How to Be a Maid of Honor

As one of the bride's closest friends or relatives, you'll have a major part in the wedding festivities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Hosiery
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Champagne
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers

1. Ask the mother of the bride if you can help in any way aside from performing your ceremonial duties.

2. Consider offering housing to out-of-town guests if you live near the place where the wedding is being held.

3. Offer your support as the bride plans (and perhaps obsesses over) every wedding detail - from floral arrangements to dinner menus.

4. Orchestrate a shower and/or bachelorette party. Help the bride keep track of gifts she receives at these gatherings.

5. Help the bride get dressed before the wedding.

6. Tend to the flower girl and ring bearer if there is no one else available to direct them.

7. Serve as one of the official witnesses to the wedding, if asked.

8. Hold the bride's bouquet and the groom's ring during the ceremony. Help the bride with her veil or train if necessary.

9. Act as a liaison between the bride and the bridesmaids during the reception.

10. Give a toast at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception - usually after the best man.

11. Dance with the best man and possibly other groomsmen.

12. Help the bride prepare for her departure after the reception. Alert the bride's and groom's parents when the newlywed couple is ready to leave the reception.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep any negative opinions of the bridesmaids' dresses or any other wedding details to yourself.
• Save a roast for the bachelorette party and give a more formal toast at the wedding.

[kimmi671]

on 2/20/2007 my little sister is getting married i am so excited i cant even think straight HELP!!

on 3/21/2006 The bride relies on you as one of her top consultants in decision making. Remember that your opinion can make or break her decision. Try to be open minded, and remember that the bride is already under a lot of stress dealing with other people's opinions as well. Always reassure the bride with her final decisions by noting how cute, fun, beautiful and good they are.

on 11/22/2005 As you are helping the bride keep track of things, try not to ask too many questions. Unless it's something very important, or something she wanted you to take care of, asking too many questions can add to her frustration and worry.

on 11/22/2005 A wonderful Jewish tradition (that I think is valuable for every wedding) is to have a small area where the bride and groom can rest immediately after the ceremony (for 10 minutes or however long). Most likely the couple will not have taken the time to eat, so you should have a small food platter with fruits and cheeses, some beverages, and other things for them to munch on. Stand guard at the door to keep everyone else out of this area during that time.

on 11/22/2005 When giving the speech to the bride and groom, don't forget to actually toast them at the end of the speech. For example, you could say, "Here's to the bride and groom," or "Let's raise our glasses to the newlyweds."