SIMPLY THE BEST Wedding expert Chris Badja from GroomsDay shares his top tips for the best man Wedding expert Chris Badja, owner and founder of wedding gift service GroomsDay, offers some key advice to help the best man confidently manage their responsibilities and create unforgettable memories for the happy couple. “Being a best man comes with both honour and responsibility,” says Chris. “While it can be overwhelming for some, having a clear plan and staying organised will make sure the big day goes off without a hitch. From managing groomsmen to delivering that all-important speech, preparation is key. The goal is to create a smooth experience for the couple while making lasting memories. A well-prepared best man can elevate the wedding day, but going the extra mile will put you down in best man folklore." Here are some of Chris’ top tips: PLANNING THE BACHELOR PARTY The first and most obvious duty is organising the bachelor party. To make the event memorable, communicate early with the groom and his friends to plan something that reflects the groom’s personality. Whether it’s a casual night out or an activity-packed weekend, focus on making the groom feel special. Start planning the bachelor party at least three to six months before the wedding to allow time for organising logistics and getting everyone on board. MANAGING THE GROOMSMEN Whether it’s a close-knit group you’ve known for some time or a group of people the groom has met along the way, the best man may also be responsible for coordinating the groomsmen. You may be the point of contact for everything from suit fittings to travel arrangements. If so, set up a group chat early to get the ball rolling; it’s essential for keeping everyone informed and making sure things run smoothly. Regularly check in with the groomsmen during the last month before the wedding to avoid any lastminute surprises. CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTIRE One of the most underestimated tasks is ensuring the best man’s attire complements the groom’s outfit. If the groom has given you this responsibility, make sure yours and the groomsmen’s outfits fit the groom’s style and the wedding theme. Matching small details like pocket squares or ties can help create a classy look for the wedding party. Coordinate with the groom about the attire as soon as the wedding theme is set and schedule suit fittings at least two or three months before the wedding. BALANCING PERSONAL COMMITMENTS The key to being a great best man is simply time management. Make sure you set aside dedicated times for wedding responsibilities to ensure they don’t interfere with your work or personal life. It’s all about finding a good work-life-wedding balance. Use digital tools like calendars or reminders to schedule your best man duties around personal commitments and start preparations early to avoid any lastminute stress. DELIVERING A MEMORABLE SPEECH This is your time to shine. One of the most anticipated moments for the best man is delivering the speech. Make it personal and heartfelt, with a touch of humour. Practice in advance so you’re comfortable and confident on the big day. And remember, it’s not a lecture, so a maximum length of five to seven minutes is ideal. Write your speech at least a month in advance, and practice it multiple times, ideally in front of a small group of friends for feedback. To find out more about GroomsDay, visit the website www.groomsday.com www.unsplash.com/@ld05 www.unsplash.com/@curatedlifestyle GROOMSMEN ADVICE 73
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