BEING BEST MAN

You will have been chosen for your ability to be organised, remain calm and represent the groom in the best possible light before, during and after the wedding. Attention to detail and charm are required throughout the planning and on the day itself. Your duties will include:

• Arrange the groom’s stag celebrations (this must not be the night before the wedding) and make sure the groom gets home safely without undue ‘public’ humiliation.

• Keep abreast of the wedding preparations, liaising with the bride’s family and ensuring the groom’s pre-wedding responsibilities are completed on time.

• Check that the ushers know what their duties are and who is to be seated where. Ensure that the buttonholes and service sheets are sent and arrive at the church, ready to be handed out by the ushers when the first guests arrive.

• Arrange for the groom’s going-away clothes to be at the reception venue on the morning of the wedding.

• Ensure that the groom arrives at the church or civil venue in good time and that all fees are paid by him on arrival.

• Make sure the groom has the rings before leaving for the ceremony (and check he still has them when he gets there!).

• Hand the ring to the groom or minister when required.

• Usually you will be asked to sign the marriage certificate as a witness.

• Escort the chief bridesmaid down the aisle on leaving the church or civil venue.

• Arrange for ushers to organise the transport for guests when leaving for the reception.

• Escort the bridesmaids to the reception.

• If there are any last minute changes or hiccups on arrival at the reception, liaise with the bride and groom and then sort them out.

• Act as a host when the bride and groom are busy, introducing guests and generally making sure the reception runs smoothly.

• If there is no master of ceremonies, announce the speeches and the cutting of the cake.

• Arrange for the bride and groom to change at the time arranged.

• Make sure the bride and groom leave the reception on time if they are going away.

• Make sure all the guests have transport home if required.

• Arrange for any gifts or cards brought to the reception to be delivered to the couple’s home.

• After the wedding, arrange for any suits to be cleaned and returned.

For more information please see Debrett's Wedding Guide