pearse flynn

Whenever someone is asked to be a bridesmaid, it is a time of both shock and pride. You must be prepared to invest both your time and your money. How much will depend on how much help you get from to two parties’ friends and relatives but you are still going to have to do the lion’s share. Many people think that the matron / maid of honor only has input on the day of the wedding (as this is only when they see you in action). In reality, your job starts just after the couple have decided to marry. You would be amazed at how many things are the responsibility of the maid of honor. Your job starts as early as the first wedding planning task. Your organizational skills will be called on continually as the big day draws near. In addition, you are anticipated to perform some assignments all on your own. So what are these numerous jobs that we are talking about?

You will become an almost as important decision maker as the bride. She will need a second opinion and will use you as a sounding board before plumbing for certain things. Remember that this is an emotional time and you will have to be the one with the cool head. These things will range from major decisions such as the ceremony and / or reception venue down to small things like wedding favors or table displays. It’s quite a range. It will be hard work and there will be times when you want to tear your hair out (don’t though. It will look terrible in the photos!). Hopefully you will look back on it and realize it was actually a lot of fun. I think you need to be objective in your decisions. If you do not tell the truth or give solid opinions it will come back and bite you.

When you have got those major decisions out of the way, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. This means checking on everyone else who has some part to play in the wedding. One of the most important duties is to double check that all of the guests remember when and where the wedding is taking place. At the same time do a head count to check who is coming and who cannot make it. Your organizational skills might also be necessary for helping plan seating or even registering for presents.

Apart from the maid of honor speech, there are a couple of things that are certainly your exclusive domain. The the bridal shower and the bachelorette party will be chiefly your responsibility (although don’t feel afraid to ask for help from others). Another simple but vital job is to keep track of which guests bought which presents (for sending the thank you notes) Maid of Honor assignments can be challenging, but supporting the bride with picking, organizing and planning for her important wedding ceremony day is a memory to be treasured for a lifetime..

You would be excused for thinking that all your work is done now that the big day has arrived. You could not be more wrong. This is when there is far more potential for mishaps and trouble. As maid of honor you have a lot more things to do.

It’s a good thing to remember that although everyone expects you to be superwoman, you are likely to be just as stressed as anyone. The trouble is that you cannot afford to let this get to you. I find the best thing to do is make out a checklist and keep referring back to it. Whilst everything is going mad, don’t forget to keep tabs on the bride. A quick dress dress, make up veil check is required every so often.

The two important phases are at the altar and later at the reception. These include (at the altar) hold on to her groom’s ring until it’s time to exchange with hers. Check that her bridal train is OK. Hold her bouquet. Photo’s; make sure friends and family are in the right place at the right time. You have to be in charge of things like tossing of the bouquet, cutting the cake and arranging special dances. You’ve also got to keep your eye on the presents and the money bag. Last but not least you get your big moment with the maid of honor speech!

Just as soon as all of your maid of honor tasks are over, you can finally unwind and enjoy what’s left of the party.