The Most Important Duty For Your Maid Of Honor

My daughter is a September bride and she chose her younger sister to be her maid of honor.  The younger one asked me, “What do I do?”  I decided I’m not going to frighten her by showing her a long list of chores that can be found in bridal books and online, because most of the information is irrelevant.

Her most important duty, of course, is to be a good listener.  Sometimes, when the maid of honor lives out of town or state, this is the only duty she will be able to perform (besides being in the ceremony).  That’s okay, because it’s the most important.

The bride is going to be overwhelmed after all.  This is what’s going through her mind:  Church (check), wedding reception (check), wedding cake (how much, what color, what flavor), party favors (how many), flowers (maybe I can save money if I make the boutonnieres), photographer ($2,500 for one day??), invitations (should I print them myself?) catering (what if someone has a peanut allergy?), flower girl (my niece is a brat), and so on.  Her maid of honor can help her set priorities, arrange schedules and calm her down if needed.

If the maid of honor lives nearby, she may want to help the bride select a wedding gown and accessories.  Her opinion would be most welcome in choosing bridesmaids gowns.  She may or may not be able to help with the registry, wedding favors, seating arrangements and decorating the reception site.  She will be required to help with the bustling of the wedding gown, holding the groom’s ring, and taking care of the bridal bouquet during the ceremony.  Depending on her availability, she may offer to host the bridal shower or bachelorette party.  As long as she attends to the bride as a thoughtful and caring friend, her participation in the wedding will be a success.

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