Yes, this does mean you are going to have to make a speech, admittedly the most terrifying duty you will have. Your other duties include wedding-day management and the Stag party. And of course everything in between, but don’t panic just yet, we have you covered.

The engagement party

When you attend the engagement party, it is important to do your research, try and meet as many people at the party as you can. You may know the groom really well, but there are always friends that you may not know, and recognising faces when you are making your best man speech may calm your nerves. And perhaps more importantly, it’s a good opportunity to meet and impress the bride’s parents.

THE STAG DO

Of course, the most exciting part about being a best man, the stag weekend! This can be quite stressful if you’re not used to traveling as a group, and equally as stressful if you are going somewhere you haven’t been before. Just ensure you start organising the stag weekend well in advance, if will give you enough time to plan carefully and it will also mean that there will be places available for you to stay. A stag weekend marks the end of an era, so ensure that you pick the right activities, and for help with the weekend, contact us.

Wedding Clothes

Talking with the bride will help you make the right decisions on clothing. Make sure you consult with the bride (if you value your life that is) because colours and details will be very important to her. Remember, it should be the groom that stands out, so no matching suits, although they should follow the same design. If you’re hiring your suites then book well in advance, especially in summer when the hire shops get very busy. You will need plenty of time for fittings and alterations too, it is your duty as best man to keep on schedule. You’ll also need to help him get dressed. Normally he wouldn’t need your help but on his wedding day he’s likely to be a bundle of nerves and his mind could be all over the place.

Rings – Remember the rings!

Presents – Check that the groom has a present for his bride to be. Keep the gift safe on the day too.

Getting to the church on time

One of your traditional duties is to make sure the groom gets up early enough to make it to the church on time. Booking transport is imperative, do it well in advance and don’t forget to dress it up a little too. If you’re using your own car then ensure that it won’t let you down, and again, dress it up a little. Plan the journey ahead of the day; think about traffic and parking problems then add some more time for general fafing about before getting into the car. Also, ensure the bride and groom has transport arranged for after the ceremony.

Moral support

Don’t forget, the groom may be a bag of nerves, even if you don’t see it. You’re duty is to offer him morale support and help him chill out, show him that everything is under control and it will go a long way in calming his nerves.

The ceremony

A few days before the big day there will be rehearsal. Familiarise yourself with the layout and work out where things are going to be including toilets and parking etc. You will now also know where everyone is meant to be sitting and therefore can help with seating guests on the day.

Talk to the ushers a few weeks before the day; check that everyone knows what they are doing to ensure that there isn’t a lack of organisation on the day. Their duties usually are things like seating guests as they arrive, handing out service sheets, replying to guests general questions, etc. Letting them know all of the small details so that they can communicate well with the guests really helps perfect the day.

The reception
This is your big moment – the Best Man speech. In addition to toasts and other speaking duties, don’t be surprised if the bride’s family ask you to read out emails from absent well-wishers. This has become something of a tradition now too.

It is a good idea to come and look around the venue before the big day too. You will then be able to let guests know about the parking, where the toilets are and other facilities they may want to use.

I hope this helps! You are going to be awesome. And remember, for help with the stag do, contact us!