In addition to the list of bridesmaid responsibilities, the maid, or matron, of honor should take a leading role in steps like planning the bridal shower and selecting bridesmaid dresses. The Maid of Honor (or Matron of Honor, if you're married) is the bride's Right-Hand Woman, not necessarily the "boss" of the bridal party but definitely the team leader. The Bridesmaid Handbook has a comprehensive list of what your responsibilities are for the wedding:
- Attend the bride's gown shopping excursions as her trusted advisor because she knows you will let her know if a gown isn't flattering on her. Many times, the bride just brings her Maid of Honor for initial gown hunt trips, not wanting too many opinions until she has narrowed down her choices.
- Help the bride keep track of which gowns she tried on where.
- Organize the bridesmaids' own gown orders and payment, including getting size cards from out-of-town bridesmaids.
- Keep all bridesmaids informed about meetings, fittings, gown payment deadlines, shoe orders, and so on.
- Field bridesmaids' questions.
- Take the leading role in planning the bridal shower, but wisely share the decision-making process and the legwork with the other maids.
- Host the bridal shower and make sure all goes smoothly.
- Help the bride record which gifts came from which guests at the bridal shower.
- Help the bride get ready on the morning of the wedding.
- Propose a toast at the rehearsal dinner and at the reception, if you wish.
- Be there for anything the bride needs on the wedding day.
Click here for a list of bridesmaid responsibilities
Excerpted from The Bridesmaid Handbook by Sharon Naylor. © 2005 Source Books.