the best man

Obviously the most worrying part of the day for the best man is the speeches which is totally understandable. Here you are at your best friends/brothers wedding standing in front of a big crowd of people, probably with a video camera pointing in your face, trying to say something funny! Phew, shaking yet? Well you shouldn’t be, because the best thing about it all is that the audience are on your side and will still laugh at the weakest of jokes. They’ll be rooting for you and a large proportion of the audience have probably been in your position before so know how you feel.

6 months

Communicate with the bride, groom and chief bridesmaid over the wedding plans.
Help to select the ushers and explain their duties to them.

4 months

Plan the stag party.
Write and practice your speech for the reception.
Compose a list of family members who require special seating arrangements at the ceremony and pass on the information to the ushers.
Visit the ceremony and the reception venues with the bride and groom to check on timings, parking arrangements etc.

1 week before

Ensure the groom has all the necessary documents for the ceremony and honeymoon, double checking their passports and visas.
Attend the wedding rehearsal.
Discuss any final arrangements with the ushers.
Check for any roadworks, diversions etc. that may be taking place on the wedding day that could possibly effect the journey time to the ceremony.
Arrange transport for the groom and yourself to ceremony.
Arrange transport to and from the reception.
Arrange the ‘going away car’ for the bride and groom from the reception if necessary.
Obtain details and availability of emergency taxi companies, just in case.
Finalise your speech.
Have your hair cut.

The day before

Collect any hired clothing and accessories.
Ensure car is cleaned if driving to the ceremony.
Arrange decorations for the ‘going away car’.

On the day

Final check on arrangements for the ushers, buttonholes, order of service sheets and rings.
Collate telemessages, cards and emails to be read at the reception.
Ensure rings are kept safe until the required time in the service.
Assist groom in getting ready (so be ready before him).
Ensure the groom gets to the church on time; we suggest at least 20 minutes before the start time of the ceremony.

At the church

Check on the ushers.
Sit on the right hand side front pew with the groom.
Witness the signing of the register, if required.
Check that all fees are paid to the church or registrar.
Escort the chief bridesmaid out of the church.
Help the photographer organise the guests for any photographs.
Ensure everyone has transport arranged to the reception venue.

At the reception

Greet the guests, standing in the receiving line.
Announce the speeches and cake cutting, if there is no Master of Ceremonies or Toastmaster.
Read any cards, emails and telemessages.
Give the third and final speech and reply on behalf of the bridesmaids.
Once the bride and groom have completed their first dance, dance with the chief bridesmaid.
Decorate the going away car.
Put any luggage required into the going away car.
Ensure the bride and groom are changed and ready on time, announcing to the guests that they are about to depart.
Look after the groom's wedding clothes, if required.

After the wedding

Ensure the wedding presents are safely stored.
Return any hired clothing and accessories.