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Being asked to be the best man or groomsmen is a huge honor. Whether you are the best man or a groomsmen, you have been chosen to stand by the couple’s side and be a supportive and loving witness to their marriage. There are also duties which go along with both of these titles. Although they may vary based on the size and style of the event, here is an overview of tasks common to most weddings.

Typical Responsibilities of the Best Man and Groomsmen

  • Pay for their wedding attire and accessories (excluding flowers).
  • Arrange and pay for their own transportation. (Wedding hosts should provide the accommodations.)
  • Be timely and communicative regarding travel arrangements and acquiring attire.
  • Understand the specific duties involved (see below).
  • Arrive at specified times for all wedding-related events.
  • Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner; attend other pre-wedding events when feasible.
  • Give an individual wedding gift to the couple or contribute to a group gift from all the attendants.
  • Assist the bride and groom whenever possible.
  • Be attentive to other guests at the wedding and reception.

Specific Responsibilities

Best Man
  • Coordinates the groomsmen and ushers’ gift to the groom.
  • Organizes the bachelor party for the groom, if there is one.
  • Makes sure that the groom’s wedding-related payments are prepared; delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants, musicians, and singers at the ceremony.
  • Sees that the groomsmen and ushers arrive on time and are properly attired.
  • Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests.
  • Keeps the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony.
  • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.
  • Drives the bride and groom to the reception if there’s no hired driver; has the car ready for the couple to leave after the reception and may drive them to their next destination.
  • Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception; dances with the bride, the mothers, the maid of honor, and other single female guests.
  • Gathers and takes care of the groom’s wedding clothes (returning rental items on the next business day).
Groomsmen and Ushers
  • Attend the bachelor party, if there is one.
  • Contribute to the ushers’ gift to the groom.
  • Lay the aisle runner, if one is used, before the processional.
  • Greet guests and escort them to their seats.
  • Know the seating order; review special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony.
  • Hand each guest a program, if programs are provided.
  • Remove pew ribbons, close windows, re-roll the aisle runner, retrieve any programs or articles left behind after the ceremony.
  • Help guests who need directions to the reception site.
  • Be on hand to assist any guests who are infirm or disabled.
  • Dance with the bride, the mothers, the bridesmaids, and other single female guests.
  • Coordinate the return of rental clothing with the head usher or best man.

Photo Credit: Wilde Company

 

 

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