Best Man Tips

After the guests have all been seated, the toasts and speeches will start. The best man, the father of the bride, and often the father of the groom will speak special words. Other individuals may be added to this list for offering the bride and groom a toast, or if preferred, the list can be kept short, all depending on the bride and groom's preference.

Traditionally, you as the best man will offer the first toast and speech of the evening, which generally includes something special about the couple (more on this later). You will offer best wishes, love, and happiness among other things. The toast itself is usually limited to a few brief comments to ensure everyone has time to toast and the reception can get started.

Additional toasts and comments from the groom to his bride and then from the bride to the groom are offered before or during the meal itself. If there were any special guests or relatives unable to attend the wedding, the best man would read their toast to the bride and groom while waiting for dinner to be served.

Special thanks will be given for the meal by one of the eldest members of the family, and then dinner will be served. Wedding dinners range from the very informal to highly formal, with some dinners catered and served to every guest. A popular option is to provide guests with a buffet-style meal, allowing them to serve themselves from long tables featuring a variety of food.

During dinner, as the best man, you will be seated on the side of the groom. When dinner is finished, you should deliver envelopes to the caterer, the musicians, and any other special parties at the reception hall who need to be paid.

Once at the reception, the entire wedding party can take a little breather as they relax and prepare for the wedding dances and other traditional festivities.

Once dinner is over, the bride and groom typically start making their way around the room, talking and mingling with the guests. Finally, you can relax and have fun without getting too drunk or causing embarrassment to the bride and groom.

If the groom had made any special arrangements for specific songs to be played, you will provide this list to the musicians at this time. Additionally, the photographer may be hanging around, eager to take individual pictures of guests and of the couple. Although you may be anxious to take your tuxedo jacket off, make sure you wait until the appropriate time.