Unveiling the Power Duo
The tradition of having a best man and maid of honour at your wedding dates back centuries. In ancient Rome, a female attendant or “honour maiden” would accompany the bride throughout the wedding festivities to protect her from evil spirits and jealous suitors who might try to harm or steal her away.
While in medieval Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, marriages were often strategic alliances, and the role of the best man was crucial in ensuring the success of the union. Originally, the best man was chosen for their strength, loyalty, and ability to protect the groom and the bride.
Fast forward to modern-day weddings and the presence of a best man and maid of honour has evolved, but the sentiment of the responsibility for these key people remains. Having a best man and maid of honour is like having your personal cheerleaders throughout the wedding planning process. They are the ultimate confidants, there to lend a listening ear, offer valuable advice, and alleviate any pre-wedding jitters.
These days the duties of a best man and maid of honour include:
Party Planning… from stag do’s to bridal showers, the wedding day is not the only party associated with the union of marriage. Traditionally it is the responsibility of the best man & maid of honour to organise these pre-wedding parties.
The best man and maid of honour are commonly in attendance for suit/dress fittings before the big day, lending support and advice to help with decision-making. These two can also be relied upon to support the couple with wedding day preparations.
On the day the maid of honour and best man often take the lead role in coordinating the groomsmen and bridesmaids. The best man traditionally holds the rings until they’re called for during the ceremony, while the maid of honour will take the bouquet from the bride after her aisle entrance.
Speech!!… Some dread them, others wait with eager anticipation. But the tradition of wedding speeches seems to remain as popular today as it has ever been. While the best man’s speech is traditionally expected to stir up amusement from the audience with jokes and anecdotes about the groom, we are seeing more maids of honour take the mic to give a toast or speech honouring the happy couple.
As you embark on the journey towards your wedding day, the tradition of having a best man and maid of honour stands as a testament to the love and friendship that surround you.
They are your cheerleaders, your confidants, and your organising wizards. From planning epic events to delivering heart-warming speeches, their presence adds an extra layer of magic to your celebration. So, embrace this cherished tradition, and let your best man and maid of honour create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
