The Best Man
How to be the best man for the job
From the practical viewpoint the job
is one of liaison and organisation, a support and assistant for the groom.
Qualities of punctuality, ability to plan and
organise, being trustworthy and dependable,
conscientious and thorough, decisive and able
to cope calmly with emergencies would all be helpful - and this
is only half the story!
The best man also acts as intermediary between all the various participants in the wedding, so being tactful, easygoing, and sociable are also on the list.
And it gets worse! There is also a speech so be made, so being witty and articulate is also part of the job spec!
So do you know a superman? Or are you Mr. Perfect?
The average best man is not usually a cross between a suave James Bond and Superman, he is just the groom’s ‘best mate’ and he takes on the responsibility of the job because he cares. (Even if it is not the macho thing to admit to it!)
As a genuine friend, he fully understands the importance of the wedding day to the groom, and, is proud to be called upon to do all he can to ensure that the complex arrangements run smoothly.
Even if he has never made a speech before in his life, it will not be difficult to wish this special couple happiness for their future and, with a little effort, even recall one or two amusing anecdotes from the groom’s bachelor days to amuse (or embarrass) the couple and their guests.
| Find out about: | How to look after the ushers |
| What to do on the stag night | |
| About transportation | |
| What to wear | |
| Speech ideas | |
| What should be on your checklist |
Marriage by capture
In the past, brides were frequently obtained by ‘capture’. The hopeful suitor, together with a group of male friends, would abduct the ‘bride’ - with or without her consent. The bride’s family was not always too happy with this turn of events and, in an attempt to restore harmony, the groom would send his ‘best man’ to soothe their tempers and make reconciliation between himself and his new in-laws.