Best man and maid of honor duties: what are they?

Maid of honor and best man are more than just guests. Their role is crucial to the organization and smooth running of the day. But do you really know what’s expected of them? If you’ve been chosen as a wedding witness, we want you to know that it’s an honor, but also a great responsibility. Let’s take a look at what this role entails.

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What you need to know from this article
The true role of a best man and maid of honour (including wedding rings), but also the qualities required to fulfill this role!

Maid of honor and best man duties: 3 acts!

1. Before the wedding

Once they have been chosen, their role begins long before the day of the ceremony. They are the future bride and groom’s right-hand men, and their help in organizing the wedding is invaluable.

First of all, they have to be present during the preparations. This can range from finding the right venue to selecting the bride’s dress, choosing the caterer and decorating the hall. Maid of honor and best man are also often asked to help organize the bride and groom’s bachelor party.

Before the wedding, the maid of honor and best man also have an advisory role. They are there to help the bride and groom make decisions, to give advice and to support them in moments of stress or doubt.

Finally, they have a coordinating role. Their job is to liaise between the various suppliers, the guests and the bride and groom, so that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.

2. During the marriage

On the wedding day, the role of the maid of honor and best man is just as essential. They are there to accompany the bride and groom every step of the way on this memorable day.

First of all, they have to ensure that the day is well organized. They make sure that everything goes according to plan, coordinate the various parties involved and listen to guests.

Secondly, the maid of honor and best man have an official role during the ceremony, whether at the town hall or during the religious or secular ceremony. At the town hall, they sign the civil register, attesting to the validity of the marriage. During the religious ceremony, they may be asked to read a text or take part in a ritual.

Finally, they also have a role to “play”animate”. Over the course of the evening, they may be asked to make speeches, organize games or start the dancing.

3. After the wedding

And yes, the maid of honor and best man responsabilities don’t stop once the wedding day is over. They still have responsibilities to assume after the event.

First of all, they can help the bride and groom thank their guests, for example by sending photos or videos of the day. They can also help tidy up the reception area, or collect objects and gifts left behind.

Secondly, the duo is the guardian of memories. They are often the holders of numerous photos and videos, which they can share with the bride and groom to help them relive this exceptional day.

Last but not least, maid of honor and best man play a supportive role. After the euphoria of the wedding, the bride and groom can feel a little lost or overwhelmed. Witnesses are there to help them cope with this new stage in their lives.

To sum up, what are the maid of honor and best man duties?

Their missions are as follows:

• Helping the bride and groom plan their wedding
• Keeping alliances
• Organizing the bachelor or bachelorette party
• Accompanying each bride and groom on D-day right up to the moment of saying YES
• Setting the mood
• Make a nice speech
• Ensuring the day runs smoothly
• Gathering memories

Do the maid of honor and best man get to keep the wedding rings?

It depends on culture and tradition, but it is quite common to ask them to keep wedding rings, yes.

We’ve all seen that dramatic scene in a bad romantic comedy, where one of the wedding guests loses the rings… Make sure this doesn’t happen to you!

What qualities should a maid of honor or a best man possess?

1. Trust and discretion

One of the most important qualities is the ability to inspire confidence and maintain absolute discretion. As a privileged confidant of the bride and groom, the best man is often privy to many personal details and emotions. It is imperative that he keeps this information confidential and is worthy of the trust placed in him.

2. Ability to handle stress and unexpected events

A wedding celebration can sometimes be subject to unforeseen events or tense moments. The best man must be a solid rock, able to maintain his composure and deal effectively with any delicate situation that may arise. His reassuring presence and ability to make quick decisions help the day run smoothly.

3. Sense of responsibility

Being a wedding witness involves a range of responsibilities, from organizing bachelor parties to helping the bride and groom on the wedding day. A good best man takes these responsibilities to heart, and is fully committed to supporting and accompanying the bride and groom at every stage of their nuptial journey.

4. Creativity and organizational skills

Planning a wedding can be complex, and the best man often plays an essential role in organizing certain aspects of the celebration. Her creativity and organizational skills enable her to help create unforgettable moments, whether by helping choose decorations, planning games or coordinating the various logistical aspects of the day.

5. Ability to provide emotional support

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a maid of honor or best man should be an emotional support to the bride and groom. He must be there to listen, encourage and support them in moments of doubt or stress. His ability to bring comfort and share moments of joy with the bride and groom makes him an indispensable companion on this exceptional day.

Who to choose as a maid of honor and best man?

This is an important decision for the bride and groom. They have the honor of accompanying the bride and groom on this adventure. So how do you make the right choice?

First of all, maid of honor and best man must be people in whom the bride and groom have absolute confidence. They can be close friends, family members or even colleagues, as long as they play an important role in the life of the bride and groom.

What’s more, the role of the best man goes far beyond simply being present on the big day. They are involved in wedding planning, ceremony preparation and many other tasks. It’s important to choose people who are ready to commit themselves fully to this mission.

FAQ for the perfect maid of honor and best man

What are the main responsibilities of a maid of honor and best man?

The role of a maid of honor or a best man is both symbolic and practical. Symbolically, the witness attests to the spouses’ willingness to marry and the sincerity of their commitment. In practical terms, the best man assists the bride and groom in organizing the wedding, notably by helping them manage the stress of the preparations. He may also be asked to sign the marriage certificate on the big day, testifying to the couple’s official union.

How can a best man and maid of honor help the bride and groom during the preparations?

They can be very helpful during the preparations by taking on certain tasks: coordinating the hen/boy party, helping to choose outfits, coordinating guest responses, or advising the couple on various decisions. Their role is to provide logistical and moral support for the bride and groom.

Do I have to prepare a speech as best man at the wedding?

It’s traditional for a best man to prepare a speech for the wedding ceremony or meal. The speech is an opportunity to share anecdotes about the bride and groom, express affection and wish the couple happiness. However, this is not an obligation, and must remain in accordance with the wishes of the bride and groom.

Are there any legal requirements for a maid of honor and a best man?

Yes, maids of honor and best men have legal obligations, including signing the marriage certificate in a civil ceremony. This signature attests that they were present and that they recognize the union of the spouses. To be a witness, you must be of legal age and have full civil rights. The number of maids of honor or best men may vary according to local laws, but is generally a minimum of two, one for each spouse.