The main support for the groom in the months leading up the wedding and on the day itself, the best man has a whole list of responsibilities.
- The stag night comes high on the list of priorities. Usually in consultation with the groom, the best man organises the stag do and makes sure everything goes smoothly. It's also his job to make sure that the groom returns safely from his stag night - and with both his eyebrows intact!
- The best man goes with the groom to choose outfits for the groom's party (dads, ushers etc), if they are being hired, and also collects them with the groom a week before the wedding.
- As he plays such a big part in the day, it's important that the best man has visited the venue and is familiar with it.
- On the day of the wedding, the best man is charged with making sure the groom turns up on time. He is also the keeper of the wedding rings.
- Before the ceremony, the best man stands alongside the groom to support him until the couple step forward to make their vows.
- Once the ceremony is over, the best man usually accompanies the bride, groom and the parents to witness the signing of the register.
- As everyone files out of the church/ceremony venue, it is the best man who escorts the chief bridesmaid/maid of honour.
- Together with the ushers, the best man directs the guests towards the reception and organises transport or directions for anyone who needs it.
- At the reception, the best man makes sure that guests know where the receiving line is (if there is one) or, alternatively, the bar.
- Making a speech at the reception is probably the best man's most obvious job. Guests generally have high expectations of this speech, the last of the three, in which the best man responds on behalf of the bridesmaids to the groom's traditional toast and then toasts the happy couple themselves. If there are any cards or messages of good wishes, this is the time to read them out.
- The best man is usually charged with settling any last-minute cash payments or tips for DJs or entertainment and will be the point of contact if there is a query over cash floats held behind the bar.
- Before the happy couple make their escape the best man, aided and abetted by the ushers, usually "decorates" the getaway car. More helpfully, he also gets all their bags in the car and takes charge of any hire outfits that need to be returned before the couple return from honeymoon.
