The Maid/Matron of honor (MOH) is one of the most important people in the bride’s life from her engagement (maybe before if she helps plan the proposal) all the way through her grand reception exit.
Definition: A Maid/Matron of Honor is someone who is chosen to be the bride’s right hand person leading up to the wedding and on the big day!
She is in charge of planning some of the pivotal events before the wedding. On wedding day she is there to stand by the bride’s side if she needs anything!
Picking your maid/matron of honor and if you get to be one are both huge responsibilities! You want someone by your side that you trust, is responsible, and supports your marriage.If you are a maid/matron of honor make sure you have time in your schedule to perform all your maid/matron of honor duties because the bride is counting on you!
Here are some Maid/Matron of Honor Duties that you should keep in mind whether you are a maid/matron of honor or a bride:
Maid/Matron of Honor Duties Before the Wedding
1. Support the bride
As a maid/matron of honor you are there to support the bride. Of course you have different tasks that you are on your to do list, but it all boils down to making sure you are there to aid the bride through the wedding process. Wedding planning can bring on a lot of stress and anxiety for the bride so it is nice if she has her #1 by her side to be there for her.
2. Send a welcome letter/email to all the bridesmaids
Throughout the wedding process the bride does not have a ton of time to keep up communication with all of the bridesmaids so she will need you to keep in contact with them with important updates and since you will be planning some of the pre wedding events you will need to keep them updated on what they need to do and where they need to be and when.
3. Go wedding dress shopping with the bride
When the bride gets engaged she will be so excited to go shopping with you! As her maid/matron of honor you may get to go find her perfect wedding dress with her. It is great to have someone there by her side helping her make such a pivotal decision.
4. Plan the bridal shower and the bachelorette party
The pre wedding events are just as important as the wedding and it is your job to plan them! As the MOH, you are expected to plan the bridal party and the bachelorette party! WOOHOO! You should definitely get the input of the rest of the bridal party because you are the ones who know the bride the best and what she would want!
5. Prepare a Maid/Matron of Honor speech for the reception
Before the wedding you will need to prepare a speech for the reception. Typically the maid/matron of honor and the best man will give a toast during the reception. So this is your time to show how much you love the couple and toast to their marriage!
Maid/Matron of Honor Duties on Wedding Day
1. Keep the bride calm
On wedding day, the bride will need you there to keep her calm and remind her that the nerves are just a part of the whole process.
2. Be her bathroom assistant
She will be wearing one the most important dresses she will wear in her entire life and going to the bathroom will probably be a struggle. Whether she has a ballgown or a simple lace dress she will probably need some help using the bathroom throughout the day. *Pro Tip: Have her sit backwards while you hold her dress!*
3. Arrange the bride’s train and veil when arriving at the altar
Wedding photos will begin during the “getting ready” phase of the day, but they will definitely continue throughout the day. When she arrives at the altar you will need to make sure that her train and veil are laying properly.
4. old the bouquet during the ceremony
Once you have fixed her dress you will need to take her bouquet so she can take the hands of her groom. After she said “I do”, don’t forget to give it back to her!
*Pro Trip: Make sure you practice the handing off of the bouquet and veil/train fluffing at the rehearsal*
5. Give a Maid/Matron of Honor toast during the reception
Finally, it is now time for you to give your toast that you have been planning! Show the bride and groom how much you care about them, make everyone laugh (and cry), and toast to the bride and groom and their new matrimony!
It is such an honor to be chosen as a maid/matron of honor for someone’s wedding so knowing what your duties are is essential so you can be the best dang maid/matron of honor there is!
Very useful guide as a first time matron