What Are Maid of Honor Duties? A Complete Checklist

Someone close to you calls and says they’re engaged, then you’re invited to be a bridesmaid.

You feel excited, happy and honored. After all, out of everyone, this person chose you as their bridesmaid.

If you’ve been in this position, you’ll likely be looking to get ready as soon as possible, but if it’s your first time, you may be starting to wonder what the duties of a bridesmaid are?
How do you prepare and how can you be an effective and efficient bridesmaid?

What is a maid of honor?

Let’s start with the basics first. What is a bridesmaid?

A bridesmaid is a trustworthy person with her own duties and responsibilities. They won’t just attend the wedding ceremony alongside the bride. The bridesmaid is the bride’s trusted right-hand man and also the chief bridesmaid.

As a bridesmaid, you must be the leader, help with planning, provide emotional support, and more.

Don’t worry, it may seem like a lot, but the experience will be fun and memorable.

To make things easier, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of your bridesmaid duties and the many other ways you can help.

What are the responsibilities of a maid of honor?

How do you know the responsibilities of a bridesmaid? Bridesmaid’s job is extremely necessary, not only for the soon-to-be couple but also for the wedding.

Bridesmaids will play an important role in supporting the bride and ensuring that the wedding day is nearly perfect.

Part of the responsibility includes helping with wedding planning, overseeing pre-wedding appointments and events, bride’s attendance, bachelor party planning, helping with wedding day preparations and support assist the bride on the very day of the wedding.

Not only that, other duties are still expected of the bridesmaids. Ultimately, it is the bridesmaid’s responsibility to help the bride and support her in any way she can.

Let’s go into detail about the different maid of honor duties.

Pre-ceremony maid of honor duties

What does a maid of honor do before the wedding?

There are many things you can do for the couple, even before the wedding. Here are some bridesmaid duties.

1. Be there for the bride

The bride will certainly be both excited and nervous as she prepares for her wedding. Be with her, listen to her, and help her answer her questions. Your presence will mean a lot.

2. Help shop for the dress

One of the most exciting parts of a wedding is choosing a wedding dress. The good news is that you will help the bride choose the best one.

3. Review the budget with the bride

If both of you have the time, helping the bride on a budget will benefit her tremendously. She may need other ideas, suggestions, and financial advice from someone she trusts.

4. Check on everyone

You can help the couple by checking in on guests. There is a list of people who will come to the wedding and who will not affect the wedding plans. You can also prompt the bride and groom to attend their pre-marital counseling session.

5. Execute an unforgettable bachelorette party

Don’t forget the bachelor party! The role of bridesmaid includes planning a great bachelorette party.

6. Prepare your speech

You may be busy with all your bridesmaid duties, but don’t forget your wedding speech. Write it down first so you can get used to it.

7. Keep track of gifts

Some people like to give gifts before the wedding. There is a small notebook where you can keep track of these gifts.

8. Oversee the planning

You will be of great help to the bride-to-be by overseeing the wedding planning. You can check how invitations, keepsakes and more are going on.

9. Be sure all the bridesmaids are ready

Since you are in charge of the bridesmaids, you can also supervise their preparations. If they need anything or if some of them don’t come.

10. Help the bride pack for the wedding and honeymoon

The bride can also ask your opinion about her honeymoon. You can offer and even help if you can.

Ceremony maid of honor duties

As a bridesmaid, your presence is very important on the wedding day. Here are some bridesmaid duties on the wedding day to remember:

11. Check all the reception items

Drop in a bit to check if everything is going well at the front desk.

12. Ensure that the bride has all she needs

Make sure the bride-to-be has everything she needs.

13. Make last calls

Check out the caterer, the wedding car driver and even the groom.

14. Make sure the bride eats and drinks

The wedding will be an eventful day. Make sure the bride can eat and drink before the ceremony.

15. Assist the bride’s parents

Don’t forget the bride’s parents. Check them out to make sure they’re okay and if they need anything.

16. Help the bride get dressed

As a bridesmaid, the bride will trust you to help her get dressed.

17. Check her hair and makeup

You can also make sure that her makeup and hairstyle are well done. We want the bride to look gorgeous!

18. Assist if anyone in your bridesmaids needs help

You’ll also be the first one the bridesmaids call if they need anything, so be prepared to answer questions and help.

19. Check the bouquet

Don’t forget to check if the bridal bouquet is ready and beautiful.

20. Take a group photo

Don’t forget to gather everyone for a quick photo. We don’t want to miss this beautiful event. Receptionist bridesmaid duties

Reception maid of honor duties

What about in the reception? Well, we also have a maid of honor checklist for you.

21. Help the bride freshen up

Before the reception, talk to the bride and help her clean up. You can also help her if she wants to go to the bathroom.

22. Be the host (optional)

Some bridesmaids can also become reception hosts. You better be ready.

23. Dance with the best man

Don’t forget the dance between the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

24. Check on the bride

Don’t forget to check with the bride from time to time if she needs anything. It means a lot.

25. Give your own toast after the best man

After the witness toasts, it’s time to raise a toast. Do you remember the speech you prepared? This is when you will use it.

26. Make sure that the bride eats and drinks

The reception can be a busy time for newlyweds. Make sure the bride eats and drinks.

27. Check on the bride’s parents

Again, don’t forget the bride’s parents. Brides will appreciate you taking care of them.

28. Collect wedding gifts if needed

You can also supervise wedding gifts if needed.

29. Enjoy the reception

While you may be busy with all your bridesmaid duties, don’t forget to eat and drink. Have fun!

30. Help the newlyweds while they are on honeymoon

After the event and before the couple goes on their honeymoon, you may want to ask if there’s anything you can do to help. You can supervise pets, their home or their children if they have one.