Congratulations! You've got a beautiful bride who is also (hopefully) your best friend, supportive team mate, and partner for life. But in the run up to your Wedding day, you'll both need good friends who can help to share the load and support you in other ways. So who do you pick?

How to choose your Best Man:

Your best man is integral to making the big day run smoothly, and keeping you sane! You'll want someone that you really like and trust, who's reliable, who knows what's important to you, and knows how to calm you down when the bride still hasn't turned up after 20 minutes. Your best friend or your oldest brother might be ones to ask. If you think you've found the man for the job then look no further, just make sure he's well aware of what you're asking him to do, and that he has the time to do it.

What you're asking him to do:

Before your wedding day

• Plan your stag do
• Organise the ushers so they're on time and on task for all your important events
• Attend fittings and pay for his own suit
• Prepare a speech

On your wedding day and during your reception

• Field your phone calls
• Keep your rings at the ready
• Stand next to you at the altar
• Give a speech
• Dance with your bride and your mother
• Remind you to not drink too much

After your wedding

• Deliver gifts to your house and take back rented suits if necessary

How to choose your ushers:

The same rules apply to choosing your ushers as to choosing your Best Man. Choose guys you like hanging out with, who you know you can rely on, and who have the time to help out when you need it. Family members and old friends are an obvious choice. If you have a young nephew or cousin, why not make them a ring bearer.

What you're asking them to do:

• Attend fittings and pay for their own suits
• Be there at your ceremony rehearsal, stag do and other events as appropriate
• Be willing to help out with various tasks and logistical problems
• Be on call to help your Best Man if he needs it

Having a good support team around you, who you know and trust, will make your life so much easier in the lead up to the wedding. Don't be afraid to ask them to help you to get things done, but remember to ask nicely... they're your friends, not your slaves!