The Best Man's Guide: Duties And Responsibilities

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and go-to confidante throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. The role is usually assigned to the groom's closest friend or family member, but there are no set rules.

The best man's duties include planning the bachelor party, giving a speech, helping the groom and groomsmen choose their attire, and keeping the wedding rings safe. They may also be responsible for liaising with the maid of honour, providing emotional support, and acting as master of ceremonies.

The best man is also in charge of the groomsmen, leading all communication and activities. This includes making sure the groomsmen arrive on time, are appropriately dressed, and know their duties.

Organise the stag do

Organising the stag do (or bachelor party) is one of the best man's most important duties. It's a big job, but a fun one, and a chance to celebrate the groom's last days as a single man.

Planning

Planning the stag do can be a big undertaking, so it's a good idea to start months in advance. Ask the groom for a guest list, and get a date in the diary as soon as possible. It's also important to consider everyone's budget, and to put the groom's wishes first. Try to throw the stag do at least a month before the wedding so that everyone has time to recover.

Logistics

As well as planning the fun things to do at the party and picking a venue, you'll need to coordinate with the other groomsmen to help with logistics. This might include setting up a group chat, sending out invitations, and confirming attire.

On the Day

On the day of the stag do, your job is to make sure the groom has an unforgettable time, and that everyone else has a blast too. It's also your responsibility to make sure the groom doesn't drink too much, and to keep an eye on any other potential problems.

After the Stag Do

You might also be asked to help with returning hired items, or cleaning and returning suits after the stag do.

Give a speech

The best man's speech is one of the most important parts of the wedding. It's a chance for the best man to honour the groom, share some funny stories, and impart their shared history. It's also an opportunity to welcome the bride to the family and offer sincere well-wishes to the newlyweds.

• Start preparing early. Don't leave it until the last minute.
• Be complimentary and share funny stories about the groom.
• Talk about the bride and bridesmaids and say something nice about them.
• Keep it short and sweet. A good length is 1-2 minutes.
• Make sure your delivery is clear, and pause for laughter.
• Be mindful of the audience and keep the speech family-friendly.
• Practice your speech beforehand so you feel comfortable and confident.
• If you're nervous, consider hiring a professional to help with the speech.
• Keep a backup pen in your pocket in case you need to sign the marriage license.
• Be prepared to step in and emcee if the DJ or band is late.
• Mingle with the guests and ensure everyone is having a great time.

Remember, the best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom and the couple's love story. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment!

Hold the rings

Holding the rings is one of the most important duties of a best man. This role is often entrusted to the best man, who is usually the groom's closest friend or relative. It is a huge responsibility as the rings are precious and symbolise love, trust, and lifelong commitment.

The best man is expected to keep the wedding rings safe until the couple is ready to exchange them. This involves finding a safe place for the rings and triple-checking that pockets don't have holes! If there is a ring bearer, the best man will fasten the rings to the pillow as they line up for the processional and then take them back for safekeeping until they are requested by the officiant.

The best man should also be prepared for any eventuality and have a backup plan in case the rings are lost. It is advisable to retrace your steps and check recent places you have been. If the rings cannot be found, it is important to inform the couple as soon as possible so that backup rings or symbolic stand-ins can be arranged for the ceremony.

Overall, holding the rings is a significant duty of the best man, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the rings are secure and readily available during the wedding ceremony.

Assist the groom

Being the best man is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. The best man is the groom's right-hand man and go-to person throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself.

Pre-Wedding

• Help choose the suits: Assist the groom in selecting the wedding attire for the groom, groomsmen, and other important members of the wedding party. This includes gathering measurements, deciding whether to buy or rent, and coordinating orders.
• Assist with planning admin: Offer to help with logistical details like booking vendors, managing RSVPs, and coordinating schedules.
• Plan the bachelor party: The best man typically takes the lead in organising the groom's bachelor party, including deciding on a date, location, and activities.
• Write the best man's speech: Prepare a speech to be delivered during the reception, usually after the father of the bride and groom's speeches. The speech should be well-crafted, focusing on the newlyweds and their love story, with light-hearted anecdotes about the groom.
• Organise a gift from the groomsmen: This is not compulsory, but it is a nice gesture for the best man to present the groom with a gift from all the groomsmen.
• Attend the rehearsal: The best man should be present at the wedding rehearsal and may even make a small toast during the rehearsal dinner.

On the Wedding Day

• Help the groom get ready: On the morning of the wedding, the best man should assist the groom with any last-minute tasks, such as getting dressed, and ensure that the groomsmen are also ready on time.
• Keep the rings safe: The best man is often entrusted with holding onto the wedding rings until it is time for the couple to exchange them during the ceremony.
• Greet the guests: Welcome and greet the arriving guests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere before the ceremony begins.
• Stand with the groom at the altar: Before the ceremony, the best man takes his place next to the groom at the altar. If the best man is the ring bearer, he ensures he has the rings ready for the exchange.
• Sign the marriage license: The best man acts as a witness and signs the marriage license after the ceremony.
• Give the best man's speech: Deliver a well-crafted and entertaining speech during the reception, honouring the groom and imparting shared history and anecdotes.
• Be the master of ceremonies: If there is no designated master of ceremonies, the best man may announce key moments, such as the couple's arrival, speeches, and cake-cutting.
• Get the party started: After the first dance, it is traditional for the best man to dance with the maid of honour and encourage everyone onto the dance floor.

Post-Wedding

• Return and clean suits: The best man may be asked to round up and return any hired items, such as suits, and take care of cleaning or dry-cleaning.
• Take care of wedding gifts: Ensure that all gifts, cards, and keepsakes are collected from the venue and safely delivered to the couple, especially if they are leaving for their honeymoon immediately after the wedding.
• Check-in with vendors: Make sure all wedding-related expenses are handled and that any outstanding payments are settled.
• Coordinate and decorate the getaway car: Help organise car transportation for the newlyweds and decorate their car, often with the assistance of the rest of the wedding party.

Act as master of ceremonies

Acting as the master of ceremonies is one of the most important roles of the best man. It is his job to ensure that the reception runs smoothly and that guests are having a great time.

If the couple has decided not to hire a toastmaster or master of ceremonies, the best man may be asked to make key announcements, such as the couple's arrival at the reception, the start of the speeches, and the cutting of the cake. He may also be asked to step in if the DJ or band is running late, cracking a few jokes and introducing the key players to get the party started.

The best man is also expected to mingle at the reception and dance with the bride, the maid of honour, the mother of the bride, and the mother of the groom. He should be the first one on the dance floor to encourage guests to join in.

In addition, the best man can help with the collection and transportation of gifts to the newlyweds' home. He may also be asked to coordinate car transportation for the couple to leave the reception and decorate the getaway car.

Overall, the best man plays a crucial role in ensuring the reception is a success and that the couple and their guests have a memorable time.

Frequently asked questions