Getting you to the church on time!

From the engagement to the honeymoon, he’s there for you

by Anthony Verombeck
Editor

he best man is usually a brother or your best friend. He might be married or single, have done this many times before or perhaps be new at these responsibilities. Either way, your best man is your gatekeeper of the times and schedules. It's his job to make sure that the important events - engagement party, bachelor party, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and the reception - go well.

The duties range from keeping track of the gift and travel registries to helping you select your groomsmen, with your guest list and things to do.

About one month before the wedding he'll arrange final fittings and pick-up dates for tuxedos and shoes for the two of you and the groomsmen; follow up on invitations to your bachelor party; be available to assist in writing your vows or shopping for gifts for your bride-to-be, parents and members of your wedding party; and purchase and wrap gifts for you and your bride.

To prepare for the wedding day activities, he'll confirm the booking of the limousines and the decorations for the parade of cars from the ceremony to the reception.

At the rehearsal, the best man will arrive with you and go over a copy of the guest list to give the ushers (noting any guests that are handicapped or elderly or who are to be seated in the reserved section), and attend the rehearsal dinner usually hosted by the groom's parents.

 
YOUR WEDDING DAY

On the wedding day, he'll arrive at the ceremony with you. He'll escort the bride's parents to the front row, left; and the groom's parents to the front row, right. He'll carry the bride's wedding band for you and the marriage licence, to which he will be an official witness in signing; he also will be responsible for holding and disbursing the envelopes holding the fees for the officiate, vocalist, musicians and other appropriate services.

At the reception he'll take his place in the receiving line and keep an eye on the money gift box. He will probably be the master of ceremonies at the wedding, toast the bride and groom, and read telegrams and special messages. He'll assist you in transporting the wedding gifts to your home.

Following the reception, he'll assist in organizing the honeymoon luggage, and if you are staying at a hotel near an airport on your wedding night, he will confirm the booking.

He'll check with you to make sure you have your money, charge cards, passport, driver's licence, luggage and phone numbers for an emergency.

RETURNING THE ITEMS

The day after the wedding, he will be responsible for seeing to the return of all the tuxes worn by you and members of the wedding party. 

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | GROOM | July 13, 2010