Tips for the Best
Man
A best man has his share of responsibilities. You
are being counted on to be THE right hand man for the Groom.
The Bachelor Party
YOU are the one who organizes the
bachelor party. You can recruit as much help as you want, but in the
end YOU get it done. Find out what the groom wants. Give yourself time
to organize the event. Go over the list of invitees with the groom.
Rehearsal Dinner
Because this typically happens a day
before the wedding, your pal will have much on his mind and doesn't
need to worry about detail. Contact all the groomsmen and make sure
they are attending the
dinner, are on time, and have directions to the site.
The Wedding Day
- Keep the groom on schedule. The schedule is
typically organized by the bride's side who distribute copies ahead
of time. Go off her schedule and die.
- You drive the groom to the ceremony site one hour
before wedding photographs begin. Be in your tux for photos as well.
- Arrange to take the checks for the clergyman,
musicians, photographers and other service-providers. Non
traditionally speaking, this responsibility can also be given to a
wedding consultant, father of the bride, or even one of the
bridesmaids.
- Witness the signing of the marriage license.
- When you're backstage with the groom, help him
prepare for the final call. Make sure his tie is straight.
- Hold the bride's ring for the groom (if there is
no ring bearer) until called. Check for holes in your pockets first,
and DO NOT fumble the hand-off!
- Drive the newlyweds to the reception if there is
no hired driver.
- Prepare to dance with bridesmaids and relatives
of the bride and groom.
- Drive the newlyweds to the airport for their
honeymoon if there is no hired driver. You should be prepared to do
some driving, so fill up the tank and be sure car is running well.
Speeches & Toasting
- You begin the toasting. That's the tradition. If
you've never been a good public speaker, you need to practice.
- During the reception, you also might offer to MC
a schedule of toasts and speeches.
- Find out if you will be speaking from a podium,
platform or table.
- Make sure you're amplified. If not, than make
sure everyone can hear you.
Out of Town Guests
- Offer to
pick them up at the airport.
- Be prepared to do some entertaining with guests
before the wedding day. (Hey, maybe you'll get lucky with the
groom's cousins.)
Formal Wear
- Your last major task is to return all tuxedos to
the shop. Make sure all groomsmen and ushers give you tuxedos in
good condition and on time.
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