It is a great honor, to be asked to be someone's best man. No doubt, when you were asked you felt both proud and somewhat important - you will be, after all, part of the wedding party!

At some point, once you realise the enormity of the ocassion and the role you will, no doubt, start to wonder what you have let yourself in for. What exactly is expected of you? As we all know, it is highly likely that you will have to stand up in front of all of the guests and give a best man speech.

This, alone, can be a daunting prospect. My advice is do not worry - easy for me to say! Most people, even company executives, are daunted at the thought of publich speaking so your are not alone. It is at this point I shall throw in my mantra - "fail to prepare, then prepare to fail". With proper and thorough preparation you will succeed. So confident am I that I guarantee it - prepare and you will succeed.

The speech, although a big part of your role, is not your only duty. So, there are a couple of points to remember, on that note. Firstly, understand what is expected of you as the best man and secondly, since you will have other things to organise, do not leave your speech to the last minute!

I would advise that you talk to the groom and perhaps even the bride as soon as possible to be clear on the duties that you will take responsibility for. Not only will you then be able to plan more effectively but it will cut out any confustion. The last thing you want is for the groom to turn up for his bachelor party - that you haven't organised!

As well as organising the bachelor party there are other duties that normally fall to the best man prior to the big day. Are there any pre-wedding events? Are you to be invovled with any planning? Find out!

There are also duties that you will be responsible for before the ceremony itself, during the ceremony, after the ceremony and during and after the wedding reception. The list can be long so, again, make sure you are prepared and have discussed your responsibilities with the groom and bridegroom. Then make a checklist so you don't forget!

Your checklist could be quite long and at the top will, no doubt, be your speech! Take my advice and prepare, if you don't you will wish you had - but it could be too late.

	Select your role to find out more The Best Man The Groom The Father of the Bride The Maid of Honor If you have to say a few words, make sure they are the right few words

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