As you get older, you might find more and more of your friends, cousins, and co-workers getting engaged. Before you know it, you might even be asked to be the maid of honor!
But what exactly does being a maid of honor entail? It’s something we see in movies and TV shows all the time, but her exact duties are never explained.
Here are some “typical” responsibilities of the maid of honor:
1. Bridal shower: Plan the bridal shower, which usually occurs a couple months before the wedding and takes the form of a brunch, tea party, or more formal event. Invite her female friends and family members. Plan a theme and/or dress code, coordinate the details and logistics, and remind guests to bring a small gift (separate from the wedding gift). Make sure the bride doesn’t pay for herself!
2. Bachelorette party: Plan the bachelorette party, which usually takes place a few days or weeks before the wedding and is often a wilder, more lighthearted affair. You can ask the bride for ideas and preferences, but like above, coordinate logistics, send out the invitations, and be sure to cover the bride’s expenses, at least when it comes to food and drink. If it’s a weekend getaway, the bride will probably cover her own travel.
3. Dress shopping: Accompany the bride when she tries on wedding dresses. Take pictures so she remembers what the seventeenth (out of what will probably be at least thirty) dress looks like. Be harsh. There’s no room for coddling here—you want her to look the very best on her wedding day!
4. Wedding slideshow: Put together a photo/video slideshow for the rehearsal dinner or wedding. The slideshow should feature the bride and groom’s story—how they met, how their relationship progressed, and any funny or interesting anecdotes about them as individuals or as a couple. And of course, embarrassing childhood photos are a must!
5. Speech: Prepare and give a short speech at the reception/dinner congratulating the couple and offering any advice or jokes about their relationship. Talk about your own relationship with the bride as well. Bring up memories and inside jokes. Make her cry (in a good way).
6. Emotional support: Simply be there for the bride! Give her a shoulder to cry on when she is upset, a hand to squeeze when she’s angry, and an ear to listen at any hour of the day. Planning a wedding is stressful. Be her rock, and you’ll be the best maid of honor ever.