Best man

For other uses, see Best man (disambiguation)}}}.

The best man is the name given to the male assistant to the bridegroom at a wedding. Usually the groom gives this honor to someone who is close to him, either a brother or his closest male friend.

In the context of a traditional American/British white wedding, the best man's duties typically include:

Organizing a Bachelor party for the groom
Possibly helping plan or organize some details of the wedding
Getting the groom to the wedding on time, generally by sleeping in the groom's bedroom the night before
Supervising the groomsmen
Holding the bride's ring at the altar
Acting as the officiant if the wedding ceremony is paid
Giving a speech at the wedding, usually at the expense of the bride and groom, and thanking the bridesmaids
Stocking the men's room at the reception with mints and soap

The groomsmen assist the best man with these functions.

When the groom wishes to give this honor to a woman, she may be termed the "best woman" or "best person." The bride's equivalent of the best man is the maid or matron of honor. A neutral term is "honor attendant".

Best man in various cultures

In Uganda a best man does what is described above but he is also challenged to guide the newlyweds in ways of marriage. This means that ideally a best man must be married, preferably to one wife and should be in position to give sound, tried and tested advice. A best man must be a confidant and be discreet about the details he hears from the new couple.

Best man

Best man in various cultures

See also