Maid of Honour Duties
Following on from the previous Wedding Planning Series installment that shared the duties of a bridesmaids, this week we’re zooming in on the duties of the chief bridesmaid, the maid of honour. More than any of the other bridesmaids, traditionally the maid or matron of honour can be responsible for an endless array of things before, on and after the bride-to-be’s wedding day.
As the bride’s sidekick, you will be the bride’s go-to person as much as possible. While each bride will no doubt have her own specific idea as to the exact level of involvement she expects from her MOH, it always helps to be prepared. Check out our list of some of the types of maid of honour duties below to find out a few suggestions for how you can support your best friend or sister on one of the most special days of her life. And if you’re a bride that hasn’t popped the question yet, here are 17 Fun Ways to Ask ‘Will You Be My Bridesmaid?’
Maid of Honour’s Duties Before The Day
- Right-hand (wo)man to the bride – Sometimes the MOH can be asked to help address the wedding invitations, compile a list of the couple’s fave songs for their wedding song playlist, helping the bride with the gift registry and spreading the word to the invited guests about where the couple is registered, where possible.
- Follow the bride-to-be – The bride-to-be will appreciate having a partner to accompany her to the different venues, wedding vendors and dress fittings. As there is plenty to organize, your role in offering advice and support where needed is so important wherever possible! Be the best maid of honour by gathering inspirational ideas for her from wedding blogs and creating special Pinterest boards that you can share her.
- Manage the bridesmaids – As the chief bridesmaid, you could be asked to co-ordinate the duties of the rest of the bridesmaids as well as scheduling their dress fittings and hair and make-up trials. Chat to your bride and see what her expectations are.
- Plan the bachelorette party – You’ll traditionally be expected to take the reins when it comes to planning the hen party if possible, but of course make sure that you rope in the rest of the bridesmaids to assist you. Secretly involving the groom as a surprise for the bride-to-be will definitely be a hit. If necessary, the bridal shower or kitchen tea could be part of your responsibility too, if the bride’s family is unable to do so.
- Arrange the perfect prezzie for the bride-to-be – Generally, the bride-to-be is spoilt with a thoughtful gift from the entire group of bridesmaids. With the help of the bridesmaids, brainstorm gift ideas and the purchase or creation thereof. Remember, a gift from the heart doesn’t have to break the bank!
- Attend all of the pre-wedding parties – You are the bride-to-be’s number one person during the wedding planning process, so it would be great if you are able to attend as many, if not, all of the pre-wedding events, including the bachelorette party and bridal shower.
- Offer a toast at the rehearsal dinner – Plan and practice a sweet little speech to give at the rehearsal dinner.
Maid of Honour’s Duties On The Day
- Have a schedule of the series of events – On the day, there will be so many things taking place at the same time. Put the bride at ease by checking that things are as they are supposed to be. Save the vendor’s contact details on your phone just in case as a back up, especially if there is no wedding planner or co-ordinator.
- Be there for the bride – Whatever she needs be it a laugh or a cry or holding her bouquet during the ceremony, be there to help the bride as much as possible.
- Carry an emergency kit – Filled with loads of remedies for the bride and the rest of the bridal party, carry or keep close a bridesmaid emergency kit just in case of any beauty, health or dress mishaps.
- Help the bride and bridesmaids get dressed – You’ll need to be on hand to help the bride slip into her dress before the ceremony. While you’re at it, it would really help the bride if you’re able to keep an eye on the rest of the bridesmaids to ensure that they look the part and are ready to go. After the wedding, you can also make be there you’re there to help her change into her going-away outfit.
- Act as the bridal liaison – As you’re closest to the bride, you could fulfill your role as bridal liason between the bride and everyone else (bride’s mother, bridesmaids, groom, vendors etc)
- Keep the groom’s wedding band safe – If there’s no ring bearer, ask the bride if you’re needed to keep the groom’s wedding band safe until the ceremony.
- Sign the marriage license – Yay! You may need to step in and sign the marriage license as an official witness.
- Give a toast or speech – At the wedding reception, you might want to give a speech after the best man.
Maid of Honour’s Duties After The Day
- Look after the bride’s precious items – Her wedding day will probably be a haze of moments. After the wedding while she is on honeymoon, if needed make sure that you collect and keep safe her wedding dress, jewellery, shoes and other bridal accessories. If she has pre-arranged it with you and a specific drycleaner, then see to it that her wedding dress gets properly dry-cleaned.
- Look after wedding gifts – If she hasn’t arranged that her wedding gifts be taken to a specific place, then you might want to check with her to see if she needs your assistance in collecting them for safekeeping until the newlyweds return from their honeymoon.
SEE MORE THOUGHTFUL IDEAS FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS HERE
Because no two brides, and no two MOH’s are alike, the best way to figure out what your bride has in mind is to have a chat over lunch or drinks and determine how she sees your supporting role play out. Wondering about the duties of the rest of the bridesmaids? Find out all about the Bridesmaid Duties {Wedding Planning Series}.