The Responsibilities of the Best Man

Mirror, mirror, on the wall.
Who is the best man of them all?

In a wedding, the best man is the groom's go-to guy. This is the man who is supposed to keep the groom calm, clothed, and in his right mind before and during the wedding.

He may be a brother, cousin, or best friend of the groom. Ideally, this is a dependable, responsible man, who can help the groom with organizational concerns, social amenities, and even pre-wedding jitters.

Before the Wedding

The best man may help the groom select tuxedos or other attire for the male members of the wedding party. He will coordinate appointments for tailoring, if needed.

He will attend all pre-wedding festivities with the groom and groomsmen.

The best man will pick up the groom's formalwear before the wedding.

He will coordinate travel and shuttle arrangements for the wedding party's arrival, if needed.

He may plan or attend a pre-wedding shower for the groom. (Men's showers and couples' showers are growing in popularity these days.)

He may coordinate and host the groom's pre-wedding bachelor, or stag, party. (NOTE: This does not include sending an unconscious groom overseas on the night before his wedding!)

The best man will participate in the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Because this event is traditionally hosted by the groom and his family, the best man will make himself available for last-minute troubleshooting and do all he can to help this event to run smoothly. He will also offer the first toast at the rehearsal dinner, unless the groom's father chooses to do so.

On the Wedding Day

The best man will assist the groom, as he dresses for his nuptials. A wise best man will carry an emergency kit with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, a comb, facial tissues, hair gel, a cell phone and charger, mouthwash, deodorant, and extra toothbrush and toothpaste, water bottles, and more.

He will be responsible for transporting the groom and groomsmen to the location of the wedding ceremony.