Helpful hints for the Maid of Honour
Congratulations, you’ve been given the honour of being the Bridesmaid or Maid of Honour. She has hand-picked you, yes you, as the most capable, reliable and trustworthy person she knows to help her on the most special day of her life, her wedding day. No pressure!
In most cases your job is simply to take some of the load off the bride’s shoulders. But make sure you qualify this with her, ask what she expects of you so that you both understand your role.
Firstly then, offer to help, don’t wait to be asked. Make sure you keep organized, making a list of things to do can help ensure that nothing is forgotten or left to the last minute.
Try not to complain, you are there to support the decisions of the bride and groom, and they’ve most likely already had a few earfuls. Even if the bride is determined to make you look like some sort of pink elephant soufflé in that dress, try and be accommodating and tactful.
There are expenses involved, especially if you are the Maid of Honour, but just try to grit your teeth and bear it, the Bride would do the same for you if it was your big day. As a compromise try and think of the size of the bill waiting for the Father of the Bride when its all over.
Typically it is the Bride of Honour who hosts the bridal shower, and that also means picking up the bill. If you are trying to tighten your belt then you could ask the other bridesmaids to chip in. The event can take place from 6 months to a week before the big day. But remember if guests are traveling a long way then it will probably be easier to have it closer to the Wedding Day.
Always check that the Bride actually wants a Bridal Shower beforehand. Some may feel uncomfortable with all the attention or may feel awkward asking their friends for gifts. But if they do, ask them for a guest list, it is their day so invite their fiends.
It is your task to get the party started
If your bride wants a bit of time with her nearest and dearest to completely relax and escape from the stress of it all, why not have a weekend at a health spa? Harmony beauty therapy in Buckingham offer a range of bride specific packages which will help you both to unwind whilst being pampered to perfection.
If your bride is more of an adrenaline seeker try go-karting. Blackpool, one of the UK’s most popular hen-night destinations, has ‘Karting 2000’ which is starting at a new track in Easter 2010. Or try the South Pier’s ‘Adrenaline Zone’ and pick from the ‘skycoaster’, ‘skyscreamer’, ‘spidermountain’ or ‘maxibounce’.
Talking to our expert Simon from GoHen.co.uk, he says “that if you fancy a little international flavour, Budapest, Prague and Poland may just be worth a look” because if the flights are cheap these destinations offer some of the best value in Europe.”
When the big day finally comes, try to be social. Make the guests feel as welcome as possible, and if there’s a dance floor it is your task to get the party going.
If you are the Maid of Honor, it is your job to toast the bride. Most successful wedding speeches use a combination of comical stories, sentimental memories and love. Some like to be spontaneous with their words, but others like to be organized, if this applies to you then write down your speech on a note cards rather than on A4 paper because it can look messy. A helpful tip, when practicing, is to sprint up and down the stairs or around the garden, then read out the speech, as your body will release adrenaline. Practicing like this will help you cope if you get stressed during the wedding.
But most importantly be a friend. Be understanding, kind and considerate. The bride will remember this day for the rest of their life, so make it as special as possible.
