Maid of Honor Duties ~ Wedding Question Wednesday

Today our question comes from Tina over at (Florida) Girl With A New Life

 

Question: I just got picked to be Maid of Honor. So what are my most important duties?

 

Answer: Tina this is a GREAT question! There are so many opinions on what the Maid of Honors actual duties are. I believe the number 1 duty is to be there for the bride. There will be times through all the planning that there is no one for her to turn to to complain, nag or boss around, and she will turn to you, her #1 gal pal.  Remember to not to take things personally.  Brides put themselves under so much (unnecessary) stress. Be there to help guide her, keep her organize, and most of all help keep her grounded. 

Here is a more accurate list of Modern Day Duties of the Maid (or Matron) of Honor:

Pre-Wedding:

• Plan/help plan the shower, and, if the bride wants one, a bachelorette party. If the bride has an involved mom and/or sister, coordinate with them on dates
• Dress shopping!! Go with the bride to look for her gown, and help shop for the bridesmaids’ dresses
• Be sure all brides maids have scheduled dress fittings, and are all aware of required attire (this includes hair and make up)
•  Be in attendance for all prewedding parties (if you are local to the bride and groom)
• Help arrange hotels if needed for the bridal party
• Let others in the bridal party know where and when pre wedding events are (rehearsal)
• Help address invitations if necessary
• Lend a hand in scouting venues, caters etc. if asked
• Help keep the Mother of the Bride informed as to what current happenings are (this is if the bride is forgetful)
• Help dress the bride
• Be sure to have a bridal day emergency kit on hand
• Help with last minute wedding to do lists

During the Wedding:

• Arrange the bride's train and veil before the ceremony begins and if necessary while at the altar, hold flowers if necessary, and help bustle the brides gown before the reception
• Keeper of the groom's ring during the ceremony (I usually place it on my thumb)
• Carry tissue in case it is needed
• Be an extra set of eyes to be sure all is set up to the brides specifications
• Be sure all attendants receive their flowers

 Reception:

• Sign the marriage license with the best man
• Play hostess (as well as with the other bridesmaids) at the reception by helping seat guests, usher where gifts can be placed, and where they can sign the guest book.
• Toast the new couple
• Help the parents of the couple get the gifts home from the ceremony
• Be sure the cards to the couple are kept safe
• Keep the guest line moving, and collect the money if they are having a money dance

To learn more about wedding etiquette, Check out this great little book by Holly Lefevre, "The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book: From invites to thank you notes - All you need to handle even the stickiest situations with ease" you can visit Holly at her web site.

 

Here are some other sites to check out:

http://www.bridesmaid101.com/maid_of_honor_duties.html
http://www.themaidofhonorguide.com/
RealSimple Check list

*hugs*
Denice
Photo credit: Me & Holly Lefevre