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Guide to
Being a Best Man
Written by the editors of UnGroom'd If you were
living in the dark ages, you would be asked to defend your best friend's honor with a
sword. Today, being a best man still has it share of responsibilities--being the ring
bearer, getting singles at the strip club, etc. Play it smart. After all, you are being
counted on to put together a clutch performance as the right hand man! Here is a general
outline to help you get organized:
The Bachelor Party
- Organize bachelor party. This can include dinner, cigars,
sport outing (e.g., golf or tickets to sports events), hotel party, strip clubs, etc.
- Talk to the groom first and find out what he wants to do. Of
course you can plan some surprises, just use your head-- the one with the brain in it!
- Give yourself time. Organizing the party in one week will
not work and cause you un-needed stress.
- Go over the list of invitees with the groom. You'll want to
ditch father-in-laws and any loose-lipped relatives who might sing like a canary when it's
time to get "X-rated."
- Talk to all invitees before the party about costs, the
agenda, etc. Nobody wants any surprises the day of the bachelor party.
- Coordinate a designated driver or hire a limousine service.
- Make sure the groom to be does not come home with itching
and/or burning sensations in his weenie, or else be prepared to do lots of explaining to
the bride-to-be!
Rehearsal Dinner
- Because this typically happens a day before the wedding,
your pal will have much on his mind and doesn't need to worry about the details. Contact
all the groomsmen and make sure they are attending the dinner, on time, have directions to
the site and are sober.
The Wedding Day
- Keep the groom on schedule. The bride who will distribute
copies ahead of time typically organizes the schedule. Go off her schedule and prepare to
die!
- Drive the groom to the ceremony site one hour before the
wedding photographs. You should be in your tux for photos as well.
- Offer to take the check envelopes to pay the clergyman,
musicians, photographers and other service providers. Non traditionally speaking, this
responsibility also can be given to a wedding consultant, father of the bride, or even one
of the bridesmaids.
- Witness the signing of the marriage license. Keep the
groom's hand steady--he probably will be shaking like a farm animal preparing to be
slaughtered
- When you're backstage with the groom, help him prepare for
the final call - Yes, you might see your buddy cry for the first time. Just make sure his
tie is straight and assures him there's still time to get outta here if he says the word.
- Hold the bride's ring for the groom (if there is no ring
bearer) until needed by the officiant. Check for any holes in your pockets first, and
don't fumble the hand-off!
- Drive the newlyweds to the reception if there is no hired
driver.
- Be prepared to dance with bridesmaids and relatives of the
bride and groom. Watch Spanish networks ahead of time if you don't already know how to do
the Macarena.
- Drive the newlyweds to the airport for their honeymoon if
there is no hired driver. You're probably catching on by now that you should be prepared
to do some diving, so fill up the tank and check the oil ahead of time.
Speeches & Toasting
- Offer first toast at the reception. This usually occurs
before the dinner.
- You also might offer to MC a schedule of toasts and
speeches. Do your homework in advance so you know some background about the people (e.g.,
if they are friend or family). Keep all intros brief and to the point. Don't be a long
winded blow hard!
- Find out if you will be speaking from a podium, platform or
table. Most importantly, use good taste when you speak. No need to bring up the time you
both banged Mrs. Robinson in 12th grade after class no matter how poignant.
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