The highest honor at a wedding for a male who is not the groom is to be chosen as the best man. This person is usually a brother, best friend or has some significant relation with the groom. The Best Man history dates back to Anglo Saxon times where ancient writers state the best man and the groomsmen would defend the bridegroom against a rival who might carry off the bride. Origins are also found with the Germanic Goths that found the best man role was to aid the groom in finding and capturing a bride from a neighboring town when women were in short supply of their own community. By 200AD, the best man role was still as a protector and guard but now of the ring as well as making sure the bride's family would not attempt to get her back physically. It has also been found that the best man would stand guard outside of the newlywed's home after the wedding. The best man today is still seen as a protector of the ring on the wedding day as well as the grooms "right hand man".

The three biggest events the best man is traditionally in charge of are:

1) The Bachelor Party - The best man has traditionally been given the role of head planner of the groom's bachelor party. This is a fun event but a lot of time may go into the planning of a bachelor party. Check out our section about the bachelor party to get some ideas and resources for the last night out.

2) The Wedding Toast - The best man toast, known as best man speech, is a tradition that has been around for years. This is a pivotal time when the best man will be speaking in front of the whole wedding party. Many times the best man speech will set the mood for the remainder of the party. We have a specific section on best man speech as it is an important event.

3) Holder of the Bride's Ring - The best man is tasked with holding on to and making sure the wedding ring is presented when asked during the wedding ceremony. It is an important task!

Other secondary tasks of the best man may include:

Helping the groom find a ring for the bride.
Helping the groom pick out his tuxedo and what style the groomsmen will be wearing.
Help the groom choose wine and groomsmen gifts.
Helping the groom find accommodations for the bride/grooms out of town guests.
Walking down the aisle with the Maid of Honor and dancing with her during the wedding party for the first dance if/when called by the band/DJ.
Helping the bride and groom get to the airport or general travel destination for their honeymoon.
Delivering the bride/groom presents that were brought to the wedding back to the bride and groom's place.
Making sure the bride and groom have everything they need before the wedding starts.
Taking pictures or video during the down times for the bride and grooms photo albums.
Helping make sure the whole process goes smooth.

Please email us any other ideas you may have or experienced with being the best man. You can email us at groom@groomsmen411.com.