PWL in Quick Doses

    When we think about the best man at a wedding, images of the guy the groom grew up with or shared a room with in college come to mind. Although these fellows might well deserve to be in the wedding party, they might not be the best choice foe the duty of best man. Today I'd like to give the guys out there some tips that I found in Elizabeth Cornish's The Best Man's Book. Keep in mind this isn't just for the Groom to pick his best man, but to also let you best men out there know what you should be doing to help the groom out.

Think Fast

    First of all the best man needs to be able to think fast. They need to have a clear (but not empty) head. There are times that I have had the best man help me get some of the important relatives that I haven’t met yet together for Portraits. This usually is hard to do when alcohol has been consumed. Now don't get me wrong. Most of my clients and their families are from Wisconsin. If you know anything about Wisconsin you'll know that beer sells better than soda during wedding season. I'm not saying don't drink at all. I'm just saying hold off until after all of your duties are done you'll have less of a chance of disappointing friends and family.

The Devil is in the Details

    Most of us guys think about a wedding as mainly a girl thing. There is so much focus on the feminine side. You know what I mean. The flowers, the bows, the dress. the list goes on. Some grooms even say “All I have to do is show up."! If this is the "star's" attitude can you imagine what the groom's "supporting cast" is thinking?  The groom has so much on his mind that day that is why the best man should be all over all of the grooms needs. Making sure there are no holes in his own jacket are a good example of details that have been overlooked in the past and have resulted in lost rings. Also consider having a copy of the groom’s vows if he wrote them himself. As the old song says...little things mean a lot.

Long Range Scanners Engaged Captain

    The best man should, for that day at least, live by Murphy's Law. If it can go wrong it probably will. This will be a great help for when something does go wrong (and it will) they will not go wrong. Be ready for just about anything. But be ready with a good heart about it. If the ring bearer runs down the aisle screaming like a banshee, as hard as it might be don't crack up but give him a big smile and thumbs up for making it down. If grandma's hat flies away in the wind run and get it and thank her for the exercise. Even better learn how to delegate to the ushers and other groomsmen!

Laughter & Love...Like PB & J

   Smiling and laughter release endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happy. Happy people have a good time at weddings. Stressed people don't. You might be saying to yourself "Duh!” Well not everyone remembers this the day of. The best man should always remember this. Now I'm not saying be a joker or clown because the ceremony is a serious thing but a smile to the groom, bride, the bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as family will go a long way. This will help hem relax and remember that as the best man you will be able to get it all done!

Seeing as you are second in command for the day, best man, you can find some great tips for the troops here at Bed, Bath, and Beyond's site.