The Best Man: A Friend, Confidant, And Support System

Being the best man is an honour bestowed on a close friend or family member of the groom. The best man is the groom's right-hand man and is responsible for supporting the groom during the wedding planning process and on the big day. The best man is also in charge of the groomsmen, meaning he leads all communication and spearheads most of their activities and duties. While there are no set rules, the role of the best man is often given to the groom's brother, close relative, or best friend. The best man is usually responsible for planning the bachelor party, making sure the groomsmen attire is ordered, and delivering an epic speech at the reception.

The best man is the groom's right-hand man

The best man is also expected to be the groom's confidant and counsellor throughout the wedding planning process and the big day itself. He should be someone the groom can rely on to help with decision-making and problem-solving. This includes assisting with the selection of the groom's and groomsmen's attire and ensuring that it is ordered and tailored on time.

On the wedding day, the best man is responsible for keeping the wedding rings safe until the ring exchange and standing next to the groom during the ceremony, providing support and displaying his love and happiness for the groom. The best man may also be asked to hold onto the groom's personal belongings, such as his phone, wallet, and vows, to ensure the groom is not distracted and can fully focus on the ceremony.

Additionally, the best man is often expected to give a speech during the reception, welcoming the newlyweds and wishing them well. He may also be tasked with decorating the getaway car and ensuring that all gifts are collected and safely stored.

The best man plays a crucial role in supporting the groom and ensuring that the wedding day runs smoothly. His presence and assistance are invaluable to the groom, making him an integral part of the wedding party.

The best man is in charge of the groomsmen

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and is in charge of the groomsmen. He is usually a close friend or relative and is tasked with supporting the groom and ensuring the groomsmen are informed, organised, and on schedule.

The best man is the leader of the groomsmen and is responsible for introducing them to each other and keeping them informed and on track with their duties. He will also assist the groom in choosing and ordering the groomsmen's formal wear, ensuring that it is received, tailored, and ordered in a timely fashion.

The best man is also in charge of planning the bachelor party, with the help of the other groomsmen. It is his responsibility to organise a celebration that suits the groom's style and preferences, and to work within everyone's schedules and budgets.

On the wedding day, the best man is in charge of keeping the groomsmen on schedule and ensuring they are in the right place at the right time. He may also be responsible for holding the wedding rings, the groom's phone and wallet, and any other accessories. The best man will also often be asked to sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the maid of honour.

In terms of the reception, the best man is expected to mingle and ensure everyone is having a great time. He may be asked to give a speech, dance with the maid of honour, and decorate the getaway car.

The best man has a vital role in supporting the groom and ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly. His duties and responsibilities are varied and require good organisational skills, as well as a close relationship with the groom.

The best man plans the bachelor party

Planning a bachelor party falls to the best man, along with other duties such as providing moral support during the ring selection, leading the groomsmen, and making sure the groomsmen's attire is ordered and organised. The best man should talk to the groom about the type of bachelor party he wants, and work with the groomsmen to plan a night or weekend that suits the groom's style.

The best man should also be mindful of everyone's schedules and budgets. It's important to give guests enough time to prepare, so it's recommended to start planning the bachelor party at least three to six months before the event. The most common time to hold the bachelor party is one to three months before the wedding.

Bachelor parties can involve anything from drinking and golfing, to a weekend-long vacation at a resort, to a night at a strip club. However, it's important to consult the groom and guests to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the chosen activities.

• A sporting event
• A concert or music festival
• Camping
• A bar crawl
• A brewery or distillery tour
• White water rafting
• Hiking
• Fishing

The best man gives a speech at the reception

The best man's speech is one of the most important parts of the wedding reception. It is a chance for the best man to share stories about the groom, offer words of wisdom or congratulations, and entertain the guests. Here are some tips for delivering a memorable and engaging best man speech:

Structure

Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the groom. This will give context to your speech and help the guests understand your role in the groom's life. Then, share a story or two about the groom that showcases his personality and your relationship. It could be a funny anecdote, a heartwarming moment, or a combination of both. This will add a personal touch to your speech and give the guests a glimpse into the groom's life.

Tone

It is important to strike a balance between humour and sincerity. While it is great to include jokes and light-hearted moments, remember that your speech should ultimately be a tribute to the groom and the couple. Avoid inside jokes that only a few guests will understand, and steer clear of offensive or inappropriate remarks. Keep in mind that your speech should be enjoyable for all the guests, regardless of their age or background.

Preparation

Practice your speech beforehand and time yourself to ensure it is not too long. Aim for around 5-7 minutes, as you want to hold the audience's attention. Write down your main points and key messages, but avoid memorising your speech word-for-word, as you want it to sound natural and conversational. It is also a good idea to bring notes or cue cards to refer to during your speech, in case you get nervous or lose your train of thought.

Content

Your speech should focus on the groom and the couple. Share anecdotes that showcase the groom's best qualities and offer a glimpse into their relationship. You can also include words of wisdom or advice for the couple, especially if you have experience in long-term relationships or marriage. If there are other speakers at the reception, such as the maid of honour or father of the bride, try to coordinate with them to ensure your speeches complement each other and cover different topics.

Delivery

Speak clearly and confidently, and remember to smile! It is natural to feel nervous, but try to relax and enjoy the moment. Make eye contact with the guests, and feel free to move around the room to engage with the audience. If you are feeling particularly anxious, take a few deep breaths before you begin, and remember that the guests are there to support and celebrate with you.

The best man is in charge of the wedding rings

The best man should also be the groom's go-to person and confidant throughout the engagement and wedding. He should provide moral support during the ring selection and help the groom with any decisions or problems. The best man will also typically be in charge of planning the bachelor party, leading the groomsmen, and giving a best man speech. In terms of attire, the best man will assist the groom in choosing and ordering or renting formalwear, as well as coordinating the other groomsmen's ensembles. He will also be responsible for making sure the groomsmen receive and alter their suits.

On the wedding day, the best man will be the groom's personal aide and adviser. This includes helping the groom get ready, delivering a letter to the bride, and serving as a point of contact for vendors. The best man will also ensure the groom eats and drinks enough, and help to calm any pre-wedding jitters. He will stand next to the groom during the ceremony and then be paired with the maid of honour during the recessional.

Frequently asked questions