The duties of The Maid/Matron of Honour are very important because she basically provides the leaning post for the bride, on which she can rely, depend and trust, providing support both physically and emotionally.
Her duties begin from the moment she accepts, which includes pre-wedding and post-wedding duties as well as the actual ceremony. She has more responsibility than any of the other bridesmaids.
A Maid of Honour is a single woman over 18 years old (she may have to sign legal documents). A Matron of Honour is married. A male in this role is known as an “Honour Attendant”.
Assists the bride in choosing and shopping for her wedding gown
Assists the bride and helps in choosing outfits for the rest of her wedding party
Helps the bride to choose her gifts for the bridesmaids
Arranges the fittings, accessories and miscellaneous finishing touches for the bride and the rest of the bridal party
Helps the bridesmaids with their positioning and rehearsals etc.
Helps the bridesmaids to choose their gift to the couple and their gift to the bride
In today’s style she now pays for her own attire and accessories
Helps the bride to organise and execute other tasks such as the wedding décor, reception décor, recording of wedding gifts, acceptance or decline of invitations and other managerial tasks
Ensures that last minute details are all accounted for including photographer, transport, flowers, cake etc.
Makes sure that the bride keeps to all her appointments and schedules
Attends all pre-nuptial events
THE WEDDING DAY DUTIES
Checks that all is well with the transport and that it will arrive on time
Ensures the bride’s hair is ready for the ceremony, this might consist of her going with the bride to the hairdresser or being on site if the hairdresser is coming to the bride
Dresses the bride for the ceremony
Helps the bridesmaids and flowergirls dress for the ceremony, making sure everything is as it should be and that they understand their roles
Stands to the side but slightly behind the bride at the top of the aisle
Holds the grooms ring for the bride and hands it to her during the ceremony
Or can hold the both bride and grooms rings if a page boy is not included in the party
Holds the bride’s bouquet when needed and makes sure that the bride looks good at all times, adjusting her veil, train and even freshening up her make-up if necessary
Can serve as a legal witness to sign the marriage certificate
Stands with the bride and groom at the receiving line
Sits with the bride and groom at the wedding table
Can offer to make a speech/toast during the reception
Ensures that the guests are well taken care of that they have eaten and had something to drink. The Chief bridesmaid also checks with people who are performing services, photographer, DJ etc to make sure that they have had a meal and beverage
Informs the parents that the bride and groom are about to leave
POST-WEDDING DUTIES
Assists the bride to change into her honeymoon going away outfit and packs away the wedding dress
Ensures that all is well with the honeymoon luggage for the bride and groom to leave
Helps to clean up after the wedding and makes sure that any remainder of the cake is transported to a suitable place and well stored for the return of the bride and groom
Ensures that any hired clothing is returned
If you are asked to be a chief bridesmaids or Maid/ Matron of Honour this is indeed a privilege which commands great responsibility. Remember that you will be standing next to the bride when she makes her most sacred vow.
This gift is usually given to someone with whom the bride has great regard and trust. You will need to keep your head and be there for the bride when she needs you most. Remember to keep yourself paced and well organised; be mindful to take time out and relax, every now and again, so that you can be at your best for the person who trusts you most ... The bride.
