Best Man 101: 12 Responsibilities for the Best Man
You were chosen for the job because you are a great friend, reliable, trustworthy and got his back. Now it's time to make sure you really got his back by knowing what you should do to ensure that the couples day runs super smoothly. Not exactly sure what being the best man entails? See below for your list of to-dos!
1. Help the groom pick out his tux and coordinate the groomsmen rentals
This includes everything from giving him stylish advice, helping with his cufflinks and even giving recommendations on boutonnieres.
2. Organize the bachelor party
This is the fun part! You know exactly what the groom likes and how to have a good time. Whether it's a fancy dinner, a fun night out or a house party - your responsibility is to plan it all down to every little detail.
Related: Tips to planning a Bachelor's Party
3. Organize a gift for the groom from all the groomsmen
Get personal! Help choose a gift (and collect the money) for the groom's big day. The easiest way to check this off your list? Choose his favorite item and get it monogrammed so that he'll have it forever.
Related: Gift ideas for your best bud
4. Keep the groomsmen in the loop
In the months (and days!) leading up to the big day, make sure you keep on top of the groomsmen for any important dates, times or duties.
5. Organize the couple's arrival and departure from the reception
Help give the wedding planner and DJ a heads up of when the couple will be announced to the reception after the ceremony.
6. Be the keeper of the vendor payments
If the couple did not hire a day-of wedding planner, this is a very important duty. By keeping track of paying and tipping the vendors, that is one less thing that the couple needs to worry about after the reception is over.
7. Make sure the groom has his marriage license with him
Check and double-check. Sending a few text reminders isn't the worst idea.
8. Be the keeper of the rings
This might be the most important thing of the night. Keep them in a safe place for the ceremony.
9. Stand by the groom's side before the ceremony starts
This is a no-brainer. When the ceremony starts, you will be right there standing next to the groom as his best man!
10. Escort the maid of honor/mother of the bride up the aisle
After the ceremony, you become the leader of the pack (after the bride and groom, of course!) It's your duty to start the procession after a couple of the hour has made their exit.
11. Act as a host at the reception
This may entail playing some active defense on behalf of the bride and groom so that they can eat the meal and enjoy the dance floor.
12. Give the toast at the reception
Get your public speaking skills ready because the reception is your time to shine. Make your speech short and sweet and don't forget to tell the bride how great she looks!
Want more bridal party etiquette? You might like: 11 Wedding Etiquette Tips - The Bridal Party | 5 Tweets That Get Real About Being a Best Man
Don't miss out on our company's story, the hottest wedding trends, and valuable planning advice on our About Us page. Stay updated with even more wedding ideas on Pinterest and Instagram. Plus, visit our newsletter on the 'Featured' page - no sign up necessary. We can't wait to keep you in the loop with all the latest updates!
Post date: 7/12/17 | Last updated: 8/22/18 | 9/26/2020 | 5/7/2023
