Best man

The best man is the name given to the male assistant to the bridegroom at a wedding. Usually the groom gives this honor to someone who is close to him, either a brother or his closest male friend.

Related Topics:
Bridegroom - Wedding

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In the context of a traditional American/British white wedding, the best man's duties typically include:

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• Organising a Bachelor party for the groom
• Getting the groom to the wedding on time
• Supervising the groomsmen
• Holding the bride's ring at the altar
• Acting the officiant of the wedding ceremony is paid
• Giving a speech at the wedding, usually at the expense of the bride and groom, and thanking the bridesmaids

The groomsmen assist the best man with these functions.

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When the groom wishes to give this honor to a woman, she may be termed the "best woman" or "best person." The bride's equivalent of the best man is the maid or matron of honor. A neutral term is "honor attendant".

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In Uganda a best man does what is described above but he is also challenged to guide the newlyweds in ways of marriage. This means that ideally a best man must be married, preferably to one wife and should be in position to give sound, tried and tested advice. A best man must be a confidant and be discreet about the details he hears from the new couple.

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Best man: See also ►