Maid of Honor’s Role, Duties and Checklist (Infographic)

So you’ve just accepted or found the perfect candidate for the position of maid of honor. First off, congratulations and we know that an amazing lady is now the lead cheerleader of the upcoming events.

This is a very important job and a massive honor. The bride picks a special person to be the maid of honor because she loves, trusts, and wants her to be a part of every day leading up to the wedding.

Being appointed this title should be taken seriously and the bride should provide the maid of honor with their expectations. So if you are a bride drafting up that list, or a MOH trying to get more information, this is your one-stop shop for all things maid of honor.

What is a maid of honor?

The maid of honor is the head bridesmaid. Although this is the highest honor at a wedding, you have to come to terms with the “maid” aspect of the role. You are there for the bride’s emotional physical and financial support.

Emotional- This is a very emotional and stressful time for the bride. She is planning on the most important days of her life. The maid of honor serves as the emotional buffer for any stressful moments leading up to the wedding. The Maid of honor should make sure the bride avoids any unnecessary emotional situations.

Physical- The maid of honor is there physically right next to the bride on her big day, at the bridal shower, Bachelorette party, dress fittings, and other pre-wedding events. She even serves as a backup for emergencies.

For example, if the groom is unexpectedly unavailable for cake tasting or meeting with wedding planners, then the maid of honor is next in line.

Financial- If you suspect you may be selected as someone is made of honor, you should start saving immediately because it could get expensive. The maid of honor pays part of the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

The maid of honor may have to make up for a bridesmaid that comes up short (so the bride doesn’t have to). For example, if a bridesmaid is unable to pay the full amount for her dress, the maid of honor may have to pay the remainder and have the bridesmaid pay her back in the future.

Maid of Honor Duties and Responsibilities

Here are the main responsibilities of the maid of honor before during and after (yes after) the wedding.

Before the Wedding

Support the bride and be her backup: Try to keep the bride calm at all times. Give advice and information for wedding planning when needed. Make sure she avoids drama and listens to her overly obsess about little things. Be there in times when the groom can’t be.

Keep track of bride and wedding party dresses: Make sure the bridesmaid’s dresses have been fitted and purchased for the ceremony. This should be done 4-6 months before the wedding. Everyone is expected to use their own money for this. Also, go wedding dress shopping with the bride.

Help address wedding invitations: Once the couple has completed the guest list, they may need help labeling the envelopes. This should occur 6 to 8 months before the wedding.

Plans bridal shower and bachelorette party: Leads the party planning. Organizes the bridal shower with grannies and moms. Then plan a bachelorette party with the girls. This is planned about three months before the wedding and expenses are split between the bridal party.

Day of the Wedding

Face and Dress Checks: Throughout the entire day. Make sure the bride’s gown, hair and makeup is on point. Keep an emergency kit with you

Straighten her veil: Just before the ceremony, make sure her veil is on straight and ensure it is not pressing on her makeup or lashes.

Hold the bride’s bouquet: The bride will let you hold the bouquet at the start of the ceremony until the pronouncement. Then give it back to her before she walks back up the aisle officially married.

Bustle the bride’s dress: Bustle simply means to put the train of the bride’s wedding dress up. It means transitioning the wedding gown into a functional dress. Do this after the ceremony before the reception. That way no one’s stepping all over her masterpiece.

Maid of Honor Speech: This is the moment you have been waiting for. Time to put on a show! Here is a maid of honor speech template for you to use.

After the Wedding

Pick Up Gifts: At the end of the reception, the newlyweds might go right to their honeymoon. It is your job to make sure the wedding gifts get to their home.

Help with thank you cards: Just like the wedding invitations, the bride and the groom may need help addressing the thank you cards.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from the other bridesmaids with any of this. This could be a lot to handle so remember it takes a village.