While the bride gets to pick her maid of honor from a list of bridesmaids, the groom also makes an important decision when choosing among his groomsmen who should become his chief male assistant. The term “best man” refers to the bridegroom’s chief male attendant.

Most of the time, this honor is given to a person who is closest to the groom. In most cases, the best man is a close relative of the groom’s, or is the groom’s best friend. There are times where a male friend who has been directly responsible for the introduction of the groom and his bride is appointed best man, as a sign of the groom’s gratitude.

For second or third marriages, or in remarriage, the bridegroom’s son may also be chosen as the groom’s best man.

Duties of the Best Man

In most traditional Western weddings, the best man is given tasks and duties to make sure the groom is happy and the wedding ceremony runs smoothly. The number of duties assigned to the best man varies according to the groom’s needs. The following are just some examples of typical best man duties:

• With the groomsmen, the best man must organize the stag night, buck’s night or bachelor party for the groom.
• Help the groom organize or plan some of the wedding ceremony details.
• Help the groom get ready on the morning of the ceremony.
• Help with wedding-day logistics and to be prepared for possible unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
• Provide emotional and sometimes financial support to the groom.
• To make sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time.
• To make sure the ushers or the groomsmen do their duties properly.
• To make sure the rings get to the ceremony properly.
• To hand out the rings to the bride and the groom during the ceremony.
• To make a speech or toast at the reception.
• To act as a legal witness and to sign the marriage contrast after the ceremony.
• To dance with the maid of honor, and to make sure that other guests follow suit.
• To decorate the married couple’s car before the couple leaves the reception.
• To return rented tuxedos.

The best man and maid of honor walking down the aisle

The best man addresses his speech at the reception

Best man and maid of honor signs the marriage contract

Introducing the Best Woman

In non-traditional weddings, the groom has the choice of picking a man or a woman as his chief attendant. When a woman is chosen, she can be referred to as the best person, best woman, best man or honor attendant

Duties of the Best Man in Other Countries

In other parts of the world, the best man accomplishes all the duties listed above, and more. In Uganda, for example, the best man is also tasked to act as the couple’s guide into marriage. The best man chosen is preferably married and should be in the position to give sound advice to the couple in case of disagreements and marital spats. The best man also acts as the main confidant of the newlyweds.

In Bhutan, the best man is tasked to protect both the groom and the bride. Before the ceremony ends, the best man is expected to perform for the guests for up to 5 hours.

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