Have you been given the honor of being someone's best man? Or are you wondering who should be appointed best man? What does it really mean to be a best man? Here we have gathered all the information you need about the role and what it entails. It is a task filled with responsibility, but also joy – and a chance to stand by the groom's side during one of life's biggest days. The tradition originally comes from Anglo-Saxon countries and has long been a valued part of Swedish weddings.

The best man is the groom's closest support throughout the wedding day – and often even in the planning beforehand. Here are some of the most common tasks:

Support and reassurance: The best man is there for the groom, calming nerves and helping with anything that may arise.
Ring responsibility: At the wedding, the best man ensures that the groom's rings are in place and handed over at the right moment.
Bachelor party: It is often the best man who plans and organizes the groom's bachelor party.
Speeches and other assignments: After the ceremony, it is common for the best man to give a speech, and sometimes he is given other assignments during the wedding party.

Best man during the wedding

How the best man moves during the wedding ceremony can vary, but here is a classic description:

1. The best man enters the church with the groom, often from the sacristy.
2. They stand at the altar roundel while the bride approaches with her father.
3. When the rings are to be exchanged, the best man takes out the ring and hands it to the groom.
4. After that, the formal part of the assignment is completed, but the best man often has more tasks during the party.

Swedish weddings sometimes have their own variations, where the bride and groom walk down the aisle together. This is considered to show equality and women's independence, which is something to keep in mind when planning the ceremony.

Best man attire

The attire for the best man often follows the same rules as the groom and guests. If the bride and groom are wearing formal wear, it is common for the best man to wear a tailcoat while the groom does. At less formal weddings, the best man may wear a dark suit or blazer.

The difference between bestman and marshal

In Sweden, both bestman and marshalk are sometimes used as titles. In short:

The best man is a close friend or family member of the groom and stands by his side during the day.

The marshal may have more organizational duties and can sometimes be for both the bride and groom.
Both roles are about support, responsibility, and contributing to a memorable wedding day.

Tips for the groom

Having a best man often means working closely together before and during the wedding. Here are some tips:

Plan together: Discuss what tasks the best man will take care of, from ring bearer to speech and bachelor party.
Communicate openly: Let the best man know about times, locations, and other important details, so the day runs smoothly.
Trust him: Bestman is there for you – let him take charge and guide you when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many besties can you have?
There is no rule, but most grooms have one or two close friends or family members.

What is the difference between bestman and marshal?
The bestman is the groom's personal support throughout the day, while the marshal may have more organizational duties and sometimes represent both the bride and groom.

What should a best man wear?
The attire often follows the same rules as the groom: a tailcoat for formal wear or a dark suit/jacket for less formal weddings.

Surprise your best man with a personalized gift

Being a best man is more than a ceremonial role – it's a gesture of friendship and loyalty. Want to surprise your best man with a personalized gift? We've gathered our top picks for jewelry and gifts here .