Before the wedding you are in charge of planning the bachelor party usually a few days to a week before the wedding. Be sure to ask the groom what would work best for him when setting the date. You should choose the location and activities, invite people, keep track of who is coming and possibly where they will stay afterwards, and handle splitting the cost of the party amongst the groomsmen.
You are kind of like the captain of the groomsmen team and want to make sure they show up and are on time for certain activities on and before the wedding day such as getting fitted for tuxes or suits (you may have to pay for your own suits), go to the wedding rehearsal (arrive on time), and get to the rehearsal dinner.
You wont be needed much in the planning process, other than helping the groom choose a tux or suit if he asks you to. You can help arrange accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen for the wedding, and should organize the purchase of a “groomsmen’s gift” to be presented to the groom at the bachelor party. Other tasks you may be asked to help with are organizing and possibly decorating the departure vehicle from the reception, confirming honeymoon reservations, and informing the rest of the groomsmen of the wedding schedule and any changes that may arise.
On the wedding day your most important job is to get the groom to the wedding location at least 30 minutes early and offer to help in any way. Help the groom get dressed, hang out with him before the ceremony (this doesn’t mean getting him drunk), make sure he has the marriage license, that he’s packed for the honeymoon, and that his luggage, tickets, and passport get in the getaway car (he may not be coming back home after wedding). You will also be in charge of the wedding rings; just don’t loose them. If there is a ring bearer make sure he knows what to do and tie the rings to the little pillow. If there is no ring bearer, you will hand the rings to the groom at the ceremony.
Make sure all groomsmen get to the wedding location on time, that they are dressed right, and are helping to seat guests if they are ushering. A great tip shared in the wikiHow article, “How to Be a Great Best Man” is to keep a small sheet with the wedding day schedule and contact information for the wedding party with you. You can help greet guests and will stand by the groom’s side at the ceremony.
After the ceremony, you will escort the maid of honor down the aisle and may be asked to sign the marriage license as a witness. If no other arrangements have been made, you will drive the couple to the reception. At the reception, you will give a toast and generally make sure the couple are able to enjoy themselves. Another really important tip from wikiHow: “When giving the toast, don't embarrass the bride or make crazy revelations about the groom. Sex stories and drinking/drug stories are out.” The day is not about you so don’t draw attention to yourself, do your best to keep things light and fun while honoring the couple and wishing them the best.
After the wedding, drive the couple to the airport or make arrangements for their ride making sure they have tickets and other necessities (passports, luggage, etc.). Take care of the tux rental returns or get his tux cleaned for him. Finally, continue to be an awesome friend.
“Best Man’s Duties Checklist.” Real simple:Life Made Easier. Time Inc. Lifestyle Group. 2014. Web. 12 July 2014 < http://www.realsimple.com/weddings/planning/best-man-duties-00000000003500/ >
Comments
Post a Comment