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The Maid of Honour/Matron of Honour/Best WomanWhile the groom can call upon the best man and ushers to help out on the wedding day, the bride is able to choose from chief bridesmaid, bridesmaids and page boys to a flower girl and ring bearer. Each one fulfilling a different role within the ceremony and afterwards.
If she is single, she is called the chief bridesmaid, if she's married she is known as the matron of honour or maid of honour. In modern times she may even be known as the best woman. We will refer to this position as the Maid of Honour for the rest of this page. The Maid of Honour is usually either be the best friend of the bride, a sister or other very close female relative. If the bride has grown up children she may choose a daughter to fill the role and call her the chief bridesmaid. Duties of the Maid of HonourThe Maid of Honour should be involved in discussions and decisions in the planning stages of the wedding. Her main duty will be to be the bride's personal assistant like the best man is to the groom. She should be someone the bride can rely on, whether it's to calm her you down when she becomes stressed or be an honest critic when it comes to choosing the wedding dress. She should also be involved in choosing outfits for herself the bride's other attendants. Therefore, she needs to be given clear instructions and a clear idea of the colours and styles that the bride has in mind as well as the ages of the other attendants. One of her duties where she will be given more freedom will be to arrange the hen night. The Duties of the Maid of HonourHer duties will mirror that of the best man and the chief usher and her role on the day is of utmost importance. Her duties on the day will include: On The Day - Before the ceremony
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| • | Once the bride has joined the groom the The Maid of Honour will take the bride's bouquet and gloves and look after them for the duration of the service. When the time comes to sign the register The Maid of Honour will go with the bride into the vestry or side room, accompanied by the best man, to witness the signing. The
Maid of Honour and the Best Man, followed by other attendants, will
then take their positions behind the new husband and wife for the
recessional. |
| • | Once at the reception your Maid of Honour may be a part of the receiving line if you have one. The purpose of this line is to allow the guests to meet the bridal party, and to ensure that the bride and groom at least say a few words to each of their guests. |
| • | The Maid of Honour may have the responsibility for displaying your bouquet somewhere safe, and preferably cool ensuring that it is not damaged during the rest of the day. This is especially important if you are planning to have your flowers preserved. She should also circulate amongst your guests during the reception, ensuring that they are enjoying themselves. In this way she acts as your back-up as you will only have limited time to spend with each of your guests. |
| • | Although the speeches are generally a male prerogative it is becoming more usual for either you or your chief bridesmaid, or even both of you to make a speech. If your chief bridesmaid is to make a speech then she should plan early and have a clear idea of the sentiments she wishes to express |
There is a growing trend for the Maid of Honour to make a speech and if the bride makes a speech, it would be a nice touch for her Maid of Honour to add a short speech to the others.
The first dance is usually the exclusive privilege of the bride and groom. It is traditional for the Maid of Honour to then take to the floor with the best man to join you in the second dance (or possibly halfway through the first dance).