A best man’s responsibilities go beyond standing next to the groom during the wedding ceremony.
Being chosen as the best man is a huge honour, but it also comes with a wide range of duties before, during, and after the wedding.
In this guide, we will outline everything you need to know about being a best man, from planning the bachelor party to delivering a memorable speech.
Let’s get straight to the point
The best man plays a crucial role in a wedding, supporting the groom before, during, and after the big day.
Responsibilities include organising the bachelor party, assisting with wedding attire, safeguarding the rings, delivering a speech, and ensuring the event runs smoothly.
He may also serve as a legal witness, greet guests, and help with post-wedding tasks like managing gifts and the couple’s transportation.
The best man’s role is both an honour and a responsibility, contributing significantly to the success of the wedding.
What Does It Mean to Be a Best Man?
Being selected as the best man is both an honour and a responsibility. The best man is generally the groom’s most trusted friend or family member.
His main role is to support the groom through the process of planning the wedding and on the big day itself.
While organising a bachelor party is a significant responsibility, the best man’s role extends beyond that.
He may also assist with the wedding preparations, keep the rings safe, and give an important speech during the reception.
His main job is to ensure the groom is calm and that the wedding goes off without a hitch.
Who Can Be a Best Man?
Traditionally, the best man is a close male relative or friend of the groom. However, there are no strict rules about this.
In modern weddings, some grooms choose their father, brother, or even a close female friend as their best man or best person.
It’s also possible to have two best men, particularly if the groom has more than one person he is equally close to.
This allows the best men to share the responsibilities and ease the pressure, especially when it comes to delivering speeches or planning pre-wedding events.
Key Responsibilities of the Best Man
The best man’s role involves several responsibilities, which can be grouped into pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding tasks. Below, we’ll break down the main duties of the best man.
1. Pre-Wedding Responsibilities
a. Organise the Bachelor Party
One of the most well-known duties of the best man is organising the bachelor party.
The event should be tailored to the groom’s preferences, whether it’s a wild night out or a quiet weekend away.
The best man is responsible for coordinating with the groomsmen, setting a date, and managing logistics.
b. Assist with Wedding Attire
The best man plays an important role in helping the groom choose the wedding attire.
He also assists the groomsmen in selecting their outfits to ensure that everyone looks coordinated and polished.
If the wedding is less formal, he may help the groom decide on more casual attire that aligns with the wedding theme.
c. Offer Emotional Support
The period leading up to the wedding can be stressful for the groom. The best man acts as a confidant, offering emotional support and encouragement. He’s there to listen to the groom’s concerns and provide a calming presence when needed.
d. Attend the Rehearsal
The best man attends the wedding rehearsal to ensure that he and the rest of the wedding party know their roles and responsibilities.
This helps ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly. A brief toast at the rehearsal dinner from the best man is often expected.
2. Wedding Day Responsibilities
a. Ensure Punctuality
One of the most critical responsibilities of the best man is to make sure the groom and groomsmen are on time for the wedding.
This includes helping the groom get dressed, ensuring everyone has their accessories (such as ties or boutonnieres), and overseeing transportation to the ceremony.
b. Safeguard the Rings
If the couple has not appointed a ring bearer, the best man is often tasked with holding the wedding rings. He must keep them safe and ensure they are handed over at the appropriate moment during the ceremony.
c. Greet Guests
The best man often knows many of the guests personally, making him an ideal candidate to greet people as they arrive. This welcoming role is especially important for making guests feel at ease and appreciated.
d. Serve as a Witness
In most Australian weddings, two witnesses are required when signing the marriage certificate. The best man and the maid of honour traditionally serve in this role, adding to the legal aspect of the ceremony.
e. Deliver a Speech
The best man’s speech is a highlight of the reception. It should be heartfelt, and humorous, and reflect on the groom’s personality and relationship with the bride. Planning the speech in advance is crucial to ensure it flows well and stays appropriate for the audience.
3. Post-Wedding Responsibilities
a. Collect Gifts
After the reception, the best man may be asked to collect and secure gifts for the couple. This includes ensuring any cash or cards are safely stored and delivered to the newlyweds after their honeymoon.
b. Oversee the Couple’s Getaway
In some cases, the best man helps with the couple’s transportation after the wedding. Whether it’s organising a limousine or decorating the getaway car, his role is to make sure everything is ready for the newlyweds’ departure.
c. Wrap Up Loose Ends
Once the reception ends, the best man may be responsible for finalising any payments or distributing tips to vendors. He might also coordinate with the groomsmen to assist with packing up any leftover decorations or items from the venue.
Conclusion
Being a best man is a significant responsibility, but it’s also a great privilege.
From organising the bachelor party to offering support on the wedding day, the best man plays an essential role in making the couple’s big day unforgettable.
By staying organised, supportive, and focused, the best man can help ensure the wedding goes off without a hitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best men called in a wedding?
A groomsman (North America, Australasia) or usher (Britain, Ireland) is one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony and performs the first speech at the wedding. Usually, the groom selects close friends and relatives to serve as groomsmen, and it is considered an honour to be selected.
What are the duties of the best man?
Duties of a Best Man: A Simple Guide
- Throwing The Stag & Bachelor Party.
- Attend The Rehearsal Dinner.
- Duties On The Wedding Day.
- Keeping The Groom & Groomsmen On Schedule.
- Holding the Wedding Rings.
- Serve As a Witness (To Make the Marriage Official)
- Give a Toast.
- Keep The Reception Alive & Moving.
Is it worth it to DIY wedding flowers?
How many best mans are in the wedding?
Yes, the groom can have two best men-it’s particularly common if a groom has two brothers, or if there are two grooms. However, since the best men may be handling responsibilities as a team, it’s important to make sure that the chosen best men get along and can work well together.
Should best man give groom a gift?
Although you would think your presence is gift enough, the best man should also typically get the groom a gift-or organize a group gift from all the groomsmen-to celebrate his wedding.