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Duties of the Best Man
In an Irish
wedding no one commands more respect or has greater responsibilities (after
the bride and groom, that is) than the best man. In addition to the stag
night, looking after the rings and being a good friend to the groom, the
duties of the best man include:
Before
the Wedding
Meeting
with the bride and groom to discuss their wedding plans.
Organising
the stag party, preferably a week or more before the wedding.
Going with
the groom, groomsmen, and ring bearer to select wedding attire.
Writing
and practising his speech.
Collecting
the wedding bands, ceremony fees and suitcases from groom and seeing that
each item is delivered appropriately.
Attending
the wedding rehearsal.
The Ceremony
Helping
the groom get ready on the day of the wedding.
Getting
the groom to the church forty-five minutes before the ceremony begins.
Checking
that wedding ceremony booklets are ready for ushers to hand out.
Directing
groomsmen and ushers on special seating arrangements and other responsibilities.
Checking
that groom, groomsmen, father of the bride, and father of the groom have
their buttonholes.
Looking
after the wedding bands during the ceremony.
Acting as
an official witness and signing the register.
Escorting
chief bridesmaid up the aisle at the end of the ceremony.
Distributing
fees to celebrant and offerings to altar boys, sacristan and organist.
The Reception
Seeing that
bridal party members and guests have transport to reception.
Being prepared
to handle any crisis, should one arise.
Helping
to usher guests into the dining area.
Acting as
master of ceremonies, announcing the cutting of the cake, reading telegrams,
and toasting the bride and groom.
Dancing
with the bridesmaids, bride, and mothers of bride and groom.
Ensuring
groom has the honeymoon tickets, travellers cheques, passports and visas.
Helping
the bride's family collect the wedding gifts and cards to take home.
Taking charge
of the groom's wedding clothes and return his suit, if rented.
Making sure
all guests have a means of getting home. |
