The Best Man

The best man is usually a close friend or relative of the groom, and as an important key player in the wedding party should be chosen with care.

It is his duty to ensure that the ushers are in the right place at the right time, that the groom arrives at the ceremony on time (and suitably dressed!) and that transport is available as and when required. He must also look after the documentation and rings, act as a witness to the marriage, introduce the speeches, respond to the toast to the bridesmaids, make a speech himself, read any messages to the couple, look after any wedding gifts, and ensure that the car is ready when the couple wish to depart. This is not a role to be given or taken lightly!

The best man's clothes are similar to those worn by the bridegroom - either morning dress for a formal wedding or lounge suits for a more relaxed occasion. Whatever the type of wedding, the bridegroom and best man wear buttonholes, which the best man should collect unless they are being delivered straight to the groom's house. It is usual for the groom, best man and the two fathers to have the same style of buttonholes.

The Best Man's Duties

Before the wedding day, the best man needs to:

• Organise the stag party (preferably not for the night before the wedding!)
• Prepare the speech for the reception
• Attend the wedding rehearsal
• Arrange transport for the groom and himself to the ceremony
• Make a note of details and availability of taxi companies in case of emergencies
• Check for any roadworks or events taking place on the wedding day that may affect timings or the route
• Arrange transport to and from the reception

On the day itself, he should:

• Collect the buttonholes and order of service sheets from the bride's home, as well as any telegrams, cards and emails to be read at the reception
• Help the groom to get ready, keeping him calm and relaxed, and solve any last minute emergencies like forgotten cufflinks or broken shoelaces!
• Ensure the groom gets to the church on time - at least 20 minutes before the ceremony is due to start
• Remember the rings!!

At the ceremony, he will:

• Ensure all fees are paid to the church or registrar
• Distribute the buttonholes, and give the ushers the order of service sheets
• Make sure that the ushers know what they are doing
• Sit in the front right hand pew with the groom
• Hand over the rings at the right time
• Accompany the chief bridesmaid to the vestry, behind the bride and bridegroom to witness the signing of the register
• Follow the bride and groom out of the ceremony, escorting the chief bridesmaid
• Assist the photographer in organising the guests for the photographs
• With the help of the ushers, ensure that everyone has transportation to the reception

At the reception, he should:

• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests
• If there is no Master of Ceremonies, announce the speeches and cake cutting
• Read out any messages of congratulations tha...

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