The Best Man: Buying Guide For Grooms

Being a best man is not just about planning the bachelor party. It's about being the groom's right-hand man and confidant throughout the engagement and wedding planning process.

The best man is usually the groom's closest friend or family member, but this can vary depending on the couple's dynamics. The best man is the groom's equivalent of the maid of honour, and they are in charge of the groomsmen, leading all communication and spearheading their activities and duties.

- Help choose the suits

- Arrange to meet the ushers

- Liaise with the maid of honour

- Help the groom with planning admin

- Plan the stag do

- Write the best man's speech

- Organise final fittings

- Check in with the groom

- Help with the pre-wedding set-up

- Stay over with the groom

- Help the groom get ready

- Organise the ushers

- Keep the rings safe

- Greet the guests with the groom

- Stand at the altar with the groom

- Escort the maid of honour out of the ceremony

- Stand in the receiving line

- Help organise wedding photographs

- Be the master of ceremonies

- Deliver your speech

- Get the party started

- Return and clean suits

- Take care of wedding gifts

Best Man's Speech

Congratulations on being chosen as the best man! It's a great honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of your key duties is to deliver a memorable speech at the wedding reception. Here's a guide to help you craft the perfect best man's speech and some examples to inspire you.

How to Write a Best Man's Speech

• Introduce yourself: Start by telling the guests your name and how you know the groom. It's a good idea to include a light-hearted joke or a witty one-liner to break the ice and grab the audience's attention.
• Share a story: Include a short, positive anecdote about the groom. It could be a funny story from their childhood, a memorable moment from your friendship, or an incident that showcases their unique personality.
• Compliment the couple: Talk about how the bride has positively influenced the groom. Mention how happy they make each other and what a great couple they are. You can also share your first impressions of the bride or a sweet story about how they met.
• Offer well-wishes: Conclude your speech by wishing the newlyweds a long and happy marriage. You can also include a toast, inviting the guests to raise their glasses to the happy couple.

Tips for a Great Best Man's Speech

• Keep it concise: Aim for a speech that's around 3 to 5 minutes long. This ensures you hold the audience's attention and don't delay the wedding festivities.
• Balance humour and sincerity: While it's great to include some funny stories and jokes, remember to include heartfelt moments as well. Speak from the heart and share your genuine emotions about the groom and the couple.
• Avoid inappropriate content: Steer clear of embarrassing stories, need-to-know anecdotes, or anything that might be considered offensive. Remember that the audience includes people of all ages, so keep the content classy and avoid inside jokes that won't land with everyone.
• Practise your delivery: Rehearse your speech multiple times, in front of a mirror or with friends and family. This will help you feel more confident and ensure your delivery is clear and engaging.

The Gaming Enthusiast's Speech

"Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don't know me, I'm Mike, and I've known [Groom] since we were fighting over the Nintendo controller in primary school. Back then, his idea of a perfect match was beating the final boss in Mario. Now he's found his perfect Player 2 in [Bride].

I've watched [Groom]'s character development over the years – from someone who thought 'commitment' meant pre-ordering a game to someone who plans date nights and remembers anniversaries. Though I notice he still uses 'just one more level' as an excuse for being late.

Their love story is like the perfect gameplay. The tutorial phase: awkward first dates and learning each other's controls. The main quest: moving in together and discovering that 'clean' means more than just pushing everything under the bed. And now they've reached the boss level: marriage.

[Bride], you've achieved what no game guide could – you've got him to put down his controller without having to cut the power. You're the cheat code he needed to win at life, and I've never seen him happier."

The Sports Fan's Toast

"Good evening everyone! I'm Chris, and like any good sports commentator, I’m here to give you the play-by-play of [Groom]’s journey to this moment. I've known him since university, when his idea of a perfect match was finding someone who could handle his fantasy football obsession.

[Groom] approached dating like he approaches his beloved team – with blind optimism and questionable strategy. His chat-up lines were about as successful as our team’s defence, which isn't saying much. But then, like a surprise victory in extra time, [Bride] came along.

Their first date was like watching a rookie’s debut match – plenty of nerves, a few fumbles, but ultimately a game-changing performance. He was so nervous, he actually wore a tie – though we later found out it was technically a Christmas decoration.

[Bride], you’ve achieved what no coach could – you’ve got him to follow directions, stick to a game plan, and occasionally wear matching socks. You’ve even got him watching rom-coms without checking the sports scores every five minutes. Though I notice he still sneaks a peek during the emotional monologues.

To the newlyweds: may your marriage be like your favourite team – resilient through the tough matches, celebrating the victories together, and always playing on the same side. Let’s raise our glasses to the ultimate dream team!"

The Lifelong Friendship Tribute

"Ladies and gentlemen, when I think about my friendship with [Groom], I’m reminded of all the moments that have led us here. From building blanket forts in primary school to helping each other through life’s challenges, he’s been more than a friend – he’s been my brother.

I remember the day [Groom] called me about meeting [Bride]. There was something different in his voice – a kind of excitement I’d never heard before. He said, 'I’ve met someone special,' and for once, he wasn’t talking about a new PlayStation game.

Watching their love story unfold has been like watching your favourite book come to life. Every chapter has been better than the last. [Bride], you’ve brought out the best in him. You’ve taken my best friend – someone who once tried to cure a cold with pizza and energy drinks – and helped him become the man standing before us today.

[Groom], you’ve been there for every important moment in my life. Today, I get to stand here and celebrate the most important moment in yours. Your happiness means the world to me, and seeing you with [Bride] makes my heart full.

To the happy couple: may your love continue to grow deeper with each passing day. May you always find reasons to laugh together, dream together, and cherish each other. Here’s to a lifetime of beautiful moments."

Planning the Stag Do

Planning a legendary stag do can seem overwhelming at first, but it's actually pretty straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan an epic celebration for the groom-to-be.

Have a Chat with the Groom

The first step is to talk to the groom and get an idea of what he wants. Is he looking for a chilled weekend or a non-stop party? Does he want to stay local or go abroad? Get a sense of his preferences and an invite list. This will help you tailor the celebration to his interests and ensure you don't forget to invite anyone important.

Figure Out a Budget

Discuss budget constraints with the groom and the rest of the group. It's important to consider everyone's financial situation and try to accommodate different budgets. You don't want to exclude anyone, but also keep in mind that the final decision might have to cater to the majority.

Choose a Destination

Decide on a destination that suits the group's budget and preferences. If you're staying in the UK, there are plenty of fantastic options, from lively cities to countryside getaways. If you're heading abroad, popular choices include European destinations like Amsterdam, Prague, or Budapest.

Choose Your Activities

Once you've picked your destination, it's time to line up some activities to keep everyone entertained. Go beyond the typical nightlife and plan some unique experiences during the day. This could include anything from paintballing to go-karting, escape rooms, or even assault rifle shooting.

Plan Your Nights Out

While spontaneous nights out can be fun, organising a large group of stags into bars and clubs can be challenging. Consider booking your nights out in advance to guarantee entry and take advantage of any special offers or VIP treatment.

Create a Group Chat

Once you have a plan in place, create a group chat with all the guys. This will make communication easier and ensure everyone is on the same page. Be decisive and provide clear instructions rather than asking for everyone's opinion, as too many cooks can spoil the broth!

Get it Booked!

Don't delay—book your chosen activities, accommodation, and travel as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Securing your bookings early will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on the finer details of the celebration.

Forget About Chasing People for Money

One of the challenges of organising a group event is chasing people for payments. Consider using a stag planning company that offers individual payment options, so you don't have to worry about collecting money from everyone.

Get Set for the Stag Do Hall of Fame

With the planning taken care of, it's time to focus on pranking the groom! Whether it's dressing him up in an embarrassing costume or organising a surprise activity, make sure you have some tricks up your sleeve to make the celebration memorable.

Stag Do Planning Tips:

• Start planning early to avoid last-minute stress and accommodate everyone's schedules.
• Keep the groom's preferences in mind, but don't be afraid to add some surprises to make it special.
• Consider using a stag planning company to take some of the burdens off your shoulders.
• Remember to have fun! This is a celebration, so enjoy the process and create lasting memories with your friends.

Choosing the Groomsmen's Attire

Formality of the Event:

The formality of the event will determine the attire. For a black-tie wedding in a grand ballroom, a black tuxedo, white shirt, and cufflinks are ideal. If it's a formal wedding at an estate, a tux or a dark suit in black, dark grey, or navy blue is a good choice. For a beach or barn wedding, a two-piece suit in a light, neutral colour is more suitable. And for an ultra-casual wedding, a breezy pair of linen pants and a lightweight button-down shirt can be perfect.

Season and Time of Day:

Consider the season and time of day of the wedding when selecting the groomsmen outfits. Opt for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton for summer weddings, and a stylish wool suit or a luxurious velvet jacket for winter weddings.

Accessories:

Don't forget to accessorise! Bow ties, cufflinks, suspenders, pocket squares, and socks can add a unique touch to the groomsmen's attire. These accessories can be chosen to match the wedding colour palette or the bridesmaids' dresses.

Timeline:

Shop for the groomsmen looks about 3-5 months before the wedding. Get measured by a professional to ensure the perfect fit, and try on the outfits about a week before the wedding to allow for any necessary alterations.

Footwear:

The groomsmen don't have to wear identical shoes, but they should be similar in style and colour to maintain a coherent look in the wedding photos. It's important for the groom to wear the wedding shoes to the final fitting, as the shoes may affect the trouser hem.

Stand Out:

The groom should stand out from the best man and the rest of the groomsmen. This can be achieved by wearing a different coloured suit, adding a vest, or choosing a patterned dress shirt. Even a different tie or boutonniere can make the groom stand out.

Budget:

Discuss with the couple whether they will pay for the groomsmen's attire or if the groomsmen will cover the expense themselves. If the groomsmen are renting or buying, placing the order as a group may result in a discount.

Rental vs. Purchase:

Renting groomsmen suits can be easier and more affordable, especially for tuxedos. On the other hand, buying suits can offer more long-term benefits, such as having a suit for future occasions and the ability to have the suits fitted and customised.

Match the Bridesmaids:

It is essential to coordinate the groomsmen's attire with the bridesmaids' outfits. Picking out the bridesmaids' attire first can help with colour-matching the groomsmen's accessories, such as ties and pocket squares.

Be Comfortable:

While it's important to look stylish, the groomsmen should also be comfortable in their outfits. Ensure that the attire is appropriate for the season and venue, and consider the level of formality required for the event.

Remember, the best man's role is to support the groom and ensure that the groomsmen are well-informed and organised. By following these tips, you'll be able to help the groomsmen look their best on the big day!

Keeping the Wedding Rings Safe

Before the Wedding

It is recommended to hand over the rings to the best man on the day of the wedding or the night before. This minimises the risk of the rings being lost. The rings should be kept in their original box or a box that you want to be seen during the ceremony. The best man should keep the box in a safe place and be responsible for handing it over to the officiant when called upon.

During the Ceremony

If you are concerned about the best man's reliability, an alternative is to have a young relative, such as a nephew or cousin under the age of 10, act as the ring bearer. The rings can be fastened to a pillow and secured tightly to prevent them from falling off. Another option is to give the ring bearer fake rings so that you can have peace of mind while they look adorable in your wedding photos. The officiant or pastor can also hold the rings if you are worried about offending the best man. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing someone you trust implicitly.

Other Tips

• Insure your wedding rings so that you are protected and have the ability to replace them if needed.
• Avoid wearing your rings to locations that are known for ring loss, such as the gym, the beach, or swimming pools.
• When you are not wearing your rings, keep them in a consistent spot so that you always remember where they are.
• Take your ring off in the evening and when you go to bed to avoid unneeded wear.
• If your ring starts to get loose, resize it to prevent it from falling off.
• Regularly clean and maintain your rings to keep them in good condition.

Bachelor Party Planning

Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task, but it's a great opportunity to create lasting memories with the groom and their closest friends. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to help you plan an unforgettable bachelor party:

Communicate with the Groom:

• Start by having a conversation with the groom about their likes, dislikes, and any specific dos and don'ts. Ask them how involved they want to be in the planning process. Some grooms may want a surprise, while others prefer to be actively involved.
• Discuss the type of activities they enjoy and the overall vibe they want for the party. This will help guide your planning and ensure the groom has a great time.

Finalize the Guest List:

Work with the groom to decide on the guest list. This typically includes the groomsmen and the groom's close friends and family members. Get their contact details and send out a preliminary invite to gauge interest and availability.

Determine the Budget:

Discuss budget expectations with the groom and guests. Find out how much each person is comfortable spending on travel, accommodations, and activities. Remember that the groom's expenses are usually covered by the group.

Choose a Theme or Party Style:

Based on the groom's interests and the group's preferences, decide on a theme or party style. This could be an adventure-packed weekend trip, a relaxed evening at home, a night out on the town, or something else entirely.

Pick a Date and Location:

• Choose a date and location that works for the groom and the majority of the guests. Aim for a date about two months before the wedding to avoid clashing with major wedding planning milestones.
• Consider the group's interests and the type of activities you want to include when selecting a location. Popular bachelor party destinations include Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, and Scottsdale.

Book Travel and Accommodations:

Once you have a guest list and party style in mind, start booking travel and accommodations like flights and rental homes. Get confirmation from everyone in the group before finalizing these arrangements.

Plan Activities:

Finalize a variety of activities that align with the groom's interests. This could include golfing, camping, sporting events, brewery tours, or a night out on the town. Remember to include some downtime in the itinerary as well.

Send Out Invitations and Share the Itinerary:

A few weeks before the party, confirm attendance and share a detailed itinerary with the group. Include important information such as the hotel name, address, arrival times, and contact info for everyone involved.

Pack and Prepare:

Start packing in advance and bring any decorations, party favours, or other supplies you may need. If you're the host, consider arriving early at the venue to handle any last-minute setup or preparations.

Enjoy the Celebration:

On the day of the party, make sure to arrive early and handle any final touches. Then, it's time to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories with the groom and their friends.

Follow-Up and Thank You Notes:

After the party, send a quick thank-you note to the group, especially if travel was involved. Follow up on any missing payments and outstanding expenses.

Frequently asked questions