For the groom, the best man is his ultimate symbol, to stand by him, represent him and do for him as the need arises. This is a very important role, one which must be chosen carefully and includes duties which must not be taken lightly.
A female in this role is known as an “Honour Attendant”.
The best man should be at least 18 years old as he has to sign the legal document.
One of the most important decisions a groom will face is that vital decision as to who will he choose to represent him.
With so many people who pass through our lives and mean so much, how do you narrow it down to just one?
The important thing to remember is the representation of the meaning of the “Best Man”, what he stands for and the duties which he will have to perform.
As a result the choice is usually based on certain aspects, reliability and confident friendship; someone who has been steadfast in their relationship with the groom, usually a family member or a good friend and who will always be there for the groom, regardless of anything which may challenge their friendship. The best man plays a major role in the wedding and the pictures, so remains a lifelong image.
PRE-WEDDING DUTIES
The duties of the best man start early as he is expected to help the groom in every aspect and like the maid of honour is expected to throw the equivalent groom’s shower if applicable and the bachelor party.
He will:
Pay for his own tuxedo and accessories
Attend fittings with the groom
See to accessories for the groom
Organise and attend the groom’s shower and bachelor party.
Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Help out whenever needed, with any other organising needs in which he could be helpful
See that the groom has his hair cut and any other pre-wedding personal preparation needs
Ensure that all the groom’s documents are in order for the wedding and the honeymoon
Ensure that the ushers and groomsmen are organised both with their apparel and their duties
Is in charge of organising the groom’s gift from the groomsmen and ushers
Help organise the gift for the couple form the groomsmen and ushers
Help with the honeymoon organisation
Assist in sorting out any accommodation or transportation needs for visiting family and friends
Look out for the groom on his bachelor night to see that he is safe while having fun
Secure all the wedding gifts
THE WEDDING DAY DUTIES
On the wedding day his main focus is the groom, his needs and any requirements which surround him. He will provide a strong, grounded support for the groom of which he will rely on.
His duties include:
Assisting the groom to dress
Seeing that the groomsmen and ushers are organised with their apparel fittings
Checking on the page boy and flower girl, if applicable to see that they are organised
Holding the cell phone numbers of all official car drivers
Can be in charge of the rings
Ensuring that the groom arrives on time for his bride and is in good health
Bringing the license to the ceremony
Witnessing the vows and signing the marriage license
Holding in an envelope and paying the officiate fees and any other services for the ceremony as the groom instructs
Standing in all official photographs of the day
RECEPTION
Will ride with the bride and groom to the reception
Will escort the maid of honour to the reception table
Will sit at the head table with the bride and groom usually to the side of the groom or whatever seating arrangements the couple decide to work with
Proposing the formal toast to the couple
Will make the traditional “Best Man’s Speech”
Can dance with the maid of honour if there is official dancing included in the reception
POST-WEDDING DUTIES
At this point the best man is essential as he generally wraps everything up, putting closure on the event, enabling the bride and groom to enjoy their honeymoon without delay.
His post-wedding duties include:
Help groom to change after the ceremony
Is responsible for collecting all rentals and returning them to the shops
Is responsible for the readiness of the couples luggage, that it is packed and in an accessible place so he can load them on the vehicle for their departure. He also ensures that they generally get away safely
