Stepping into the Maid of Honour role? It’s more than just fun and games; it’s a pivotal job filled with essential Maid of Honour duties. As the bride’s go-to gal, you’ll be by her side from the first toast to the last dance, and beyond. You’re her rock during the whirlwind of planning and the voice of calm amidst pre-wedding jitters. Sure, it’s a bundle of responsibilities, but with the right checklist of Maid of Honour duties, you’ll navigate this role like a pro. Keep this guide close to ace your Maid of Honour duties with grace!

1. Be there for the bride 

Before and after the wedding, your biggest job is to be there for the bride. This shouldn’t be that difficult since chances are you’re already pretty close. Initiate the conversation on how you can best support the bride on both an emotional and practical level. Ask her how you can help out the most as she plans the wedding, and don’t forget you’re friends too. So inject some fun and love into the festivities too! Help your bride to relax and enjoy the wedding planning process as you both create some lasting memories together.

maid of honour duties ultimate checklist, 1

Photo Courtesy of Bows & Lavender

2. Check in with everyone’s budget 

Before you start planning bachelorette parties and showers, or even dress fittings, the best thing you can do is discuss the budget with the bride and the rest of the wedding party. After all, you don’t want to plan for a big girls’ trip to Vegas when no one can afford it. Or worse yet — settle on wedding day dresses that’s not in their budget.

3. You’re the point person for the bridesmaids

You are the leader of the bridesmaids. If they have any questions or suggestions, they are to go to you first and not the bride (since she’s already so busy with planning to deal with tons of questions). Start a group chat and/or email thread with everyone in the party to keep on track and delegate any duties. You might also want to use organization apps, such as Asana, to keep track of everyone’s tasks.

4. Attend wedding dress shopping and dress fittings 

This is probably the most anticipated event for the MOH! While the bride might want to attend her wedding dress shopping alone or with her mom, many MOHs attend as well. So check in with your bride and ask if she wants you there. You should definitely be on hand when it comes to choosing your dress as well as the wedding party’s since you are the go-to person when it comes to choosing the bridesmaids’ attire.

5. Set up all fittings and beauty appointments 

You’re in charge of setting up (and attending) all dress fittings for the bride, yourself, and the bridal party. Additionally, you’re to schedule the hair and makeup appointments for the big day too. Make sure you settle on who and where you’re going with the bride, and book appointments at least six months in advance.

6. Host or co-host the bridal shower 

You’ll be hosting the bridal shower with the rest of the bridesmaids and probably with the bride’s mother and/or other family members. You’ll need to choose the date, the venue, the catering and the decor. After the event, you’re responsible for helping the bride send out thank you cards. Don’t forget to delegate these tasks with other members of the bridal party if it’s too much work for you.

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7. Plan the bachelorette party 

You’re leading the charge when it comes to planning the bachelorette party. While you’ll be doing this with the other members of the bridal party, you’re the point-person for the event when it comes to choosing the venue, connecting with other invitees, and keeping everyone’s budget in mind. Also, you’ll also have to plan a bachelorette party that the bride will actually want and like — so don’t forget to have this conversation with her before you book anything.

8. Prepare a bride’s emergency survival kit

This is something the bride will have on hand for every event before the wedding and for the wedding itself. Think bandaids, safety pins, pain relievers, hair ties, and anything else you can think of.

9. Prepare a speech for the reception 

Yes, you have to do a speech! But this is a sweet and memorable moment to express your feelings for the bride and her new groom. Prepare your speech at least a month in advance so you have enough time to practice it and feel comfortable with what you’re going to say.

10. Keep everything moving 

On the day of the wedding, it’s your responsibility to keep everything moving on schedule. This includes helping the bride getting dressed and having makeup and hair done to getting to the ceremony on time to making sure the bridesmaids are ready for the photo session (and not busy chatting). You’re also responsible for tying up all loose ends, like collecting gifts and any mementoes that the couple want to keep on their big day.

Like we said, it’s a big job but with a little planning and a handy checklist, you’ll be well on your way to being the best MOH!