Responsibilities

Go shopping with the bride. I know this sounds like fun, and most of the time it is, but things can stop being fun when the bride has spent 6 hours looking at shoe colors and you still have to find dresses. It is not required that the maid of honor travel three hours from home at the drop of a dime, but that she simply accompanies the bride on normal bridal shopping excursions.

It is the maid of honor's responsibility to start the planning of the bridal shower. It is a good idea to include the bride's mother and sisters in the planning of the shower.

When it comes time to address wedding invitations don't head for the hills. It is the maid of honor's responsibility to help with this tedious chore if requested.

Much of the wedding coordination will fall on the maid of honor. It is her responsibility to inform the bridesmaid of any changes of times or meeting places. Good communication between every one involved in the wedding party is a must.

The maid of honor will need to hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony. This is addition to her own bouquet.

Also, the maid of honor will need to hold the groom's ring. I know this is a lot to carry. Try slipping the ring on one of your fingers. Just don't forget about it. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose a ring.

The maid of honor will most likely be asked to be a witness for the ceremony and sign the marriage license.

The maid of honor must make sure that the bride's train and veil are straight. This includes before and after the ceremony. Make sure not to expose too much of the bride while adjusting or straightening.

Propose a toast to the new bride and groom. This is not mandatory. If you are afraid of giving speeches in front of people maybe it would be a good idea to have some one else give the toast. Also, If you are celebrating with alcohol make sure you make your toast before getting too tipsy.

Remember what you are here to do. They don't call it maid of honor for nothing. It is the maid of honor's responsibility to assist the bride in any and all activities. Give lots of encouragement to the bride, and do what you did to get to this point. Be her best friend.