Being a maid of honor is more than just having your hair and makeup done on the day of the wedding. It’s about creating lasting memories of one of the most important days in a friend’s life and making sure that everything that can go smoothly goes smoothly. If you’re about to take on this truly awesome responsibility, know that you have an amazing role to play and we’re excited for you. That being said, we all need guidelines when taking on these types of commitments – so let’s look at some common Maid-of-Honor duties so you can be prepared for what lies ahead!
The Pre-Wedding Planner
As the maid of honor, you’ll have a significant role in the pre-wedding planning process. This includes the following duties:
- Assisting the bride in selecting the perfect dress for her big day
- Helping the bride communicate with vendors and plan wedding events
- Assisting with the bridal shower and bachelorette party planning
- Coordinating with the groom’s best man for joint events (if applicable)
The Day Of Superwoman
When the big day finally arrives, it’s your time to shine (behind the bride)! Your day-of duties as a maid of honor are vital to ensuring a stress-free experience for her. Here are some responsibilities you might be expected to handle:
- Keeping the bride’s timeline on track and ensuring she’s running on schedule
- Helping the bride get dressed, accessorized, and picture-perfect (photos will last a lifetime!)
- Managing any emergencies that crop up, such as last-minute changes or unexpected snafus
- Assisting with the coordination of the bridal party, including bridesmaids, flower girls, and more
- Holding the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony (simple, yet essential!)
The Post-Wedding Wrangler
While the event itself may have ended, the maid of honor still has some essential duties to fulfill. These can include:
- Ensuring the bride’s belongings are safely gathered and returned to her after the wedding
- Helping the newlyweds gather and load gifts, cards, and any other remaining items
- Assisting with the decor breakdown and clean-up efforts
- Supporting the couple in any post-wedding tasks or errands they might need
- Assembling photos/videos from guests and creating a sentimental keepsake for the bride
The Emotional Support Superstar
Above all, the maid of honor serves as the bride’s confidante, cheerleader, and rock throughout the entire wedding planning process as well as during the actual event. Your job is to alleviate concerns, offer encouragement, and lend a sympathetic ear when things get challenging. Remember, sometimes a calm presence and supportive words are the most important things you can offer. You have likely been offering this kind of support to the bride for years already culminating in this day.
Miscellaneous Tasks
These are some additional yet often overlooked tasks:
- Coordinating transportation for the bridal party
- Helping out-of-town guests with accommodations and directions
- Being prepared with a bridal emergency kit (extra bobby pins, safety pins, stain remover, etc.)
It is easy to succumb to Maid of Honor panic when it comes to planning an unforgettable wedding. There is, however, no need to worry — accomplishing this role is manageable taken one step at a time. While there may be lots left for you to do, remember the importance of your role and the trust the bride has bestowed upon you and recognize that all your duties can be fulfilled with a little bit of patience and innovation. Focus on the reasons why this bride holds such a special place in your heart and use those emotions as motivation while doing everything possible to make her big day remarkable. Most of all, just be you, the one the bride has known and chosen to stand with her above all else. After all, it’s not only about carrying out essential duties, it’s also about having a glorious celebration of bonding between friends!
