You’ve just been chosen as Best Man for your buddy’s wedding. Congrats! Being the Best Man is an exciting time, and comes with its own set of responsibilities. There's probably a reason you were chose as the front man, whether that means you've been best friends for 20 years, he's your brother, or you are someone he truly respects and appreciates! If you're unsure of what is expected of you for the wedding, here’s a quick checklist to help you out:
- Help the Groom With the Tuxes: If the groom has decided on going the tux-route for his wedding, help him pick out and decide on the color, fit, and details of his and each groomsman’s tux. Once this has been decided, help him with organizing the fittings for all of the other groomsmen, and make sure everything is on schedule (fittings, pick up time, drop off time, etc.).
- Bachelor Party: Here it is, probably what you're looking forward to most! You’ll want to plan a bachelor party for the groom and his groomsmen that allows all to feel included and welcome, especially if there are out-of-town groomsmen, or some of the guys haven't met each other. Coordinate with the other men to see what would interest everyone the most that would ensure a great time for all. I recommend starting a closed Facebook Group or email thread is ensure everyone is in the loop.
- Groomsmen Gifts: Traditionally, the groom will give gifts to all of his groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner before the wedding. In the case that he is blanking on ideas, help him out! It's always helpful to bounce ideas off of another person.
- Scheduling: Try to stay ahead of the game and keep in close contact with the wedding coordinator about any scheduling or timeline changes. Help coordinate the couple’s wedding night departure, and confirm all hotel reservations for that night.
- Toasts: Be sure to prepare a toast for the rehearsal dinner and the reception itself. For the rehearsal dinner, be sure to wait until after the mother or father of the groom gives a toast if they chose to do so.
- Day of Payments: Collect any outstanding payments or tips for the vendors the day of the wedding and disperse to the appropriate vendors after the ceremony.
- Rings and License: One of the most important jobs for the wedding day is to make sure you have the rings held and safe for the ceremony, and remind the groom to have his wedding license on him. We don't want to lose these things!
- Sign the marriage license as an official witness
Photo by: Jeffrey Ocampo Photography
Cheers!
The Jack Rabbit