Know Your Best Man Duties

Best Man and Groom at Wedding via Shutterstock

He’s chosen you to stand up for him on his big day. So don’t let him down by slacking on your best man duties. Here’s a list of your responsibilities as his go-to guy.

Before the Wedding 

• Help the groom choose his tux.
• Organize groomsmen’s fittings.
• Plan and give the bachelor party.
• Make sure the other groomsmen are in check—for example, you should keep track of whether everyone’s picked up their tuxes/suits and made the appropriate tailor appointments.
• Communicate with the rest of the wedding party on all the important dates, both pre-wedding and day-of. Keep everyone apprised of any changes in scheduling.
• Help arrange wedding accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen.
• Assist the groom in organizing the groomsmen’s gift, to be presented at the bachelor party.
• Help coordinate transportation and lodging for all the groomsmen to get to the rehearsal and the wedding. Make sure they get there on time.
• Arrange the couple’s departure from the reception, whether they drive (are you decorating the car?) or take a limo.

During the Ceremony 

• Hold the bride’s ring. Expert tip: Place it in your vest pocket. If there’s a ring bearer, make sure he knows his job and that the rings are attached to the pillow.
• Help the groom get dressed.
• Have the groom give you any payments (in labeled and sealed individual envelopes) for the wedding officiant, musicians, or other staff; make sure to deliver them to proper parties.
• Keep track of the marriage license.
• Get the groom to the wedding venue on time.
• Make sure all groomsmen are where they need to be on time, dressed appropriately, and with properly attached boutonnières.
• Stand by the groom while waiting for the ceremony to start.
• After the ceremony is complete, escort the maid of honor down the aisle. Then head back to escort the mother of the bride.
• Sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the maid of honor.
• Stand in the receiving line, if the couple has one.
• If there isn’t a limo, drive the couple to the reception.

During the Reception 

• Act as host, showing guests where to sit, telling them to where to put gifts, etc.
• Organize groomsmen for formal photographs.
• Give the first toast.
• Dance with the maid of honor.
• Help the groom change into his clothing to leave the reception. Take charge of his tux and return it or have it cleaned.

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