How to Choose Your Best Man or Maid Of Honor
Choosing a best man or maid of honor from your close-knit group of friends can be a difficult decision to make. Here are some things to keep in mind when making the choice.
Relationship - Think about who you are closest to in your life, whether it's a sibling, a childhood friend or a college roommate. The best man or maid of honor is likely to be the person you trust and who knows you better than anyone. Ask yourself, “If my car broke down on the side of the road at two in the morning who would I call to help me out?”
Dependability - Your best man or maid of honor should be someone who is reliable and organized. They will have many important duties leading up to and during the wedding so it's important to choose someone who can handle the added responsibility. If you have a friend who is always losing things or showing up to get-togethers an hour late, maybe they’re not the best choice for holding onto your ring. Your wedding is a big occasion and has so many moving parts that you want to ensure the key players are where they need to be when they need to be there.
Support - The best man or maid of honor should be supportive of your relationship and your decision to get married. They should be someone who will listen to your concerns, offer advice when needed and be there for you during both the good times and the bad. Let’s be honest, this prestigious role is not intended for someone who doesn’t really understand the give and take of your relationship.
Availability - Consider the availability of your potential best man or maid of honor. If they live far away or have a demanding job or family obligations they may not be able to fulfill their duties as effectively as one of your other friends. It doesn’t mean they’re not excited for your big day but the added responsibilities may be a bit much for their plate at this time in their life.
Compatibility - If your partner has already chosen their best man or maid of honor, consider if your choices are compatible. Your best man or maid of honor should be able to work well with their counterpart and help make the planning process easier, not more difficult. Another approach would be for you and your partner to discuss your possible choices before telling anyone. This will give both of you time to ensure everyone works well together when your wedding day arrives.
Being comfortable with your choices is the most important factor. If you find yourself stuck on making a decision just follow your heart. Also remember that there are no hard and fast rules about there only being one best man or maid of honor. If you love your besties equally, feel free to divide the responsibilities up and give them bigger roles during your celebration!