Toastmaster
/ Master Of Ceremonies
This is
where you announce the specific parts of the wedding. For example, when the
wedding couple enter the room for the wedding meal, you'll probably have to
get everyone's attention (tapping on a glass with a spoon with do) and tell
them "Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand for the Bride and Groom".
It's quite common to also announce the cutting of the cake, and introduce
the speakers for the wedding speeches (normally the Bride's Father first,
then the Groom, then you).
Lord
of the Rings
Keep them safe. You'll be asked to present them during the
wedding ceremony and pass them to the official conducting the wedding. Make
sure you can feel them in your pocket at all times. Some people keep hold
of them in their hands right until they pass them over which is fine, but
these can make them hot and sweaty - and a nightmare to get on fingers!
Signing
the Wedding Licence
After the
wedding ceremony, you may be asked to sign the wedding licence as a witness
along with the Chief Bridesmaid. In a church ceremony this is often done away
from the guests - in a civil ceremony you'll usually sign it in front of them.
Organising
the Troops
Once
you arrive at the wedding, you're in charge of making sure the Groom is not
only dressed correctly, but also in the right place. If the wedding is in
a church make sure the Groom is around for photographs outside the church
on arrival, but then moved into the church to prevent him seeing the Bride's
arrival. You'll join him at the front of the church once inside. Also, check
the Ushers are okay - they'll be directing guests to their places for the
ceremony.
"To
the Reception..."
There
may be people, presents and cars that all need to get from the wedding to
the reception. As Best Man, you should make sure that people know where they're
going, and that everything that needs to be, is on its way to the reception
(Presents, Decorations etc).
Photographers
During
the wedding day make sure that the wedding photographers or videographers
have everything they need. In setting up group shots, they may need your help
to get people into place - and they'll certainly need you for some shots with
the Groom.
Presents
and Gifts
You
should arrange to have any presents moved somewhere safe after the wedding
and then arrange for the delivery of them to the couples home. You should
also take care of any keys, tickets, or anything similar that the wedding
couple will need later in the day.
Let
your hair down and have fun!
Above
all else, you should make sure that you enjoy the day! You may be slightly
nervous, but remember that everyone is there to have a great day - as long
as you relax and look after your duties, you'll have a fantastic time! Any
Best Man will tell you that they were dreading the job - but when it arrived
they loved every minute of it.
