The Best Man: Traits And Duties

The role of the best man is to be the principal attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding. The best man is usually a close friend or relative of the groom, and he stands with him and assists him during the marriage ceremony. The best man's speech is one of the highlights of the wedding, and it typically includes anecdotes about the groom, references to the bride, and well-wishes for the couple's future together. While the best man is traditionally a male role, this is not always the case, and the role can be adapted to suit the needs and preferences of the couple.

The best man's speech

The best man is the principal groomsman at a wedding, the male attendant of the bridegroom, and the groom's right-hand man. The best man's speech is one of the highlights of the wedding, and it is essential to get it right. Here is a guide on how to write and deliver a memorable and meaningful best man's speech:

Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the groom. You can add a bit of humour here, but keep it warm and friendly. For example:

> Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. For those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting me yet, my name is Chris, and I am officially Paul's second best man... second best, ladies and gentlemen... nobody likes to be second best, do they? Well, Paul, looking at his career, should know better than most.

Triumphs and Disasters

This is a great opportunity to share some light-hearted and funny anecdotes about the groom. Keep it simple and form a logical progression from one story to the next. Avoid jumping around in time and confusing the audience. For instance:

> Anyway, when Mark wasn’t failing to hit the top spot in the classroom, he was also finding it difficult on the sports field as well. However, with modest talent and even less interest, he did the only sensible thing: he saved up all his skill and enthusiasm for one split second of genius. Quite how he managed to catch the impossible cricket ball as it left our sports master’s bat is still completely unknown. But with uncharacteristic razor-sharp reactions and gazelle-like agility, he won his side the match. Literally seconds later, Mark retired from all forms of competitive sport – at the very top of his game.

The Bride's Impact on the Groom

Here, you can talk about how the bride has positively influenced the groom. You can mention how the groom has upped his game, changed his wardrobe, or developed new interests outside of pubs and football. Keep it light and fun:

> Thanks to his beautiful new wife Emily, Frank now does something called globe-trotting, which involves going to lots of different far-flung countries and immersing himself in their culture, rather than a two-hour flight and immersing himself at the bar.

Toast to the Bride and Groom

Finally, wrap up your speech with a toast to the happy couple. You can also share some well-wishes for their future together. For example:

> All that remains for me is to wish you all a long and happy life together, with all the luck in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to the bride and groom!

Delivery and Timing

Keep your speech concise and efficient, aiming for around 10 minutes or less. Avoid using props, as they can make your speech less effective and more tedious. Instead, focus on crafting a well-written and entertaining speech that will keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

The best man's attire

The role of a best man is to be the principal attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding. The best man's attire is an important aspect of his overall presentation and should be carefully considered. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for the best man's attire:

The best man should aim for a balance between style and comfort. It is important to choose an outfit that complements the bridegroom's attire while also allowing the best man to feel confident and at ease. A well-fitting suit in a classic colour such as navy, grey, or black is always a safe choice. If the wedding has a specific colour scheme or theme, the best man can consider incorporating those colours into his outfit, perhaps through his tie, pocket square, or accessories.

For a more formal wedding, the best man may opt for a traditional morning suit, which typically includes a tailcoat, waistcoat, and trousers. Alternatively, a tuxedo is a classic choice for a black-tie event and can be a sophisticated option for an elegant wedding.

In contrast, for a more casual or outdoor wedding, the best man can dress accordingly while still maintaining a polished look. A sports jacket or blazer paired with trousers and a dress shirt can be a perfect combination. It is always a good idea to consider the wedding venue and theme when selecting the best man's attire.

Accessories play a crucial role in completing the best man's look. A stylish pair of dress shoes, a matching belt, and a pocket square can elevate the entire outfit. Cufflinks, a tie clip, or a watch can add a touch of sophistication and personality to the ensemble.

It is worth noting that the best man should be mindful of the wedding party's overall aesthetic. Communicating with the groomsmen and the bridegroom beforehand can ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated look. Discussing attire choices in advance can help avoid any clashing or overly similar outfits within the wedding party.

Ultimately, the best man should feel comfortable and confident in his attire. By choosing a well-fitting, appropriate, and stylish outfit, the best man will not only look the part but also feel prepared to fulfil his duties and enjoy the special day.

The best man's relationship to the groom

The best man is the groom's right-hand man. He is usually a close friend or relative of the groom and is chosen for his strong relationship with the groom.

The best man is there to support the groom throughout the wedding process, from planning to the big day itself. He is the groom's confidant and helps to ease pre-wedding jitters. He is also responsible for organising the stag do and ensuring the groomsmen are where they need to be on the day.

The best man is often the master of ceremonies at the wedding reception, introducing the newlyweds, leading the toasts, and giving a speech. The best man's speech is a chance to share stories about the groom, celebrate his relationship with the bride, and entertain the guests.

The best man should be someone the groom trusts and feels comfortable with, as this role comes with a lot of responsibility and requires a close relationship with the groom.

The best man's duties

The best man is the principal groomsman at a wedding, and the groom's chief attendant. The best man is usually a close friend or family member of the groom, who supports and stands with him during the marriage ceremony. Here are some of the duties that a best man typically undertakes:

Planning and Preparation

The best man can assist the groom in planning the wedding. This may include offering opinions on decisions, such as the venue, theme, or guest list. He can also help organise the stag do or bachelor party, ensuring it is an enjoyable experience for the groom and all attendees.

On the Wedding Day

The best man has a prominent role during the wedding ceremony. He walks down the aisle, often paired with a bridesmaid, and stands next to the groom throughout the ceremony. The best man also holds the wedding rings, ensuring they are safely kept and presented at the appropriate time.

The Best Man's Speech

One of the most important and memorable duties of the best man is delivering a speech during the wedding reception. This speech typically includes humorous anecdotes about the groom, celebrates the couple's relationship, and may involve toasts to the newlyweds. It is a chance for the best man to offer his well wishes to the couple and share fun stories about the groom.

Supporting the Groom

Throughout the wedding day, the best man acts as a trusted confidant and helper to the groom. He can provide emotional support, ensure the groom's needs are met, and help resolve any last-minute issues or emergencies that may arise.

Post-Wedding Duties

After the wedding, the best man can assist with any post-wedding tasks, such as returning hired items or ensuring gifts are safely stored or transported. He may also be involved in planning or attending any post-wedding celebrations or events.

The best man's role in the ceremony

The best man is the principal groomsman, chief attendant, or the male friend or family member who stands with the groom and assists him during the wedding ceremony. The best man's role in the ceremony is to support the groom and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day. This may include organising the groom's transport to the ceremony, holding onto the wedding rings, and being a witness for the marriage license.

The best man is also expected to give a speech during the wedding reception, usually after the groom's speech. The speech typically includes jokes and anecdotes about the groom, and thanks the wedding guests for coming. It may also involve a toast to the bride and groom.

In addition to their duties on the wedding day, the best man may also be involved in planning the groom's bachelor party or stag do. They may also be called upon to help with other wedding-related tasks, such as attending dress fittings or planning wedding-day logistics.

The best man is usually a close friend or family member of the groom, chosen for their reliability and ability to offer support and guidance throughout the wedding planning process and on the day itself.

Frequently asked questions