Being asked to be the Best Man is an honour, but it also comes with real responsibility. You are not just standing beside the groom for photos, you are his right-hand person throughout the entire wedding journey.

From the lead-up to the big day, to managing nerves, logistics and last-minute hiccups, your role is to keep things running smoothly and the groom feeling supported, calm and present.

If you are not sure where to start, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Before the Wedding

Your role starts well before the big day

Be the Groom’s Right-Hand Person

Your main job is communication and support.

• Keep in regular contact with the groom
• Help filter questions from groomsmen so he is not overwhelmed
• Be someone he can rely on for decisions, reassurance and perspective

Think of yourself as the buffer between chaos and calm.

Help with Attire and Styling

• Assist the groom in choosing his suit or tuxedo
• Ensure all groomsmen are aligned in fit, colour, shoes and accessories
• Confirm fittings are booked and completed on time

Nothing creates stress faster than unprepared groomsmen.

Plan the Bachelor Party

• Coordinate with the groomsmen
• Keep it aligned with the groom’s personality
• Manage budget expectations early
• Ensure logistics are smooth and safe

The goal is to create a great memory, not a recovery situation before the wedding.

Show Up to Key Events

Make an effort to attend:

• Engagement party
• Wedding shower, if applicable
• Bachelor party
• Rehearsal dinner

Your presence shows support and sets the tone.

Organise the Groomsmen Gift

• Coordinate contributions
• Choose something meaningful or useful
• Handle logistics so the groom does not need to

Help with Vows and Speech Preparation

• Support the groom if he is writing vows
• Be a sounding board if he is unsure
• Prepare your own speech early and practise it

Keep your speech personal, light-hearted, respectful and concise.

Handle the Important Items

These are non-negotiable:

• Take responsibility for the wedding rings
• Confirm the marriage licence is organised and ready

If these are forgotten, it creates serious issues.

During the Wedding Day

This is where you step into full support mode

Keep the Groom Calm and On Track

• Be with him throughout the morning
• Keep the energy relaxed and steady
• Manage timing so he is not rushed

Your energy sets the tone.

Help Him Get Ready

• Assist with dressing, including tie, cufflinks and boutonniere
• Check everything is fitted and clean
• Keep the space organised

Final Checks Before the Ceremony

• Ensure the rings are ready and secure
• Check the groom’s boutonniere is pinned correctly
• Confirm all ceremony items are in place

Be Present During the Ceremony

• Stand by the groom’s side
• Remain attentive and composed
• Support him if nerves arise

Walk and Participate Properly

• Walk the Maid of Honour down the aisle
• Follow cues from the coordinator or celebrant

During the Reception

Deliver Your Speech

• Speak clearly and confidently
• Keep it warm, genuine and engaging
• Avoid inside jokes that exclude guests

A great speech balances humour and sincerity.

Stay Alert and Supportive

• Check in on the groom throughout the night
• Handle any small issues discreetly
• Help maintain the flow of the event

End of Night Responsibilities

This is often overlooked but equally important

Plan the Couple’s Exit

• Coordinate their departure, including transport and timing
• Ensure all personal items are accounted for

Confirm Honeymoon Readiness

• Bags packed
• Travel documents ready
• Transport arranged

This removes unnecessary stress at the end of the night.

How to Actually Reduce Stress

The most effective Best Man does more than complete tasks. He anticipates needs, handles situations quietly and keeps the groom grounded.

• Anticipate problems before they arise
• Resolve issues without drawing attention
• Maintain a calm and steady presence
• Keep the focus on the couple’s experience

 

 

Best Man Master Checklist

4–6 Weeks Before

• Confirm suit or tux selection with groom
• Ensure all groomsmen have ordered attire
• Start planning bachelor party, including budget, date and location
• Begin drafting your speech
• Check if groom needs help with vows

2–3 Weeks Before

• Confirm fittings are completed
• Lock in bachelor party details
• Coordinate groomsmen gift
• Check in with groom on stress levels and planning gaps
• Continue refining speech

1 Week Before

• Confirm all attire is ready and collected
• Finalise and practise your speech
• Confirm rehearsal dinner details
• Confirm wedding day timeline with groom or planner
• Check who is responsible for the marriage licence
• Lightly confirm honeymoon departure logistics

2–3 Days Before

• Pack your suit, shoes and accessories
• Pack Groom Emergency Kit
• Print your speech
• Confirm rings are ready and assigned to you
• Reconfirm arrival times and locations

Night Before

• Attend rehearsal dinner
• Reconfirm timeline with groom
• Set alarms for the next day
• Charge phone and power bank
• Lay out everything you need

Wedding Morning

• Arrive on time or early
• Bring rings and check immediately
• Keep energy calm and relaxed
• Ensure groom eats and hydrates
• Help groom get dressed

Before Ceremony

• Check boutonniere
• Confirm rings are secure
• Ensure all groomsmen are ready
• Keep groom calm and focused

During Ceremony

• Stand by groom’s side
• Stay attentive and composed
• Hand over rings when required

Reception

• Deliver your speech
• Check in on groom periodically
• Handle any small issues quietly

End of Night

• Coordinate couple’s exit
• Ensure belongings are collected
• Confirm honeymoon readiness

Phone Reminders

4 -6 Weeks Before

Reminder: Check all groomsmen have ordered suits and confirm bachelor party plan

3 Weeks Before

Reminder: Start drafting Best Man speech and check if groom needs help with vows

2 Weeks Before

Reminder: Confirm fittings are done, lock bachelor party details, remind the grooms party to book in their hair cut, beard trims and teeth whitening  and organise gift for the couple

1 Week Before

Reminder: Finalise speech, confirm timeline, speak with the groom around the rings plan

3 Days Before

Reminder: Pack suit, shoes, accessories, emergency kit and print speech

Night Before at 6:00 PM

Reminder: Reconfirm timeline, charge phone, pack rings and lay everything out

Wedding Morning

Reminder: Bring rings, stay calm, make sure groom eats and is on time, set alarms on your phone so you're tracking on time for the run sheet 

1 Hour Before Ceremony

Reminder: Check boutonniere, check they have the rings, vows, rings ready and groomsmen organised

Before Speech

Reminder: Speech time, stay calm, speak slowly and confidently

End of Night

Reminder: Confirm couple exit, collect items and check honeymoon readiness