What Does a Best Man Do?

The best man is most commonly known for holding the wedding rings during the ceremony and giving the first toast at the reception; however, his responsibilities don’t end there. The best man also organizes the groom’s bachelor party, serves as a witness on the marriage certificate, and distributes the vendor payments (labeled envelopes with prewritten checks). If there is a joint gift from the groomsmen to the bride and groom, the best man collects the money and purchases the gift. Finally, the best man makes sure the ushers know the correct seating for guests (bride’s to the left, groom’s to the right), and returns the groom’s rented wedding attire the day after the wedding.

Perhaps the most important responsibility of the best man is to keep the groom on time for the wedding. He should also do what he can to ensure that the groom’s day runs smoothly, from confirming that transportation has arrived to corralling the groomsmen and keeping them on schedule. And although is not an “official� duty, the best man is often expected to dance with the bridesmaids, as well as with the bride, at the reception.