Duties of the maid of honor
Being chosen as the maid of honor is a huge responsibility. The person that is chosen should be a great supporter and full of energy. This is the lady that will help the bride in any way that the bride desire. She needs to listen to the bride, help make the bride laugh and offer emotional and logistical support.
After being chosen as the maid of honor, there are a number of items that need to be thought of. The maid of honor will plan the bridal shower, along with the bachelorette party, if the bride wants one. When the bride, or the groom on the wedding day, open presents the job of keeping track of them belongs to the maid of honor.
This woman also needs to keep track of where the bride and groom are registered. They then pass this information along to others.
When it is time to shop for the wedding dress and possible, the bridemaids' dresses, the maid of honor needs to be supportive. Then after the bridemaids' dresses are chosen it is up to the maid of honor to make sure that the other female members of the wedding party appear for their dress fittings. Each girl is responsible for paying for their own dress, unless told otherwise.
The maid of honor also helps in any way that the bride might request. This may include addressing invitations, making sure the bridemaids have transportation to the rehearsal and to the wedding and that they have a place to stay.
On the day of the wedding the maid of honor will have many duties to complete. One of the jobs is to look after the bridesmaids. They need to have hair and make-up done before arriving at the ceremony. When they arrive, they need to receive the correct bouquet.
Before the bride travels down the aisle, the train of her dress needs to be arranged. The same needs to be done when she arrives at the altar. At the reception she may have to bustle the train, which will require assistance.
During the ceremony the maid of honor holds the groom's ring. One secure place to keep the ring is on the thumb. She also holds the bride's bouquet during the vows.
She and one other witness, usually the best man, witness and sign the marriage license. Then in the receiving line she stands next to the groom.
Her duties continue during the reception. Here she may need to show guests where to sit, help direct them to the restrooms, tell them where to place presents and invite them to sign the guest book. The maid of honor may also collect any gift envelopes and ensure their safe keeping.
When it comes to the meal, if there is one, the maid of honor needs to make sure that the bride has food. This may mean filling a plate from a buffet or asking the caterer to keep her entrée warm. She also will be asked to toast the couple, after the best man makes his toast.
If there is dancing, the maid of honor will dance with the best man during the formal first dance. She may also dance with the other groomsmen, the groom and others.
Overall, the maid of honor needs to be there for the bride. This may require other duties that were not mentioned, but if these requests help make the bride's day better, do them with a smile.
