How To Be a Maid of Honor
The Responsibilities of this Traditional Wedding Role
This maid of honor has more of a role to play than any other member of the bridal party. Here's how to be the best maid of honor possible, and have fun too!
A maid of honor is an unmarried woman; a matron of honor is married. This member of the bridal party is the primary source of emotional, social, and physical support to the bride. The maid of honor is there for every step of the wedding planning and arriage ceremony.
The Maid of Honor’s Duties
The exact role the maid of honor plays varies from bride to bride. Generally speaking, however, the maid of honor is in charge of the bridal party. She organizes the bridal shower, helps the bride pick out the wedding dress and accessories, and supports the bride in any way she can.
Planning the Wedding
The maid of honor is the bride’s right hand man, as it were. The maid of honor may help address and stuff wedding invitations, choose bridal dresses, choose the wedding hall or church or both, and plan the bachelorette party. The maid of honor may help the bride choose her wedding dress, and taste test the wedding cakes or catering options.
If it’s a destination wedding, green wedding ceremony, or offbeat wedding, the maid of honor helps with the details. She may help plan reservations or ceremonies in exotic locations, or research environmentally-friendly wedding favors.
The exact duties of the maid of honor depend on the bride and groom, their marriage ceremony, and their needs.
Before the Wedding Ceremony
The maid of honor helps the bride get dressed, goes with the bride to get her hair and makeup done, and helps calm wedding jitters. She helps with last-minute disasters, such as lost earrings or forgotten pantihose. The maid of honor is there to help the bride in any way she can.
During the Wedding Ceremony
During the marriage ceremony, the maid of honor walks down the aisle first (and tries not to show how nervous she is!). After the bride walks down the aisle, the maid of honor arranges the train of the wedding dress so it falls in a prearranged style. The maid of honor holds the groom’s wedding band until it’s needed during the wedding ceremony.
The maid of honor signs the marriage certificate after the vows have been exchanged.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The maid of honor’s duties after the wedding ceremony depend on the plans for the reception. Will there be a PowerPoint presentation or skit? Speeches or special dances? The maid of honor will help carry out the wedding reception plans.
At the dinner reception, the maid of honor may make a toast to the bride. She’ll sit at the head table, and dance with the groom’s best man after the first dance.
Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
For duties that go above and beyond the traditional responsibilities of the maid of honor, click on How To Be a Bridesmaid. Scroll down to “Extra Special Things a Bridesmaid Can Do.”
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