How to Go Above and Beyond as Maid of Honor
As the maid of honor, you take your role seriously—as you should, since you have one of the most important jobs in the entire wedding aside from the bride and groom. In addition, this person whom you are maid of honor for is likely someone you care about deeply, be it your sister, cousin, or best friend, so you not only want to be their maid of honor, but you want to be a great one at that, even going above and beyond when you can. Here are some ways to be the rockstar maid of honor she never knew she needed you to be.
Related: Maid-of-Honor Dilemma: When to Step in on Behalf of the Bride
Check in with the bride on a regular basis.
Chances are, you do this already, but it's even more important to remember to do so during your reign as maid of honor. Shoot her a text here and there not only asking how she is, but if she needs help with anything wedding-related at all (even to-dos that aren't in your realm of responsibility). Not only will the bride be helpful to have an extra set of hands (even if she doesn't use them), but she'll so appreciate that you offered.
Corral the bridesmaids.
If you can coordinate all the bridesmaids together early on without the bride's involvement, go for it. This will seriously save the bride some time and energy. Taylor Keenan, owner of Events Custom Taylored, suggests jumping on a group text or email chain early on and introducing yourself. "If you all live within close proximity, consider going to brunch with the bride and having a little pre-celebration in her honor," she says.
Handle all things bachelorette-related.
While you might already be prepared to plan the bachelorette party, consider going the extra mile by handling all the financials involved, too. "Often, this is the first time a group of friends from different sides of the bride's life are meeting for the first time, and sharing expenses related to a bachelorette party can be awkward—especially when some people can't afford a three-day weekend in Cabo," says Amy Nichols, wedding planner and owner of Amy Nichols Special Events. "Some people might not bat an eyelash spending $1,000 on a bachelorette weekend, whereas spending even $200 could be a real stretch for a bridesmaid." She suggests trying to help the bride find a happy middle ground.
Be there for the little moments.
Even with a wedding planner, organizing the details of the big day can be stressful. "There are so many different aspects from in laws, to parents to guest list to budget that one can easily get overwhelmed," says Keenan. "If you know the bride has had a long day of planning, surprise her at her doorstep with a bottle of Champagne or wine or dinner to let her know you are there for her."
Be her wedding-day go-to.
No matter who else the bride has to rely on, be it her mom or a wedding planner, take it upon yourself to make sure she is cool, calm, and collected the day of her wedding. "Greet her in the morning and make sure she eats or organize brunch to be delivered while you're getting ready," suggests Keenan. "It may be one of the only times that day she will be able to eat so make sure you schedule enough time for it."
Have an emergency bag.
You never know what the bride might need super last minute on her big day. "An emergency bag complete with nail files, spray deodorant, hair spray, dry shampoo, face wipes, oil sheets, Q-tips, cotton swabs, bobby pins, safety pins, fashion tape, shoe inserts, band aids, liquid band aids, blister bandages, personal fan, mints, sewing kit, mouthwash, etc. can seriously come in handy," says Keenan. "You can never be too prepared."
