How to Be the Best Man at a Wedding

Congratulations! Your best friend (or your brother or your cousin) has just announced the date of his upcoming wedding, and you have been asked to serve as his best man. You are well aware that this is a distinct honor, and would never turn him down for anything. However, in spite of the fact that you have been to countless weddings, you've never participated as a best man, and you really aren't sure what all is expected of you. You'd like to do the job right, and you're correct in assuming that there is more to it than just holding onto the rings during the wedding ceremony. So, in case you're searching, here are a few chores that are traditionally performed by the best man before, during, and after a wedding.

1. Groom's Night Out. If there is to be a pre-wedding party for the guys, including the groom, the groomsmen, and other close friends, the best man is usually responsible for organizing the gathering. These traditional get-togethers can be either casual or elaborate, depending upon the "style" of the people involved, can occur either the night before the wedding, or some time earlier. The entertainment may be a dinner party, or may be more sports-oriented, such as a golf or fishing outing. In any case, the best man is responsible for the arrangements. The best man should remember, however, that no matter what kind of "merriment" is shared on the day before the wedding, the best man needs to remember that the groom and his groomsmen have to show up to the wedding on time and in good shape.

2. Transportation. Unless the groom's car is planned to be used as the couple's escape vehicle, the best man should provide transportation for the groom from his home to the site of the wedding ceremony. Even if the groom's family are an integral part of the wedding, they may want to show up at the church a little later than when the groom needs to be there, and not having to show up so early may make their wedding day preparation a little more relaxing.