After
happily eVer
Best man
what exactly are your duties?
It’s a tremendous honour to be chosen
as best man.
This decision is a show of faith by the
groom, effectively allowing you deeper
into the wedding process.
So of course you should rise to the
occasion.
If you’re unsure what to do, here’s a
breakdown of what is expected of a
best man before, during and after the
wedding:
BEFORE
The look
As best man, you need to assist the
groom in looking the part.
Your duties will include helping him
rent or buy an outfit of appropriate style
and colour – don’t make him stand out
more than his betrothed.
You’ll also need to coordinate for
matching groomsmen’s fittings.
The bash
Bachelor’s party duties are your
responsibility.
You could organise a fun outing with
the groom and friends, or something a
little more gritty if he’s the type.
A word of caution – no strippers or
tonnage shots please!
The best weddings are those where the
groom can remember saying his vows,
and not miss it nursing a hangover.
The attitude
You’ll need to be a constant pillar of
support and a regular shoulder to cry
on for the groom.
Be there to listen and provide that
emotional backing.
Getting married is a big decision, and
you’ll need to step up whenever his
mind is in doubt.
The flowers
If they are being used, organise the
boutonnieres (flowers to pin onto the
lapel) for all the groomsmen.
Then see to it they are pinned on the
wedding day.
DURING
The outfit
Helping the groom look entirely like
the husband-to-be is another important
duty of the best man.
Make sure he’s entirely kitted out
beforehand.
The travel
The last thing anyone wants is a groom
who’s late.
Nothing worse for a bride, so be fuelled
up and ready, and get him to the altar
before his wedding party sends a search
party.
The rings
The best man keeps a safe grip on the
rings until the right time, so make sure
your pockets don’t have holes.
This is one of the most important tasks
a best man is given.
The speech
You’re expected to give the traditional
first toast to the bride and groom, but
do keep it clean.
It pays to prepare the speech ahead of
time.
The girl
You will need to escort the maid of
honour and the mother of the bride
down the aisle after the wedding is
complete.
The papers
You may be asked to sign as a witness
on the marriage license, as well as any
other relevant documentation.
AFTER
The dance
Whether it’s during or after, be prepared
to dance with the maid of honour,
bride’s mothers and anyone else who
might not be partnered up.
Some lessons beforehand might come
in handy here.
The photographs
You’ll need to corral the groomsmen
and other parties together if there is a
photo shoot before, during and after the
ceremony.
You must also be present in photos
where required.
The reception
Prepare something nice to say during
toasts at the reception.
Again – keep it clean although you can
be a bit more relaxed than you were
during the wedding proper.
The getaway
Ensure the happy couple have transport
away from the venue and to their
honeymoon destination.
If they have flights to catch, get them
there on time!
Also ensure the couple’s vehicle is
appropriately decorated for that final
moment they drive away from the
venue.
The rentals
Any rented outfits, vehicles or
other accessories are left to you to
handle.
Make sure these are returned on time
and be prepared to step in with any
payments still outstanding.
giVing credit where credit is due
the newcastle adVertiser ‘happily eVer after’ wedding feature would not haVe Been possiBle without the contriBution of the following.
thank you to:
george meyer – regional Branch manager
tanya muller – regional adVertising manager
cherryl mungal – adVertising manager
reVeshni douglas – editor
rené du plessis – adVertising sales representatiVe
Jessica naidoo – adVertising sales representatiVe
Jermaine seBastian – production department -
graphic designer and layout artist for
this feature
stefan theunissen – production department
ashley Basdau – production department
editorial department for the content:
Bruce douglas
tersia gopi
Zianne leiBrandt
Quinton Boucher
all our loyal adVertisers for their support