Aug 18, 2010

Best Man

The tradition of having a best man has somewhat unpleasant roots – a throw-back to ancient European times when a groom would kidnap his potential bride and would need to choose the ‘best man’ to help him with the task.

Today, choosing a best man is a tactful process. It is a great honour to bestow on someone, normally a close friend of the groom, but also comes with great responsibility.

The person chosen must be trustworthy and also get on well with the bride.

He will stand to the right of the groom during the ceremony and carry the rings until they are needed. But probably the greatest pressure is the best man’s speech at the reception, which is traditionally witty and jocular, and the chosen person must be confident enough to carry this off.

A wealth of books and websites are available to give tips on best man speeches, but the best are always original and heartfelt.

The best man also acts as chief usher and will be responsible for helping the groom keep appointments and organising the wedding outfits (although the bride has the final say on matters such as the colour of waistcoats).

He will organise the stag party and distribute buttonholes and orders of service.

The best man must be willing to give a lot of his own time, be well organised and good at remembering names and faces. // Me Wedding Planner

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