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When your best friend is getting married and you have been asked to be the maid of honor, it is only natural to wonder about maid of honor responsibilities and the proper etiquette for that role. Maid of honor duties can vary based on the way that the bride prefers to do things. Sometimes, all that is necessary is to be fitted for a dress and stand next to the bride during the ceremony. Other brides prefer for their maid of honor to be a part of every detail of the wedding, so it is important to speak to the bride early about her expectations.
Some of the most common maid of honor responsibilities include:
Helping to plan the party
It is not the sole responsibility of the maid of honor to throw various events, but she should be prepared to help with the engagement party, bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Secretarial duties
Planning a wedding is a lot of work and the maid of honor can help the bride by assisting with addressing and stuffing wedding invitations, recording gifts at showers, helping to mail thank you notes, etc.
Helping on the big day.
Naturally, there is a lot going on the day of the wedding. It is the responsibility of the maid of honor to help the bride with her hair and makeup, assist her in getting dressed, holding the rings and bouquet during the ceremony and standing in the receiving line following the ceremony. The maid of honor will also usually sign the marriage certificate as a witness. In some cases, the maid of honor duties may also include assisting the bride with the train of her dress during the reception, helping her to change following the reception and ensuring that the wedding dress is safely transported to the cleaners or the bride's home following the wedding. Finally, the maid of honor should also be prepared to give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and the reception.
Along with these duties, the maid of honor should understand the proper etiquette to follow. Generally, the maid of honor will be responsible for paying for her own attire, although the bride will usually choose the dress for her attendants. The maid of honor will usually be escorted in the processional and recessional by the groom's best man. She will typically sit with the rest of the wedding party during the reception at a specially designated table.
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