Wedding Invitations

Let us say your best friend has asked you to be the “best man” at your wedding. The best man is one of the most important positions of any in the chosen wedding party. So what duties, exactly, are you expected to perform?

Syndicated wedding etiquette columnist Valarie Roberts writes that at one time, “best man” was the person who introduced the bride and groom. But now, that concept is considered archaic.

Here, then, are some duties Valarie writes that today’s “best man” is expected to perform:

• Make absolutely sure that the groom has the marriage license with him.
• Receive the minister’s fee from the groom and give it to the minister privately following the ceremony.
• Help the groom pack for his honeymoon.
• Help the groom dress for the ceremony.
• If a ring bearer is to be in the wedding, the Best Man is responsible to oversee the child and be sure he understands his duties.
• Assist with luggage arrangements for both the bride and the groom so that everything will be ready for their departure.
• Make sure car or travel arrangements are set and that the groom is carrying any necessary reservations, tickets, money and travelers checks.
• The Best Man will want to ride to the (ceremony site) with the groom.
• It is the Best Man’s responsibility to make sure the ushers are together and ready before the ceremony begins.
• Alert ushers as to the ladies who will be wearing flowers and make sure they are not seated before receiving them.
• Check all the men’s boutonnieres. These should always be worn on the left lapel, stem down.
• Perform any task or errand the groom or the bride’s mother may request at the church.
• If applicable, remind the groom to remove his gloves as the bride comes down the aisle.
• Be first at the reception in order to welcome the bride and groom.
• The Best Man is responsible to make the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding. The Best Man is also responsible to make the first toast at the rehearsal dinner.
• The Best Man should act as a host, making introductions when necessary and helping to make the guests feel welcome.
• The Best Man should dance at the reception with the bride, both mothers and as many of the bridal attendants and guest as possible.
• Help the groom change into his travel clothes after the reception.
• Find out when the bride is ready to leave and with the maid/matron of honors, help the bride and groom depart.

Sounds like a lot of work, but you know what? Maybe someday the guy you are best man for will return the favor by agreeing to be the best man at your wedding.

(14WFIE.com)