The primary member of the bride’s bridal party, the maid of honor often receives the most duties and honors in the entire wedding party. She is the female counterpart of the groom’s best man.
The term bridesmaid traditionally refers to the single young woman who is assigned the duties of leading the bridal party or group of bridesmaids. If the woman is already married, she is called matron of honor.
In the Western tradition, the bride can have as many bridesmaids as she likes, but the bridesmaid is considered the primary attendant of the bride. Most of the time, the designated bridesmaid is a close relative or friend of the bride.
The maid of honor in the UK
In the UK, when you say maid of honor, you usually mean the Queen’s female attendant. Bridesmaid also refers to a small cake shape. The word maid of honor is usually sufficient in reference to a bridal attendant. If the bridal attendant is already married or if she is of legal age, then she may be called the “matron of honor.”
Today some modern English brides now refer to their main bridesmaid as their maid of honor. This is mainly due to the strong influence of English and American culture.
Introducing the Man of Honor
Several modern brides today prefer a close friend or relative as their main attendant. Although quite unusual and unconventional, this idea is accepted in most social circles. The man of honor performs the same duties as the traditional maid of honor.
Duties before the wedding
The maid of honor or man of honor basically has duties or responsibilities before the wedding, during the wedding, and in some cases even after the actual ceremony. The number of duties assigned to the primary assistant to the bride can vary depending on the wishes of the bride, but the following are some examples of the primary duties of the maid or man of honor prior to the nuptials:
* Travel with the bride and help her choose the location for the ceremony.
* To help the bride shop for her wedding dress as well as choose dresses for the bridesmaids.
* Help the bride to choose and send all the wedding invitations.
* Accompany the bride in registering her gifts.
* To plan and organize the bachelorette party or bachelorette party and the bachelorette party.
* To help the bride to finish the seating arrangement.
* Attend and help during the rehearsal dinner.
* Keep in touch with the other bridesmaids and keep things organized.
* Keep track of the gifts given during the bachelorette party and bachelorette party.
Duties during the royal wedding
The following are the main duties of the maid or man of honor during the royal wedding ceremony.
* Act as a messenger between the bride and whoever she wants to communicate with.
* To help the bride put on her makeup, put on her dress and get ready to walk down the aisle.
* To make sure the bride has enough privacy before the wedding.
* Consult the reception room and see more details.
* Help the bride with her train and bridal veil, before, during and even after the wedding.
* To sign the marriage license after the wedding.
* To hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony if necessary.
* Hold the groom’s wedding ring and give it to the bride during the wedding ceremony.
* Insure all the money that will be given to the couple during the reception.
* Raise a toast and make a speech during the reception.
* Provide emotional and sometimes even financial support to the bride if needed.
