Best Man - The requirements and duties of the Best Man

Your best man has many duties and requirements to fulfill. He should be over 18 years of age so that he can sign the marriage license, or in a Jewish wedding sign the Ketubah (Marriage Contract).

Before the wedding:

The best man plans the bachelor party. Aside from the traditional stag party, the best man should be imaginative when planning the bachelor party. Some ideas include a golf outing, fishing trip, ski/snowboarding vacation, Las Vegas or another trip, or just a dinner for the groom and his friends. Whatever is planned, the best man should collect the money, and make all the arrangements. The groom should not be involved in the planning or payment for the bachelor party.

The Best Man also helps find accomodations for out-of-town guests, secure and coordinate the tuxedo rentals, and if limousines are not being used making sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time.

Generally, the Best Man is just a good friend, and helps the groom with as much of the wedding planning details as possible.

At the Wedding Cermony:

The Best Man is responsible for producing the rings by either holding them, or removing them from the ringbearer pillow. He also makes sure the officiant's fee is paid. He signs the certificates. He generally escorts the Maid of Honor.

At the Wedding Reception:

The most memorable and important duty of the best man occurs during the reception is the toast, known as the Best Man's speech. This should be more than just a simple toast. It should be either a heart-warming or funny tale (preferably both) of the Groom. He should mention the Bride as well and the toast at the end of the speech should wish a long happy marriage.

He should also dance with the Bride, Maid of Honor, and other Bridesmaids during the party. Lastly, at the conclusion of the reception, he should escort the groom and his bride to their exit an see them off.

Stephen Tiger
WedAlert © 2001