Ultimate Maid Of Honor Checklist & Duties - Bold & Bubbly (2024)

This Maid of Honor checklist will help ensure you know all your duties so that you can be the best MOH possible to the bride!

Maid Of Honor Checklist & Duties

Congratulations, you’ve accepted the role as the maid of honor!

Now, you may be asking yourself…what am I supposed to do?

Being asked to be maid of honor is a special testament to the important role you play in the bride-to-be’s life.

I too found myself faced with this same question, “What am I supposed to do?” the first time I was asked to be maid of honor.

I wanted to be the best maid of honor possible to the bride.

However, I wasn’t entirely sure as to all that entailed.

In this post, you’ll find the best maid of honor checklist and duties to help you navigate and know all that is involved in this special role.

Understanding the Maid of Honor Role

Before diving into all the fun details and duties of the maid of honor…it’s important to understand the difference between your role as the maid of honor and other bridesmaids.

While both bridesmaids and the maid of honor play important roles in supporting the bride, the maid of honor is considered to be the right-hand woman to the bride.

As the maid of honor, think of yourself as the bride’s personal assistant, emotional support, and party planner all rolled together under one title.

For additional details on the difference between maid of honor and bridesmaid duties, I’ve created this post,Maid of Honor vs Bridesmaid Duties. There you’ll find a clear list of the differences and who is responsible for what.

Step #1 – Talk To The Bride About What She Expects From You As Her Maid Of Honor

Every bride is different. That means that as the maid of honor, you will need to be in good communication with the bride from the very get-go.

Ask her what all she expects for you to do and how to best be involved and support her throughout her journey to the altar.

Use this checklist as a guide, but ALWAYS follow the wishes of the bride!

Maid Of Honor Duties Before the Wedding

Assist with the Wedding Planning

As the bride’s right-hand woman, plan on collaborating with the bride on various aspects of the wedding planning.

This can include choosing a venue and coordinating with vendors, among other wedding planning aspects.

Be there for the bride as a listening ear and to offer assistance where needed. Whether it’s helping to address wedding invitations or brainstorming on wedding colors.

Bridal Party Leader

As the maid of honor, you are the leader of the bridal party. You will need to keep the lines of communication open with the bride and other members of the bridal party.

If you don’t know the other bridesmaids, reach out to them, introduce yourself, and share your contact information. Be sure to respond promptly to texts, emails, calls, etc.

Assist With Wedding Dress Shopping and Fittings

Accompany the bride when she goes wedding dress shopping. Be willing to offer your opinion and suggestions to help her select the best dress possible.

It can be helpful to take photos and coordinate accessories during the selection and fitting process.

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping, Selection, and Alterations

Not only will you be responsible for selecting your dress, but you’ll also need to assist the other bridesmaids with selecting their dresses.

If alterations are necessary, help coordinate with the other members of the bridal party so that everyone has alterations done well before the big day.

Point Of Contact

As the maid of honor, you’ll be the point of contact to help take the pressure off of the bride.

This means sharing and coordinating information with the other bridesmaids, the bride’s family, and guests.

Having you as the point of contact responding to messages will help take that additional stress off of the bride.

Plan and Host the Bridal Shower

As the maid of honor, you’llplan the bridal shower.

It’s helpful to coordinate with the other bridesmaids on the bridal shower. They can offer assistance with planning…from selecting a theme, games, activities, and more.

Coordinate, Plan, and Book the Bachelorette Party

You will take the lead in planning a fun-filled bachelorette party to celebrate the bride-to-be.

Beforeplanning the bachelorette party, consult with the bride and ensure that what you’re planning for her final hoorah will fit with her wishes.

Maid Of Honor Duties Day Of The Wedding

Take Care of The Bride

Whether it’s lending a listening ear, handling text messages, helping the bride with her dress in the bathroom, making sure the bride has food and water, etc. Your duty as the maid of honor on the wedding day is to tend to the bride.

Hold Onto the Wedding Rings

Typically during the ceremony you will be holding onto the groom’s wedding band if not the bride’s as well.

You’ll be in charge of keeping these rings safe on the day of the wedding and handing them to the bride and groom during the ceremony.

Keep On Track With the Wedding Day Schedule

Coordinate with the bride and wedding planner (if applicable) to ensure everyone knows the timeline for the big day.

Help the bride to stay on track with hair, makeup, and getting dressed so she is ready on time.

If there are any changes or updates be sure to keep the rest of the bridal party informed.

Maid Of Honor Duties At The Wedding Ceremony

Fix the Train and Hold the Bouquet

Before the ceremony, ensure the bride’s train is fluffed so it looks picturesque as she walks down the aisle.

Stand by the bride during the ceremony, hold her bouquet, and adjust her train as needed to ensure all looks perfect for the photos.

Prior to the reception, you may need to help with bustling the train so the bride can move around comfortably during the reception.

At the bridal dress fittings, they can show you how to bustle the train of the dress.

Maid Of Honor Duties During the Reception

Help With the Reception

Assist the bride and groom with any last-minute to-dos or requests that come up during the reception.

You may need to coordinate with vendors, like the DJ or caterer to ensure they have everything they need and it’s all running smoothly.

Keep an eye on the bride and groom to see if they have all they need, like a drink refill or even a moment alone.

As the maid of honor encourage guests to participate in dances, games, or any other activities throughout the reception. You want to help keep the party fun, lively, and going!

Ensure the Bride Eats

Nerves and excitement run high on wedding days. Make sure the bride eats her dinner at the reception.

Deliver Your Maid Of Honor Speech

Prepare and deliver aheartfelt maid of honor speech.

There are several great examples online for maid of honor speeches.

Try to include words of love, congratulations, and well wishes, as well as thank you to guests for being part of the bride and groom’s special celebration.

Cleanup After the Reception

Offer to help gather any personal items or decorations at the end of the reception…such as gifts, guest books, etc.

Ensure these important items are collected and brought to the proper destination.

Depending on the venue you may need to help with clearing tables, disposing of trash, and tidying up the space.

Ensure the bride and groom have everything they need before they leave the venue for theirwedding night.

Final Thoughts On Maid Of Honor Duties

Being chosen as the maid of honor is such a special honor 😉 and a big responsibility.

This role is not just about standing by your sister or best friend on her big day. It’s about being her right-hand woman throughout the entire planning process.

From organizing the bridal shower to delivering a heartfelt maid of honor speech, to cleaning up after the big day, the role of maid of honor encompasses many tasks.

I hope this maid of honor checklist has been helpful and you now have a better understanding and idea of the duties expected for this special role. Cheers to being the best maid of honor!

If you have any questions or need suggestions, let me know.

This post was all about maid of honor checklist duties.

Other Posts You May Like:

• 13 Bridal Shower Prizes That Will Wow Your Guests
• Maid Of Honor Speech Quotes For An Unforgettable Toast
• How To Throw A Bachelorette Party On A Budget