What Are the Best Man's Duties in a Wedding?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Taylor Handte Satterfield

For anyone wondering if the "best man" title comes with any responsibilities (beyond sipping whiskey from a flask), the answer is…  

YES! 

Being dubbed best man is a big deal. It’s a powerful role — and with great power comes great responsibility, as they say. 

But fear not — we’ve got the details — the key to being the ultimate best man. This post contains everything you need to know to rock your role as the groom’s right-hand man. 

Here’s your complete guide to the best man duties:

Best Man Pre-Wedding Duties

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Sarah Harvey

As the ‘I do’ date draws near, it’s normal for the bride and groom to feel ecstatic one moment and nervous the next. Sometimes, they’ll feel both at the same time.

Just being there is the secret to crushing it as a best man. 

That includes assisting with any wedding planning tasks, such as helping find a band or DJ and offering your best friend moral support. Reassuring him you think he’ll be an excellent husband. That’s the secret, that’s the core of the best man’s responsibilities.

Wait! 

Another major pre-wedding best man assignment is helping to plan and execute the bachelor party (AKA, the ‘stag do’). This involves rounding up the other groomsmen and putting your heads together. You'll need to scheme up something legendary.

Still deciding what your buddies will wear on the big day? Read 5 Things to Consider When Picking Groomsmen Attire for tips!

Best Man Wedding Day Duties

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Freehold | Mountain Peak Studios

The wedding day is your moment to shine, at least in the eyes of the groom. You’re not stealing anyone’s thunder here (except maybe during your speech…). You’re just a strong, steady source of support for the groom. 

Be ready: 

Pre-wedding jitters are real.

Not all weddings are the same, so some of these tasks may not be relevant. Or there may be additional duties of a best man tossed your way.

Helps Prepare the Groom for the Ceremony

If the groom is nervous on the morning of the wedding, reassure him. You have a history together; you know him well. Tap into some of that to support him in the way you know he needs.

The goal here is threefold: 

And if he asks, let him know you two can take that second shot — after.

Keeps Track of Rings (& Keep the Rings Safe!)

Before the wedding rings reach their final destination — the ring-fingers of the newlyweds — the best man is responsible for:

This is especially important if the ringbearer is a youngster.

Acts as Coordinator and Usher 

If needed and depending on the nature of the groomsmen, the best man can help wrangle (ahem) coordinate them as necessary.

Additionally, the best man may be required to assist guests with locating their seats or orienting them to the venue.

Discover: 5 Reasons You Still Need Wedding Ushers in 2024

Stands Beside the Groom

During the wedding ceremony, the best man stands at the groom’s side and produces the wedding rings during that special moment.

Helps Make It Official

Typically, depending on if state law requires a witness to sign the marriage certificate or marriage license, the best man will add his signature, making it official. The happy couple are newlyweds! 
 

Acts as Point of Contact for Vendors & Wedding Guests

The best man, the maid of honor, and the bridesmaids act as an additional point of contact. They’ll help prepare for the wedding reception, show vendors where they need to go, and direct guests around the venue.

It’s important to be crystal clear on what all of that entails. Connect with the wedding planner or bride and groom beforehand. Understanding expectations is key.
 

Delivers an Epic Speech

As guests are seated during the reception, you’re clearing your throat — perhaps slightly nervous. Someone hands you the mic… it’s your time to shine.

A word of wisdom here:

Do not wing it. It’s important to practice your wedding speech as often as necessary to feel confident in its delivery. Keep it tight and to the point. If you get the guests to laugh, you know you’ve nailed the best man speech.
 

Mingles and Has Fun

You can be the best man and have fun, too. Mingle with the guests and help liven up the dance floor. A wedding is an incredible celebration, and you’re here supporting one of your closest friends. Enjoy it.
 

Our Favorite Suits & Accessories

An obvious duty is to look sharp in the appropriate wedding attire. Without a doubt, looking the part is a huge part of the role of the best man.

From tuxes to suits, here are some of our favorite classic go-to looks:

Men's Peak Lapel Black Tuxedo Jacket

A tuxedo-style jacket has wedding party VIP written all over it. This option is both timeless and formal.

Men's Light Blue Suit Jacket

Another option is to choose a suit in one of the wedding colors. This light grayish-blue suit pairs exceptionally well with almost any other color. It practically screams “wedding.”

Just picture how dashing the groomsmen will look in this ensemble on the big day.

Refinado Floral Bow Tie

A bow tie like this is chic and fun. Plus, it’s the perfect way to show respect towards the overall sentiment of the wedding day. 

Tie Bar

A tie bar like this one is the perfect way to keep the groomsmen on the straight and narrow. Well… at least their tie: their ties will be on point. 

Men's Patent Leather Shoes - Don Juan

What does every suit or tux need? A smart pair of shoes to complete the look. These shoes are ideal — they literally go with everything.

Pretzel Cufflinks

Some like to add that little bit of ‘extra’ through statement socks. They obviously haven’t seen our cufflinks, which are way more fun. 

These little pretzels bring to mind idyllic Sunday afternoons watching the game. But did you know that pretzels symbolized good luck and prosperity during the Middle Ages? Perfect!

Classic Navy Blue Suspenders

And, when the party gets going, and you’re ready to take off the jacket and roll up your sleeves, there’s something commanding about a pair of suspenders or a vest.

Looking for more options? Check out our entire collection of groomsmen attire, from suit vests and dress shirts to pants and ties.

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Truthfully, if you approach each task with support and a genuine desire to be there for the groom, you’ve got it — hands down. The groom chose you as the best man for a reason… this may be something you already excel at.