So, your best mate is finally getting hitched. He has already popped the question to his girl and has now asked you to be his best man.
The feeling is pretty eccentric, isn’t it? After all, we rarely get to be the ‘best’ anything in our lives. Not to forget, knowing your mate values your friendship enough to choose you as his go-to guy during the most important time of his life is truly special.
Now that he’s chosen you, do you know how to be a great best man?
Being a great best man involves more than just throwing a party and crawling through a speech. In fact, experts on the topic say that you should assume that you’re the co-host of the marriage ceremony.
To give you a clearer idea, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know and do in order to excel as the best man to your best mate:
Before the big day
Your responsibilities as the best man start well before the wedding.
Make sure everyone is on time for suit fittings
This might not sound important to you, but it is an indispensable part of your responsibilities as the best man. Not only do you have to help the groom select his tux, you have to make sure everyone shows up on time to get fitted for their suits.
Organize an epic stag party
This is probably the reason why most men are excited to be the best man- the stag party! However, keep in mind that organizing one is easier said than done.
To begin with, make sure you talk to the groom about how or where he wants to spend his last weekend as a single person. Additionally, it is your responsibility to ensure the party fits the budget of everyone involved and that everyone will have a great time.
In case you find these things overwhelming, it is a great idea to involve professionals.
Help out with the wedding prep
Helping out with the wedding preparations doesn’t stop at picking tuxedos. It is also your responsibility to help pick the right vendors, venue, and honeymoon destination.
Whatever preparation involves the groom will probably involve you, too. That includes the rehearsal ceremony and the rehearsal dinner.
On The Big Day
This day is extremely crucial for the groom and it is imperative that the best man executes his duties perfectly so that everything happens seamlessly.
Travel to the venue with the groom
It is natural for the groom to be nervous on the day of the wedding. If the groom allows it, plan to get ready with him. Take a few beers along and simply spend some time with him.
The best man is the groom’s confidant. It’s his job to listen to and calm the groom when he’s questioning every life decision he has made so far.
Bear the ring
Cute little ring bearers are one hell of a crowd pleaser but please, don’t give a diamond ring to a kid! Give them a knock off to carry down the aisle and keep the real thing safe inside your jacket pocket.
Make sure the ceremony goes down smoothly
As mentioned earlier, you are the co-host of the ceremony. Make sure all vendors are doing their jobs and deal with any issues that may arise.
In some cases, the best man is required to pay the officiant. If that is the case, the groom will provide you with a sealed envelope for that.
Sign the marriage license
The maid of honor and best man sign the marriage license as witnesses to the marriage.
During the Reception
Once again, it is time to play the co-host.
The best man speech
Probably the most daunting part of being the best man, delivering a great speech is not something you want to take lightly. Here are a few tips that will help you deliver a great speech:
- Start preparing and practicing early, unless you want your speech to turn into drunken rambling.
- Make sure your speech is a toast and does not revolve around the groom’s humiliation. It is also a good time to remember that mentioning any ex-girlfriends or crazy night adventures is strictly off limits.
- Keep in mind that children and elders will be hearing your speech. For this reason, it is better to go easy on roasting the groom. Keep things tasteful and your speech will be remembered for all the good reasons.
Be the life of the party
It is your job as the best man to make sure the reception party keeps going. If you feel like the guests are being hesitant, get on the dance floor and inspire them to let loose. Aside from that, don’t forget to dance with both moms!
Decorate the getaway car
This is probably the final thing you have to do as the best man. Make sure you don’t get carried away with the decorations. If you are the designated driver for the bride and the groom, make sure you stay sober till the very end.
Conclusion
Being the best man is not easy. However, it is a tradition that must be upheld with ownership and responsibility. If you have done everything perfectly, it is time to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
