A MoH's work is never done...

Talk about busy. This is what it is "traditional" for the MoH to do at least according to Bridesmaid 101. (See Link to the right.) If I had the time (and was closer and able to do everything listed here) it would be a full-time job! Although, the majority of it is shopping and talking. Hum, shopping and visiting with my best friend... I could go for that!

Maid of Honor Duties: As the Maid of Honor, you have one of the most important roles in making sure the bride's and groom's wedding is a success. Many times the groom will not help out as much as the bride would like which is why your role is so important! Below we have listed some of the top maid of honor duties to make the process more manageable and creative:

Pre Wedding
1. Help in going with the bride to look at different locations for the wedding.
2. Help the bride choose her wedding invitations as well as possibly address the invitations if she needs your support.
3. If the bride needs help in ordering and choosing decorations and favors, your opinions may be helpful in making decisions for narrowing down choices and making sure the
decorations are in on time for the wedding, shower and bachelorette parties.
4. Go with the bride when she is shopping for her wedding dress as well as the Bridesmaid Dresses. It is helpful for you to attend the multiple fittings in giving your friend some
feedback in how the dress looks and fits.
5. Many times the groom does not want to go to register with his bride-to-be. You can be very supportive by going with your friend to register for her wedding gifts as well as letting other guests know where the bride and groom are registered.
6. Help the bride in the seating arrangement. Note: It is very helpful to bring this drawing to the wedding just in case there are any mix-ups, you will save the day!
7. Host and Plan the Bridal Shower as well as the Bachelorette Party!
8. Help keep order and organization with the other bridesmaids.
9. Attend and help out during the rehearsal dinner.
10. Field messages for the bride and her family to make sure you are up on any changes (especially if they are last minute changes that affect the other guests).

Wedding Day
1. Make sure the bride arrives to the ceremony and that she has everything on the Maid of Honor Checklist.
2. Assist the bride in getting into her dress and makeup.
3. Be the messenger if the bride wants to communicate messages to the family or groom so you are always up on what is going on.
4. Visit the reception room and party room (if possible) to make sure there are no problems or issues.
5. Help make sure the bride has privacy if she needs some quiet time before the ceremony.
6. Be the witness in the signing of the marriage license which is an honor!
7. Help the bride with her veil and train (if she has one).
8. Be your friend's "right-hand-woman" at the altar. She may be very nervous and you can be the calming source with your presence.
9. Keeper of the brides bouquet during the ceremony.
10. Keeper of the groom's ring.
11. Make a toast and/or speech during the wedding party since it is tradition and most people love hearing these friendship stories!
12. Make sure you lock up the bridal/groom money bag after the bride and groom dance with all of their family and friends so someone does not steal or pick it up by accident.
Last, but not least,
13. Provide moral support and be a great listener throughout the process since it is a very wonderful and "positively" stressful time for your friend. You can really make the difference!

Now the majority of this is just common sense and stuff I'd do anyway. I mean, seriously, "provide moral support" is something I hope I do even when she's not planning a wedding! Isn't that just part of being a good friend?