Friends, we’ve made it. The third and final (as far as I know) installment of the maid of honor duties series. Need to catch up? Here’s what you’ll need to know for the bridal shower and of course, the famous bachelorette party.
I’m pretty excited about this one – it’s the big one. THE wedding day! You’ve made it! Sure, you’ve got quite the day ahead of you, but it’s going to be good. Real good. Just make sure you come prepared!
Curious about your maid of honor duties (or bridesmaid duties) for the wedding day? Here’s your quick and dirty guide to navigating the wedding day to-dos.
Maid of Honor Duties
As maid of honor, you’re a big part of the wedding day. BUT, you should be enjoying the day as well! Here are a few things you can do before, during, and after to ensure that everyone’s having a great time and enjoying celebrating the bride and groom (including yourself!).
Before the Wedding:
- Make sure the bridal party promptly arrives at the venue. If the guys need to be there for 4 pm, make sure you’re in contact with the best man to ensure that they’re on time. The best man is also going to be your new best friend that day.
- Ensure that the bride and groom do NOT run into each other. Again, join forces with the best man so that you know where the groom is (and of course, the bride) leading up to the big event.
- Introduce yourself to the photographers and let them know you’ll be their day-of contact. They’re bound to have questions, so let them know they can come to you instead of having to find the bride and groom.
- Help the bride get dressed, check her hair, and touch up her make up if needed.
- Share a quick toast in the bridal suite – over champagne, preferably.
During the Wedding:
- Make sure the bride and groom have everything they need – water, drinks, etc.
- Check in with the parents. It’s not totally necessary, but it’s a sweet gesture that will help them know you care about them, too! ps. say congratulations to them! It’s their kids that just got married, right?
- This one’s important: Absolutely make sure that the staff doesn’t take away the bride and groom’s food while they’re mingling, dancing, making out, what have you. And if the staff gets by you, ask for another plate to be ready within a few minutes. For the amount they’re probably paying for their wedding, they deserve to eat the food!
- Give your speech. And kill it.
- DANCE and have fun!
After the Wedding:
- Gifts. Enlist the bridal party in helping bring the gifts out to whichever vehicles they’re being transported in. This is something that’s often forgotten until the last minute, and it’s not the most fun surprise. So, get ahead of it and give the bridal party a heads up about the gift transportation.
- Say goodbye to guests. Even if you don’t know them. It’s nice, and courteous.
- Help clean out bridal suite. There will probably be some leftover makeup, bathrobes, sandals, etc. Grab everything before leaving the venue!
- Make sure bride’s car (whether it’s her own, a limo, etc.) is all packed up with everything she needs, including her after-wedding clothes, if she’s wants to change out of her dress.
A Note to the Brides:
A few things you might want to consider during/after the planning for your big, exciting day!
- Say thank you! Your best gals just spent a bulk of their time (and money!) helping you plan your wedding – not to mention planning your bridal shower and bachelorette. Here a few typical/creative ways to say thanks for everything.
- Make them feel special! The Knot’s idea is absolutely adorable.
- Spend a quality day with your maid of honor and best man – massages do sound great, don’t they?
- Find personalized gifts to give them (typically during the rehearsal dinner). This is way better than any sort of generic gift.
- Remember to talk to them about non-wedding stuff. This one’s a biggie!
- Pay for their hotel rooms the night before the wedding if it’s feasible; set up something fun for them to do the night before or a sweet surprise from them to wake up to!
Do you have any tips for day-of management? Do share!
g.
(all photos via style me pretty)
