Duties of the Best Man – Ceremony, Reception and After the Wedding
The main duty of an attendant is to make things easier for the couple. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. Although the “rules” have changed quite a bit in the last few decades, each attendant still has a number of expected duties.
This week we will be focusing on the duties of the best man. I will be using the terms “he” and “his” exclusively throughout this article for ease of comprehension.
However, the best man is often the best maid in recent times. The basic role and duties still apply.
The Best Man’s Role:
A lot of care is taken by the groom in choosing his best man. The best man is most often the groom’s closest friend or relative and is someone the groom trusts explicitly. The trust placed in the best man is well earned as he is the one who lends support to the groom during this stressful time. He also does his best to make sure that everything runs smoothly during the planning process, the wedding and after. Below you will find some of the duties that are expected of you, and will also find ideas that help in making everything run more smoothly.
Being a groom’s best man is a big responsibility with many tasks associated.
The Best Man’s Duties:
Prior to Wedding
Assist groom in wedding planning
Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements
Coordinate gift for the groom if a combined gift from the groom’s attendants is given
Purchase gift for the groom if each of his attendants is purchasing separately
Attend any pre-wedding events except the bridal shower if not co-ed
Keep the bride’s ring safely until the ceremony
Find out who will be transporting gifts after the wedding
The purchase of wedding attire and accessories are your responsibility (except boutonniere)
Make sure the groom has the necessary paperwork for the wedding
Make sure the groom has any necessary paperwork for a honeymoon before he leaves for the ceremony
Ensure that the groom has payment for wedding vendors before leaving for the ceremony
Plan a bachelor party (stag party or just a general party)
Arrange transportation so that you and the groom arrive on time
Make sure that you have your reception speech before leaving
Help groom pack for honeymoon and dress for the ceremony
Escort groom to the wedding location
Ceremony and Reception
Make sure the groom arrives on time
Make sure the groom looks presentable for his wedding before walking down the aisle
Do your best to ease the groom’s fears or worries
Escort groom to his position during the ceremony
Hold the bride’s ring until needed
Sign the marriage license as a witness
Pay the officiant (groom has payment)
Arrange for transportation so that couple gets from ceremony to reception
Give the first toast at the reception
Give a speech for the groom and bride (after toast)
Organize the groom’s attendants for any photos
Pay any wedding vendors that need payment (groom has payment)
Provide decorations for car and help to decorate (ask the couple first!)
Help newlyweds to the car (whether going home or to the airport)
Ensure that gifts are safely loaded (be sure to find out who will be holding them for the couple)
Help newlyweds load the car with luggage (and/or gifts) if necessary
After the Wedding
Return groom’s formal-wear if necessary
Make sure that groom’s attendants (including you!) return formal wear on time
Finally, RELAX… you’ve done a wonderful job!