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Best Man Tips
The following advice will get you prepared and help you to perform your best man duties as well as possible:
- If you haven’t met the parents of the bride & groom - suggest to the groom that you do so.
- Visit the venue (if it’s not too far away) to enable you to get your bearings – where to park, how to get there, timings etc.
- If the bride & groom are going straight on honeymoon, find out how they will be leaving the wedding and where the luggage needs to be stored.
- If the couple are staying nearby for their wedding night – find out whether you need to take their overnight bag/luggage there first.
- Find out whether you will be travelling with the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception or whether you need to make your own way.
- Ensure you have arranged transport to get you and the groom to the wedding ceremony and have a backup in case of any problems. If you’re taking your car, make sure it’s cleaned beforehand.
- Arrange to meet up with the ushers in advance for a drink – get to know each other, make sure they are aware of their responsibilities, what time they should arrive on the wedding day, timings on the day and exchange mobile numbers.
- Ensure the ushers have numbers for taxi firms should any guests require transport from the ceremony to the reception, copies of maps to the reception and a mobile phone.
- Obtain a copy of the wedding day schedule in advance to familiarise yourself with the day’s events and timings.
- Keep a copy of the schedule with you on the day so you can help ensure things run to plan
- Find out from the bride & groom what the seating arrangements are for close family and provide the ushers with these details.
- Traditionally the best man and chief bridesmaid join the bride and groom midway through the first dance but with an increasing number of couples doing a routine first dance, you’d be wise to check in advance when you should take to the dance floor.
- Make sure you look presentable – having your hair cut and polishing your shoes is a must.
- Collect any cards or messages from guests who have been unable to attend the wedding.
- Make sure you have everything before you leave for the ceremony – honeymoon luggage, speech, rings, church fees & money for suppliers (if applicable), buttonholes, schedule of timings and the groom!
- Remember to take your mobile phone in case of emergency (but keep it switched off).
- Finally, whilst you’ll want a drink or two before your speech to settle the nerves, make sure you don’t drink too much.