Here we break down the key differences between the maid of honor vs bridesmaid duties. If you’ve been asked to be the maid of honor or a bridesmaid, you’ll know exactly what is expected of you. So grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let’s get started!
While both the maid of honor and bridesmaid play important roles in a wedding, the duties of a maid of honor vs bridesmaid do differ slightly.
Maid Of Honor vs Bridesmaid
Knowing the difference between the maid of honor and the bridesmaid’s duties can help ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them. That way everyone can work together to make the bride’s special day one that she will always remember.
What Is A Maid Of Honor?
The maid of honor is the ultimate wing-woman, confidante, and bestie all rolled into one! The maid of honor is traditionally the bride’s right-hand woman. She is there to provide support and help with the wedding planning process and on the big day as well. Usually, the maid of honor is the bride’s closest female friend or family member. The maid of honor is a crucial member of the wedding party, they’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly and to be a source of comfort and encouragement to the bride.
Maid Of Honor vs Matron Of Honor
The main difference between a maid of honor and a matron of honor is their marital status. A matron of honor is a married woman, while a maid of honor is unmarried. When it comes to the duties and responsibilities of a maid of honor vs matron of honor there really isn’t a big difference. Maid of honor vs matron of honor is simply a difference in the title.
What Is A Bridesmaid?
Bridesmaids are the lovely ladies who make up the bride’s squad on her wedding day. Typically these are close friends or family members who are there to celebrate and support the bride as she says “I do”. Bridesmaids help with everything from dress shopping to decorating the venue. They too offer emotional support and encouragement to the bride throughout the wedding planning up through the big day.
What Does The Maid Of Honor Do?
As the bride’s right-hand woman, you have lots of duties and responsibilities when it comes to all the wedding festivities. From the moment you get asked to be the MOH until all the festivities have subsided you will be the bride’s go-to.
Maid Of Honor Duties
These are the top maid of honor duties. Keep in mind these are not set in stone as every bride will have her own specific requests and duties for her maid of honor, and circumstances can vary.
1. Organize the bridal shower:
As the maid of honor, it’s your responsibility to organize and plan the bridal shower.
RELATED: Your Complete Bridal Shower Checklist From Beginning To End
2. Help with the wedding planning:
You’ll likely be the bride’s go-to person for help with the wedding planning, so be prepared to lend a hand with everything from dress shopping to choosing centerpieces.
3. Coordinate with other bridesmaids:
Make sure all the bridesmaids are on the same page and aware of their responsibilities.
4. Plan the bachelorette party:
It’s up to you to plan the bachelorette party for the bride and her friends.
RELATED: How To Plan A Bachelorette Part + Free Printable Checklist
5. Help the bride get ready on the day of the wedding:
You’ll be responsible for helping the bride get dressed, doing her hair and makeup, and making sure she looks her best.
6. Hold the bouquet during the ceremony:
During the wedding ceremony, you’ll be responsible for holding the bride’s bouquet while she says her vows.
7. Sign the marriage license:
As the maid of honor, you’ll need to sign the marriage license along with the best man.
8. Give a toast at the reception:
It’s tradition for the maid of honor to give a toast at the wedding reception.
RELATED: Ultimate Guide: How To Write A Maid Of Honor Speech
9. Help the bride use the restroom:
Yep, you read that right! You may need to assist the bride with using the restroom while wearing her wedding dress.
10. Keep the bride calm and relaxed:
It’s your job to help ensure the bride stays calm and relaxed throughout the day.
11. Make sure the bride eats:
With all the wedding excitement, the bride may forget to eat. Make sure she has something to snack on throughout the day.
12. Hold the bride’s train during the ceremony:
You’ll be responsible for holding the bride’s train during the ceremony and making sure that it is arranged properly.
13. Help with clean up after the reception:
After the party is over, you may be responsible for helping with the cleanup.
14. Dance with the best man:
There’s a chance you’ll be paired up with the best man for the first dance or to kick off the dance party so get ready to dance the night away!
15. Help the bride change into her going away outfit:
After the reception, you’ll need to help the bride change into her going-way outfit…unless she plans to head out in her wedding dress! 😉
16. Assist the bride with any wardrobe malfunctions:
If the bride has any wardrobe malfunctions throughout the day, it’s your job to fix them.
17. Help the bride with her veil:
You’ll need to help the bride put on and take off her veil throughout the day.
18. Make sure the bride stays hydrated:
It’s important to make sure the bride is drinking enough water throughout the day, so be sure to keep water with you for the bride to sip on throughout the day.
19. Keep the bride’s emergency kit handy:
Make sure you have the bride’s wedding day emergency kit on hand, this kit will include things like safety pins, bobby pins, hairspray, and extra makeup.
Maid Of Honor vs Bridesmaid Duties
As a bridesmaid, your duty is to support and assist the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. Bridesmaids will often help the maid of honor and the bride with pre-wedding events, dress fittings, purchasing a bridesmaid dress and accessories, walking down the aisle, and more. Bridesmaids are often asked to help with random tasks throughout the planning process through the wedding day. As a bridesmaid, you need to be there for the bride and ensure she has a wonderful and memorable wedding day.
Bridesmaid Duties
- Help the maid of honor plan, organize, and put on the bridal shower.
- Help with wedding planning. Be ready to lend a helping hand where needed!
- Attend any pre-wedding events.
- Help the maid of honor plan and organize the bachelorette party.
- Be there for the bride throughout the wedding process.
- Walk down the aisle at the wedding.
- Help with any random extras on the wedding day.
- Be there for the bride on her big day.
- Help with cleanup (if needed).
Frequently Asked Questions About Maid Of Honor vs Bridesmaid
Which Comes First The Maid Of Honor or Bridesmaid?
In a wedding procession, bridesmaids traditionally walk down the aisle first, followed by the maid or matron of honor.
Who Walks Down The Aisle With The Maid Of Honor?
Typically the maid of honor will walk down the aisle solo after the bridesmaids and groomsman. After the ceremony, she is escorted back down the aisle by the best man. Depending on different traditions, who walks down the aisle with the maid of honor can vary.
Does The Maid Of Honor Come Out First or Last?
Traditionally the maid of honor is the last of the wedding party to walk down the aisle, followed by the ring bearer and/or flower girl, and lastly of course the bride.
Bridesmaid vs Maid Of Honor Duties
We hope that this post has helped clarify the difference between the maid of honor vs bridesmaid duties. While these roles seem similar there are some key differences between the two. Whether you’re the maid of honor or a bridesmaid, your primary duty is to be there for the bride. Assisting and supporting her throughout the wedding planning process through the big day. Your help with pre-wedding events to toasting at the wedding reception can make all the difference for the bride. Remember to have fun and enjoy being part of the bride’s special day!
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