So you've been asked to be the Maid of Honor, now what? As you know, being the maid of honor is an honor indeed! The bride has chosen you most likely because you are her closest and most trustworthy friend. She is putting her faith in you to help through the planning and celebrating stages of one of the most important days of her life.

As the maid of honor, you are now her right hand man. Well woman, for the next few months! Even though the responsibilities of the maid of honor are great, the most important one is to be there for the bride when she needs you. Be her shoulder to lean on, her advisor when she asks and best friend through the emotional stress that she will go through!

Here is a list of what is expected from the Maid of Honor:

To be the leader: Of the bridesmaids, assigning duties, planning dress fittings, planning the pre-wedding parties and arranging all bridesmaid's activities.

To help the Bride when choosing invitations, wedding colors, flowers and of course the cake!

To attend ALL pre-wedding parties

To host or co-host bridal shower

To plan the Bachelorette party

To keep track of gifts received at all pre-wedding parties

To coordinate bridesmaids attendance to the rehearsal; arranging for transportation and lodging

To make sure that the bridesmaids are ready for the ceremony with their flowers, dresses, hair, makeup and accessories

To hold the groom's ring during the ceremony

To hold the bride's bouquet during the vows

To sign the marriage license

To play hostess at the reception

To collect and secure gift envelopes at reception

To stand in the receiving Line

To make sure that the bride eats during the reception

And finally, to make a toast to the bride and groom

Although the list of responsibilities may seem overwhelming, you are allowed to delegate to the other bridesmaids if help is needed. Be sure to remember that this is the bride's day, you are there to aid her in making this day as carefree as possible! And don't forget to have fun!

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You'll never forget your maid of honor duties when you have this helpful wedding checklist! It fits easily in a wedding planner, a wallet, or your purse and conveniently keeps all of your maid of honor duties within reach. Your best friend is getting married and needs your help to make the wedding planning run smoothly. For you, it's as easy as performing these few simple task!

Maid of Honor Pre Wedding Duties

• Help bride shop for gown (if she desires)
• Help bride shop for bridesmaids dresses
• Get the word out about the wedding registry, even if listed elsewhere
• Coordinate bridesmaids' dress order, fittings, alterations, payment, and dressing
• Arrange the travel and lodging for the bridesmaids
• Organize bridesmaids on wedding day
• Fix the bride's train before the processional starts
• Attend rehearsal dinner
• Create a wedding day emergency kit (just a reminder!)
• Plan and attend the wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
• Help with wedding planning tasks (a girl needs all the hands she can get!)

Maid of Honor Duties During The Ceremony:

• Walk down the aisle during the processional
• Adjust bride's train once she reaches the altar
• Hold the bridal bouquet while the bride and groom exchange vows
• Carry the groom's wedding ring
• Sign marriage license as a witness
• Walk in the recessional with the best man
• Organize programs, tossing petals, etc.

Maid of Honor Duties During The Reception:

• Stand in receiving line (if appropriate)
• Help bride bustle her gown
• Sit at head table next to groom (if wedding party is seated at head table)
• Prepare and present a toast to the couple
• Dance with best man during first dance (if the wedding party is asked to participate)
• Help direct vendors as needed (the bride shouldn't have to worry with this on her big day)

Maid of Honor Duties After The Wedding:

• Take the bride's wedding dress to the dry cleaner
• Help organize gifts and gift checks brought to the reception
• Help oversee wrap-up after wedding reception (if needed)