Best Man's Seat: Where Should He Be In Church?

The best man is one of the most important people at a wedding, and traditionally, they sit at the front of the church, in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and any other groomsmen. In some cases, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right-hand pews for the groom and best man.

Where does the best man sit in relation to the groom's parents?

The best man traditionally has a number of important duties, including attending the wedding rehearsal, ensuring the groom gets to the church on time, liaising with the ushers, looking after the rings, signing the register as a witness, and making a speech at the reception. During the ceremony, the best man hands the rings to the vicar, and may also be involved in readings or prayers.

In terms of seating, the best man will usually sit next to the groom, with the groom's parents sitting in the same row, or pew, behind. The groom's close family will sit in the second pew behind him. In a traditional Christian ceremony, the groom's family and friends sit on the right side of the church, facing the altar, with the bride's family and friends on the left.

The best man and groom will sit in the first few rows, with the best man taking one of the two spaces closest to the aisle. If there is enough space, an extra chair may be placed in front of the right-hand pew for the groom and best man.

Where does the best man sit during the wedding rehearsal?

The best man has a lot of responsibilities during a wedding, including attending the wedding rehearsal. During the rehearsal, the best man should stand with the groom at the altar. The best man should also use the rehearsal to familiarise themselves with the church and the ceremony's running order. They should also take the opportunity to clarify any uncertainties about their duties during the service, such as reading from the Bible or being involved in the prayers.

On the day of the wedding, the best man should arrive at the church 15 minutes early. Traditionally, the groom's family and friends sit on the right side of the church, facing the altar. The best man should sit in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and himself. Space permitting, an extra chair may be placed in front of the right-hand pews for the groom and best man. The groom's close family should sit in the second pew behind him.

In addition to attending the rehearsal, the best man's duties may include supporting the groom on the wedding day, liaising with the ushers, looking after the rings, signing the paperwork, and making a speech at the reception.

Where does the best man sit during the ceremony?

The best man has a lot of responsibilities on the wedding day, from ensuring the groom gets to the church on time to looking after the rings. But where does the best man sit during the ceremony?

In traditional Christian ceremonies, the groom's family and friends sit on the right side of the church (when facing the altar). The groom's parents sit in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and best man. Space permitting, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right-hand pews for the groom and best man. The groom's close family sit in the second pew behind the groom.

However, it is becoming more common for guests to be seated without a strict separation of the bride and groom's sides. In this case, the front seats are still reserved for close family, but guests are free to choose which side they sit on.

Where does the best man sit when he's giving his speech?

The best man typically stands with the groom at the altar during the wedding ceremony. However, there is no set rule, and some couples may choose to have the best man walk down the aisle with the maid of honor or meet them halfway.

At the reception, the best man usually sits with the bridal party, which typically includes the newlyweds, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. The best man's speech is traditionally given during the wedding reception, but it can also be given during the rehearsal dinner or at another time during the wedding celebrations.

The best man's speech is an opportunity to share stories about the groom, offer words of wisdom for the couple, and propose a toast to the newlyweds. It is a chance for the best man to showcase their relationship with the groom and add a personal touch to the wedding celebrations.

To ensure a smooth delivery, the best man should prepare and rehearse the speech well in advance. It is also essential to keep the speech appropriate and tasteful, avoiding offensive jokes or embarrassing stories that may cause discomfort.

Where does the best man sit when he's not involved in the ceremony?

The best man traditionally has a number of duties to perform at a wedding, including attending the rehearsal, supporting the groom, liaising with ushers, looking after the rings, signing paperwork, and making a speech at the reception. During the ceremony, the best man may also be involved in readings or prayers.

In terms of seating, the best man usually sits at the front of the church, in the first row on the right (facing the altar), leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and the best man. Space permitting, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right-hand pews for the groom and best man. The groom's close family sits in the second pew behind the groom.

However, seating arrangements can vary depending on the couple's preferences and the dynamics of the wedding party. For example, if the best man and maid of honor are married, they may choose to walk down the aisle together and stand next to the groom at the altar. Alternatively, the best man can wait with the groom at the altar, and the maid of honor can walk down the aisle alone.

Frequently asked questions