Best man duties that you need to know. A clear guide on what a best man’s responsibilities are at the wedding especially to the groom.
Aside from the maid of honor duties for the bride, a groom also has his best man. A best man is not just any man that is always beside the groom. He also has duties that he must willingly commit to. A man chosen to be a groom’s best man is an honor and a responsibility. He must seriously uphold the duties of a best man and to be always there for the groom at all times.
What is a Best Man?
In history, the best man is someone who protects the bride from other suitors or family members who try to retrieve their daughters from the wedding. Before, the best man stands beside the bride but eventually moved to the groom’s side. After the wedding, his duty is to guard the newlyweds outside their bedroom or house.
Today, he still has duties but more focused on the groom. A best man is like a male version of the maid of honor. He guides and supports the groom from planning up to the wedding ceremony.
Who can be a Best Man?
The groom can choose anyone he wishes to be his best man. It can either be related by blood or a friend. A groom must choose wisely and he who is chosen should willingly accept the duties that the title has. Most of the time, the best man is always someone who already knows the groom for years. Since they are going to spend a lot of time together, it is best to pick someone who is very close to the groom. The groom can pick his:
- Brother
- Cousin
Other relative - Best friend
- Friend/ co-worker
Duties
Before the Wedding
- Support system: He should be always there for the groom. If there are problems that are stressing the groom, he should be there to support and advise him.
- Plan the bachelor’s party: It is his duty to plan with other groomsmen on throwing a party for the groom. They can either go somewhere for the weekend or just a night out in the city. It’s best to let your groom know so he can schedule it. Anticipated that the couple will be very busy and less time for parties.
- Assist in formal wear fittings: This is optional and may sound like a lady’s job but groomsmen also need attention on what they should wear. Schedule an appointment for tailor fittings and measurements or have a meeting on what is the required outfit for the men at the wedding.
- Attend pre-wedding events and planning: The best man should be present at pre-wedding plannings especially about transportation and accommodations for guests. He can also team up with the maid of honor for this. He should also be present when there are wedding rehearsals and dinner rehearsals.
During the Wedding Ceremony
- Help the groom get dressed: It is his job to help him suit up for the big walk down the aisle. Every groom needs a helping hand.
- Keeper of the wedding rings: After the ring bearer walks down the aisle, the best man can take it and keep it safe.
- Standing next to the groom: Supporting the groom is the best thing that a best man can ever do.
- Signing of marriage license: He signs the license as a witness to the couples’ wedding.
- Prepare the getaway vehicle: After they say their I do’s, the vehicle used to transport the couple after the ceremony should be prepared ahead outside the venue.
After the Wedding Ceremony (Reception)
- Make sure the groom has eaten: It can be a bit overwhelming for the groom after the ceremony and tends to forget to eat.
- Give a toast and speech: It has always been a tradition that the best man always has a speech at the reception. It does not have to be long. Just a sincere message to the couple and a few advices on how to keep their relationship alive.
- Payments: There will be a few payments that need to be made after everything. Vendors like catering, decor. etc should be checked if it has been already paid in full. The groom does not have time to entertain everyone and is preoccupied with the event so the duty can be passed on to the best man.
Conclusion
It can be a stressful job but someone has to do it. A best man should step up and do his duties well. To make it easier, he can meet up with the maid of honor to split up the task and make the couples’ day unforgettable not only for them but for everyone.
His Expertise Includes:
- 8 years working in the wedding industry
- Owner of USA DJ a wedding service provider URL: https://usadj.org
- Former groom with first-hand experience planning his own wedding
For the better part of the last decade, Jason has personally helped countless couples create successful wedding.
Since 2018 he has devoted much of his time to creating Smartest Brides with his wife Rachel. His mission is to help remove the stress and anxiety that normally comes with wedding planning by making the process simple.
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