Choosing The Best Man
Tips on Who to Ask and a Guide to The Special Wedding Duties
Choosing the Best Man is often based on the groom wanting someone from the family or his best friend. It’s a great honour to be asked, and the duties require someone organized , reliable and energetic. Help your man to make the right decision and he will be less stressed and enjoy the whole wedding that much more.
When the best man – or woman; there’s no reason why a woman cannot be chosen – is asked, it is essential to give them some idea of what will be expected of them. Most people assume it’s all about three things – the stag party, the rings, and the speech at the reception. These certainly are important on the list of responsibilities but there are more. A good Best Man will be organized, sensible and able to stay calm when the groom is having cold feet or a sudden attack of nerves. The Best Man needs to have an outgoing personality and be willing to help out wherever and whenever he is needed.
Include the Best Man, along with the chief bridesmaid in the wedding plans. Let them know how things are progressing and if they can help in any way. Make sure they attend the wedding rehearsal and that they are familiar with the venue for the reception.
What The Best Man Does Before the Wedding Day
- Plans the stag party and makes sure the groom gets there and back.
- Helps the groom choose and buy or hire his wedding clothes.
- Books transport for himself and the groom for the wedding day. (The two of them travel together to the church or ceremony venue, arriving a least half-an-hour before the ceremony starts.)
- With the guidance of the bride and groom, makes a list of family members on both sides, so that on the wedding day, he can show people to their seats at the front, or advise ushers accordingly.
What The Best Man Does on the Wedding Day
- Stays cool, calm and collected, keeping the groom focused whilst helping him to get ready.
- Has the wedding rings safely stored in a pocket for the time when the celebrant asks “Who has the rings?”
- Ensures appropriate men have their buttonholes and that they are pinned on correctly.
- Assists with any unusual parking arrangements for guests, and special seating for elderly or disabled guests.
- Shows guests to their seats with a welcoming smile.
- Ensures that the Order of Service or song sheets are placed on each seat or handed to each person.
- Stands with the groom at the altar or ceremony table until the bride arrives. He then sits in a front seat.
- Witnesses the signing of the register if necessary.
- Has his speech folded up and in his pocket. ( Traditionally the Best Man toasts the bridesmaids and makes silly jokes about the groom in his speech.)
What the best Man Does at the Wedding Reception
- Makes the final speech, usually after the groom.
- Looks after the bridesmaids if necessary.
- Makes the announcement to the guests when the bride and groom are ready to leave.
- Takes care of the grooms clothes after he has changed – returning them to the hire shop or to the groom’s house.
What the best Man Does When the Wedding is All Over
- Ensures that the bridesmaids get home safely.
- Ensures that any wedding presents are taken to the appropriate place or stored.
More wedding ideas : Creative Wedding Readings, Music for Weddings, Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses
