Best man duties

[zealander1]

I was recently asked by a brother to be his best man for his wedding. The thing is I have never been one before. What are some things to keep in mind? Any advice?

[daydream]

https://www.theknot.com/content/best-man-duties-in-detail

[Tortuga]

3 hours ago, zealander1 said:

I was recently asked by a brother to be his best man for his wedding. The thing is I have never been one before. What are some things to keep in mind? Any advice?

Ask him what he wants you to do. It's his wedding, keep it dignified.

[Qapla]

Here in the part of the US I am in, the duties of the Best Man at the JW weddings I have been to is to offer emotional support to the groom, to hold the ring before the ceremony and to sign as a legal witness on the paperwork.

 

Of course, as Richard said, simply asking the groom what he wants you to do would be the wisest course.

 

[Mike047]

In times past the 'best man' was called the 'friend of the bridegroom' and he had a lot of responsibility. Today, also, it can be a big responsibility:

 

Here’s what a best man might be asked to do now:

• Before the wedding:

  • Responsibility to plan and oversee any pre-wedding party the bridegroom wants, ensuring it meets scriptural standards.

  • Support the groom with errands, suit fittings, etc.

  • Give moral support (and reminders about important dates!).

• At the rehearsal and ceremony:

  • Help organize any other assistants of the groom's party.

  • Hold the rings (sometimes the ring bearer does this, but often it’s the best man!).

  • Stand next to the groom during the ceremony.

  • Sign the marriage license as a witness.

• At the reception:

  • Be prepared to give a speech. 

  • Help keep the event running smoothly — like rounding up people for photos or dances.

  • Keep an eye on the groom, making sure he’s not overwhelmed.

  • Keep an eye on the provision of food and drink. Be aware of intoxication problems

• Afterward:

  • Sometimes help with returning rented wedding clothes or transporting gifts if needed.

Nowadays, the best man may be more like the groom’s personal assistant, emotional support, and maybe even spiritual adviser, all rolled into one.

[Qapla]

While many people think that the title of “best man” comes from it being someone close to the groom, it was actually because the best man had to be the “best” in terms of fighting and strength. The groom needed the best man to help him fight off anyone that stood in the way of him getting his bride. The term "best" refers to the man's skill with a sword, as he would be prepared to defend the groom if needed. 

 

In some cultures, the best man was to marry the bride if the groom died before the ceremony was complete.

 

Fortunately, neither of these tasks are part of the modern "best man" role.

Edited April 27 by Qapla