Best Man Duties

Best Man: Best Man Duties in Detail

You've been there for him through thick and thin (like that time in college -- yeah, that time). This wedding won't be any different. Here's what to know when you're a best man.

As best man, you may think you're just a glorified groomsman, but guess what? You actually have special responsibilities -- you'll be a combination valet and hand-holder as you help the groom come through this nerve-racking experience with flying colors. As leader of the groom's posse, you'll:

• Serve as the groom's personal aide and adviser before and during the wedding. This can include helping him pack for the honeymoon (the valet part).
  
• Help the groom choose and rent (or buy) wedding formalwear, and coordinate the other groomsmen's rentals. You guys are supposed to match, after all! You may be expected to arrange accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen.
  
• Organize the bachelor party. Don't be shy about enlisting other groomsmen to help you out -- most guys don't mind this duty! Put financial worries out of your mind -- the cost should be split among everyone who attends the bash.
  
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner with the bride and groom and all the other attendants. This is your chance to figure out how you're supposed to walk down that aisle.
  
• Stand beside the groom at the altar and keep the bride's ring until vows are exchanged. Find a safe place for the ring (and triple check that your pockets don't have holes) -- you don't want to fumble around when it's time to whip it out.
  
• Corral the other guys and make sure they're performing their groomsman duties.
  
• Sign the marriage license as a witness after the ceremony, along with the maid of honor.
  
• Give the officiant a sealed envelope with his or her fee (the groom's responsibility) just after the ceremony.
  
• You may be announced with the maid of honor when the reception begins.
  
• Dance with both the honor attendant and the bride during the wedding party dances.
  
• Give the first toast to the bride and groom at the reception. This is your biggest -- and probably most frightening -- duty. Read our article about how to give a toast, and remember the cardinal rule: Mum's the word on the bachelor bacchanalia.
  
• Collect any gift envelopes guests bring to the reception. You may be asked to deposit them in the couple's bank account or at least to keep them until the couple returns from their honeymoon.
  
• Decorate the getaway mobile. Grab the other groomsmen and the bridesmaids for this one.
  
• Drive the couple to the wedding-night hotel or airport after the reception. If you perform this service, you'll need to stay sober throughout the reception. If you have a feeling this may not be possible, hire a limo to drive the couple into the sunset.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The wedding will be over in the blink of an eye, so remember to enjoy yourself at the reception. After all, you're there to celebrate the happiest day of your best friend's life.

http://wedding.theknot.com/groom-groomsmen/groomsmen-tips/articles/best-man-duties-in-detail.aspx?MsdVisit=1

The best man's responsibilities go well beyond throwing a memorable bachelor (or 'stag') party and giving a toast (speech) at the reception.

As best man, you may be responsible for any on the following (this info comes from "The Best Man Bible", at http://www.thebestmanbible.com/):

Prior to the wedding *

Attending all pre-wedding parties, including the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. * Dealing with tuxedo fittings for ushers and groomsmen. * Picking up the groom's formal wear prior to the wedding. * If it's a less formal wedding, what exactly are you expected to be wearing? * Giving and organizing the order of toasts at the rehearsal dinner (not just the reception after the wedding) * Confirming travel arrangements and payment of caterers, officiate, etc. for the couple on their wedding day

At the Wedding *

Bringing the groom to the wedding, assisting him getting dressed (in a manly way, of course), and making sure all items are returned to the groom's house and/or the tux shop afterward. * Being in charge of all ushers. * Carrying a copy of any seating plan for the ushers' reference. * Checking that the men's boutonnieres are being worn on the left lapel, stem down. * Making sure the wedding officiate is paid. * Making sure the groom has the marriage license. * Signing the marriage certificate as a witness. * Keeping the bride's wedding ring until it is time for the groom to place it on the bride's ring finger. * Standing next to the bride in the reception line. * Organizing the groomsmen for formal photographs. * Performing any task or errand the groom or the bride's mother may request at the ceremony. At the Reception * Being the first at the reception in order to welcome the bride and groom. * Being seated at the head table or a table of honor. * Being the social lubricant to help guests who may not know one another mingle comfortably. * Dancing with the bride and with the maid of honor. He should also dance with both mothers and as many people at the reception as possible. No joke. * Beyond giving his own toast, being in charge of reading messages to the couple from those unable to attend the ceremony. * Being in charge of gathering the single men for the tossing of the garter. * Insuring that the couples' suitcases are loaded into the get-away car. * Verifying that the groom has all tickets, hotel information, traveler's checks, and all he needs for the honeymoon. * Making sure all ushers' and groomsmen's formal wear is returned to the tux shop. If the groom's attire belongs to the groom, making sure it is all cleaned before being returned to the grooms' house. Expenses * Paying for formal wear and accessories. * Paying for all travel costs. * Giving both a shower gift and a wedding gift * Carrying all costs associated with the bachelor party (I recommend sharing expenses will all present except the groom. See Bachelor Party section for more on this).

Other Stuff * Ask if there will be any other duties assigned to you that may not be on the lists above.

 

Bridesmaids Duties

THE BRIDESMAIDS - these are the girls who have given it all up, through good times and bad. The ones who will be the support services for the Bride on her wedding day.

Becoming a fantastic Bridesmaid takes more than a just pretty dress. It takes the term friendship to an all new level with skill and savoir faire.
n order for you to get comfortable in your new role as the Bridesmaid, we have creative ideas for bridal showers and bachelorette parties, as well as tips for giving the Bride the support she deserves.
Being a Bridesmaid is about finding creative ways to celebrate your friendship - I'll drink to that!

Are you ready to accept the responsibilities of a Bridesmaid?

It is a great honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid and one that should not be taken lightly. Before you accept the role of a bridesmaid, be honest with yourself, am I able to fulfill these obligations and can I afford it?
Who pays for what is a gray area that should be clarified right from the start, with no surprises, this is the one area that causes the most hard feelings, if you value your friendship, be very clear about the expectations!

What the Bride will expect from the Bridesmaids;

• The Bridesmaids are a collection of the most important women in the Brides life. You do not have to like them all, but you do have to get along. Leave all pettiness at home, be gracious - even if it kills you.
• The Bridesmaids will accompany the bride when she goes shopping for her dress, if the wedding party is large, only the Maid of Honor should accompany the Bride, too many opinions make it difficult for everyone.
• The Bride and the Bridesmaids will choose the bridesmaids dresses, accessories, shoes and jewelry. This may be a time consuming and expensive shopping trip. Who pays for what will be a big question, each situation is unique. Be sure that everyone is aware of the expectations before committing.
• Hair and make up expenses are usually paid by the Bridesmaids, if the Bride wants everyone to be made up together, then the Bride should cover part or all of the costs.
• Help address the invitations.
• Assist in creating the wedding favors.
• The Maid of Honor with the Bridesmaids will plan a bridal shower and a bachelorette party.
• Help to spread the word about where the couple are registered, this is not mentioned in the wedding invitation - ever.
• Help coordinate the out of town guests, arrange transportation and accommodation, and prepare a welcome basket for the out of towners.
• Collect the gifts and envelopes at the reception and make sure they are safe.
• Help direct guests to their seats, making them feel comfortable and generally overseeing the reception.
• They will need to be trusted friends, and good listeners, carry lots of tissue and do some hand holding.
• They will make sure you have something to eat, get plenty of rest, and take over where Mom left off.

What the Bridesmaids should expect from the Bride;

• The Bridesmaids will need to be kept up-to-date on all the wedding day plans.
• A checklist of what will be required of them is a good idea, and a great way to clarify every ones expectations.
• Kindness - not only will this be trying on every ones patience, but it will be hard on the pocket book too. Be nice and try to be accommodating!

http://www.a-bridesmaid.com/bridesmaids.html

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