How Many Best Men Can You Have

How Many Best Men Can You Have? A Modern Take on Wedding Traditions

Planning a wedding comes with countless decisions, from flowers to favours to who stands by your side on the big day. One of the most common questions grooms ask is: how many best men can you have? The simple answer? As many as you like.

Traditionally, weddings featured one best man the groom’s right-hand person who looked after the rings, gave a speech and kept the stag do just on the right side of chaos. But times have changed, and modern weddings are more flexible, personal and inclusive than ever before.

Let’s explore the role of a best man, how many you can realistically have, and how to manage it smoothly without stepping on anyone’s toes.

There’s No Rule Saying You Can Only Have One

Despite the word best implying a singular choice, there’s absolutely no rule legal or otherwise that limits you to just one best man. It’s perfectly acceptable (and increasingly common) to have two, three or even more.

Whether you want to honour two close friends, include a brother and a mate, or give a nod to your university crew, the key is choosing people who genuinely support you and want the best for your day. It’s your wedding there’s no official number stamped on how many best men you’re allowed.

How to Divide the Responsibilities

If you do have multiple best men, the main thing to consider is how the duties will be shared. Traditionally, the best man is responsible for helping organise the stag do, holding the rings, giving a speech and generally keeping things on track. But when there’s more than one, you’ll need to split these tasks clearly.

One best man might take the lead on planning the stag, while another handles the speech. Or you could have them give a joint speech and share ring duties, especially if you want to make it more relaxed and informal.

The most important thing is that they know what’s expected and feel comfortable with their role. Communication is key to making sure everything runs smoothly.

Will It Confuse Guests or Upset Tradition?

Weddings today are far more personal and relaxed than they used to be. While some people may raise an eyebrow at multiple best men, most will simply enjoy seeing your friendships celebrated in your own way.

If you’re worried about formality especially at a very traditional or religious ceremony you can always speak to your celebrant or officiant about how to introduce or involve multiple best men. Most are happy to adapt.

In many ways, having more than one best man simply reflects the way life works now. It’s common to have different close friends from different parts of your life, and choosing just one can feel impossible or unfair.

What About Best Women or Mixed-Gender Wedding Parties?

If your closest friend happens to be a woman, you can absolutely have a best woman or woman of honour. Gender no longer needs to dictate who stands beside you. Wedding parties today are wonderfully diverse, with mixed-gender line-ups, best mates of all kinds and roles shaped to fit the couple not outdated customs.

Whether it’s a sister, a close female friend or even your mum, it’s your relationship with the person that matters most, not the label.

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours

Weddings should reflect your life, your friendships and your values not someone else’s idea of what’s “normal.” If you’ve got several people who’ve played a meaningful part in your life and you want them all to be best men, then do just that.

As long as you’re clear on who’s doing what and everyone feels included, having more than one best man can add even more support, laughs and memories to your big day.