The Best Man's Guide To Handling Wedding Rings

The best man is traditionally responsible for holding the wedding rings, which are exchanged by the couple during the ceremony. The best man keeps the rings safe before and during the ceremony, until the couple is ready to exchange them. In some cases, the best man may hold one ring, while the Maid of Honor holds the other. Alternatively, the ring bearer—usually a young child—may carry the rings down the aisle and hand them to the best man. Ultimately, the decision of who holds the rings and how they are carried is up to the couple, and there is no set rule.

Keeping the rings safe

Before the Ceremony

Make sure you have a safe place to store the rings, such as a pocket without holes! Check and triple-check your pockets to ensure the rings are there. If you're worried about losing them, you could attach them to a small pillow, which is traditionally what a young ring bearer would carry the rings on. If the couple has opted for a ring bearer, it's still a good idea to carry fake rings and keep the real ones in your care.

During the Ceremony

If you are the ring bearer, you will be responsible for bringing out the rings when the couple is ready to exchange them. If there is a ring bearer, they will pass the rings to you for safekeeping until the officiant requests them.

After the Ceremony

Once the rings have been exchanged, your job of keeping them safe is done! You can now focus on your other duties, such as giving a speech, decorating the getaway car, and ensuring the guests are having a great time.

Holding the rings during the ceremony

The best man should find a safe place for the rings and triple-check his pockets to ensure they are secure. If the ring bearer is carrying the rings down the aisle, the best man will fasten the rings to the pillow as they line up for the processional. When the ring bearer reaches the end of the aisle, the best man will take the rings from the pillow and keep them safe until they are requested by the officiant.

The best man may also be asked to hold the groom's personal items during the ceremony, such as his phone, wallet, and vows.

Keeping the groom calm

Before the Wedding

It is the best man's responsibility to provide emotional support to the groom throughout the wedding planning process. This involves listening to the groom's concerns and reassuring him that everything will be okay. The best man should also help keep the groom focused and calm in the lead-up to the big day. This may include taking the groom on "wedding fact-finding missions" to his favourite pub to release some pre-wedding pressure.

On the Wedding Day

The best man should be the groom's rock and help him stay relaxed, especially if he is feeling nervous. This can be achieved by appearing calm and confident yourself. The best man should also ensure the groom arrives at the venue on time and in one piece. It is important to check ahead for any potential delays, such as roadworks or local events, to avoid any last-minute chaos.

Additionally, the best man can assist in keeping the groomsmen organised and ensure they are aware of their roles and responsibilities, reducing potential confusion on the day. If there are young kids in the groom's party, the best man can assign one of the groomsmen to look after them and make sure they are where they need to be.

During the Ceremony

The best man often has the important task of holding the wedding rings for safekeeping until it is time for the couple to exchange their vows. This can be a nerve-wracking responsibility, so staying calm and double-checking your pockets will ensure the rings are readily available when needed.

After the Ceremony

The best man's duties continue after the ceremony, as they are often expected to give a speech during the reception. Preparing and practising the speech beforehand will help reduce nerves and ensure a confident delivery.

In summary, the best man plays a crucial role in keeping the groom calm throughout the entire wedding process. By providing emotional support, staying organised, and handling important tasks, the best man can significantly contribute to a smooth and stress-free wedding day for the groom.

Organising the stag do

Planning a stag do can be a daunting task, but it's also a real honour and a chance to create some lasting memories for the groom and the rest of the wedding party. Here's a step-by-step guide to organising an epic stag do:

Initial Planning

Begin by sitting down with the groom to gather all the essential information. Discuss potential dates, the length of the trip, the groom's preferred style and activities, and the invite list. It's important to keep the destination a secret if that's what the groom wants, but also be mindful of everyone's budget and time constraints.

Create a Guest List

Compile a full guest list with contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers. This will be useful for the next steps.

Send Out Invites

Email the guest list to find out who is available and willing to attend. It's a good idea to propose a few dates to increase the chances of finding one that works for most people. You'll need firm commitments from the group to make the organisation process easier.

Choose a Destination

When deciding on a destination, consider the group's budget and time constraints. It's important to choose a location that is convenient for most attendees. Discuss accommodation options, such as hotels, cottages, glamping, or camping. Hotels are often the easiest option and allow for more flexibility if people drop out.

Book Accommodation and Activities

Once you've decided on a destination, book the accommodation and plan some activities for the group. It might be worth booking a package deal through an external company, as this can save you time and money.

Finalise Details

In the lead-up to the stag do, confirm all the arrangements and double-check the details with the group. This includes transportation, accommodation, and any activities you have planned.

The Big Weekend

During the stag do, your main role is to ensure everyone is having a good time and that things run smoothly. Be prepared to deal with any last-minute changes or issues that may arise. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy yourself and savour these special moments with your friends!

Remember, the key to successful stag do planning is early preparation, clear communication, and staying organised. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable experience for the groom and the entire wedding party.

Helping the groom get ready

As the best man, it's your job to help the groom get ready on the morning of the wedding and be as hands-on as possible with whatever last-minute tasks come your way.

On the wedding day, the best man is the groom's right-hand man, coordinating the groomsmen and ensuring everyone is well-informed. This includes helping the groom get ready, making sure he eats and drinks, and calming any pre-wedding jitters. You'll also be in charge of delivering a letter to the groom's future spouse, serving as a point of contact for vendors, and keeping the groom's phone safe.

It's also your responsibility to ensure the groom and groomsmen arrive at the venue on time. Keep an eye on the clock and help organise the groomsmen, especially if there are any younger members of the wedding party who need looking after. You'll also need to hand out buttonholes to the groomsmen and ushers.

One of the best man's most important duties is keeping the wedding rings safe. Even if you're not the official ring bearer, you may still be asked to hold the couple's personal items, such as their phones or money.

The best man should also be the groom's 'blocker' on the day, keeping annoying questions away from him and acting as his ''sounding board' for any nerves or anxiety.

Frequently asked questions