Singaporebrides | The Groom Room

June 2025

The Modern Best Man’s Guide to Weddings Beyond the Bachelor Party

By Michelle Tay

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Navigating the expectations of a best man in a Singaporean wedding requires some finesse, and lots of commitment.

In the post-Instagram age of weddings, where every moment is documented and shared, the role of the best man has evolved far beyond simply holding the rings and delivering a speech. For couples planning their nuptials in Singapore, the best man has become part wedding coordinator and part emotional support system.

Gone are the days when a best man’s responsibilities began and ended with organising a night out in Clarke Quay. Today’s best men are stepping into roles that demand logistical prowess and an understanding of Singapore’s unique wedding landscape—where a morning tea ceremony at home might seamlessly transition into an evening reception at a restaurant.

The Pre-Wedding Marathon

The modern best man’s journey begins months before the actual wedding day. In Singapore’s fast-paced environment, where couples often juggle demanding careers with wedding planning, the best man becomes an essential support system. This means being available for vendor meetings and accompanying the groom to suit fittings.

But perhaps most importantly, today’s best man serves as the groom’s emotional anchor. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance family traditions with personal preferences. The best man who truly understands his role will know when to suggest a coffee break at a quiet café, when to listen without offering solutions, and when to remind his friend why he’s marrying his partner in the first place.

The Modern Bachelor Party

The bachelor party has undergone a significant transformation. Today’s celebrations are less about “last night of freedom” and more about celebrating friendship and the groom’s next chapter. The best Singapore bachelor parties combine the city’s unique offerings: perhaps private dining experiences in hidden gems around Ann Siang Hill, whiskey tastings at rooftop bars with Marina Bay views, or even group activities like escape rooms ending with late-night prata at a 24-hour mamak stall.

The key is reading the room—and the groom—before you make a plan. Some prefer intimate gatherings, others want the full celebration. The best man’s job is to curate an experience that feels authentic to the groom’s personality while being inclusive of the entire wedding party, which in Singapore often includes friends from different cultural backgrounds and varying comfort levels with traditional bachelor party activities.

Wedding Day Execution

On the wedding day itself, the best man transforms into a combination of personal assistant, crisis manager, and emotional support. In Singapore’s humid climate, this might mean having a portable fan ready during outdoor photo sessions, ensuring the groom stays hydrated during long ceremonies, or having backup shirts available for unexpected spills.

The logistical challenges are real. Singapore weddings often involve multiple venues and tight timelines. The best man might need to coordinate transportation between a morning tea ceremony and an evening reception at Sentosa, all while ensuring the groom arrives looking composed and on time.

As the leader of the groomsmen, it’s your job to ensure everyone is aligned with their roles. This includes making sure they understand the schedule, are dressed appropriately, and know the expectations—especially important if the wedding involves specific cultural ceremonies. Organise a group chat or meeting to discuss the itinerary, and consider having a rehearsal dinner to smooth out any last-minute kinks.

On the morning of the wedding, the groom may be a bundle of nerves. Your job? Keep him calm, collected, and focused. Ensure he eats something and stays hydrated. A good pep talk or a quiet moment together can do wonders for pre-ceremony jitters.

Traditionally, the best man is entrusted with the wedding rings until the crucial moment when they are exchanged. This is a task that requires absolute vigilance. Double, triple, and quadruple-check that you have the rings before leaving for the venue.

In Singapore, wedding processions can vary greatly depending on cultural backgrounds. For a Chinese wedding, you might be involved in the traditional “gatecrashing” where the groom and his groomsmen perform challenges set by the bridesmaids before he can see his bride. In Malay weddings, you could be part of the “bersanding” ceremony, where the couple is paraded in a grand procession. Indian weddings are often elaborate affairs with multiple events spread over several days. Your involvement might extend beyond the wedding day itself, participating in the “sangeet” or assisting during the main ceremony. Familiarise yourself with the specific customs of the wedding you’re part of, and make sure the groomsmen are ready to participate fully.

The Speech That Matters

Perhaps no single moment defines the best man’s role more than the wedding speech. In Singapore’s multicultural context, this often means addressing an audience that spans generations and cultures. The speech needs to be heartfelt without being overly sentimental, funny without being inappropriate, and inclusive without being generic.

The best speeches tell a story—not just about the groom, but about the friendship itself. They acknowledge the couple’s journey, respect the families involved, and celebrate the unique love story unfolding. In a city where traditional values meet modern sensibilities, the best man’s speech becomes a bridge between worlds.

Financial Sensitivity and Modern Expectations

Gen Z couples are increasingly conscious about wedding costs and the financial burden on their wedding parties. The modern best man needs to be sensitive to these realities. This might mean suggesting budget-friendly bachelor party options, being transparent about costs upfront, or finding creative ways to celebrate that don’t break anyone’s bank account.

In Singapore, where the cost of living is high and many young professionals are saving for homes, the best man who can organise meaningful celebrations within reasonable budgets becomes invaluable. This might mean exploring cafes instead of fine dining establishments, or choosing group activities that offer value for money while still creating memorable experiences.

Beyond the Wedding Day

The best man’s role doesn’t end when the last guest leaves the reception. In the weeks following the wedding, he might help with thank-you card organisation or simply check in on the newlyweds as they adjust to married life.

This ongoing support is particularly important in Singapore’s context, where couples often face immediate pressures about flat purchases or renovations. The best man who remains a consistent friend through these transitions continues to honour his role long after the wedding photos are posted on social media.

The Evolution of Brotherhood

Ultimately, the modern best man’s role reflects the evolution of male friendship itself. It’s about showing up consistently, supporting emotional growth, and celebrating milestones with intention and care. In a generation that values authenticity over tradition, experiences over possessions, and emotional intelligence over stoic masculinity, the best man becomes a symbol of evolved brotherhood.

For couples planning weddings in Singapore, choosing a best man isn’t just about picking the friend who’s known the groom the longest or the one who throws the best parties. It’s about selecting someone who understands the weight of the role, respects the cultural complexity of Singapore weddings, and is committed to supporting not just a single day, but a lifelong partnership.

The modern best man knows that his true measure isn’t in the perfection of the bachelor party or the humour of his speech, but in his ability to be present, supportive, and genuine throughout the entire journey. Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply showing up, consistently and wholeheartedly, for the people who matter most.

Image Credits: Featured image from Joanne and Russell’s Magical Horseback Wedding at Capella Singapore by Pixioo

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