Photo: Monique Hessler Photography
One of your best friends has asked you to be by his side on one of the greatest days of his life. It’s an honor, so make the man proud.
Here are twelve ways to be the best sponsor of all time.
Help plan the bachelor party
Offer to assist the best man in planning, whether it’s researching the fate of the big bars and restaurants, taking the lead in organizing an activity or two, helping the group stock up on food and drink, or offering to take charge of any random task the best man wants to delegate. Do your part to make it an epic celebration for the groom!
Be prompt
The happy couple will inevitably have a lot on their wedding planning plate, so don’t give them anything to worry about by waiting until the last minute to order your tux, being late for rehearsal, or keeping the ceremony bus waiting why not. you were paying attention to when and where you were supposed to be. Stay on top of things, and everyone will be happy!
Be inclusive
A typical group of groomsmen can range from the boyfriend’s high school friends, college mates, and post-college friends to his siblings, future siblings, and other relatives. With that mix, there’s probably at least one guy who doesn’t know the rest of the group well. A great sponsor will go out of his way to welcome that person and include them in the planning and fun.
Give a rehearsal dinner speech
Take the opportunity to stand up and say a few nice words about your good friend and future wife at the rehearsal dinner. It may seem intimidating to speak in front of a room of people, but a short, honest speech will mean a lot. Prepare a little something and raise your glass to the happy couple!
Offer of help
Your role is to support the groom, and offering a helping hand is one of the best ways to do that. Whether it’s setting up ceremony chairs, helping to call dinner guests, loading gifts into the car, or staying after the reception to help clean up, the couple (and their families) will be grateful.
Tell the bride (and bridesmaids) that they look beautiful
They’ve spent a few hours getting ready and they’re sure to look gorgeous, so be a gentleman and let them know! Not in a creepy way, of course.
Use the ceremony if asked
It is not uncommon for godparents to double duty as ushers at the ceremony. If the bride and groom ask you to be an usher, play the role. Don’t worry, we have everything you need to know about how to have a wedding right here.
Act like a punctual person
Being able to answer frequently asked questions from the guests, so the bride and groom don’t have to. Guests may want to know where to sign the guest book or leave the cards, what time the shuttle bus will leave, or other smaller logistics that you can help with. By becoming familiar with them, you can help the event go a little better. And if you don’t know the answer, you can always ask the wedding coordinator or whoever is in charge of the show.
Start the party
Help set a happy and festive tone at the reception! Mingle with the guests, hit the dance floor, keep a smile on your face, and have fun – everyone else will follow your example.
Pace yourself
Although you definitely want to have a good time, it is important not to overdo it. A great sponsor is one who contributes to the fun but is also capable of being helpful, and over-indulgence at the signature cocktail station is a good way to compromise the “helpful” part of the equation.
Thank the hosts
Make sure to take a break sometime in the evening to thank the hosts for including you. Let them know that you are having fun and that you are honored to be a part of the celebration.
Email text or photos to the couple
The newlyweds probably won’t receive their professional wedding photos immediately, and will be eager to see some photos in the meantime. Take some photos on your phone during the event, or find a few guests who did, and text or email them the next day. It may seem like a small gesture, but they will be delighted!