Welcoming The Bride: Best Man's Warm Gesture

The best man's speech is one of the most important parts of a wedding. It's the best man's job to make the audience giggle and thank both sets of parents, the bridesmaids, and the happy couple. The best man should focus on the couple's relationship and tell stories about the two of them, such as how they met. The best man should also be the groom's right-hand man at the wedding and is usually a close friend or relative.

Welcoming the bride to the family

As the best man, you are expected to give a speech welcoming the bride to the family. Here are some tips and ideas to craft a thoughtful and engaging speech:

Welcome everyone and introduce yourself, especially to those who might not know you. Keep the focus on the couple and avoid making the speech about yourself. It is a good idea to keep the tone light-hearted and funny, but only if it comes naturally to you. It is perfectly fine to take the 'aww' approach instead. Avoid using props, as they can make the speech less effective and more tedious for the audience.

Welcoming the Bride

Share a few anecdotes about the couple, especially how they met. You can also talk about how the groom's life has changed for the better because of the bride. Talk about how happy you are that they found each other and how perfect they are together. You can also compliment the bride and talk about how beautiful she looks.

Keep it Appropriate

Remember that you are speaking in front of the couple's families, including their parents and grandparents. Avoid telling inappropriate stories or making references to sex. Do not bring up the groom's ex-girlfriends or ex-partners.

Conclude your speech by wishing the couple a happy life together and proposing a toast to the newlyweds.

"Good evening everyone, my name is [your name], and I am the best man. For those who don't know me, I have been friends with [groom] for [number] years. I am so happy to be here today to celebrate the union of [groom] and [bride]. They are a perfect match, and it is evident to everyone here how happy they make each other. I want to welcome [bride] to our family and say that we are thrilled to have her as a part of it. [Bride and groom], I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me in toasting the newlyweds."

Best man's speech

Good [afternoon/evening], ladies and gentlemen, my name is [name], and it is an honour to be standing here today as [groom's name]'s best man.

I've known [groom] for [number] years now, and I can honestly say that he is one of my best friends. We first met when [anecdote about how you met] and I just knew that we'd be friends for life. [Another anecdote about your friendship].

[Groom] is an incredible guy, and I know he will make an amazing husband. He's always been there for me through thick and thin, and I know he'll be there for [bride] too. He's kind, funny, and always knows how to make me laugh, even when I'm feeling down.

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome [bride] to the family. [Bride], you look absolutely stunning today, and I can see how happy you make [groom]. It's clear to everyone here that you were meant to be together, and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.

Now, as the best man, it's my duty to offer some words of wisdom. So, [groom], my advice to you is this: always communicate with each other, support each other through life's challenges, and never forget to show your love for each other.

Finally, I'd like to propose a toast to the happy couple. [Groom] and [bride], here's to a long and joyful life together. May your love continue to grow and flourish for many years to come. Congratulations!

Bachelor party planning

As the best man, you play a central role in the wedding festivities. One of your key responsibilities is planning and organizing the bachelor party. Here are some detailed, instructive tips to help you create an unforgettable bachelor party:

Understand the Groom's Wishes :

Before you start planning, have a heart-to-heart conversation with the groom. Discuss his preferences, interests, comfort levels, and budget constraints. Some grooms may prefer a low-key evening, while others may want an adventurous weekend getaway. Understanding the groom's wishes is crucial for planning a memorable bachelor party.

Create a Guest List:

Determine the number of attendees and invite the groom's closest friends and family members. Traditionally, the groomsmen and close male friends are included. However, the groom may also want to invite others who are close to him. Consider his preferences and budget when finalizing the list.

Set a Budget:

Establishing a clear budget is essential. Discuss with the groomsmen and other attendees to ensure everyone is comfortable with the expenses, including travel, accommodation, activities, and meals. The best man and groomsmen typically cover the groom's expenses, but attendees may also chip in for their costs.

Choose the Date and Location:

Select a date and location that aligns with the groom's interests and availability. Consider any travel restrictions or weather conditions that may impact your plans. If the groom prefers a local celebration, choose a venue that suits his interests, such as a golf course or a brewery. For a destination getaway, pick a location that offers activities he will enjoy.

Plan Activities and Entertainment:

Organize a variety of activities that cater to the groom's interests. This could include outdoor adventures, sporting events, poker night, or a casino visit. Remember, the focus should be on fun and bonding. Avoid activities that could lead to embarrassment or regret, and respect the groom's comfort level.

Involve the Groom:

While surprises are fun, involve the groom in key decisions to ensure the event aligns with his preferences. This will help avoid any potential discomfort or conflicts of interest.

Keep Safety in Mind:

Prioritize safety when planning the bachelor party. If alcohol is involved, arrange for transportation to and from venues to prevent drunk driving. Encourage moderation and responsible behavior.

Stay Organized:

Create a detailed itinerary and share it with all attendees. This ensures everyone is aware of the schedule and can plan accordingly. A well-organized agenda helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures activities run smoothly.

Capture Memories:

Don't forget to document the bachelor party with photos or videos. These memories will be cherished by the groom for years to come. Consider creating a scrapbook or photo album as a keepsake.

Communication is Key:

Maintain open lines of communication with the groom and other attendees throughout the planning process. Regular updates and discussions will ensure that the event meets the groom's expectations and that everyone is on the same page regarding logistics and costs.

Gifts and Expenses:

Traditionally, the responsibility of paying for the bachelor party falls on the groomsmen. However, in modern times, it is common for the groom to offer to cover a portion of the costs. Discuss financial expectations clearly with all attendees to avoid any surprises. Bachelor parties are generally not associated with gift-giving, but attendees may choose to bring small tokens, such as alcohol or cigars.

Remember, the bachelor party is about celebrating the groom's transition into married life. By following these tips and planning thoughtfully, you can create a memorable and respectful event that honors the groom's wishes.

Gifting the groom

As the best man, you'll want to get the groom a gift that is thoughtful and personalised. It's a good idea to pool together with the other groomsmen to get something special. Here are some ideas for gifts to get the groom:

Alcohol

A nice bottle of liquor or spirits is always a good idea, especially if it's a vintage bottle of wine, scotch, bourbon, or tequila. You could also get him a personalised whiskey decanter set, or a beer cooler.

Activities

If the groom is into sports, you could get him tickets to a game, or a day out playing golf. If he's more of an outdoorsy type, you could get him a personalised cooler for camping trips, or a cigar and lighter set.

Practical Gifts

Think about the groom's day-to-day life and get him something he can use. A personalised duffel bag, or a set of money clips and wallets are always useful. You could also get him a personalised watch, or some custom pocket knives.

Shaving Kits

A deluxe shaving kit is a great gift, especially if it comes with a nice bag. You could also get him a straight razor shave kit, or a deluxe wet shave kit.

Something Sentimental

Get the groom something personalised with his name or initials, like a wooden watch, a hip flask, or some cufflinks. You could also get him a gift that relates to a shared memory, like a quote or inside joke.

Remember, the best gift is something that comes from the heart and shows that you know the groom well. You want to get him something he'll enjoy and use, that he might not get himself.

Being the groom's aide

Before the Wedding

As the best man, you are the groom's right-hand man and go-to person. You are in charge of the groomsmen and act as a point of contact for everyone on the groom's side, including the groomsmen and family members. You should be the groom's confidante, personal valet, and logistics guru for pre-wedding events.

Planning

You will need to help the groom choose and rent or buy wedding formalwear and coordinate the other groomsmen's ensembles. This may include gathering measurements, giving the group an order-by deadline, or placing the order yourself. You should also talk to the groom about what he wants everyone to wear and whether everyone is expected to match or coordinate.

Bachelor Party

One of your main duties as the best man is to plan an awesome bachelor party. This could be a local event or a long-weekend celebration somewhere epic. Enlist the other groomsmen to help with logistics and offer recommendations. You are not expected to pay for the entire thing—the cost should be split evenly among everyone who attends, except for the groom.

Emotional Support

Providing emotional support is one of the most important tasks of the best man. It is your duty to patiently listen to the groom's complaints, confessions, and questions without judgment. Reassure your friend that everything will be okay and keep him focused and calm in the lead-up to the wedding.

On the Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, you will continue to be the groom's personal aide and adviser.

Getting Ready

Help the groom get ready on the morning of the wedding. This may include assisting with dressing, making sure he eats and drinks (hydrating, not going overboard with booze), and delivering a letter to his future spouse. You may also be responsible for holding onto the groom's phone so he's not distracted and helping to calm any pre-wedding jitters.

Keep to the Schedule

Ensure that the groom and groomsmen arrive on time for the wedding and all related events, including the rehearsal, pre-wedding activities, and portrait session. You will likely receive a timeline of events from the wedding planner or the groom, and it is your job to communicate important times to the groom's crew.

Keep the Rings Safe

One of your most important duties is to keep the wedding rings safe until it's time to exchange vows. Find a safe place for the rings and triple-check your pockets for holes! You will fasten the rings to a pillow if the ring bearer will be carrying them down the aisle, and then take them back for safekeeping until they are requested by the officiant.

Stand by the Groom

During the processional, the best man traditionally walks down the aisle after the groom and takes his place standing closest to the groom at the altar, with the rest of the groomsmen lining up alongside.

Witness the Marriage

Directly after the wedding ceremony, you will sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the maid of honor, and hand the officiant a sealed envelope with their fee.

Reception Duties

At the reception, you should act as an unofficial host. Keep your eyes and ears open to make sure the newlyweds and guests are having a great time. You may also need to help collect gifts and cards from guests and ensure they end up in the right place, such as a card box, gift table, or locked room.

After the Wedding

Your duties don't end when the wedding does. Here are some things you may be asked to do after the reception:

Decorate the Getaway Car

If the couple is planning a noteworthy exit, you should help decorate the getaway vehicle, making sure you have the owner's permission first.

Tie Up Loose Ends

You may be asked to help with various tasks, such as making sure vendors are tipped and paid, transporting gifts to the couple's home, and returning any rented attire.

Giving a Speech

One of the most important duties of the best man is giving a speech during the reception. Your speech should be funny and light-hearted, but don't be afraid to get a little heartfelt, especially towards the end. Focus on the couple's relationship and how happy you are that they found each other. You can also share a few anecdotes about the groom, but try to keep the speech focused on the couple. Avoid inappropriate stories or references to sex, and definitely do not bring up the groom's ex-girlfriends.

Keep the speech short—no longer than 5 to 10 minutes—and practice beforehand. Memorize your speech instead of reading from a script, and use a small cue card if needed. You may also want to read your speech aloud to others before the wedding to get their feedback.

Remember, this speech is about the couple and how much you love and support them. Keep things light, positive, and succinct, and don't worry about feeling nervous—the celebration is all about love!

Frequently asked questions