The Bride's Guide -- Ask the Bride

Ask the Bride -- Best Man's Duties

Question: What are the best man dutie's at the wedding? What about a stag party?

Answer: Too often all the wedding books and sites only talk about the bride and groom, and never give advice to the best man, right? These are the traditional best man's duties:

Pays for his own travel expenses and attire except boutonniere
Organizes the bachelor party (more on this below)
Is responsible for organizing ushers' activities
Makes sure the ushers know their duties and are on time
Helps the groom get ready and be on time everywhere
Drives the groom to the ceremony
Brings the bride's ring to the ceremony site
Holds the bride's ring during the ceremony
Gives the officiant his fee immediately before or after the ceremony
Signs the marriage license as a witness
Escorts the maid of honor in the recessional
Takes pictures with the wedding party and the groom
Dances with the maid of honor during the attendants' dance at the reception
Usually sits to the right of the bride at the head table
Gives the first toast at the reception
Gives other service providers their fees (such as the chauffer, etc.) *optional
Returns the groom's attire if rented
Oversees the transfer of gifts to a second location after the reception
May drive the couple to the reception and/or the hotel if there is no hired driver
Is there when the groom needs reassuring, calming down, a glass of water, or anything else!

The Bachelor Party

This is one of the most controversial aspects of any wedding. First of all, you should consult the groom as to his wishes and to find out what type of party he would want (or doesn't want). Some grooms would be uncomfortable with having a stripper or getting really drunk. It's important for the groom to have a good time, and not being pressured into any situation he doesn't want or would jeopardize the wedding plans. You can plan any type of party including the traditional stripper/strip bar, dinner & drinking, backyard barbeque, pool party, beach volleyball day, sporting event (baseball/football/hockey game), Vegas weekend or camping trip, just to name a few. Use your imagination, and you'll plan a great party!

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