Main Duties of the Best Man

Congratulations on being chosen as best man.

Being the best man doesn’t only mean that you’ll support the groom at the altar before his bride arrives, with the title comes a lot of duties to help out the groom. Here’s what you’re responsible for:

• Serve as the groom's personal assistant and advisor, as well as providing him with moral support before and during the wedding
• Help the groom choose and rent (or buy) suits or formal wear and coordinate the other groomsmen's rentals.
• You may be expected to arrange accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen.
• Make absolutely sure that the groom has the marriage license with him.
• Receive the minister's fee and any other service providers that are being paid cash on the day from the groom and give it to them.
• Ensure that the groom arrives at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time to meet and greet the guests as well as the minister or officiant.
• 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. If for any reason the ring bearer gets to shy to carry the rings, the best man is responsible for taking the rings from him.
• It is the Best Man's responsibility to make sure the ushers and other groomsmen are ready before the ceremony begins.
• 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.
• The Best Man is responsible to make the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding.
• The Best Man should dance at the reception with the bride, both mothers and as many of the bridal attendants and guest as possible.
• Return the groom's tuxedo to the tux shop or if it belongs to the groom, be responsible for taking it to the cleaners.
• He could possibly asked to act a as a witness when signing the marriage certificate during or soon after the ceremony.
• Organize the bachelor party. Don't be shy about enlisting other groomsmen to help you out -- most guys don't mind this duty! Put financial worries out of your mind -- the cost should be split among everyone who attends the bash.
• Attend the rehearsal with the bride and groom and all the other attendants.
• Collect any gift envelopes guests bring to the reception. You may be asked to deposit them in the couple's bank account or at least to keep them until the couple returns from their honeymoon. Often the father of the groom will be given this responsibility as well.
• Decorate the getaway mobile. Grab the other groomsmen and the bridesmaids for this one.