Best Man Tips

When the wedding ceremony is over, you will feel so relieved that your duties are almost done...although you're not finished yet! Before the end of the day, you will have a few more things to assist with in regards to pictures and the reception.

You are expected to escort the maid of honor and the bride and groom to the reception from the ceremony. Between the wedding ceremony and the reception location, you will more than likely be required to pose for pictures with the new couple, the maid of honor, family, friends, and distant relatives so remember to keep on smiling!

Remember that not only will your bright smile be seen in pictures, but also on the video. For this reason remember to smile during the wedding as the maid of honor enters the church, when you walk into the reception, and all throughout dinner.

The entire wedding party will walk into the reception hall two by two, with the newly married couple waiting to enter last so they can be introduced. Leading the maid of honor to her seat, you should pull out her chair and then gently push it in just a little as she is seated.

If the wine, champagne, or other beverages are on the table, you should pour a glass for everyone in the wedding party. Instructions from the bride should come before the wedding on who is too young for alcohol, as well as any special needs for the drinks.

You should also walk to the table where the bride and groom's parents are seated to pour a glass for them as well, which will be used to toast the bride and groom. This should be done regardless if the reception is catered or not. Sometimes the bride will prefer that the pouring of the drinks be your responsibility, while other times, the bride may prefer another person take care of this task.

Be sure to ask the bride a few days before the wedding how she would like this handled. Additionally, determine if any special guests will need your help in pouring the drinks.

After the drinks are poured and the bride and groom have made their way to the table, this is the point when some of your obligations as the best man become relaxed.

Many times, the best man will tap his spoon lightly on his glass or on his plate as encouragement for the bride and groom to kiss for the guests. Typically, the guests will chime in until the bride and groom finally give in and display their love for each other.