UPDATED 2019

When it comes to being the Maid of Honor or Best Man at a wedding, the territory comes with a surprising number of roles, many of which you might not even know existed. That’s why we were happy to swoop in to help newly-elected Best Man, George, when he wrote us with the latest Ask Emmaline question. He writes,

I was asked to be Best Man and accepted but I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. I know there’s the bachelor party and holding the rings, but what else is expected? Thanks!

Great question! The Best Man is responsible for a few different roles. To make it easy on you, here’s a list of the 12 most important best man duties in detail…

Best Man Duties

A Best Man should always do the following:

1. Be supportive.

As the Best Man, you are the groom’s number one support. Listen, help him when he needs it, etc.

This is amazing for a GoT Themed wedding!

2. Plan the bachelor party.

Plan an awesome, rip-roaring party that he’ll never forget. Don’t just plan any bachelor party: make it suited to his individual likes, hobbies, and interests. Whether that means a toned down bachelor party (like this), something sports related, or a typical wild night out. You can plan a really cool driving experience, cool golf outing, or even race a Ferrari!

The important thing is to plan the type of party he wants to have.

3. Coordinate the groomsmen in their formal wear / make sure they get fitted.

Make sure everyone gets fitted, buys or rents their formal wear, and picks it up on time.

4. Pick up the groom’s attire.

Pick up the groom’s formal wear a few days before the wedding. Make sure everything is correct on the order (including sizes — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of the groom getting the wrong size by accident). Make sure he has the shoes, the tie, the belt — the whole nine yards.

5. Get the groom to the ceremony on time.

Even better — a little early.

6. Hold the bride’s ring during the ceremony.

7. Hold the officiant’s fee until after the ceremony.

Hold on to the fee and make sure the officiant is paid immediately following the ceremony.

8. Sign the marriage license as a witness, AND…

… make sure the couple has a copy to take on their honeymoon. This is important for travel documentation and will prevent any delays in customs / security checkpoints.

9. Give a toast at the reception.

It can be short and sweet or long and hilarious: completely up to you. Just make sure it does not embarrass the bride or groom and does not offend guests in the room.

10. Decorate the getaway car.

A decal with “Just Married” is perfect for the back window, as it is easy to remove and makes no mess. If the couple has any luggage, make sure it’s in the trunk of the car. The typical tin cans tied to the back or balloons are also a festive touch.

11. Makes sure all formal wear is returned after the wedding.

Return the groom’s attire, as well as your own; call the formal wear facility and make sure everyone else has returned theirs on time, too.

and above all…

12. Make sure the couple is happy.

If they’re ridiculously happy all day long, you’ve done your job.

It’s not hard! Just follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way.

Hope it helps!

xo
-E.

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