The main responsibilities of the Best Man is standing next to the groom.
The Best Man has many responsibilities for not just the wedding day, but the entire wedding process. It is a big job, but the two main duties are to be readily available and make sure everyone is having a good time. You will be the life of the party while also being on duty for anything that arises. Here is a checklist to make sure you are not missing anything that may be under your care.
The Best Man serves as communication point person for Groomsmen
You just became the project manager for the groom and groomsmen. You may also need to communicate with the bridal party as well. Make sure to get everyone’s numbers, introduce yourself and make sure everyone knows each other. Come wedding day, you may need to coordinate arrival times to the venue or things of that nature. The bride and groom do not want to be scrambling the day of, so make sure you are prepared to handle all communications.
The Best Man Attends all pre-wedding Events
Clear your calendar for any wedding events. You will be expected to not only attend all events, but lend a helping hand as well. This might mean helping setup, purchase some food items, or even compiling pictures of the groom when he was growing up. Be prepared for any event and offer to help with plenty of notice.
Organize the Bachelor Party
Discuss options with the groom and other groomsmen and make sure everyone is on the same timeline, budget and expectations. Then plan everything from transportation, activities, hotel rentals, etc. As well as organizing and setting up accommodations, make sure everyone, most especially the groom, is having a good time.
Take Charge of the Groomsmen’s gift for the Groom
Discuss gift options and budgets from the groomsmen to the groom. This could be as simple as a bottle of whiskey to something more elaborate such as an excursion on his honeymoon.
Make sure Everything is ready for the Ceremony
Get with the couple months before the ceremony to let them know you are willing to take on responsibilities on the wedding day. This will be extremely helpful if they can take a few things off of their list and can enjoy their day. Responsibilities you can take on include being in charge of the rings and making sure the ring bearer gets them and knows what he is doing right before the ceremony. You can research how to put on boutonnieres and help any guys that need the help. You can also hold onto the marriage license, make sure they sign it after the ceremony and hold onto it after all the wedding festivities are complete so as it does not get lost with decor or ends up in a drunk uncle’s possession.
Day of Transportation
The couple may arrange transportation themselves, but make sure they have a ride to and from the venue. They may not think of how they are getting to the hotel after the reception so make sure you offer to be sober enough to take them where they need to be.
Day of Setup
There is typically a lot of decor that the bride wants set up and she will ask her bridesmaids to do it, but let’s be honest, it takes the guys 10 minutes to get ready and the girls will never be ready. So offer to help with anything that needs set up. Don’t worry about not knowing how to decorate, usually there are enough people who know what to do, but need help actually doing it.
Keep everything on Schedule
You need to be the life of the party, but also be aware that there is a timeline and things need to keep going for the sake of the party and the guests. If a groomsman is missing for pictures, go find him. If they need to cut the cake, but the couple cannot get away from talking with Great Aunt Mary, go save them and get them where they need to be.
The Best Man Serves as a Witness
Typically the maid of honor and the best man will serve as witnesses and sign the marriage license after the ceremony. Do not go wandering to the bar right after the ceremony unless you are coming back with drinks for the bride and groom to have during the signing ceremony.
Give a Best Man Speech
Be prepared to honor the groom, and possibly roast, with a speech during the reception. Keep it short and sweet with stories about the groom and a story about the couple together.
Always be by the Groom’s side
The best man should always be ready to be helpful in any way, even if this means just getting the groom a drink or helping find grandma’s seat. There are things that arise that people will go to the couple with and it will be nice for him to be able to turn to you to complete the task so he can be with his bride and enjoy the day.
Help clean up
After the reception, make sure you help compile all the decor, clean up the guy’s room and make sure no items or clothing is left, as well as make sure vendors do not need anything. If they need anything such as payment, take care of it and tell the groom about it in the following days.
Return Tuxedos
If everyone is staying in the same hotel, offer to return all the tuxedos. If not, do your best to accommodate the return.
Hold everyone accountable for making it to Brunch
Some members may have had a little too much fun at the wedding. Make sure they are up and ready for the last event of the wedding. Make sure you are fully capable of getting up yourself. The groom still needs you to be there and help with last minute items.
Being the best man is no small task. Be ready to be the project manager to coordinate people and step in where needed. You need to be the life of the party as well as capable of helping at any point. Most of all, make sure you honor your friend or family member during one of the biggest times in his life.
