It’s both an honour and a privilege to be chosen as the Best Man, and if you are lucky enough to be asked to do so then you are must be doing something right! This article takes a closer look at the role, responsibilities and Best Man duties you can expect to fall your way.
The Role of a Best Man
Whilst it may well be an honour and a privilege, the role of a Best Man is by no means a walk in the park. There are a whole host of traditional Best Man duties that will fall your way, alongside a number of others that you may well be asked to help pitch in with.
You need to be focussed and helpful from beginning to end, and be on hand to assist the Groom with whatever he asks. Whilst for many, the role of a Best Man in the proceedings in the whole will be limited, for others, there could be a far bigger role to play.
Depending upon the wishes of the Bride and Groom, it may well be the case that the Best Man is asked to chip in with everything from ringing around and making bookings to co-ordinating the photographer on the big day - not to mention the speech!
Whatever Best Man duties are allocated, he should be happy and willing to oblige.
Traditional Best Man Duties
Let’s first of all take a look at those Best Man duties there are no getting away from:
Organising the stag night (including activities, accommodation etc.) For ideas, advice and tips on this, be sure to check out our Stag & Hen Night section.
Attending the wedding rehearsal (and making sure you’re sober enough to take it all in!)
Travelling to the ceremony with the Groom (and more importantly, making sure he’s on time - have a back-up plan as well such as the number for a local taxi firm)
Standing to the right of your best mate at the front of the wedding ceremony venue.
Keeping a tight hold on the wedding rings until asked by the vicar/registrar to pass them over (do not muck this one up or else!)
Escorting the Chief Bridesmaid down the aisle at the end of the wedding ceremony.
Making your way to the wedding reception venue with the Bridesmaids (lucky you!)
Dancing with the Chief Bridesmaid as part of the first dance
Giving a speech at the wedding reception (for ideas, advice and tips, be sure to check out our Best Man speech articles)
Optional Best Man Duties
Alongside the traditional Best Man duties, there could well be numerous other tasks you are asked to help with in the run up to the big day So let’s take a glance at what other tasks may be thrown your way:
Being the right hand man for the Groom at all times – calming him down, helping him get dressed (make sure you know how to tie ties!), making sure everything that needs to be done has been etc.
Assisting in the Groom in choosing outfits for the day.
Helping to arrange anything that may be passed your way – transport is the most likely thing, but it’s best to liaise with both the Bride and Groom so don’t go off and just choose what you think would look right!
Contacting the Bride and Groom the day before to make sure everything is in place and that no last minute changes have taken place. This is also an opportunity to get hold of any telegrams or messages that you will have to read out during your speech.
Helping the photographer to arrange any formal snaps.
Being the font of all knowledge when it comes to the wedding venue(s). Like the ushers, you'll need to know where guests are able to park, directions, exits and entrances and, most importantly, where the bar is. A mobile phone for emergencies (set to silent during the ceremony and speeches!) is an essential item these days for any Best Man.
Acting as toastmaster for the day if no official toastmaster or reception venue assistant is performing the role. You will need to inform the guests when the receiving line is taking place, announce the speeches and cutting of the cake, help guests to their seats, and let guests know when the Bride and Groom are leaving.
Decorating the car that the Bride & Groom will leave the Reception venue in (they will love you forever for this one, but what the heck, it’s tradition!)
Keeping check on the Ushers and making sure that they are pulling their weight.
Collecting gifts and making any payments (the usual one is to the officiant after the ceremony)
Returning outfits (if they have been hired) for all male members of the wedding party and collecting any deposits.
If you have been asked to be the Best Man and, having read all about the role and Best Man duties that might come your way, don’t feel up to the challenge, don’t be afraid to say something – you won’t be the first and you certainly won’t be the last - the key point is to make any decision early. That said, being the Best Man is often a once in a lifetime experience and in later life you may regret turning down the offer, so why not rise to the challenge – you know you can do it!
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Related: There are hundreds of wedding articles on the site, each filled with superb ideas, advice and inspiration. Check out the links in the left hand column to read more. Alternatively, to search for a local wedding venue, product or service provider, try our Wedding Directory. With over 13,000 companies already listed, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
