Duties of the Best Man & Groomsmen at a Wedding
If you're reading this, it's probably because one of your close friends has asked you to be a groomsman in his wedding, or perhaps even his best man! Congrats- not everyone gets to be so lucky!
And now you might be wondering... how can I be a good best man or groomsman?
Duties of the Best Man
- Coordinates the groomsmen and ushers' gift to the groom.
- Organizes the bachelor party for the groom, if there is one.
- Makes sure that the groom's wedding-related payments are prepared; delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants, musicians, and singers at the ceremony.
- Sees that the groomsmen and ushers arrive on time and are properly attired.
- Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests.
- Keeps the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony.
- Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.
- Drives the bride and groom to the reception if there's no hired driver; has the car ready for the couple to leave after the reception and may drive them to their next destination.
- Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception; dances with the bride, the mothers, the maid of honor, and other single female guests.
- Gathers and takes care of the groom's wedding clothes (returning rental items on the next business day).
Duties of Groomsmen and Ushers
- Attend the bachelor party, if there is one.
- Contribute to the ushers' gift to the groom.
- Lay the aisle runner, if one is used, before the processional.
- Greet guests and escort them to their seats.
- Know the seating order; review special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony.
- Hand each guest a program, if programs are provided.
- Remove pew ribbons, close windows, re-roll the aisle runner, retrieve any programs or articles left behind after the ceremony.
- Help guests who need directions to the reception site.
- Be on hand to assist any guests who are infirm or disabled.
- Dance with the bride, the mothers, the bridesmaids, and other single female guests.
- Coordinate the return of rental clothing with the head usher or best man.
Read more about attending a wedding.
