17.11.09

Maid of Honor: What are her duties?


Question:
What exactly are the responsibilities of the maid of honor?

Answer:
She is primarily responsible for:
• Planning one or more showers for the bride, with the help of the other bridesmaids and/or the bride's mother, sisters, etc.
• Helping the bride choose her dress and shopping for bridesmaid dresses.
• Making sure the bridesmaids all go for their dress fittings and get everything they need for the big day.
• Lending an ear when the bride wants to/needs to vent, whether it be about her mother-in-law to-be or the fact that the napkins don't exactly match the tablecloths.
• Generally keeping the bride sane during wedding planning.
• Making sure the bridesmaids know where they need to be and at what time on the big day.
• At the ceremony, standing next to the bride while she exchanges vows and holding her bouquet during the ring part of things.
• The Maid Of Honour may also hold onto the groom's wedding band for the bride (although the best man has traditionally taken care of both bands).
• At the reception, she's often announced along with the best man.
• She may dance with the best man during or after the couple's first dance.


(Source: The Knot; Photo credit: Eric Uys)