During the run up to the Wedding Day and right up until
the day before the best man would primarily be ensuring that the bridegroom is on schedule
in preparing himself for the Wedding. Amongst various tasks he would
have to do:
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PHOTO FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY
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Before the Big Day
Assist with the organising of
deliveries/pickups and other general organisation matters. This could be
materials or even relatives and friends.
Collect the hire clothes
the day before the wedding
Ensure that Transport is
available for yourself and the bridegroom and arrange for the transportation of the happy
couple after the reception.
And, of course, help the Bridegroom
organise the Bucks Night (Or organise it yourself with other mates).
The Bucks Night
- Talk to the groom first and find out what he
wants to do. Don't forget to plan some surprises.
- Give yourself time. Organising the party in
one week will not work and cause you un-needed stress.
- Go over the list of invitees with the
groom.
- Talk to all invitees before the party about
costs, the agenda, etc. Nobody wants any surprises on the night of the bucks
night.
- Coordinate a designated driver or hire a
limousine/bus service.
On The Wedding Day
This will be a very busy time for the Best Man, as he
tries to keep the groom on schedule.
- Get fully dressed before
the bridegroom so as you have time to help him.
- Check and double check
those rings.!!
- Escort the groom to the ceremony site. Give
yourself plenty of time to get there so the bridegroom can catch up with old
friends and relatives or if wedding photographs have been organised.
- Offer to take the cheque envelopes to pay the
clergyman, musicians, photographers and other service providers.
The ceremony - the best man will need to :-
- Escort
the groom to his position in the church or ceremony site. You might notice
your mate crying for the first time. Just make sure his tie is straight and
assures him there's still time to get outta here if he says the word.
- Hold the bride's ring for the groom (if there
is no ring bearer) until needed by the officiant. Check for any holes in
your pockets first, and don't fumble the hand-over!
- Sign the register as a witness (if asked by the groom)
- Organise the wedding party on behalf of the photographer.
- Pay any marriage fee's (if not already done)
- Ensure the newly-weds have a smooth passage to the waiting car.
- You might be called upon to drive the
newlyweds to the reception if there is no hired driver.
At the Reception
- Offer first toast at the reception. This
usually occurs before the dinner.
- You also might offer to MC a schedule of
toasts and speeches. Do your homework in advance so you know some background
about the people (e.g., if they are friend or family). Keep all intros brief
and to the point.
(Probably the most worrying part of the day for the
best man is the speeches and its understandable, your best mates wedding day in front of a big crowd of people. Well don't be because the good
thing about it all is that the audience will be rooting for you, they really want to
laugh, and even if you don't think your material is that funny, you can be assured that
they will still laugh at the weakest of jokes.)
- Reply to the toast of "the bridesmaids" (Otherwise known as The
Best Mans Speech)
- Read out any telegrams, faxes, emails, cards
and messages.
- Aid the couples departure from the reception.
- Ensure that the wedding presents are transported safely to
a destination chosen.
After the Big Day
- Offer to drive the newlyweds
to the airport for their honeymoon if required.
- Your last major task is to return all formal
wear to the shop. Make sure all groomsmen and others give you their hired
clothes good condition and on time.
