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So you've agreed to be the Maid of Honor for your sister, cousin, or close friend. Here's what you need to know about your job as Maid of Honor.

Maid of Honor Responsibility #1: Moral Support for the Bride

Whatever else you do, this is the Maid of Honor's number one priority. Whether or not you end up with a Bridezilla on your hands, the Bride asked you to be her Maid of Honor because she trusts you and loves you. Be there for her. And if she turns into a Bridezilla, a gentle word from her Maid of Honor may be all she needs to chill out and take a breath.

Maid of Honor Responsibility #2: The Maid of Honor Speech or Toast

While this is traditionally the domain of the Best Man, many modern Brides request that the Maid of Honor say a few words at the wedding. The key things for a Maid of Honor to remember about the speech is to focus on the Bride as well as the couple, and to avoid using private jokes only a few people will understand. One final thing to keep in mind is that the Bride does not expect her Maid of Honor to be a professional speaker. Just use a bit of humor and speak from your heart. Your Maid of Honor legacy will be assured.

Maid of Honor Responsibility #3: Planning the Bridal Shower

While the bridal shower does fall under the Maid of Honor's domain, don't forget to ask the other bridesmaids and/or the Bride's mother (and possibly the Groom's mother) to assist you. There are many ways for a Maid of Honor to present a bridal shower, from a luncheon to a dessert buffet, with locations ranging from the Maid of Honor's house to a local restaurant or function hall.

Maid of Honor Responsibility #4: Planning the Bachelorette Party

Similar to planning the Bridal Shower, the Maid of Honor should probably avoid asking the Mother of the Bride for help on this one! While many Maids of Honor choose to keep the Bachelorette Party a secret from the Bride, I highly recommend at least letting the Bride know when it is so that she can plan accordingly. A surprise might = more Bride stress, which probably = more Maid of Honor stress!

Maid of Honor Responsibility #5: Planning the Wedding

Okay, so it's theoretically the Bride who plans her wedding, but the Maid of Honor may sometimes feel like she's doing a lot of the planning! It is not really the Maid of Honor's responsibility to plan the wedding, but she should be there to help the Bride plan. As the Maid of Honor, the Bride will most likely want your opinion as her trusted girl advisor on everything from her all-important wedding dress to your all-important Maid of Honor dress. It's a good idea for the Maid of Honor to be involved!

Maid of Honor Responsibility #6: Wedding Day Organization

Besides moral support, the Bride will need her Maid of Honor (and all her bridesmaids) to help stay organized on the day of the wedding. The Maid of Honor should do things like making sure the Groom doesn't accidentally see the Bride before the ceremony. The Maid of Honor should also try to help make sure the Bride has everything she needs, from her bouquet to her necklace, and that she looks fabulous! And, as a past Bride and Maid of Honor, let me also recommend that the Maid of Honor ensure that the Bride EATS before her wedding. That way the Bride does not faint, is less crabby, and her stomach doesn't make funny, hungry noises during the ceremony!

While this may seem like an amazing amount of responsibility for one poor Maid of Honor, do keep in mind that the other bridesmaids should share the load. Furthermore, being a successful Maid of Honor and helping your close friend or sister realize her vision of a perfect wedding is more worth it than words can describe. And remember, next time she'll be the Maid of Honor for you!

Maid of Honor, Bride, and two-time Bridesmaid, Holly Klose has participated in her share of weddings. Her website www.Maid-Of-Honor.NET is a collection of information, advice, and resources for Maids of Honor (and Bridesmaids) where you can find help from Maid of Honor speeches to Bridal Shower planning.

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