All right, girlfriend. You've been chosen as the Leader of the Pack. Now what? If you're unsure about your "duties" and responsibilities as Maid of Honor, we've outlined them for you right here.
Since you need to know what's expected of your honorary position, here's the nitty gritty about the traditional Maid of Honor's responsibilities. For your convenience, we have broken your duties down into two categories: Official Responsibilities, and Emotional Responsibilities. Rumor has it you're going to be doing a little of both. Official Responsibilities
Go shopping Aid the bride in shopping for her gown as well as the bridesmaids' gowns.
Lend a hand Help her out with the tasks that are too big for her to accomplish on her own like addressing invitations, or putting together favors. If she asks you, accompany her on shopping trips and provide an objective opinion on flowers, the cake, etc.
Party down Plan and throw the bachelorette party, with the help of the bridesmaids.
Throw the bridal shower Plan and host the bridal shower.
Take notes Record all the gifts received at the various wedding parties, so the bride can keep track of who gave her what.
Round up the bridesmaids Make sure they get to the ceremony on time, they have their clothes on, and their hair done.
Hang on to the groom's ring Keep the groom's wedding ring (somewhere safe) during the ceremony, like on your thumb.
Prep the bride before she takes that Walk Adjust her hair, straighten her veil, and rearrange her train if needed, and do it again after she arrives at the altar.
Keep the bouquet Hold the bridal bouquet while the couples exchange vows.
Sign the license Both the best man and the maid of honor sign the marriage license as witnesses.
Dance Dance with the best man during the first official dance, and dance with the other groomsmen during the following songs, if so desired.
Toast At the reception, toast the couple, traditionally following the best man.
Okay, that's everything that's officially required of the Maid of Honor. Here's the things that the etiquette books don't tell you... Emotional Responsibilities
Calm her down No joke, you are more than likely going to be performing some De-Stress Management as the bride approaches the Big Day. Talk her out of kicking her mother in the shins; advise her that cursing the caterer won't do anybody any good. The bride needs you as a friend, too; be there for her now more than ever.
Tell her jokes Everybody knows that, for the chronically stressed, laughter is definitely the best medicine. Make it part of your job to keep her having fun with it all, and require the bride to relax and have a laugh.
Keep her fed On her wedding day, the bride may be so adrenaline-charged, she will forget to eat. Take care of her by getting her some breakfast before the day starts, and be in charge of making sure she gets some dinner at the reception.
Listen As redundant as it may get for you, be a sounding board for the bride to bounce ideas off of. She needs advice about whether or not registering for those matching mountain bikes is a good idea. And besides that, her marriage is a big step. She may need to talk about that, too. And, dear Maid of Honor, that someone she's going to want to talk to is you.
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