Just about every wedding has a Best Man. Who started that tradition?

The Best Man in a modern day wedding has it pretty easy...

It’s usually the groom’s brother or friend who is expected to stand there, look good and maybe fumble with the ring a bit. But the tradition of Best Man dates way back. The Best Man was not chosen for his good looks or manners – he was considered the grooms best swordsman. His duty was to stand close to the groom and take action with his blade if someone had a change of heart or tried to intervene. 

If the wedding plan included a kidnapping – that would be the Best Man’s responsibility as well. After the nuptials, no speech would be required; however, his night was just beginning. The Best Man would also be required to stand guard outside the honeymoon suite until morning.