The Best Man: A Woman's Ultimate Companion

The role of the best man is to be the groom's sidekick and the ringleader of the groomsmen. The best man is usually the groom's brother or best friend, but can be anyone special to the groom who can handle the responsibilities of the role. These responsibilities include planning the bachelor party, helping with attire decisions, carrying the rings, and giving a speech. In recent years, it has become more common for the best man to be a woman, often referred to as the best woman. She can perform all the same duties as a male best man, and her attire can vary from a suit to a matching dress.

What is a best woman called?

The female equivalent of a best man is most commonly known as the "best woman". However, there are many alternative names for the role, including:

• Best lady
• Best maid or matron
• Groom's attendant
• Groom's maid of honour
• Groomswoman
• Best groomsperson
• Head groomswench
• Groom's Right Honourable Señora & Mistress of Ceremonies

The best woman is considered part of the groomsmen and is usually the groom's sister, best friend, or another special person in the groom's life. The role of the best woman is becoming increasingly common, with couples breaking away from traditional gender roles when assigning key wedding positions. The best woman has a variety of responsibilities, including planning the bachelor party, helping with wedding attire, providing emotional support, and giving a speech.

While the best woman can choose to wear a suit or a dress, matching the groomsmen or bridesmaids, the most important thing is that she feels comfortable. It is also important to consider the bride-to-be's feelings and keep her in the loop, especially if the best woman is a close friend of the opposite gender, as jealousy can sometimes be a factor.

What does a best woman wear?

The best woman at a wedding is usually the groom's sister, female best friend, or another special person in their life. She is considered part of the groomsmen and has similar responsibilities to a best man, including planning the bachelor party, helping with attire decisions, and supporting the groom.

Now, what does a best woman wear? Well, it's entirely up to her and what she feels comfortable in. Here are some options:

• A female tuxedo or suit: This is a great option if she wants to match the style and colouring of the groomsmen. She can add accessories that coordinate with the groomsmen, such as a boutonnière or a tie.
• A dress: She can wear a dress in the same colour as the groomsmen's suits or tuxedos. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing navy suits, she could wear a navy dress.
• Matching the bridesmaids: If the best woman is close to the bride, she may prefer to wear a dress that matches the bridesmaids' dresses. This could be the same style in a different colour or a completely different design.
• Something unique: The best woman can scrap the matching concept altogether and wear whatever she likes. She can choose a fabulous outfit that expresses her style and makes her feel amazing.

Ultimately, the best woman should feel comfortable and confident in her choice of attire. She can discuss her options with the groom and the rest of the wedding party to decide on the perfect outfit for the big day.

What are the duties of a best woman?

A best woman is typically the groom's sister, close relative, or best friend. The role of the best woman is similar to that of a best man and comes with specific duties. Here is a detailed list of the duties of a best woman:

Before the Wedding

• Assist with outfit details: Help the groom with his wedding attire and the final suit selections for important family members. You may also put together emergency kits for the groom and groomsmen, including extra cufflinks, shoe polish, or an extra tie.
• Organize the bachelor party: Plan the bachelor party and recruit the groomsmen to help. Consult with the groom to host an event that aligns with his wishes.
• Coordinate the groom's gift: If the groomsmen decide to get a gift for the groom, the best woman often leads the effort by collecting money and choosing the gift.
• Provide emotional support: Listen to the groom's complaints, confessions, and questions without judgment. Reassure the groom and keep him focused and positive in the lead-up to the wedding.
• Be present for the rehearsal: Attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner. You may also be tasked with coordinating the wedding party and making a small toast during the rehearsal dinner.

On the Wedding Day

• Keep the groom and groomsmen on schedule: Ensure everyone gets to the venue on time and help wrangle the groomsmen throughout the ceremony.
• Hold the wedding rings: Be entrusted with holding the wedding rings for safekeeping, along with other items like the groom's phone, wallet, and vows.
• Welcome guests: As a close friend or relative of the groom, you will likely know many of the guests. Welcome them to the wedding and help create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
• Witness the marriage license: Be one of the two witnesses as the couple signs their marriage license.
• Give a speech: If the couple opens the floor for toasts, the best woman is often the first to speak. The speech should focus on the newlyweds and their love story, including anecdotes and memories.
• Keep the reception moving: Be the first one on the dance floor after the couple's first dance. Mingle at the reception, dance with the bridal party, and ensure everyone is having a great time.
• Assist with logistics: Help with various tasks, such as coordinating with vendors, guiding guests, and ensuring the timeline is followed.
• Check-in with the newlyweds: After the honeymoon, check in with the newlyweds and offer your congratulations and support.

After the Wedding

• Take care of the groom's clothing: Ensure the groom's clothing is taken care of, especially if the couple leaves for their honeymoon right after the wedding. Return any rented items on time and in good condition.
• Check-in with vendors: Make sure all wedding-related expenses are handled and that there are no outstanding payments.
• Coordinate and decorate the getaway car: Help arrange car transportation for the newlyweds to leave the reception and decorate the getaway car with the wedding party.

Remember, while these are traditional duties, the role of the best woman can be tailored to the groom's needs and the specific requirements of the wedding. Effective coordination and communication with the groom and the wedding party are key to fulfilling your duties successfully.

Can a best woman attend the stag do?

A best man is usually the brother or best friend of the groom. However, it is becoming more common for the best man to be the groom's father, uncle, son, cousin, sister, or granddaughter. The best man is responsible for planning the bachelor party, helping the groom with attire decisions, ensuring the groomsmen get fitted for their wedding attire on time, attending pre-wedding events, carrying the bride's ring to the ceremony, making sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time, and giving a toast at the reception. The best man may also have to pay for part of or the entirety of the bachelor party, as well as his attire for the wedding.

The best man is typically male and referred to as such, but there is a growing trend of brides and grooms choosing a "best woman" instead. A best woman is usually referred to as the "best man" and is considered part of the groomsmen. The equivalent exists in the opposite direction, called the "man of honour".

It is becoming increasingly common for women to be included in stag dos, or "hag dos/sten dos", and for men to be included in hen dos. While it is ultimately up to the groom to decide who attends the stag do, there are several advantages to including the best woman. Firstly, it ensures that all of the groom's closest friends are able to celebrate with him, regardless of gender. Secondly, it can add a different dynamic to the group and provide a different perspective on the activities. Finally, it can help to avoid any potential issues with symmetry in photos, as the best woman can stand on the groom's side.

However, there are a few things to consider when including a best woman in a stag do. Firstly, it is important to let the other attendees know in advance so they are not surprised. Additionally, it may be necessary to consider accommodation options to ensure the best woman has someone she feels comfortable sharing a room with. If there are activities that may make the best woman feel uncomfortable, such as a strip club, it is important to discuss this with her beforehand and ensure she is okay with it.

Overall, the decision to include a best woman in a stag do is a personal one and there are valid arguments for both sides. The most important thing is to ensure that the groom is comfortable and happy with the arrangement, and that the best woman, if included, feels welcomed and respected.

What gift should you get a best woman?

A best man is usually the groom's brother or best friend, but can be any special man in the groom's life. The role of the best man can also be fulfilled by a woman, who is known as the best woman.

Now, what gift should you get for a best woman? Well, that depends on her interests and your budget. Here are some ideas:

Personalised Gifts

If you want to get her something personalised, you could get something that reminds you of a shared experience. For example, if you've travelled together, you could get her a compass with an engraved message. Alternatively, you could get her a personalised matchbox, a custom pet portrait, or a piece of wall art based on her favourite album.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a classic gift option, and you could get her a birth flower necklace, a zodiac pendant, or a pair of huggie hoop earrings.

Beauty Products

If she's into beauty and skincare, you could get her a perfume gift set, a beauty blender, or a face mask.

Homeware

For the homebody, you could get her a candle, a hand cream gift set, or a soft throw blanket.

Tech

If she's into her tech, you could get her some wireless headphones, a portable charger, or a smart ring.

Fitness

For the fitness enthusiast, you could get her a yoga mat, a fitness dress, or some weights.

Remember, the most important thing is to get her something thoughtful that shows you know her well.

Frequently asked questions