By Jackie Richardson, Account Executive
A wedding can be the happiest time of one’s life … but does
anyone think about the exhausting task of being the maid of honor?
When my sister asked me to be her maid of honor, I was ecstatic; but then I realized what I really got myself into.
Those of you who have a sister who has recently been married or engaged know exactly what I am talking about: the thousands of emails, late-night phone calls, endless conversations about hair, makeup, dresses, invites, flowers, garters, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and so much more.
Don’t get me wrong – I love my sister. She is my partner in crime, and I love my future brother-in-law. I already consider him part of the family. I wouldn’t exchange being the maid of honor and helping plan every last detail of their wedding for anything else in the world. But being the maid of honor of such an event is like having a full-time job.
For those of you who have no idea what tasks a maid of honor is responsible for, let me list just a few:
When my sister asked me to be her maid of honor, I was ecstatic; but then I realized what I really got myself into.
Those of you who have a sister who has recently been married or engaged know exactly what I am talking about: the thousands of emails, late-night phone calls, endless conversations about hair, makeup, dresses, invites, flowers, garters, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and so much more.
Don’t get me wrong – I love my sister. She is my partner in crime, and I love my future brother-in-law. I already consider him part of the family. I wouldn’t exchange being the maid of honor and helping plan every last detail of their wedding for anything else in the world. But being the maid of honor of such an event is like having a full-time job.
For those of you who have no idea what tasks a maid of honor is responsible for, let me list just a few:
- Go with the bride to choose her wedding gown
- Go with the bride to choose her second wedding gown – for those of you who have a sister like mine!
- Help the bride choose the location
- Help the bride choose the wedding invitations
- Help the bride register for gifts
- Help the bride create the seating arrangements
- Host the bridal shower
- Host the bachelorette party
- Attend all bridal fairs with the bride
- Be prepared to run hundreds of errands leading to the big day
- Stay by the bride’s side throughout the entire wedding
The list could go on and on.
A
few pointers I have learned along the way include:
- Stay calm. Wedding planning can be very overwhelming. Remember, you’re there to help the bride, not freak her out even more.
- Be honest. If the bride tries on a dress that you don’t care for, be sure to let her down easy.
- Keep the bride happy. You’re there for support. The happier the bride, the more fun the wedding planning is.
Without these tips and my event planning skills learned through my education in public relations, I would not be the sister/best friend/maid of honor that I want to be.
Good luck to all maid of honors and/or future maid of honors! Keep in mind that this is the most important time in the bride’s life. Stay calm, be honest, keep the bride happy and be sure to create a checklist for the big day.
Kristen and Kyle will be wed July 7, 2012, in San Francisco.
My sister and me.
That's the best idea, write about what you know. Nice post Jackie. - Barbara
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