Before The Wedding

• 1). Help pick the tuxedos. In modern times this duty has fallen to the bride-to-be, but traditionally the best man is supposed to help the groom pick his own tuxedo as well as those for other members of the wedding party.
  
  
• 2). Handle the logistics for out-of-town groomsmen. Make sure anybody who's flying in for the wedding knows where to be measured for a tuxedo, where to pick it up, when the rehearsal dinner takes place and when to arrive at the service.
  
  
• 3). Plan the bachelor party. Choose activities and locations that everyone can afford. Las Vegas can be a great time for people with disposable income, but it's no fun if you're on a budget. Choose an activity everyone will enjoy and can afford. Invite all the men in the wedding party, as well as the bride's father, groom's father and any other men who are important to the families.
  
  
• 4). Take notes at the rehearsal. Groomsmen are notorious for goofing off at the rehearsal, then acting befuddled and confused on the day of the reception. Know not only where you should be and when, but where the other groomsmen should be as well. On the day of the wedding, consider yourself the head coach of the groomsmen. They should know their responsibilities, but you should too, just in case.
  
  
• 5). Write your toast. Do this well in advance - don't ever just "wing it" at the reception. Use simple, casual language, and be concise and relevant. Refrain from inside jokes and private stories; this speech is for everyone, and there will be people at the reception whom the bride and groom don't know particularly well. Speak from the heart, stay on point and stay appropriate.
  
  

On The Day Of The Wedding

• 1). Do anything the groom needs. The best man's most important job is to stamp out any logistical fires that pop up on the day of the wedding. Clear your calendar so you can pick someone up from the airport or run a tuxedo to the tailor for a last-minute alteration.
  
  
• 2). Coordinate the groomsmen at the ceremony. Make sure the ushers have programs and know how to show the guests to their seats. Speak with the photographer and videographer to know where and when they'll need the bridal party. Make sure groomsmen stay sober for the ceremony; there will be plenty of time for revelry afterward.
  
  
• 3). Hold the rings. Some best men hold both rings, some hold only the groom's. Pick a safe spot; you don't want to be fumbling around for them during the moment of truth.
  
  
• 4). Sign the marriage license as a witness to the ceremony.
  
  
• 5). Make sure the reception hall is ready. See to it that the guests' seating cards and gift table are easy to find. Make sure the disc jockey is on time and that the hall is ready for the reception (many halls will book a party in the afternoon, then another in the evening).
  
  
• 6). Give the toast at the reception. Speak clearly, slowly and sincerely.
  
  
• 7). See the bride and groom off safely. If they're leaving for their honeymoon that night, know ahead of time whether you're driving them to the airport. If you suspect you may not be sober, provide for a limousine in advance.