This Maid of Honor checklist will help ensure you know all your duties so that you can be the best MOH possible to the bride!
Maid Of Honor Checklist & Duties
Congratulations, youāve accepted the role as the maid of honor!
Now, you may be asking yourselfā¦what am I supposed to do?
Being asked to be maid of honor is a special testament to the important role you play in the bride-to-beās life.
I too found myself faced with this same question, “What am I supposed to do?” the first time I was asked to be maid of honor.
I wanted to be the best maid of honor possible to the bride.
However, I wasnāt entirely sure as to all that entailed.
In this post, you’ll find the best maid of honor checklist and duties to help you navigate and know all that is involved in this special role.
Understanding the Maid of Honor Role
Before diving into all the fun details and duties of the maid of honorā¦itās important to understand the difference between your role as the maid of honor and other bridesmaids.
While both bridesmaids and the maid of honor play important roles in supporting the bride, the maid of honor is considered to be the right-hand woman to the bride.
As the maid of honor, think of yourself as the brideās personal assistant, emotional support, and party planner all rolled together under one title.
For additional details on the difference between maid of honor and bridesmaid duties, Iāve created this post, Maid of Honor vs Bridesmaid Duties. There you’ll find a clear list of the differences and who is responsible for what.
Step #1 – Talk To The Bride About What She Expects From You As Her Maid Of Honor
Every bride is different. That means that as the maid of honor, you will need to be in good communication with the bride from the very get-go.
Ask her what all she expects for you to do and how to best be involved and support her throughout her journey to the altar.
Use this checklist as a guide, but ALWAYS follow the wishes of the bride!
Maid Of Honor Duties Before the Wedding
Assist with the Wedding Planning
As the brideās right-hand woman, plan on collaborating with the bride on various aspects of the wedding planning.
This can include choosing a venue and coordinating with vendors, among other wedding planning aspects.
Be there for the bride as a listening ear and to offer assistance where needed. Whether itās helping to address wedding invitations or brainstorming on wedding colors.
Bridal Party Leader
As the maid of honor, you are the leader of the bridal party. You will need to keep the lines of communication open with the bride and other members of the bridal party.
If you donāt know the other bridesmaids, reach out to them, introduce yourself, and share your contact information. Be sure to respond promptly to texts, emails, calls, etc.
Assist With Wedding Dress Shopping and Fittings
Accompany the bride when she goes wedding dress shopping. Be willing to offer your opinion and suggestions to help her select the best dress possible.
It can be helpful to take photos and coordinate accessories during the selection and fitting process.
Bridesmaid Dress Shopping, Selection, and Alterations
Not only will you be responsible for selecting your dress, but youāll also need to assist the other bridesmaids with selecting their dresses.
If alterations are necessary, help coordinate with the other members of the bridal party so that everyone has alterations done well before the big day.
Point Of Contact
As the maid of honor, youāll be the point of contact to help take the pressure off of the bride.
This means sharing and coordinating information with the other bridesmaids, the brideās family, and guests.
Having you as the point of contact responding to messages will help take that additional stress off of the bride.
Plan and Host the Bridal Shower
As the maid of honor, youāll plan the bridal shower.
Itās helpful to coordinate with the other bridesmaids on the bridal shower. They can offer assistance with planning…from selecting a theme, games, activities, and more.
Coordinate, Plan, and Book the Bachelorette Party
You will take the lead in planning a fun-filled bachelorette party to celebrate the bride-to-be.
Before planning the bachelorette party, consult with the bride and ensure that what youāre planning for her final hoorah will fit with her wishes.
Maid Of Honor Duties Day Of The Wedding
Take Care of The Bride
Whether itās lending a listening ear, handling text messages, helping the bride with her dress in the bathroom, making sure the bride has food and water, etc. Your duty as the maid of honor on the wedding day is to tend to the bride.
Hold Onto the Wedding Rings
Typically during the ceremony you will be holding onto the groomās wedding band if not the brideās as well.
Youāll be in charge of keeping these rings safe on the day of the wedding and handing them to the bride and groom during the ceremony.
Keep On Track With the Wedding Day Schedule
Coordinate with the bride and wedding planner (if applicable) to ensure everyone knows the timeline for the big day.
Help the bride to stay on track with hair, makeup, and getting dressed so she is ready on time.
If there are any changes or updates be sure to keep the rest of the bridal party informed.
Maid Of Honor Duties At The Wedding Ceremony
Fix the Train and Hold the Bouquet
Before the ceremony, ensure the brideās train is fluffed so it looks picturesque as she walks down the aisle.
Stand by the bride during the ceremony, hold her bouquet, and adjust her train as needed to ensure all looks perfect for the photos.
Prior to the reception, you may need to help with bustling the train so the bride can move around comfortably during the reception.
At the bridal dress fittings, they can show you how to bustle the train of the dress.
Maid Of Honor Duties During the Reception
Help With the Reception
Assist the bride and groom with any last-minute to-dos or requests that come up during the reception.
You may need to coordinate with vendors, like the DJ or caterer to ensure they have everything they need and itās all running smoothly.
Keep an eye on the bride and groom to see if they have all they need, like a drink refill or even a moment alone.
As the maid of honor encourage guests to participate in dances, games, or any other activities throughout the reception. You want to help keep the party fun, lively, and going!
Ensure the Bride Eats
Nerves and excitement run high on wedding days. Make sure the bride eats her dinner at the reception.
Deliver Your Maid Of Honor Speech
Prepare and deliver a heartfelt maid of honor speech.
There are several great examples online for maid of honor speeches.
Try to include words of love, congratulations, and well wishes, as well as thank you to guests for being part of the bride and groomās special celebration.
Cleanup After the Reception
Offer to help gather any personal items or decorations at the end of the receptionā¦such as gifts, guest books, etc.
Ensure these important items are collected and brought to the proper destination.
Depending on the venue you may need to help with clearing tables, disposing of trash, and tidying up the space.
Ensure the bride and groom have everything they need before they leave the venue for their wedding night.
Final Thoughts On Maid Of Honor Duties
Being chosen as the maid of honor is such a special honor š and a big responsibility.
This role is not just about standing by your sister or best friend on her big day. Itās about being her right-hand woman throughout the entire planning process.
From organizing the bridal shower to delivering a heartfelt maid of honor speech, to cleaning up after the big day, the role of maid of honor encompasses many tasks.
I hope this maid of honor checklist has been helpful and you now have a better understanding and idea of the duties expected for this special role. Cheers to being the best maid of honor!
If you have any questions or need suggestions, let me know.
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