seriously. You can help ensure the wedding goes smoother. Below is a list of things commonly and traditionally carried out by the best man.

Before The Ceremony

• Plan and execute a bachelor party. Share the cost with the groomsmen.
• Assists in getting other groomsmen and ushers in tux fitting
• Get fitted and pay for wedding attire. Often times you will be afforded the opportunity to put a deposit down and pay the remaining balance when you pick up the tux.
• Prepare a toast/speech to be given at the reception. The speech can be funny or serious, but most importantly must be genuine and from the heart.  All eyes will be on you, so plan ahead and don’t wing it.
• Help the groom confirm plan arrangements for the wedding and honeymoon. Sometimes it is good to have an extra person there to double check things so nothing gets forgotten.
• Attend any rehearsals that are held.
• Picks up the groom’s formal wear for the wedding. A wedding is hectic and something as simple as picking up his suit when you pick up your own can save time and stress for the groom

During The Ceremony

• If a ring bearer isn’t being used then you will be in charge of the wedding ring. Obviously the importance of this job is evident; be responsible.
• Oversee that the ushers are doing what they need to be doing.
• Check that the groomsmen boutonnieres are attached properly on the left with the stem down.

During The Reception

• Give your toast
• You will be asked to sign as a witness on the wedding certificate
• It is custom to dance with the bride and maid of honor during the reception.
• Helps organize people for photos. The photographer should have experience at getting people together. However, that does not mean it is easy.  Aiding the camera man will relieve stress from him and help ensure that wedding couple gets all the wonderful shots they deserve.

After The Reception

• Help clean up
• Return the groom’s wedding attire with your own. The honeymoon is beginning and the groom may not be able (or may just not want) to return his own tux.