The Role and Tradition of the Best Man
Traditional Role
Having a best man in attendance originated from the days when a man would
literally kidnap his bride. When her family came rushing to rescue her,
the best man was there ready to help out in a fight, both on the flight
away from her home and at the service, should they decide to try and take
her back. The best man would be a trusted friend who the groom could totally
rely upon and so the tradition continues to this day. Find out more about
the traditions and superstitions on All Info About. He stands to the right
of the groom during the wedding service, ready to defend his friend and
the bride, should the need arise, until he has handed the rings to the minister
to bless. He can then relax for a moment until he must attend to the rest
of his duties for the day.
When choosing a best man, the groom must consider that the friend chosen
must have the time to devote to the preparations and he absolutely must
get on with the bride. He should have a good memory for names and faces,
be confident enough to make a speech, be tactful and considerate, be responsible
for valuables, rings, tickets, credit cards, money, and act as chief usher.
Quite a responsibility for anyone!
He will need to make his lists, lots of them and consult them often. It
is a good idea for him to keep a record of telephone numbers of everyone
involved in planning the wedding. You never know when he might need to contact
someone quickly.
In the months leading up to the wedding, he will find himself the grooms
mentor, organiser, father confessor, valet, formal dress advisor, counsellor,
messenger, confidante, constantly be “on call” and a general
dogsbody!
He will be the one the groom will rely on to remind him of the appointments
to keep, to go with him to choose the wedding outfits together usually with
the bride. She has the last say on the colours of the waistcoats, cravats
or ties. The wise best man will listen to her. On the wedding day, he must
make himself available right through the day, from checking the groom is
dressed correctly and wearing matching socks, until after the bridal couple
have left. No wonder he musy be a good friend.
Go to The Responsibilities of the Best Man