Wedding: Best Man's Must-Have List For The Big Day

As the Best Man in a wedding, there is much to be done and much to prepare. Here is a checklist of must-have items for the big day.

Your best friend or relative has asked you to stand by his side as his Best Man on his wedding day. One of the first things that pops into a guy's mind when he gets asked to be a Best Man at a wedding is "Bachelor party." Sure, as a Best Man you may be responsible for giving your guy friend a final night out as a bachelor, but there is much more involved with the Best Man role. Since the groom picked you as his Best Man, more than likely, he trusts and respects you above others, so you will be the first person he will turn to when he needs emotional support before and on the day of the wedding. On the actual day of the wedding, your groom friend will have a lot on his mind, so it will be up to you to ensure you have brought along everything you will need on the wedding day. Here is a checklist of items you will need to have on hand, as the Best Man, on the big day.

* Probably one of the more important items to bring with you is your tuxedo and shoes. Leave the entire ensemble, including underwear and socks, by the front door the day of the wedding so you don't find yourself driving back home to retrieve your clothing minutes before the ceremony is to begin.

* Many maids/matrons of honors create a small "emergency pack" for the bride. It would be a great idea, as the Best Man, to bring a small bag full of items that you, the groom or other groomsmen may need to get ready right before the ceremony or reception. You may want to include a comb, hair gel, hair spray, deodorant, breath mints, toothpaste and several toothbrushes (to freshen up between the wedding ceremony and reception) and cologne.

* As the Best Man, you will be expected to give a toast to the bride and groom at the reception, so be sure to bring your written toast (unless you plan on "winging" the toast, which most people would strongly advise against). Keep it in your tuxedo pocket, so you will remember where it is when the time comes to give your toast.

* If you have not already done so, do not forget to bring along your gift to the bride and groom.

* In case you need to run out and get an emergency item for the groom or one of the groomsmen, do not leave your wallet (credit card, money and license) behind.

* If you take any medication, do not forget to pack that along with your other items.

* After the ceremony and reception, it is customary for the Best Man to pick up the groom's tuxedo to return it to the tuxedo rental store the day following the wedding. Be sure to bring information concerning the tuxedo rental guidelines and return policy so you can easily drop off the tuxedo the next day.

* Depending on the groom, he may give you the bride's wedding ring the day of the wedding or a few days before. If you have already received the ring before the wedding, keep it in a safe spot in one of your jacket pockets. If you do not receive it until the day of the wedding, be sure to place it securely in your pocket so it does not accidentally fall out.

* Some grooms ask their Best Man to pay the officiant or caterer or florist the day of the wedding, since they may have to leave early for their honeymoon flight. Keep the envelopes of money the groom hands you in a secure location, so it does not get lost or stolen.

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