He is the Groom’s right hand man – usually his brother or closest friend. The Best Man should undertake the following duties.
Prior to the Wedding:
– organise the groom’s “Stag” night
– discuss the wedding plans with the bride and groom
– prepare a speech for the wedding reception (wedding breakfast)
– prepare a list of VIP’s who have special seating arrangements and inform the ushers
– visit ceremony and reception venues with the bride and groom, checking on travel times to and in between locations, and parking arrangements, etc.
– visit the tailors with the groom for fittings, or
– visit the hire wear store and liaise with the ushers
– assist groom I checking passports, and other documentation, are in order for the honeymoon
– attend the wedding rehearsal
– liaise with any ushers on final arrangements
– check the route to the ceremony and reception for road works, diversions, carnivals, tolls, etc. which may effect the timing and route
– arrange transport for groom and yourself to the ceremony
– arrange transport for yourself and the chief bridesmaid to the reception and afterwards ensure she has transport home
– make a note of taxi companies for guests use
– finalise speech
– get hair cut
– collect any hired clothing and accessories
– wash car of driving to ceremony
– organize decorations for “going away” car
On The Day:
– check final arrangements for ushers, buttonholes, order of service sheets and rings
– collect faxes, telex-messages, cards, e-mails to be read at the reception
– keep rings safe until the required moment in the wedding ceremony
– get ready and then help the groom
– get the groom to the ceremony on time i.e. 20 minutes before hand
At the Ceremony:
– check on ushers
– sit in the right hand seat on the groom’s right hand side
– if required, witness the signing of the register
– ensure all fees are paid, e.g. to registrar/minister, organist, etc
– escort of chief bridesmaid, after the bride and groom, to the wedding reception
– assist the photographer in organising the guests for photographs
– ensure everyone has transport to the reception venue
At the Reception:
– stand in the reception line (receiving line) and greet the guests
– announce speeches and the cake cutting if there is no Master of Ceremonies
– read any cards, e-mails or telex-messages
– give the third and final speech and reply on behalf of the Bridesmaids
– have the first dance with the Chief Bridesmaid
– decorate the “going away” car
– put any luggage in the car
– make sure the bride and groom change and leave on time
– announce the bride and groom’s departure and the throwing of the bouquet
– take charge of the groom’s wedding clothes, if required, after the wedding
After the Wedding:
– ensure the wedding presents are safely stored
– return any hired clothing and accessories
As a rule, the larger the wedding, the more involved and busy the Best Man is going to be in assisting the Bride and Groom. Always carry spare cash and a spare shirt for the Groom.