Everything You Need to Know About Being a Maid of Honor

Wedding bouquet of a bride and bridesmaid via Shutterstock

Yes, the maid of honor is the emotional lifeboat of the bridal party,  the one the bride holds dearest. But you still have to work it, girl. Here’s a quick breakdown of your duties as the chosen one.

Before the Wedding

• Make sure the other bridesmaids are in check, with respect to picking up dresses, going to fittings, and getting the right jewelry.
• Communicate on all the important dates pre-wedding and keep track of the timeline for big day. Keep your party apprised of any changes in scheduling.
• Go with the bride to shop for her dress. Will the MOH be OOT? Try Facetiming or Skyping with the bride during her gown appointments so you can be involved.
• Be available to help with all the pre-wedding tasks, whether it’s addressing save-the-dates or stuffing out-of-town hotel bags.
• Host (or co-host) the bridal shower. Keep a record of all the gifts received—or make sure to choose a bridesmaid to handle this.
• Plan the bachelorette party, with input from all the bridesmaids.
• Help coordinate transportation and lodging for all the bridesmaids to get to the rehearsal and the wedding.
• Coordinate all the bridesmaids for hair and makeup.

During the Ceremony

• Help the bride get dressed.
• Arrange the bride’s train and veil before her walk down the aisle and fix them again after she arrives.
• Hold the bride’s bouquet while vows are exchanged.
• Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony. Expert tip: Wear it on your thumb.
• Sign the marriage license as a witness; the best man should do this, too.
• Stand in the receiving line (if the couple has one).

During the Reception 

• Organize the bridesmaids for formal photographs.
• Bustle the bride’s train.
• Act as hostess, showing guests where to sit, telling them to where to put gifts, etc.
• Act as a contact person for the reception staff in case there are any mishaps you want to keep from the couple.
• Collect gift envelopes brought to the reception.
• Dance with the best man.
• Tend to the bride’s needs—refresh her drink and make sure she eats.
• Toast the couple after the best man’s speech.
• Help the bride change into her outfit to leave the reception. Take charge of her wedding gown until you can return it to her.

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