The Best Mans Responsibilities

Congratulations! You’re someone’s Best Man. It’s a great honor and is a lot of fun. The bad news is that you might not know exactly what you’re supposed to do as a Best Man.

Keep in mind that your buddy’s wedding is going to have different elements and options. Indeed, all of this could change if the groom and bride are having a destination wedding, or a backyard wedding, or a Star Trek-themed wedding. (Yes, really.)

Months Before the Wedding

Get fitted for your suit or tuxedo. (It'll likely cost you some coin, upfront. More on that, later.)
Organize and execute the bachelor party.
Help the groom with his wedding duties. (Familiarize yourself with them on GroomGroove.com.)
Be a confidant of the groom -- your buddy is guaranteed to be a bit nervous.

Weeks Before the Wedding

Ask the groom and bride whether you'll have the honor of being called on to make a best man speech.
Start preparing that wedding speech. (Because it won't work well if you do it off the cuff.)
Volunteer to help keep the groomsmen organized.

Days Before the Wedding

Pick up your tuxedo rental. Make sure the groomsmen have gotten their tuxes, too. (Did a groomsman forget to pack black socks? Deal with it, and don't mention it to the bride!)
Attend the wedding rehearsal, paying attention to your duties and also the duties of the groomsmen. (The rehearsal is usually held the night before the wedding, in the mid-afternoon.)
Attend the rehearsal dinner, and maybe even help in the preparations of the rehearsal dinner, which is often a relaxing event. (Think beer and flip flops, rather than tuxes and uptight. But be prepared for something more formal, too.)
Help decorate the reception site with flowers, boughs, and other frilly things that the bride came up with. Smile while doing it. Make friends with the Maid of Honor.
The night before the wedding, organize the decoration of the wedding transportation, if necessary. You know -- "Just married" etc. Be classy, of course!

The Wedding Day - The Ceremony

Help the groom get dressed in his tuxedo or suit, and make sure he looks great.
Make sure the groom arrives at the wedding location on time. (About 30 minutes before the wedding starts.)
Keep the groom's and bride's wedding rings until the ring exchange. (Don't lose them!)
Know when you'll be called upon to deliver the rings.
Stay awake, smile, and meet the groom and brides extended family.
Sign the marriage license and act as a legal witness to the marriage.

The Wedding Day - Post-Ceremony

The couple may give you a sealed envelope with a donation to give to the church, synagogue or officiant.
Help the photographer gather and organize the guests for any group shots. Say "Cheese!"
If it rains, have umbrellas ready to roll. Check the weather.
If the transportation does not arrive or is late, have a plan. Never let the bride or groom have to figure it out.

The Wedding Day - At the Reception

Work with the Wedding MC so that any hiccups get sorted out. The wrong course is about to be delivered? Jump up, and sort it out. Bonus points if the bride never even notices.
Present a very classy, funny best man speech or toast to the groom.
Politely and tactfully take care of anyone who has had too much to drink. Go easy on the booze. Have fun and celebrate!

The Wedding Day - Post-Reception

Help load and transport and secure the wedding gifts from the reception site.
Make sure that nothing is left at the reception site.
If the transportation is not provided for by the bride and groom, you may be expected to drive the newlyweds to the airport, home or hotel.
Return both your tuxedo and the groom's tuxedo to the rental shop.

This article has been used with permission by GroomGroove.com. Check out the best online guide for the groom and best man at GroomGroove.com.