Maid of Honor - The Big Day of Marriage

Once you arrive at the ceremony site, after all the primping and helping the Bride and the Bridesmaids get ready, your day really goes into overdrive.

The wedding ceremony is typically the most anxious portion of the day for the happy couple, so be pre­pared for major jitters. Remind the Bride that there is a great party following the ceremony, and plan to offer her tons of emotional support before she walks down the aisle.

As Maid of Honor you will want to make sure you take care of all the logistics that you can in advance. Make sure all the Bridesmaids are on time and ready for the ceremony. Make sure everyone knows where/when the pictures are and how/when they will be transported from the ceremony to the reception.

The Maid of Honor is responsible for making sure the Bride always looks her best, she holds the Bride's bouquet when appropriate and it is always a good idea to have some tissues on hand, perhaps even a compact mirror and the bare makeup essentials just in case the Bride wants or needs a quick freshen up.

The Maid of Honor holds the ring that the Bride gives the Groom (the ring bearer, if any, will have a fake ring). When you walk down the aisle, hold your head high, consider your posture, take your time and enjoy the moment!

Once the Bride reaches the altar you will want to casually arrange her dress and make sure she looks great without making a big fuss or ruckus as you do it. Take the Bride’s bouquet for the cer­emony, and pass her the Groom’s ring at the appropriate point.

Following the ceremony you will want to take your place in the reception line and greet, thank all the guests at the ceremony. The order you stand in will generally be discussed in advance and will have been covered at the rehearsal, make sure everyone is aware of this so the Bride does not have to stress about it.

At the reception the key things to remember is to always make sure the Bride looks her best, be prepared to give your wedding toast and be prepared to dance with the Best Man during the "first dance" of the evening.

The Maid of Honor should be prepared to take many pictures, answer many questions and really help people enjoy themselves at the reception as you try to enjoy yourself as well.