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Best Man's Responsibilities

Best man needs not only needs to organise an unforgettable buck’s party and give an impressive speech at the reception, but also to do everything he can to lift the weight of groom’s shoulders.

Image by Denise Teo

Being the best man is definitely not an easy role as you need to help the groom with all his duties and also make sure you are completing all of your own responsibilities. Being asked to be the best man is therefore a great honour and a huge responsibility at the same time.

Firstly, the best man should offer any assistance necessary to the groom including helping him to pick wedding rings, choose his outfit, arrange wedding transportation and make honeymoon plans. He should help the groom with both organisation and financial matters and also offer assistance to the bride or groom’s parents.

One of the best man's main responsibilities is of course organising the buck’s party. This will be a fun task, although keep in mind that it probably won’t be as crazy for the best man as he needs to ensure things run smoothly and that the groom is having a great time. The buck's night should be at least 2-3 weeks before the wedding, and it is crucial to choose an activity the groom will really enjoy. It can be anything from a camping trip to a night out at the casino, as long as it suits groom’s tastes.

It is best man’s duty to keep the rings safe in the lead up to the wedding. At the ceremony, best man should enter with the groom and present the ring when appropriate. He should sign the register as official witness and also escort the chief bridesmaid to the register signing. He should make sure that all guests have transport to the reception, and it is also his responsibility to pay for wedding venue and celebrant fees with money given to him by the groom.

At the wedding reception, best man should give a speech and read telegrams from friends and family members who couldn’t make it to the wedding. Giving a speech can be very stressful, especially if it is his first time giving a public speech. It is a good idea to start preparing for this well ahead if you want to impress everyone. Start brainstorming and writing down ideas weeks before the wedding. You can open your speech by thanking everyone who made that day possible, then tell a fun story about your friendship with the groom and express your support for the couple.

When the party is over, best man should make sure the bride and groom leave the reception on time if they have made travel arrangements. He can also help the groom pack and check if he has all the documents and travel essentials with him. Best man should also take care of groom’s wedding attire after the reception, and also organise delivery and return of any hired suits.

Since the best man is the groom’s right-hand man on the day, he should stay sober and in control, but also find time to celebrate and enjoy this important day with his best friend and new wife!

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