For The Guys
The Role Of The Best Man: The custom of having a best man dates back to Northern Europe, 200 AD. Back then men traditionally married a woman from his own village. However, if all the eligible women were already taken, a man would have to go to a neighboring community and seize one - literally. In this case, the best man would accompany the future groom in case he needed extra muscle. (By the way, now you know the origination of carrying the bride over the threshold of her new home. The groom literally swept her off her feet!) The traditional job of the best man: * gives the toast * signs the marriage license * holds onto wedding bands until needed during ceremony * arranges bachelor party * helps with transportation arrangements to and from the ceremony * oversees the wedding attendants Table Talk - The Origination Of The Toast: The custom of making a toast began with the Greeks back around the sixth century BC for one highly practical reason: to assure guests that the wine they were about to consume was not poisoned. Back then, spiking the wine with poison was the preferred way to knock off an enemy or end a marriage. About That Toast: * always stand up * do NOT read it * include an anecdote about the bride and groom * be humorous, if possible * be sincere * DON’T talk about the groom’s previous relationships * keep it short The Groom May Want To Make A Toast Also. Here Are Some Tips: * thank parents * thank your bride’s parents * thank the guests * don’t forget to thank your new wife