What Does a Best Man Do
If you’re reading this we can imagine you’ve just been asked by your best mate and you’re freaking out a little bit because suddenly you have a job that you know is a lot of responsibility and pressure but you’ve never really considered how to do it. That’s okay, everyones a first timer the first time, we’ll give you a rundown of what the best man actually does. We’ll split this into before and during/after the wedding sections just so it’s easier to digest.
Before The Wedding
Help the Groom
Sounds simple right? But there’s a lot that goes into this. First off anything delegated to the groom, whether that be the flowers, napkins, official, venue, or a hairbrush, you’re there to help with. This means the Groom can run things by you, you’ll go to exhibits, speak to vendors, and just do general wedding things as a backup man. Not only does this help the Groom destress a bit but it’ll also prepare you for your (potential) wedding, so pay close attention and take notes. You’ll visit venues, chat to the Groom through his thought processes and what will be good for the wedding or what the bride may like, you’re the jack of all trades and the master of emotional support. As his best mate you’ll know the Groom the best, how he thinks, how he stresses and communicates, and where you need to be to best support him, we’re glad the Groom picked well! Of course you’ll also be there for the fun stuff like suit picking and fitting for yourself and all the groomsmen. Speaking of groomsmen, they’ll be an important part for you to keep an eye on, picking their uniform, making sure they’re on time, coordinated, and have pants on (or whatever the uniform requires. Tip: No miniskirts in winter).
Plan the party
This is arguably your biggest single task of the entire event, the buck’s party
Now there’s usually two thoughts that’ll come to mind upon hearing these words, either it’s “Holy hell how am I going to put this outrageous party with a 1000 people with food in Vegas and make sure they have the best time ever???” or it’s “There is nothing in my head, only a blank space where an idea should be, I have no idea what to do”. Regardless of your reaction, we’ve got you! So firstly, as the name implies, this party is for the Buck, no one else, and that should already make your job easier. All you need to do it look at the Buck, and plan something he’d be interested in, it’s your primary job to make sure he has fun, and gets a change to relax and de-stress before the big day. It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant, but it absolutely can be. Whilst you can go big, you can also go small, any amount effort you put in is the amount of fun people will get out of it, so chill out and plan what’s fun- this is a celebration of your best mate’s accomplishment and everyone will enjoy it! Another big consideration is picking who’s invited to the party. Remember whilst ultimately the buck should approve of everyone coming, you’ll be the one to not invite people, acting as a buffer to the Buck when only one of his work friends makes the cut.
Support the Buck
We’ve touched on this already but let’s go a little deeper. As a stressful time in even the most laid back man’s life, as best man you’ll be around for support, whether that’s bringing him a hot fudge sundae from Maccas one random night after a day of napkin choosing, or cracking a beer with him by the pool to remind him it’s all chill baby. Either way, you’ll do your best to be his best friend, after all that’s why you’re the best man!
During the wedding
Keeping the Rabble in Line
As Best Man you’ll also be head of the Groomsmen and the ushers, so working with a bunch of children who haven’t tied their shoelaces right, and also helping seat everyone at the venue. You’ll make sure BOTH the groomsmen and the groom are presentable, make last minute adjustments to anything you need to (not just outfits), then it’s time to get up the front and be the witness for the happiest time in your best mate’s life (aside from when he met you).
The Ringkeeper
Listen up Frodo, because no one’ll forgive you if you botch this one. As Best Man it’s your job to hold onto the rings and keep those suckers safe for the wedding. Whilst we don’t recommend encasing them in concrete and locking them in a safe deposit box with armed guards and a black mamba, we also don’t recommend keeping them down the side of the couch, which has traditionally been the safest and most hidden place since the invention of the sofa. So keep them safe, just short of safe-enough-to-forget-where-they-are. At the wedding you’ll be the one presenting the rings to the couple and trying to hold back tears or a grin, goodluck with either!
For The Reception
The Speech
This is your time to shine! After all the hard work you’ve put in, it’s time to show why you’re the Best Man, it’s time to give the speech. Most speeches tend towards the funny, tales of your antics with the Buck, stories and outrageous lies of your time together and the people you’ve met along your shared journey, potentially featuring even the bride. Embrace the jokes, but also embrace the emotion, it’s time to tell your mate what he means to you, even after the wringer he’s put you through. Show him and his bride some love and always end on a happy note, as before, tears are optional but goodluck stopping them.
There you have it, the short list of Best Man jobs. Remember to be supportive, emotionally and with preparations, say what you mean and mean what you say, and most of all write a killer speech, have a killer party, and have buckets of fun!