The beginning....

It was one of the proudest moments of my life when I was asked to be best man at my bestest buddies wedding. Then I forgot about it for a bit. Then I remembered again, got a bit worried so had a few bevies and then promptly forgot again. Later that week I remembered again and decided that I should do some research to see just what my duties ‘were’. Needless to say I forgot. This cycle has been going on for about 6 months now.

However a couple of weeks ago I saw my mate again and that reminded me that I should probably get around to working out what I need to do, what is expected of a ‘best man’ and what I should definitely 100% not do under any circumstances. This prompted a mini epiphany and promptly reminded me that I had forgotten to remember (that makes sense I’m sure) to do any of that before. So I decided I’d start this blog as a definite way of beginning to think about the whole malarkey. So I hope you enjoy reading this as I undergo a transformation from ‘bad influence’ to the perfect best man!

Google is my friend at all times apart from now it appears. ‘Best man duties’ seem to differ depending on which site you read. Some say that I need to ensure that all ‘entertainers’ are paid and then escorted of the premises. Others say that I need to, pretty much, arrange the whole thing. Some say that I should stay by the grooms (wow JR is going to be a groom!) side at all times and others that I should keep a safe eye on him from a distance. The bar is a distance right?!? I’m getting too far ahead of myself. The basic all encompassing duties are as such;

1) Stag night if the groom wants one. Indeed it is advised that stag nights are arranged not only a small time from the actual wedding, in case of The Hangover escapades i imagine, but also on the same night as the hen party/weekend. I believe the latter to be so that we stay in the hens good books, after all if she is going out with her friends surely JR can come out with his...

2) Attend and help arrange fitting for tuxedos/suits. Sounds simple enough right, get everyone in one place at the same time. Shame that JR is notoriously bad at time keeping, and that we all seem to be scattered around different parts of the U.K. Minor issue I’m sure.

3) Attend any pre-wedding meetings including wedding and meal rehearsals. Free food? I’ll be there. Thinking about it I will most likely be unemployed or freelancing nearer the time so won’t have to take time of work! That’s a win, i think.

4) Moral support at all times. Sounds good to me. Me and JR have loads of drunken conversations, normally me and his answer phone, so that will be fine. I’ve also studied a lot of ethical theories so i’m sure that one of them will come in useful when he starts freaking out. That or a good slap.

5) Look after wedding rings (and licence/plane tickets if asked to). Ah. The fear arrives again. The kind of fear that starts in your little toe, works up the leg, jumps around the stomach for awhile before arriving in a sweat inducing state at the head. Do not forget the ring!

6) Act as legal witness to the marriage. Will start practicing a new fancy signature i think.

7) Master of ceremonies duties now begin; First things first are to ensure that everyone gets from wedding venue to the reception. Ensure that there are taxis available if needs be. Help photographer arrange photos etcetc generally be a helpful sober person.

8) The wedding speech. Standing up in front of everyone making a toast, mildly embarrassing the groom, a couple of quick anecdotes, compliment everyone and sit down. Sounds easy. I get the feeling that nearer the time that will be the main topic of the blog/my life. I’m currently considering a rap.

9) Ensure a smooth get away at the end of the night. Simple logistics I believe; ensure there is a car ready to whisk them away or stay sober and drive them to the airport. I’m feeling that the latter will not be on the cards.

Now I am sure that there are plenty of other duties that I have missed off but that will do for now! I think the easiest way for me to start thinking about the whole thing is to break down each of the above sections into separate blogs. Therefore I will do that and then nearer the wedding date (Oct 2011) I can keep everyone up to date with the trials and tribulations of my stressful life as a best man... 

DO NOT FORGET THE RING