Image: Aolatphotography
Groomsmen are a reminder of the chivalry code that was the norm during the medieval age, formerly referred to as Brides Knight, they helped the groom capture his bride during the primitive days of marriage by capture. In modern times, grooms men provide much needed assistance to the groom which include helping the guests find their seats, standing by the groom at the altar amongst others. It is usually considered an honor to be chosen as a groomsman.
The best man is regarded as the chief assistant to the groom and the head of the groomsmen. He is the third most important person at the wedding after the bride and groom. The best man is charged with a assisting the groom on the wedding day, act as a legal witness to the marriage and sign the marriage certificate, stand next to the groom during the ceremony, keep the rings safe until needed during the ceremony.
Although the duties of the best man have changed from what the German Goths had in mind 2,000 years ago, when the best man had to fight off the bride’s angry relatives when the groom kidnapped her; it is also important to look out for certain qualities in whoever who choose to pick as your best man on that special day, as your choice of best man can literally make or mar that special day.
The first quality you have to look out for is to ensure he is good terms with your bride. It cannot be overemphasized that the best man and the bride have to have a good relationship else the lack of such will result in a frosty ceremony. It is not enough that you find that you find your best man hilarious and fun to be with, if your brides doesn’t feel the same way about him, you are in for a really awkward ceremony. Ensure your choice for best man is a person your bride is comfortable with.
Punctuality is said to be the soul of business, whoever you choose as your best man has to be person who understands the importance of punctuality. Remember that early on, it was said the best man is your aide and right hand man, it is his duty to ensure that the whole crew is up early, dressed and looking dapper all ready for the ceremony. It is unbecoming to have a best man who will have to go wake on the D day as he probably forgot that today was the date for the ceremony.
It is also important to pick a person who has his act together and pays attention to detail. As stated earlier, the best man is the third most important person at the ceremony, you can’t afford to pick a person who is not up and doing. Your best man is your aide and your right hand man during the ceremony. Whoever you pick must be a person who won’t misplace therings kept in his care, nor get drunk and start misbehaving at the ceremony, or a person who can’t handle pressure. It is totally unbecoming to pick a person who either has anger issues or cant handle pressure well as it will be embarrassing to see your best man lashing out or fighting with guests during the ceremony.
It is equally pertinent to choose a person is responsible and has your best interests at heart at all times. The best man is in charge of the Bachelor’s Eve and as such is in a position to exert influence on your action and that of the groomsmen. Regardless of whatever popular culture believes, it is dangerous to drink and drive, your best man has to be responsible enough to ensure that no matter how many shots are downed, there is always a designated driver who is a teetotaler that will ensure that everyone returns home safely. In addition, most bachelor’s eve have reputation for obscene acts, your best man has to ensure that you don’t indulge in any wanton act that will haunt you when the night is over.
Remember, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, hence you have to ensure that nothing goes wrong and you are surrounded with trusted friends and allies who will ensure that everything comes out well and the ceremony remains a day to remember.