The Duties of a Best Man

Being the best man at your friend's wedding is a huge honor and in all likelihood an amazing and unforgettable experience, but it is important not to forget that it's a position with several key responsibilities.

First off, and perhaps the most fun, planning the bachelor party. Get input from your other groomsmen to help plan the bash and make it a send-off specifically suited to the groom's tastes. After all, if you're the best man, you should have a pretty good idea what will make him happy. Invite all his guy friends, and don't be afraid to ask his help on determining the guest list. Make sure that the groom doesn't spend a cent on his special night either, as all costs should be split evenly amongst the guests.

As for the actual wedding, the most important best man responsibility is the bride's ring. Arrangements should be made with the maid of honor prior to the wedding and the ring should be stored in a safe place until it is asked for during the ceremony. If you're nervous about keeping it loose in a pocket, it is often acceptable to wear it on your pinky.

After the vows and the recession comes the reception. Both the maid of honor and the best man are expected to give speeches, though be sure to check with the planner as to when you go on, so there's no confusion and you're where you need to be. The best man speech is potentially the most nerve-wracking of the best man's responsibilities, but there are a few things to remember that should make the speech a winner. First, make sure it's fun. Personal anecdotes, well-told, about the groom and his relationship with both you and the bride will give family and friends from out of town an entirely new perspective on their loved one: Yours. Second, make sure it's concise. Get in and get out without overstaying your welcome. People will be with you for a minute or so, but start to talk too long and they may lose interest. Third, and most important, just be yourself. Your friend picked you as best man for a reason, show everyone else at the reception what it is.

Those are perhaps the biggest responsibilities of the best man, but each wedding, wedding planner, and bride and groom will be a different case. Be sure to check in with those in charge early in the process on any other special demands. You will be expected at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, you may be responsible for decorating the "Just Married" vehicle, and you will most definitely be responsible for getting the groom to the bride on time.

With your primary responsibilities fulfilled, you'll have time to kick back, enjoy the festivities, and share the happiest day of your friend's life with him.