Here Comes My Maid of Honour

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, she is a young woman or girl who is not married and who is the main bridesmaid at a wedding. The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defines her as the chief bridesmaid at a wedding. Finally, my mobile Concise Oxford English Dictionary calls her a principal bridesmaid. Enough of lexicon! Here comes my Maid of Honour. Right behind the pretty bride stands a beautiful handy maid. She is sometimes called the Chief Bridesmaid but I grew up hearing her to be called the Best lady. The focus is more on the bride but today, I am shinning my spotlight on the Maid of Honour. I prefer to call her that other than the old Best lady or the common Chief Bridesmaid. Hence, who is this Maid of Honour (MOH)? Basically, she is seen behind the bride.

Traditionally, she is meant to be the bride’s best friend. In some cases where the entire bride’s friends are married or indisposed, the MOH can be the bride’s younger sister, cousin or whoever the bride deems fit. The bride is at discretion to choose whomever she wants. Dear Bride, communicate to her on time to avoid any disappoint. Be sure to get her word and excitement before putting her on your wedding party. If you are wondering if you can use your married best friend as your MOH, read my next blog on the Matron of Honour.  However, there is more to this woman than standing behind the soon-to-be-Mrs Bridegroom. Grab a glass of your favourite drink and let’s explore some of the duties of my beautiful Maid of Honour. Trust me, she is beautiful!

• Hosts the bridal shower
• Informs guests where the couple is registered
• Keeps track of gifts during the bridal shower
• Coordinates the bridesmaids
• Assists the bride in shopping for her wedding dress and accessories
• Shops for the bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories
• Helps the bride to get dressed
• Ensures the bride eats breakfast
• Carries an emergency kit
• Adjusts the bride's veil and train before she walks down the aisle
• Carries the groom’s ring till the exchange of rings
• Witnesses the signing of marriage register
• Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
• Gathers the single women for bouquet toss
• Assists the bride with going away clothes and luggage
• Sees that the bride’s gown is taken care of after the reception according to her wishes
• Buys the couple a wedding gift
• Helps make wedding guest favours
• Gives a maid of honour speech and toast (if allowed)

This duty checklist is not exhaustive. You can add to the list and you can remove what does not apply to you.

You have a right to a stress free wedding day. Cheers!