Duties of the Best Man for a Wedding

You've been asked to be a 'Best Man'. What exactly are you being asked to do?? Here are the details of the honor you've just agreed to...

The Best Man's original duty was to protect the bride until the ceremony, from the possibility that kidnappers would attempt to make off with here before the marriage could take place. Odds are good that these days, your friend's bride-to-be won't be in danger of kidnapping, and the Best Man's duties have evolved over the years.

Apart from some specific traditional duties, you're expected to support the groom, acting as an extra hand for the many details that have to be worked out before and during the wedding. If there are additional male attendants, you'll act as liaison for them, (so that the groom doesn't get a dozen phone calls every time there's a common question).

As the leader of the male attendants, you'll supervise the selection of formalwear for the group, and co-ordinate schedules to see that all the men are properly fitted for their outfits in time fro the big day. You'll need to make sure that each man tries on his wedding gear a few days or a week before the wedding, just in case there needs to be any last-minute alterations.

Traditionally, the Best Man has organized the Bachelor Party. Try to steer away from the antics you see in movie-versions of those 'last nights of freedom'. Remember, this is for your best friend. You do *not* want to have to explain to the angry bride-to-be that you helped land your buddy in jail. Have a few laughs, pass out a few gag gifts, and remember that this is a celebration of a new start, and not about a loss of his old life. If you feel that you must serve alcohol, be sure that everyone has a safe ride home!

If the attendants are planning a group gift for the groom, the Best Man is likely to be in charge of getting it picked up and wrapped. Try to choose something tasteful, that he'll be able to show his new bride proudly.