What are the responsibilities of the "Best man"? Please list all you know. My friend is clueless ;-(

Question

What are the responsibilities of the "Best man"? Please list all you know. My friend is clueless ;-(

Answer 1

bachelor party

Answer 2

Technically, etiquette dictates that his only absolute responsibilities as Best Man are to show up on time for the wedding, dressed in a tux (or whatever other appropriate attire has been selected), stand up for his friends and support their marriage, and sign the certificate if someone else has not already been designated as a witness.

Traditionally, however, many people have extended the role to include throwing a bachelor party for the groom, and helping out in other wedding planning events.

Your friend needs to have a discussion with the groom and they need to clearly outline what the groom's expectations of his friend are. Good communication is key!

Answer 3

http://ourmarriage.com/html/responsibili...

This website has anything he needs to know.  

Answer 4

Helps plan the bachelor party.  Makes sure all the guys in the wedding get their tuxes and sometimes is in charge of returning all tuxes.  Holds the wedding rings during the ceremony until the officiant asks for them.  Keeps the groom calm.  Makes a speech at the reception.

That's about all I can think of.  Male attendants in weddings don't really seem to have to do much at all.

Answer 5

Make absolutely sure that the groom has the marriage license with him.

Receive the minister's fee from the groom and give it to the minister privately following the ceremony.

Help the groom pack for his honeymoon.

Help the groom dress for the ceremony.

If a ring bearer is to be in the wedding, the Best Man is responsible to oversee the child and be sure he understands his duties.  (See note below)

Assist with luggage arrangements for both the bride and the groom so that everything will be ready for their departure.

Make sure car or travel arrangements are set and that the groom is carrying any necessary reservations, tickets, money and travelers checks.

The Best Man will want to ride to the church with the groom.

It is the Best Man's responsibility to make sure the ushers are together and ready before the ceremony begins. Many weddings have been delayed by dilly dallying ushers who are either cutting up to relieve the tension they feel or are out having the last quick puff on a cigarette.

Alert ushers as to the ladies who will be wearing flowers and make sure they are not seated before receiving them.

Check all the men's boutonnieres.  These should always be worn on the left lapel, stem down.

Perform any task or errand the groom or the bride's mother may request at the church.

If applicable, remind the groom to remove his gloves as the bride comes down the aisle.

Be first at the reception in order to welcome the bride and groom.

The Best Man is responsible to make the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding. The Best Man is also responsible to make the first toast at the rehearsal dinner.

The Best Man should act as a host, making introductions when necessary and helping to make the guests feel welcome.

The Best Man should dance at the reception with the bride, both mothers and as many of the bridal attendants and guest as possible.

Help the groom change into his travel clothes after the reception.  Find out when the bride is ready to leave and with the maid/matron of honors, help the bride and groom depart.

Return the groom's tuxedo to the tux shop or if it belongs to the groom, be responsible for taking it to the cleaners.

Order flowers for the bride and groom's room at the first stop of the honeymoon trip.

Another responsibility of the Best Man may include the signing of the marriage certificate.  This is not only a legal document but also a beautiful keepsake for the couple.  Many times, the Best Man is not aware that his signature may be required and he may be off with the guests.  



Note about ring bearer: The Best Man has the responsibility of carrying the bride's wedding ring. However, many times the couple will also want to have a ring bearer.  We recommend that the "real" ring be kept safe in the pocket of the Best Man.