Planning a wedding is difficult. The results may be worth it, but it requires a lot of effort. As a couple plans their perfect day, choosing people close to them as the best man and maid of honor can be a lifesaver. For those of you not quite sure what a “best man” means, the best man is the groom’s, right-hand man. The best man is in charge of planning the perfect bachelorette and leading the groomsmen on the big day. 

Contrary to what most people believe, the best man doesn’t only require responsibilities on the wedding date. It also requires the person’s involvement in pre-wedding duties. The role of the best man comes from specific roles. Once you have agreed to become your best friend’s best man, you need to stand by him every step of the way. Here is the complete guide to a best man wedding!

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Best Man

Wondering what a best man does? Feeling overwhelmed about where to start from? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! There are a few things expected from the best man during the wedding season. The person has to help in the ring selection, plan a bachelor party, help the groom and groomsmen to coordinate their outfits, etc. All these are done before the wedding. But, the real responsibility starts on the big day. On the wedding day, the best man has to hold the rings, welcome guests, and give the best man speech. Continue reading for a complete best man duties checklist!

• Before The Wedding

1. Coordinate outfits for the big day

As the best man, you are in charge of the groomsmen entourage.. If the couple has decided that they want the groomsmen to wear a cohesive look, you must coordinate the wedding formalwear. You will not only have to assist the groom in picking up his tux but you will need to make sure that each groomsman has the correct attire. This includes shopping for the outfits and ensuring all the alterations. 

2. Organize the bachelor party

The bachelor party is an age-old tradition that cannot be missed! But, keep in mind that bachelor parties can come in all shapes and sizes, and there doesn’t need to be any pressure. First, talk to the groom and do what he wants to do. It’s his day after all. A bachelor party could be in Vegas, in a yacht, a day of golf, a pool party, a night out, and so on. The options are endless. Second, you need to be mindful of everyone’s budget and schedule. A trip to Vegas sounds stunning, but not everyone will be able to afford it. 

3. Serve as a wedding counselor

Planning a wedding is stressful for the couple. As the best man, it is your responsibility to share the groom’s load. One of the most important best man duties is to be a supportive friend throughout and listen to the groom’s problems without any judgment. 

4. Purchase the Groomsmen gift

When the groomsmen decide on a collective gift for the groom, the best man has to lead the effort. Make sure you know what the groom wants and then make each groomsman chip in for the gift. 

5. Attend pre-wedding events

As the best man, you have to attend all the pre-wedding events including the rehearsal dinner, engagement party, etc. Even if you don’t have much to do there, make sure you are at least present. 

• During The Wedding

1. Keep a best man emergency kit handy

Mishaps can always happen on the big day. But, it is your responsibility as the best man to be prepared. Make a trip to the supermarket the day before and pick up essentials like deodorants, tissues, bandages, pain relievers, extra cufflinks, safety pins, shoe polish, etc. 

2. Make sure the groom and groomsmen are on schedule

Time can get away on the big day. As the best man, you need to make sure that everything is on time and according to the schedule. Everything has to move flawlessly on the day and you have to make sure everything and everyone are in the right place, at the right time, presentable, and organized. 

3. Safely keep the wedding rings

The best man is entrusted with safekeeping the rings. Make sure you keep them safely, don’t lose them, and present them at the ceremony.

4. Sign the marriage license as a witness

The couple needs two witnesses to sign the marriage license. This duty is assigned to the best man and maid of honor. You should be readily available for this task. 

5. Kick off the toasts and get the party started

Again, it is the best man’s task to get the party started. This means you need to kick off the toasts and keep the reception moving. Your toast, aka the best man speech, is the biggest responsibility you will have. The best man’s speech should be well-crafted. Make sure you put thought into it, don’t embarrass the groom, and deliver the best toast! Be creative with the speech and own it. 

• After The Wedding

1. Return Clothing

After the wedding, everyone will whisk off. This is where you need to step in to take care of the grooms and groomsmen’s outfits. Get them dry cleaned and return all tuxedos if rented. 

2. Take care of the wedding expenses

Once the party comes to an end, the best man needs to make sure all wedding expenses are taken care of. Make sure all the vendors are paid off and everything is settled. If any payments need to be taken care of, organize them in envelopes to make your task easier. 

3. Decorate the getaway car

Last but not least, as the best man, you will be required to coordinate the transportation for the bride and groom. It’s a tradition that the groomsmen decorate the getaway car. Make sure this is taken care of! 

Being asked to be the best man is an absolute honor. You are going to be a VIP for the soon-to-be-married couple, and they need you by their side every step of the way. 

Also, read: Top 5 Men’s Grooming Tips For Wedding