Maid of Honor Duties for the Wedding
The Maid of Honor’s Roles
If you’ve been asked to be the Maid of Honor for a wedding, congratulations! That’s a big deal. You’re not just holding a bouquet and standing next to the bride; you’re her go-to person, her rock, her problem-solver, and sometimes, her therapist. At Hidden Springs Venue we have seen the maid of honor save the day time and time again. If the wedding is happening at an outdoor venue in Chattanooga (like ours), there are a few extra things to keep in mind to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Here are some ideas for the maid of honor duties for the wedding.
Before the Wedding: The Planning Stage
The Maid of Honor is the bride’s right-hand woman throughout the entire wedding planning process. That means being there for dress shopping, cake tasting, and even those late-night “is this the right shade of blue?” text messages. But beyond emotional support, you’ll also have some real responsibilities:
Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party: Whether you’re planning an intimate brunch or a wild weekend getaway, it’s your job to organize a celebration that fits the bride’s personality. A bridal shower and the bachelorette party is the responsibility of the maid of honor to organize and plan.
Helping with Logistics: If the wedding is at an outdoor venue, you might need to help the bride think through things like backup weather plans or where guests can freshen up. If the bride needs help with anything DIY you should be her go to helper. Go through her list and double check for anything missed, just to get a second pair of eyes on it.
Dress Duties: You should be there for all dress shopping and alterations if you are able. The bride is going to need an honest and non overbearing opinion and that should be yours. Not only do you help the bride pick her dress, but you’re also in charge of making sure all the bridesmaids have their attire in order such as alterations, accessories, and all. You are essentially in charge of the bridesmaids. If they have any questions they should go to you first since the bride has enough on her plate.
The Wedding Day: Making the Magic Happen
Ah, the big day. An outdoor wedding in Chattanooga means gorgeous mountain views, fresh air, and, well, unpredictable weather. The Maid of Honor plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Keep the Bride Calm: Whether it’s reminding her to eat, helping her breathe through a stressful moment, or just being her hype woman, your job is to make sure she’s relaxed and happy.
Emergency Kit on Hand: A little outdoor wedding pro-tip, pack a small emergency kit with safety pins, blotting papers, extra lip gloss, and maybe even some bug spray (just in case!).
Dress & Veil Adjustments: You’ll be fluffing the dress for photos, making sure the veil isn’t caught on anything, and helping with bustling if needed.
Manage the Bridesmaids: Keep the bridesmaids on schedule, make sure they know where they need to be, and help keep any minor issues from reaching the bride.
Toast Like a Pro: Whether you’re sentimental, funny, or a mix of both, your speech should come from the heart. Bonus tip, don’t wait until the night before to write it!
After the Wedding: Wrapping Things Up
Once the vows are exchanged, the cake is cut, and the dance floor is cleared, you’re not quite off the hook yet! Help gather up any personal items, make sure the bride has what she needs for her honeymoon, and maybe even coordinate a post-wedding brunch. Another tip for the maid of honor is to get a plate of food for the getaway car for the bride and groom once they get back to their hotel and have a second to breathe.
Being the Maid of Honor is a big responsibility, but it’s also an incredible experience. When you see the bride’s face light up as she walks down the aisle with Lookout Mountain in the background, you’ll know all your efforts were worth it. So, enjoy the process, soak up the love, and most importantly, bring tissues!
