These
are the traditional duties/guidelines for the Maid or Matron of
Honor. Remember that being chosen for this position is an honor
and you should be willing to lend your support in whatever way
the bride may need your assistance with.
Defining
a Maid and Matron of Honor:
The Maid of Honor is a single women
who has never been married.
The Matron of Honor is a married,
divorced or widowed woman.
If you have both as a part of your wedding party, the the Maid
of Honor would take precedence in the service, traditionally.
Overall,
throughout the engagement, be her support. Be a good listener,
even if things are repeated over and over. Encourage her, help
her, be excited with her. Keep her smiling and laughing and
stress-free. Make it fun for her. If you see she is overloaded
- step in and help her out.
Offer
your assistance whenever possible.
Offer
moral support whenever necessary.
Be
the leader with all the bridesmaids. The bride doesn't have time
to keep a check on them, so make sure they get their dresses,
accessories, etc. Also make sure they are aware of all the showers
and pre-wedding parties.
Be
willing to help wherever the bride needs your help (you are a
lifesaver during the wedding preparations).
Assist
Bride in choosing her wedding gown.
Assist
Bride in choosing the bridesmaid dresses (traditionally, the MOH
will pay for her own dress, shoes, hair, etc).
If
the bride asks for your opinion on the bridesmaid dresses -
be honest, but don't expect her to change her mind just because
you may not like them. The wedding is, after all, about her
and her husband to be. She has a number of other girls she has
to try to 'please' as well.
Confirm
a timely delivery of bridesmaid dresses.
'Oversee'
the bridesmaids the day of the wedding. Make sure they know the
correct time to be at the ceremony site, that their hair and make-up
will be done in time and that they get their bouquets.
Help
with little organizational details if asked.
Offer
your assistance during the wedding planning. Whether it's helping
with addressing invitations, making party favors, packing - whatever
can help take some pressure off of her. If there is something specific
you would like to help with, be specific when you ask.
Maid/Matron
of Honor and bridesmaids host a bridal shower (MOH should attend
all the bride's pre-wedding parties and showers).
Be
the one to write down all the gifts received at showers and the
wedding.
Plan
a girls night out or co-ed gathering before the wedding.
Let
guest know where couple is registered.
Assist
bride with any personal needs during the day.
Help
the bride get dressed on her wedding day.
Hold
the groom's ring on wedding day (if you've never done this, the
best place to keep it is on your thumb - for obvious reasons).
Straighten
the bride's veil and train before the ceremony, after she reaches
the alter and when necessary throughout the day (pictures, etc).
While
the couples exchanges vows, hold the brides bouquet.
Help
bride in any way possible, before and during the wedding.
Gather
all the bride's belongings before leaving for the reception (if
it's at a different location).
The
MOH usually acts as a witness and signs the marriage license.
Assist
bride with bustle (bustling of her dress at reception).
Make
sure she has her garter on (if they are doing a garter toss).
During
the reception, help other guests if they need to know where the
restroom is, where to put the gifts, where to sit, etc.
Since
the bride will be busy visiting with guests, offer to get her dinner
(if it's a buffet set up), make sure she has water at all times,
keep an eye on her gown to make sure she keeps bustled, etc.
The
bride will usually need help holding her gown when she goes to the
bathroom - so be on hand.
Keep
an eye on the gifts and money cards - you don't want any to disappear
(don't think this would happen? it has.)
The
MOH usually gives a toast during the reception.
If
the bride is changing into regular clothes after the reception,
be in charge of her gown and other belongings. Keep them for her
or give them to her parents.
