The Best Man's Role
Some pre-wedding research is recommended: it is helpful if the best man is familiar with, or at least able to recognise, key people on the day (parents, grandparents, very close friends of the family and godparents). The groom should ensure that the best man understands his expectations and what is required of him.
The bride and groom should make the best man aware of any sensitive family situations, such as divorce or estrangement, well ahead of the wedding day.
The best man must liaise with the chief bridesmaid to ensure that all tasks and duties are fulfilled in the run-up to the wedding and on the day itself. He should be available for at least a week before the wedding to assist with any last minute dilemmas or problems.
On the day, the best man must work discreetly and efficiently to ensure that everything is running to plan; he will be the first point of contact if there is a crisis.
He must plan his best man speech carefully, practise it and make sure that it is appropriate for the day and the audience.
He is the intermediary between the groom and the ushers and is the groom's voice as far as requests and instructions are concerned.
