Being asked to be best man is a big deal – it means you’re a valued friend. However, it does come with a grand deal of responsibility. Your job is to be there for the groom every step of the way and deliver an Oscar-worthy speech. Being a best man is one thing, but why not strive to be the best best man? These are our tips for better brilliance that are sure to prove you were the right candidate for the job!
1. Share the Excitement!
So, maybe you aren’t phased by chiffon and lace cakes made to have half frozen for a year. Maybe you’re a bitter singleton and you’re finding it hard to be happy for your friend. Or, perhaps you’re lamenting over the loss of your party-pal. Friendships evolve, it’s a natural concept of time. Put your thoughts aside for the time being (especially if you’re already married and want to have a say on all of their choices) because this is his day and he deserves to enjoy his time as a groom.
2. Lend a Hand.
Don’t be content with a generic offer of help – “ikollok bzonn ghidli ta.” Present your groom with precise tasks like taking care of suit delivery. This will show him that you’re willing to help with the tasks at hand and are able to use your initiative – that you actually intend to help and you’re not just here to throw a great bachelor party (but make sure you do, because really on the surface to the rest of the groom’s party, you only have one job! 😉). Your mate will feel more support and be likely to avail to your services if you step up to the mark.
3. Pilot the Flight Risk
Being a groom can be overwhelming and wedding planning can get out of control really fast. Yeah, they might be thrilled about becoming a husband but wedding stuff can intimidate anyone! If he starts talking about his ex you might entertain the idea but if he starts checking up her Facebook profile distract him with a beer. Check in with them regularly, see how they’re getting on and provide them with a safe-space to vent their frustrations.
4. Do Your Homework
Yes, you’re still technically a guest at the soiree. No, that doesn’t mean you’re free to raid the bar once the ceremony begins (or at the very least, don’t be the first to get drunk because you were celebrating just how helpful you’ve been). Just because you’ve fulfilled your pre-wedding-day-duties and you’re now enjoying a post-reception G&T, you still have a few tasks at hand. The first is identifying guests. You need to know who’s who in the zoo and work towards maintaining peace in this animal kingdom. If you spot your groom’s alcoholic uncle chasing his drinks, let the barkeepers know to lighten up their pouring for him. If you know Aunt Sally is a great dancer, but too shy to start grooving, it’s your job to get her on the dancefloor.
5. Be the Last Man Standing
If you want to excel at being the best man, you need to make sure you’re the last one standing at the end of the night. It’s your job to ensure the newlyweds leave the ceremony safely. But you also need to be the last one standing on the dancefloor, and one of the first too – keep the drinks steady in flow and up the ante whenever guests start flaking out. Weddings are parties, yes, but it’s not your job to be the drunkest of them all. It is your job to lead the conga!
6. Get Some Style
Traditionally, the groom will decide on your suit. But it’s up to you to know your notch lapels from your peak collars. Check with your groom if the suit package includes shoes. If not, and your suit is any shade of brown, forget about wearing your old same-shade prom shoes! Be sure to iron your creases the night before. Try not to fold anything the wrong way while in transit. Your job is to look good, but you should also share your wisdom with the groom – he’ll have enough on his plate as it is, so knowing how to dress yourself means you’re able to help him out, too. Bonus points for knowing how to tie a bowtie – you’ll be in hot demand all day if you do.
7. Speak Up
This is it. The only real chance you have on the day to prove yourself as best man – the speech. The best thing to do here is keep it all simple. Make a killer opening, thank the other speakers. Congratulate the happy couple, make an inappropriate joke about the groom and then compliment the bride. Done.
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