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Best Man Duties Checklist
The jobs from your first chat with the groom to returning the tuxes, in the order they come up.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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The rings are only part of the job. The best man also keeps track of the marriage license, and sees the officiant paid after the ceremony. Fun Times Guide adds that the DJ and caterer should be paid or tipped at the end of the evening. The list below runs in order: the months before, the morning of, the ceremony, the reception and the clean-up. It assumes a traditional wedding party and leaves out the groomsmen's own to-do list.
Why these items are on the list
- Check in with the groom. Ask what he wants for the party and the day, and keep him relaxed.
- Help choose groomsmen attire. Start early, since out-of-town groomsmen need time. Generation Tux says many people order 2 to 6 months ahead.
- Help find rooms for groomsmen. Typically each groomsman pays for his own room, but be ready to help.
- Plan the bachelor party. Weigh the groom's preferences, since some want a wild night and others a quiet one.
- Divide bachelor party jobs. Share budgeting, scheduling and invitations with the other groomsmen. The cost splits among attendees.
- Buy the groom a gift. Fun Times Guide mentions a gift for the groom alongside bachelor party planning.
- Attend the rehearsal. You learn where to stand and how to walk down the aisle.
- Prepare a rehearsal dinner toast. Fun Times Guide lists it as a best man duty, and mild humor and anecdotes suit it.
- Write the wedding speech. Honor the groom, include the bride, and skip overused jokes. Authenticity lands best.
- Pick up the tuxedos. Do it before the wedding day, not on the morning.
- Arrange transport. Book and pay for the car to the ceremony and reception, if that is your job.
- Get the groom's outfit to the venue. That may mean carrying it there yourself.
- Help the groom get ready. Make sure he is dressed, has eaten and is calm.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Fun Times Guide suggests this margin when you transport the groom to the ceremony.
- Hold the wedding rings. Keep them in a safe spot until the vows are exchanged.
- Confirm the marriage license. Make sure the groom has it, and keep track of it.
- Brief the groomsmen. Check they are in place and know their duties before the ceremony.
- Pay the officiant. Make sure payments reach the officiant and anyone else who took part in the ceremony.
- Sign the marriage license. As the best man you act as a legal witness.
- Help gather everyone for photos. The photographer will need the wedding party together.
- Give your toast. Fun Times Guide says it usually follows the father of the groom's toast.
- Pay or tip reception vendors. Settle up with the DJ, caterer and others at the end of the evening.
- Load gifts and luggage. Help move wedding gifts, and see the couple's honeymoon luggage is in the car.
- Return rented tuxedos. Collect them all after the reception. Late returns can mean late fees.
Keep it open on your phone and tick as the day unfolds, so the small jobs don't slip past. Share it with the groomsmen so everyone sees what is already handled.
When to use it
Use it as soon as you accept the role, then again in the final week and on the morning itself.