Maid of Honor Duties: Everything You Need to Know

Note for the bride: Don't be shy in sharing this guide with your maid of honor.

Were you asked to be the maid of honor? Congrats! Not only does this mean the bride values your opinion and wants you by her side, but it means she trusts you. But with that honor comes some important responsibilities.

When it comes to the title of maid of honor, there's a lot to consider, especially if it's a destination wedding.

From dress shopping to keeping the bride's wedding jitters at bay, it's important to stay organized and know what to expect while in this role. 

To make things a little easier, we've put together a list of your duties before, during, and after the wedding. Use it as a guide to make sure you don't miss anything important, and to make this day as stress-free as possible for the bride!

Before the Wedding

First things first, as soon as you find out you're the maid of honor, celebrate! And once the excitement wears off a bit, it's time to get down to business.

These are some of the things you should do in the months leading up to the wedding:

Image: Kape Photography

Meet the Other Members of the Wedding Party

If you haven't met the other bridesmaids or groomsmen yet, take some time to do so. Whether you chat with them at pre-wedding parties or go out for coffee or a drink, the more comfortable you are with each other, the better things will go on the big day.

Assist in Wedding Planning and Vendor Coordination

Here's one of your main duties as the maid of honor. Help the bride with any type of selection, whether it be of the venue, catering services, and/or decor. Feel free to share your opinion and give any advice; it's what you're there for!

If the bride asks you to help with specific tasks, like calling vendors or sending out the invitations, be sure to do so.

Go Dress Shopping with the Bride

Wedding dress shopping is an incredibly personal and often emotional experience.

Of course, the bride wants to find a dress that makes her feel beautiful, confident, and like the best version of herself. But, with so many different styles to choose from, it tends to be easier said than done when it comes to choosing the right one. This is where you come in! Go dress shopping and give the bride your most honest opinion on anything she tries on; help her choose a dress that's truly perfect for her.

Organize the Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party's one of the most important events leading up to the wedding, and as the maid of honor, it's your job to make sure it goes well. This includes finding the best location, sending out any invitations, and helping with the decor and schedule for the party.

If you're ever worried about the work, it's always a good idea to ask some of the bridesmaids or the bride's family to help out with a few things.

The big idea is that you organize a bachelorette party that you know the bride will be sure to enjoy and remember fondly.

Keep an Emergency Kit for the Bride on Hand

It's highly recommended that you prepare an emergency kit for the bride stocked with any essential items she may need on the day of the wedding. This could include hair ties, safety pins, scissors, medicine for headaches or stomach pain, a needle and thread, etc.

The Wedding Day

At the wedding, your title as maid of honor will be very important throughout the event.

Here are some reminders of what you should do on the big day:

Image: DreamArt

Leave Any Special Additions at the Venue

If the bride and groom are planning for any special items or gifts to be present at the wedding (like toasting glasses, favors for guests, seating cards, etc.) you can help bring them to the venue in the morning, before everything starts.

Make Sure the Bride Eats

Between the rush, the adrenaline, and every other emotion that arises throughout the day, it's likely the bride may forget to eat. Although the last thing going through her head is probably food, she cannot go without eating! It's very important that she gets something down to fill herself with energy and stay high in spirit.

The same goes for drinking water; help her stay hydrated so that she feels good throughout the day and any possible upcoming hangover is less harsh.

Get Whatever the Bride Needs

If the bride is missing or anything, you can take care of getting it. Whether it be shoes to change into for dancing or sunglasses at brunch the next day, you've got it!

Hold the Bouquet and Anything Else for the Bride

Throughout the day you might be in charge of holding various things for the bride, such as the bouquet during the ceremony, her makeup bag for any necessary touch-ups, and even her phone (if she wants to have it close by).

Have Fun!

Of course, with the role of maid of honor comes many responsibilities, but once the party is underway and everything important has passed, it's time for you to have some fun and have a memorable time dancing, laughing, and celebrating with the bride. 

After the Wedding

Once the wedding is over there are some things you can do to help the newlyweds:

Image: Evgenia Kostiaeva

Send Thank You Notes

Take some time to help the bride and groom write their thank you notes to everyone who helped make the big day special. This includes vendors, such as the photographer and florist, as well as to any guests who gave gifts or went out of their way to help.

Return Any Rented Items

If there are any items that need to be returned, such as bridesmaids' dresses or some decorations, make sure they return to where they belong without any damage.

Now that you know your duties as the maid of honor, it's time to get started! The sooner you start checking tasks off the list, the better. Not only will you make life easier for the bride, but it'll also help you reduce your own stress levels before the big day.

Are you looking for inspiration for a dream wedding? Follow us on our social media and find tips, ideas, and the best venues for beach weddings.

Facebook | Instagram