Getting selected to serve as best man in one of your close friends or relatives wedding is a huge honor. However, you may have found yourself wondering what exactly are the best man responsibilities?
There are of course varying views on this as a result of people who may prefer to follow tradition as opposed to more contemporary responsibilities.
Here are a few responsibilities that are outlined under each of the following categories that everyone can agree on.
Facilitator
The best man among other duties must sometimes act as a facilitator especially with regard to the ring bearer and the ushers. If there is a ring bearer in the ceremony the best man hold on to the ring until the wedding and then makes sure the ring bearer understands their role in the wedding before passing it on prior to the ceremony.
The best man should also make sure all of the ushers are together and ready to go before the ceremony starts to ensure everything goes as planned and there are no unnecessary delays. Also check details such as whether everyone is in place and pretty much anything else that the bride’s mother requests of you. Most importantly it is traditional for the best man to make the first toast at the reception and rehearsal dinner.
Personal Reminder
Part of the best man responsibilities includes acting as a personal reminder to the groom. The groom should make sure the groom has the marriage license with him and the marriage license fee. The best man also wants to remind the groom to give the fee to the Minister after the wedding or collect it from the groom and pay it privately himself. The best man should literally make a checklist for the groom and make sure nothing is left unchecked.
Personal Stylist
It is customary for the best man to help the groom dress for the wedding and suggest suits (approved by the bride of course) during the wedding planning process. The best man should also make sure the men’s boutonnieres are on the correct side at the wedding and that everyone is dressed appropriately.
The best man should be notified of specific details regarding attire so that he can assure that everything is in order. This includes checking basic requirements of course such as belts, shoes, jackets and ties.
Travel Agent
The best man is involved in all of the travel arrangements both to the wedding if necessary and with respect to the honeymoon. The best man makes sure the groom has transportation to the wedding, makes sure the groom has all tickets, money and reservation information, and even helps the groom pack if necessary.
The best man should help with luggage arrangements for both the bride and the groom so that nothing is left behind. The best man should also help arrange transportation for after the wedding and help the bride and groom depart.
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