What does a best man do? A best man's duties might be varied and a little ad hoc (running out to find Blu Tac on the morning of the wedding), but there is a defined list of duties that come with the job description. So to answer this frequently asked question, we've made a handy best man to-do list, which should make being the best best man ever, a breeze!
What Does a Best Man Do?
The main job of a best man is to be there for the person who's asked you, and for their other half. That means turning up, checking in, and being supportive of them, and excited for them, every step of the way. A big part of being a great best man, is simply asking what's needed and offering your services, rather than waiting to be delegated to, and making sure you're in the loop on the day itself so you can step in if there are any issues without missing a beat!
Then of course, there's the more defined list of best man duties. These are generally outlined for a wedding where the best man has been asked by the groom, but the duties are pretty similar if you're acting as a bride's best man either.
Best Man Duties: Pre-Wedding
- Attend the engagement party (if there is one)
- Plan the stag party
- Check in with the couple often, and offer to help regularly
- Ask lots of questions about the wedding plans - be interested
- Set up a WhatsApp group with the rest of the wedding party, make an effort to get to know both sides
- Attend suit fittings - or source your own suit if required
- Make sure you've got all the right accessories, tie, socks, cufflinks, the right colour shoes etc.
- Attend all pre-wedding activities: the engagement party, the stag, rehearsals
- Get the couple a nice wedding gift
- Make yourself available to help in the days before the wedding (take a day or two off work if you can)
- Ask the couple for a timeline of the day, and the contact details of key suppliers
- Help with any venue set up, collections, deliveries or last minute errands
- Have a hair cut, beard trim, cut your nails - look neat!
- Give a toast at the rehearsal dinner (more of an American tradition, but if applicable!)
Best Man Duties: On The Day
- Keep the groom company on the morning of the wedding - make sure he eats, and do an activity if there's time
- Help calm any last minute nerves
- Make sure he gets ready on time! Same with the rest of the groom's party
- Do any last minute dashes for socks/jocks/cufflinks
- If the couple are getting ready separately and exchanging gifts, deliver the gift
- Check in with any suppliers, if required
- Get the groom to the ceremony at least a half hour before the start time
- Greet the family, make sure aunties, grannies etc have seats
- Make sure the transportation runs smoothly
- Take care of the wedding rings for the ceremony
- Witness the signing of the marriage license
- Know the venue(s) and the wedding staff well, so guests' questions can be answered
- Be on hand to assist with any issues (and avoid involving the couple!)
- Have envelopes ready to pay the officiant and suppliers or to provide tips
- Look after the marriage license
- If required, help transport any decor from the ceremony venue to the reception
- Collect any gifts and cards throughout the day and keep them safe
- Decorate the wedding car
- Round guests up for the group photos
- Help any stragglers find their seats for dinner
- Make a best man speech - tips on that here!
- If the couple are doing a first dance, the best man traditionally comes in with the maid of honour half way through, (double check with the couple, in case they have something choreographed)
- Help make sure everyone's having a good time, keep the dance floor filled, get guests mingling etc.
- Check in with the couple throughout the day, make sure they're looked after and have a drink in hand!
- Help clean up and take down the wedding, if necessary
- After the wedding, return the suits to the rental company or offer to look after dry cleaning
Get more answers for our most frequently asked questions
Feature image: Moat Hill via One Fab Day
