For the Groom
Writing His Vows
Exchanging wedding vows is a beautiful, touching, and intimate experience. This is definitely a task that cannot be delegated to others. If you plan on exchanging personal vows, you and your groom-to-be can write them early on, giving yourselves more time to reflect on what you want to say. With the pressure of time out of the picture, writing a heartfelt message will be easier to do. This will also give both of you time to practice your speech which makes delivering it smoother and more natural.
Photo: Mélanie Villeneuve
Drafting and Dressing His Team
You might have a theme chosen for your wedding and an idea of what your groom and groomsmen would look like, but he should have a major role in what he and his groomsmen should wear. From suits and ties to cummerbunds and cufflinks, he should be in charge of getting his best man and groomsmen looking sharp on the big day.
Thanking His Team
As a way of saying thank you to his groomsmen, your man is also responsible for giving gifts to each one of them. These tokens of appreciation can be stylish accessories like bracelets, utility items like Swiss army knives, or manly objects like beer mugs. Usually, the gifts are given on the day of the wedding or during the rehearsal dinner.
For the Groomsmen
Photo: Kats Weil
Planning the Bachelor Party
Planning the stag night has traditionally been the best man’s job. He should coordinate with the groomsmen to arrange all aspects of the bachelor party. Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a crazy weekend getaway in Vegas, it’s up to the groomsmen to handle activities, transportation, costs and whatnot. Their number one priority is that the groom should have an amazing time.
Writing Your Speech
The best man’s speech is probably the biggest thing associated with being the best man. It is probably even the only task the best man is worried about. The key here is preparation. There should be lots of practice and a bit of research before the speech gets delivered. During this speech, the best man should show how much he supports the bride and groom, be it a story shared between the three and a before-and-after analysis of the groom himself. Staying sober before the speech also helps a lot! One drink can help loosen it up, but having ten might make the best man look like a fool in front of a hundred people.
Organize Guest Accommodations
Before the ceremony, it is the groomsmen’s responsibility to usher guests to their seats. When at a traditional Christian wedding, the guests of the bride’s family should be seated on the left, while the guests of the groom’s family are seated on the right. At Jewish ceremonies, it’s the opposite. It is suggested to always seat the oldest woman first if a number of guests arrive together. Coming in early also helps, as it gives the groomsmen a chance to review the seating arrangements.
