Your best friend is getting married and has asked you to be her Maid of Honour. An exciting fun journey lies ahead, but there are some serious responsibilities for you to take care of as well. Read on for some guidance and inspiration to help you on your way.
1. Helping The Bride Choose Her Dress
Amongst family and friends, the maid of honour is someone who knows the bride and her style well and will be honest about what works and does not work. Attending appointments with the bride to choose her dress is probably one of the biggest and most important tasks for a maid of honour. Remember to be tactful, don't just give a negative offer alternatives and clear reasons why you don't think something looks right.
2. Helping The Bride Pick Out The Bridesmaid's Dresses
This one clearly affects you as well as any other bridesmaids. Don't just think about yourself, consider what will be comfortable for everyone, but also support the bride in her choices. After all, even if you don't love the dresses, it is only one day you have to wear it.
3. The Hen Do
It is part of your job to arrange the hen do. Consult with the bride on what sort of thing she would like. You know her well so should also already have an idea of whether she likes big n flamboyant affairs or would prefer something more low key. Also, think about peoples budgets, there is no point planning a huge weekend away at a posh spa hotel only to find half the hen party won't be able to attend because they cannot afford it.
4. Support The Bride
In the run up to the wedding day nerves and excitement really kick in, help the bride keep grounded. If you see she is getting a little anxious, take her out for a coffee and a chat, a little time away from planning and thinking about the wedding will do wonders. On the day, be the point of contact for the bridal party, the bride does not need to be taking phone calls from suppliers or guests with last minute questions, her job is to relax and enjoy the pampering of getting ready. make sure you have attended dress fittings so you know how her dress does up and can do this easily on the day. Before the day arrange a fun evening with drinks to practice putting the dress on. This will save so much time on the day and ensure things go as smoothly as possible.
5. Hold The Bouquet
During the ceremony, if the bouquet is not placed on the front table, there often wont be one in a church, hold the brides bouquet for her. Make sure to give it back to her just be fore she makes her exit with her new husband.
6. Bustle The Dress Ready For The First Dance
Make sure to attend dress fittings and have the shop assistants show you exactly how to bustle the dress ready for the evening and first dance. It will save a lot of time and stress trying to figure it out on the day if you know exactly what to do.