Maid of Honor Responsibilities - From Bachelorette Party to Wedding Day

When a bride is choosing the person that is going to be her maid of honor, she typically chooses a woman who is close to her - a sister or close girlfriend. This person will offer her the support and positive attitude she will need in the months leading up to the big event, and the helping hand she'll desperately need on the wedding day.

So, what exactly does a maid of honor have to do? Well, if you've been chosen as your friend's maid of honor, congratulations! Your friend obviously believes that you're capable of taking on the responsibilities that come with such a big job.

Traditionally, as Maid of Honor, your roles are:

• To host the bridal shower. This will involve planning a theme, finding a location, getting a cake, inviting the friends of the bride, and more or less throwing the kind of party that screams "Yay! You're getting married!" You may want to communicate with the bride's mother when planning the shower, as she will no doubt have some plans of her own. Though the maid of honor is in charge of the shower, other attendants should definitely offer their assistance. Get together and throw an incredible event!

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• To plan and host the bachelorette party! Talk to the bride about what she would like to do. Yes, you're supposed to surprise her, but you have to remember that, above all, this is her night. If you and the other party attendees want male entertainment, but the bride does not, don't force her to do it anyway. The bachelorette party is supposed to be fun for everyone, especially the bride, as it is her last night out as a single woman!

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• To be the bride's right hand on her wedding day. Is she nervous? Talk to her and try to keep her calm. Help her to be stress free, but don't strong-arm other people who may want to offer her their help as well. You're there to help her with whatever she needs.

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• If there isn't a wedding coordinator on the big day, your role has doubled! You may need to run messages back and forth between the bride and other family members, as well as keep the bride on schedule. Adjust her veil and dress for her just before she's ready to go down the aisle. Most importantly, smile! Your smile will help put the bride at ease.

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• During the ceremony, you're responsible for holding the bride's bouquet and helping bustle the bride's gown after the ceremony. Be sure to ask before the ceremony about instructions on the bustle, as some of the more elaborate bustles can have more than twenty hooks!

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• During the reception, you're expected to make a speech. Say something witty, but sentimental. Keep it upbeat, and look at the bride and groom as you speak. You are toasting to them! Remember not to say things that are too personal or embarrassing. If you're not ready for public speaking, practicing your speech over and over again will help. Also, be sure to write down your speech on note cards, for use at the reception. Just don't forget to bring the note cards!

If you're asked to be a maid of honor, the best things you can offer to the bride are your support, time, and your money. If you're a bride getting ready to choose your maid of honor, don't feel like you have to ask a specific person. It's all about communication. You should ask someone you feel will be supportive and enthusiastic about your wedding and marriage. Make sure your maid of honor is someone you can talk to at any given time and be sure to discuss with that person all of the things that will be expected of them. Never assume that they already know.