When you've been asked to be part of a bridal party, it can be tricky to know what you are supposed to do. In this article, we will outline the main differences between bridesmaids and maids of honour, as well as provide some tips to succeed as a Maid of Honour!
What is a bridesmaid?
A bridesmaid is a member of the bride's wedding party. Unlike the Maid of Honour, she generally does not have any specific responsibilities other than to show up on time for pre-wedding events and to support the bride on the big day.
Bridesmaids typically wear matching dresses or outfits and carry bouquets that coordinate with the rest of the wedding party.
What is a Maid of Honour?
The Maid of Honour is thought of as the 'head bridesmaid' and is typically the bride's closest friend or relative. As such, she has a few more responsibilities than the other members of the bridal party.
The Maid of Honour is responsible for helping the bride with wedding planning, being there for her on the big day, and giving a speech at the reception. Maids of honour are also usually responsible for organising the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
How to succeed as a Maid of Honour
If you have been asked to be the Maid of Honour, congratulations! This is an amazing honour and one that comes with a lot of responsibility. To make sure everything goes off without a hitch, here are a few tips
Be organised
One of your main responsibilities as a Maid of Honour is to help the bride with wedding planning. This means keeping track of deadlines, appointments, and any other important details
Be a shoulder to cry on
Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important to be there for the bride when she needs to vent or just needs a break from it all. If you struggle with what to do when people are upset, check out these tips on how to listen effectively.
Give an amazing speech
The Maid of Honour speech is one of the most important speeches at the reception. Be sure to put some thought into it and practice beforehand so you can deliver a memorable, funny, and heart-warming speech that everyone will love.
It can be hard to know what to say, so check out this video for a great example of a Maid of Honour speech that is the right balance of funny and touching.
The expert team at Monday & Co. are on hand if you'd like to hand over the reins to us, we're confident in our ability to transform your thoughts, feelings, and memories into the perfect speech.
FAQs about being a Maid of Honour
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about what it means to be the Maid of Honour.
What is the difference between Bridesmaid and Maid of Honour?
While both roles are part of the bridal party, the Maid of Honour has extra responsibilities. She’s usually the bride’s go-to person for planning, support, and handling details on the wedding day. Bridesmaids offer support too but typically have fewer tasks and focus more on celebrating with the bride.
What is the difference between a Matron of Honour and a Bridesmaid?
A Matron of Honour is a married woman serving in the Maid of Honour role, while a Bridesmaid assists in a supportive role without those extra duties. The Matron of Honour’s responsibilities mirror those of the Maid of Honour but come with the married title.
Is a Maid of Honour meant to be married?
No, a Maid of Honour doesn’t have to be married. If she is, she’s called a Matron of Honour, but either way, the role is more about being someone the bride deeply trusts to be by her side during planning and the big day.
Is Maid of Honour a big deal?
Yes, being the Maid of Honour is a significant role! She’s often responsible for organising the bridal shower, assisting with wedding details, and making sure the bride is looked after from engagement to “I do.” It’s an honour that reflects the close bond shared with the bride.
What does the Maid of Honour pay for?
Traditionally, the Maid of Honour covers costs for her own attire and travel, contributes to the bridal shower and hen’s party, and sometimes helps with other expenses related to wedding events. However, costs and contributions vary based on the couple’s and Maid of Honour’s budget.
Is it OK to have Bridesmaids but no Maid of Honour?
Absolutely. If you’d rather skip having a Maid of Honour, it’s perfectly fine. Many couples choose to keep things simple with just Bridesmaids, or delegate responsibilities across the bridal party without a single point of contact.
Can I have two Maids of Honour?
Yes, you can! Having two Maids of Honour is a great way to honour two close friends or family members. With shared responsibilities, it can make planning and coordination easier – and give each Maid of Honour a special role on your wedding day.
Final thoughts on Maid of Honour duties
Being a Maid of Honour or bridesmaid can be a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. Use these tips to make sure you are prepared and succeed in your Maid of Honour or bridesmaid duties!
If you find that you are struggling to keep up with one of your main bridal party responsibilities - your speech, then don't hesitate to get in touch.
At Monday & Co, writing wedding speeches is one of our favourite things to do, so don't be afraid to hand over the writing of your Maid of Honour speech to focus on the fun parts of wedding planning!