The popular perception of the best
man at a wedding is of a risque boor whose main interest in the day is
the chief bridesmaid. Nothing is - or should be - further from the truth.
The best man has a range of important duties which, if done well, will
go unnoticed.
These in chronological order are:
Organise the groom's
stag night and ensure he comes to no harm. Never hold a stag night the
night before a wedding. A hungover groom is not funny.
Remember the rings.
Ensure the groom
arrives on time and in condition, i.e. sober.
Remember the rings
again.
Ensure that the
ushers, page boys and flower girls know what they have to do, and check
that they do it.
Escort the chief
bridesmaid down the aisle.
Remember the rings
and have them ready when required.
Make the speech
toasting the groom.
Act as toastmaster
if no professional toastmaster is present. (more
on Toastmasters here)
Ensure security
of any wedding presents given on the day and safe delivery of those presents
afterwards.
Organise somewhere
for the bride and groom to change if they are leaving on honeymoon after
the reception.
Ensure the couple's
luggage is packed and ready to go.
Return the groom's
hired clothes if he has gone on honeymoon.
Act as compere
and roving host, introducing people to each other, getting conversations
started and generally making sure things go smoothly.
Although the best man is usually referred to jocularly, he has a position
of serious responsibility, so choose him with care - a bad best man can
seriously damage your wedding!
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