First of all, congratulations! Being someone’s best man is a huge honour, and also a lot of fun. From throwing the stag party to end all stag parties, to looking dashing in a tux, we’ve got a rundown of everything you’ll need to do as the groom’s right hand man.
In General
- Help the groom with his wedding duties (ie anything the bride has delegated) if he needs help
- Act as a confidant for the groom he might have a few pre-wedding nerves and need someone to talk to. That’s where you step in!
AGES before the Wedding
- Help to choose and rent (or purchase) the wedding outfits (suits, tuxedos, etc). You’ll need to coordinate with the rest of the groomsmen as well, to make sure you all match.
- Attend the engagement party, if the couple are having one.
- Organise the stag party (oh yeah!!) which is, of course, one of the best bits of being a best man. Ask the other groomsmen for help if it gets to be a bit much. Bear in mind, you are responsible for the groom while on his stag, so if anything goes wrong, you’ll have to answer to the bride!
Closer to the Wedding
- Buy a wedding present for the couple sometimes the groomsmen go in together on a present!
- Ask the couple whether you’ll be making a best man speech. You may also be required to MC the evening’s events, so coordinate with the couple. Find out who will making speeches and in what order, when the couple want to cut the cake etc.
- If you ARE going to be making a speech, now’s the time to start writing it. Run it by a few people before the big day to make sure it’s appropriate, tasteful and not too long.
Days Before the Wedding
- Pick up your suit or tuxedo from the suit hire shop (if applicable). Ring around to make sure the other groomsmen have collected theirs as well.
- Attend the wedding rehearsal.
- Collect the payment envelopes for the suppliers keep them safe! and remember to bring them to the wedding ceremony and reception.
- Make a plan with the bride and groom for what to do with gift envelopes, cards and cheques that guests may give you on the day. It might be a good idea to bring a large bag or box with you to the reception and keep it close to your table in the reception room to store the gifts. A few trips may be required to your room to unload some of the larger presents.
During the Ceremony
- Get the groom to the ceremony (perhaps THE most important thing you’ll have to do) on time. 30 minutes before the ceremony is usually perfect.
- Keep hold of the wedding ring until the priest or officiant requests them.
- Sign the register as a legal witness.
- Remember the payment envelopes for the suppliers? Be sure to pay the priest or officiant, singers, musicians etc before leaving the ceremony venue.
After the Ceremony
- Help to gather people for group photographs.
- Guests may give you gift envelopes, presents cards and cheques for the newlyweds. Collect them as per your plan (see above!)
The Reception
- If a representative from the reception venue welcomes the bridal party, enter the room with the chief bridesmaid when you are both announced. Feel like a rockstar with everyone cheering you on! If however you have to announce the couple (as part of your toastmaster gig for the evening), as the guests to put their hands together and welcome “Mr. and Mrs. X” into the room.
- Give your best man speech a funny, but tasteful toast to the groom and his new wife.
- Enjoy the wedding party dance with the chief bridesmaid.
- Enjoy the rest of the night!
After the Wedding / The Next Day
Your head may be aching, but you’re not quite done yet!
- Help the newlyweds to gather the wedding gifts from the reception venue and into their car (or other people’s cars).
- Check to make sure nothing has been left behind at the reception venue.
- Don’t forget to return your suit or tuxedo (and the groom’s if he has gone straight on honeymoon) to the rental shop!
Image Sources:
{Best Man: Jodi Renee Photography}
{Wedding Rings: JMC Photography}
{Best Man Speech: Robert Mullan Photography}
