Be the Best, Best Man
Duties
♥ ♥ ♥
In our previous Wedding Planning Series we dished out a couple of the types if duties that could be asked of groomsman! We’ve found that a great groomsman is made even better when led by a superb Best Man! Although the duties of a best man are similar to those of a bride’s maid of honour as described in this Maid of Honour Duties {Wedding Planning Series} feature; the groom has different needs and will rely on his best bud in a range of different ways.
Overall, a best man is responsible for making sure that the groom has the best time ever in the lead up to and on his wedding day, while still making it down the aisle, on time and in style! On top of that, the best man could also be responsible for ensuring that the rest of the group of groomsmen toe the line, from looking the part and showing up to lending a hand where necessary, the best man is the go-between the groom and the rest. Of course it’s up to each bride and groom to decide what they expect of their wedding party, but it can be helpful to understand what the roles traditionally entail as a starting point.
Best Man’s Duties Before The Day
- Be on call to help the groom: The best man is not called the best for nothing! Whether he needs advice for their honeymoon plans, suggestions for the type of tuxedo’s to wear or assistance with a few errands, whatever he may need to play his part as the groom-to-be, you might wish to be there to assist him.
- Help the groom to select his attire: From choosing his wedding outfit, whether it be rented, bought or newly designed, be present to advise the groom on what looks best.
- See that the groomsmen’s attire are sorted: This involves taking care that every groomsman including yourself has their wedding look sorted, from attending dress fittings and shoe shopping to collecting the tux rentals or handmade suits – whatever it takes to make sure that all of the groomsmen look the part.
- Take the lead in organising a bachelor’s party: Recruit your team of groomsmen to arrange a bachelor party that the groom will love!
- Attend all pre-wedding parties: This is a must! Share in every special event leading up to their Big Day, by attending the pre-wedding parties and getting to know everyone a little better. You may even be required to give a toast at the rehearsal dinner, so make sure that you’re prepared!
- Club together to spoil the couple with a gift: Along with the bridesmaids and the rest of the groomsmen, put your thinking caps on and open your pockets to buy the perfect prezzie for the couple you all love so much! This doesn’t have to be something costly, but instead a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for the couple.
- Accommodate out-of-town groomsmen: If necessary, you might be asked to help sort out details of accommodation for any groomsmen who are travelling from out-of-town.
- Double-confirm the couple’s honeymoon bookings: If the groom has included you in assisting him to make the honeymoon reservations, then if he wishes, you can lend a hand in confirming their secret reservations in advance to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
- Make sure the groom gets an early night: Wrap up the pre-wedding antics and make sure that the groom has an early night so that he can be in good shape for the following day.
Best Man’s Duties On The Day
- Get the groom looking more dapper than ever before: After ensuring that the groom is up and about early enough, where needed, help him get dressed while you and the rest of the groomsmen are getting dressed too.
- Guard the wedding rings with your life: Keep the wedding rings safely stowed away until the moment it is required at the ceremony. 🙂
- Collect any payments for vendors from the groom: Sometimes, wedding vendors require payment in cash on the day of the event. Have the groom give you any monies in sealed envelopes addressed to each vendor so that you can pass it on to the right vendors at the end of the day.
- Don’t be late for the ceremony: Watch the clock to ensure that you get the groom to ceremony before the bride. As one of the groomsmen, you’ll need to be at the venue at least 20-45 mins before the ceremony begins to usher guests to their seats.
- Be your best friend’s witness: If it is the couple’s wish, then sign the marriage license as a witness to their special day.
- Stand in for the photo moments: You’re an important part of the day too, so be present in the required bridal party photos.
- Play host to the wedding guests: Help guests find their way to the restrooms or the reception venue.
- Dig deep and offer a toast to remember: At the wedding reception, you’ll need to make a toast to the newlyweds.
- Save a dance for the maid of honour: Get your dancing feet on and ask the maid of honour, other guests including the bride herself, to a dance.
- Collect and keep safe any gifts or gift envelopes from the guests: The bride and groom will be too busy to keep track of their gifts, so with the help of the maid of honour, be on the receiving end of all their gifts.
- Send the newlyweds off in style: Make sure that the couple’s getaway car is ready to leave as they exit the reception venue. Be sure that you’re sober, should you be driving them. Or else, arrange an uber!
Best Man’s Duties After The Day
- Make any returns on the grooms behalf: Return any rented items such as the groom’s tux or wedding decor that needs to be returned after the wedding. Be sure to have the respective rental slips or tickets and to collect any refundable deposits for safekeeping.
Need to brush up on the some of the possible duties for the groomsmen? Or know of someone to pass this handy list onto? Check out the link to this feature of Groomsmen Duties {Wedding Planning Series}.