How to Be the Best Maid of Honor

Learn how to be a maid of honor, and you'll make the bride-to-be's life much easier. You should be there to share the pressures and responsibilities (not to mention a few expenses) with her. Here's how to be the best maid of honor there ever was:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Help the bride choose the perfect venue, reception hall, wedding food, the dress, and bridesmaid dresses. You can also help by picking out the invitations with her. Tell the guests where the bride and groom are registered for wedding gifts; this information should be left off the invitations.

2. Plan and host the bridal shower, as well as the bachelorette party. Make sure they are both events to remember. Your job is to be an attentive assistant. Give your honest opinion when asked. Keep everything calm and organized. Always direct the attention of guests toward the lucky bride-to-be.

3. On the big day, help the bride get ready to walk down the aisle. Make sure she looks perfect and keep her relaxed. Relay messages between she and the groom before the ceremony. During the main event, hold the groom's ring and the bridal bouquet. Make a toast to the bride at her wedding reception.

4. The maid of honor may have to pay for: Her hair, dress, shoes, jewelry; the bride's hair, the bridal shower and gift, the bachelorette party, the wedding gift, airfare, and accommodations. The bridesmaids are supposed to help cover the shower and party. Now get busy with your maid of honor duties!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the wedding money-bag locked away.
• If you're married, you're actually the matron of honor.
• Be prepared to spend $300-$1,000+ on this wedding.

Resources

• The Nest Newlywed Handbook
• The Bridesmaid's Guerrilla Handbook
• I'm a Newlywed! ...Umm, What Do I Do Now?
• The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous
• The Ultimate Bridal Shower Idea Book: How to Have a Memorable Party