The best man’s guide to wedding planning

Relax before the big day? Not a chance! Swot up on your pre-wedding tasks

Being a best man isn't all about organising the stag night. A great best man is there throughout the wedding planning as key supporter to the groom, and you have your fair share of tasks. If you feel like getting a head start, follow our essential guide…

Here are some essential pre-wedding tasks:

1. Meet the parents

   It’s a good idea to meet with the bride, groom and their parents to chat about how you can help with the wedding arrangements. If you don't already know each other, it's a great chance to meet the family before the big day, and you’ll earn major brownie points for being keen and seemingly well-organised!

   Ideally this chat should happen as soon as possible, giving everyone a chance to have their say and to allocate jobs and duties. If there's anything you're unsure about or don't feel confident doing, speak up. The last thing you need to do is take responsibility for something you're not happy about organising.

2. 

   All you need to be the best ever best man, our Best Man's Speech & Duties book offers clear advice on your duties plus inspiring ideas for your speech.

   Do your homework

   Pay a visit to the chosen ceremony and reception venues. Obviously if the wedding is taking place in St Lucia, this isn't going to be possible, but if you don't have far to travel, go and suss things out. By familiarising yourself with the layouts you'll feel much more prepared on the day. If you're super efficient, make a note of things like journey times between venues, locations of entrances and exits and car parking facilities and access, particularly if there will be disabled guests.

3. Organise the boys

   As best man, you need to make sure the ushers are aware of their responsibilities, recognise the key family members and are generally charming and helpful on the day. They should also be aware of any special seating requirements, such as guests who are wheelchair users who may need extra space and perhaps help in getting to their places.

4. Book the wedding transport

   You may be asked to arrange transport for the wedding day. This is a traditional role of the best man and less common these days but, if so, ask the bride's parents how many cars to order and whether they'd like you to get quotes and make the booking. Crucially, it's your job to get the groom to the ceremony on time and in one piece, for which you may prefer to rely on your own transport. It's good to have the number of a local taxi firm in case you or any guests run into any problems. Carry maps of the venues and take your mobile phone - just make sure it's switched off during the ceremony.

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