The Role of Best Man

Your best man (or woman) should be prepared to help you with whatever you need...before, during and after your wedding day.

I read in an American wedding magazine recently that the groom should consider his wedding party as his "team" - and his best man as the "captain". Cheesy? Yes. True? Well, actually...yea.

Planning and preparing for a wedding - it's not really masculine or manly. The groom may feel a bit uncomfortable or out of his depth with some of the planning. In other words, he can use all the help he can get!

The best man should be good at staving off problems, making light of a situation and keeping things safe...you know, like the rings.

Here is a list of common best man duties so he can be well versed in his role as "captain" (ugh...I think it really is a bit too cheesy...)

BEFORE
*    Plan and manage the stag do, with the help of the groomsmen
*    Go with the groom to any suit/tux fittings and coordinate the other groomsmen's rentals
*    Help organise accommodation for out-of-town groomsmen
*    Help bring any boxes, decorations etc. to the venues (ceremony and reception)
*    Help the bride, groom and maid of honour address invitations, if required
*    Help the groom pack for the honeymoon
*    Attend the rehearsal

ON THE DAY
*    Help the groom get dressed and make sure his buttonhole is on straight
*    Act as a "messenger", should the groom want to communicate with the bride before the ceremony
*    Keep the rings safe until the ring exchange (or keep them safe until the ring bearer is ready to walk down the aisle...and make sure the little guy doesn't drop them between the top and the bottom of the aisle!)
*    If the couple request it, pay the officiant or church fees and any other people that need to be paid on the day (i.e. band)
*    Make sure the wedding couple's "getaway" vehicle is decorated (enlist the help of the rest of the wedding party, if need be)

DURING
*    Sign the register as the groom's witness
*    Make the first toast to the bride and groom (or a toast somewhere throughout the evening)
*    Make a speech at the reception
*    Dance with the maid of honour when the band/MC calls everyone onto the dance floor after the first dance
*    Make sure the groomsmen are performing their duties and keeping themselves out of trouble
*    Arrange transportation for the couple for after the reception

AFTER
*    Help the maid of honour collect the gifts that were brought to the venue
*    Take the formalwear rentals back (on time!)