Who Will Be The Best Man?

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and one of his key supporters throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. While there is no set rule on who the best man should be, it is often a sibling, close relative, or best friend. The role can also be shared by two or more people, and doesn't have to be fulfilled by a man – the role can be performed by a 'best woman', 'bridesman', or any other chosen title.

The best man has a variety of duties, including planning the bachelor party, acting as a point of contact for the groom's side of the wedding party, helping to choose the wedding attire, holding the wedding rings during the ceremony, and giving a speech at the reception.

Who can be the best man?

The best man is the groom's right-hand man and is usually a close friend or relative. There are no set rules on who can be the best man, but this role is often given to a groom's brother, close relative, or best friend. The best man is more than just the lead groomsman; they are the groom's go-to confidant, personal valet, and logistics guru for pre-wedding events and day-of details.

The best man is in charge of planning and organizing the bachelor party and serving as a point of contact for everyone on the groom's side, including groomsmen and family members. They are also in charge of choosing and renting or buying wedding formalwear, as well as coordinating the other groomsmen's ensembles.

The best man is often entrusted with holding the wedding rings for safekeeping and may also be asked to hold things like the groom's cell phone, wallet, and vows. They are also tasked with giving a speech and ensuring all guests are having a good time throughout the reception.

The best man should be someone who is capable, sociable, and discreet. They should be well-organized, calm, and task-oriented, and confident enough to relate to other people in the best of manners.

What are the best man's duties?

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. Here is a list of the best man's duties:

Before the Wedding

• Help choose the suits and organise final fittings
• Arrange to meet the ushers and other groomsmen
• Liaise with the maid of honour
• Help the groom with planning admin
• Plan the stag do
• Write the best man's speech
• Organise a groomsmen's gift to the groom

On the Wedding Day

• Help the groom get ready
• Organise the ushers
• Keep the rings safe
• Greet the guests with the groom
• Stand at the altar with the groom
• Escort the maid of honour out of the ceremony
• Stand in the receiving line
• Help organise wedding photographs
• Be the master of ceremonies
• Deliver your speech
• Get the party started

After the Wedding

• Return and clean suits
• Take care of wedding gifts

What should the best man wear?

The best man's attire is an important aspect of the wedding and should be chosen carefully. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, here are some guidelines and tips to help the best man dress to impress:

Matching the Groom and Groomsmen

The best man's attire should complement the groom's and groomsmen's outfits. It is common for the best man to wear the same outfit as the groomsmen, with a small detail to set him apart, such as a different boutonniere or lapel pin. However, this is not a strict rule, and couples may choose to mix and match their wedding party's attire. At the very least, the best man should aim to dress in a similar colour palette as the groomsmen to maintain a cohesive look.

Formality and Dress Code

The best man's attire should also adhere to the formality of the event. If the wedding is a black-tie affair or a formal evening event, a dark suit or tuxedo is appropriate. On the other hand, if the wedding is during the day, outdoors, or in warmer months, lighter colours and casual fabrics are a better option. It is important that the best man's outfit does not overshadow the groom's and that it aligns with the overall style and theme of the wedding.

Type of Suit

When it comes to the type of suit, a classic option is a tuxedo or a morning dress. The tuxedo is a timeless choice, consisting of a woollen black or charcoal grey tailcoat jacket, dark grey striped trousers, and a single-breasted vest. A morning dress is similar, but without the tails on the jacket. Alternatively, a three-piece suit in a dark shade of grey or blue is a sophisticated choice, especially in heavy fabrics like wool or wool-silk blends.

Colour

The colour of the suit is an important consideration. Blue, particularly dark blue, is a popular choice as it flatters most complexions and body types, and exudes both formality and elegance. Charcoal grey is another classic option, inspired by traditional tuxedos and morning dresses. Black is formal and exclusive but may not be appropriate for a traditional wedding, as it is typically the colour of tailcoats.

Accessories

Accessories can add a touch of personality to the best man's outfit. A white shirt is a must, and for an extra touch of elegance, consider a French collar and cufflinks. A plain-coloured silk tie or bow tie is recommended, ensuring it doesn't match the groom's shade. As for shoes, matte black calfskin laced shoes are the classic choice, but feel free to add a touch of originality with colourful socks.

Weather and Location

Lastly, the best man should consider the weather and location of the wedding. For warm, exotic locations, a linen suit or a blend of linen and cotton will keep you comfortable and elegant. For outdoor weddings in the evening, wool and silk in dark colours are a stylish choice.

In conclusion, the best man's attire should strike a balance between coordinating with the wedding party and reflecting his personal style. By following these guidelines and considering the specific details of the wedding, the best man is sure to look dapper and confident on the big day.

How many best men can there be?

While there is no strict rule about the number of best men a groom can have at his wedding, traditionally, there is only one. However, if the groom has several close friends or siblings he wants to honour equally, he may choose to have multiple best men.

If there are multiple best men, specific tasks can be delegated to each person. For example, one best man could be the ring bearer, while another could be the master of ceremonies.

It's important to note that as the number of best men increases, the title may lose its meaning. Additionally, having multiple best men can be unusual and may not align with the bride's preference for tradition.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of best men is a personal choice of the groom and should be based on his relationships and the ability of his loved ones to handle the responsibilities.

What is the best man's speech?

The best man's speech is one of the most important duties of the best man, who is usually a close friend or relative of the groom. It is delivered during the wedding reception and is an opportunity to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show support for the happy couple. The speech should be lighthearted, quick, and focused on the couple rather than the relationship between the best man and the groom.

The best man should start by introducing themselves and explaining their relationship with the groom. They should share stories and anecdotes about the groom, offer compliments and well-wishes, and express their support for the couple's future together. It is important to practice the speech beforehand and to be mindful of the audience, including older relatives, when it comes to the tone and content of the speech.

The best man can also add some humour to their speech, but it is important not to rely solely on jokes or to make the speech into a roast. The speech should be positive and meaningful, with a focus on celebrating the couple's relationship. In addition, it is essential to keep the speech concise, with a maximum duration of around five minutes.

Overall, the best man's speech is a chance for the best man to share their thoughts and feelings about the groom and offer their support and well-wishes for the newlyweds. With some careful planning, personal touches, and confident delivery, the best man can deliver a memorable and meaningful speech that adds to the joy of the wedding celebration.

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