The Maiden or Matron of Honour (MOH) has traditional duties, but the main duty is to support the bride. The MOH is the chief attendant of the bride at a wedding. The MOH is responsible for the following tasks:
- He or she is someone who is available and willing to stand up at your wedding, and sign the marriage license.
- They are someone who can bear the expense of being in the wedding party.
- He or she is someone who is willing to take on the traditional responsibilities associated with the position.
- There can be more than one MOH.
The traditional responsibilities of being a MOH is as follows:
- Be reliable and help the bride whenever possible to reduce her stress
- Refrain from needless criticism or special demands
- Be courteous to bridal party members, family, vendors, etc.
- Helps bride shop for wedding dress
- Helps bride shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
- Helps the bride address invitations
- Spreads the word about bridal registries
- Helps bride with bridesmaids’ dress order, payment, and fittings
- Plan bridal shower and/or bachelorette party (with the bridesmaids –sharing cost)
- Offers assistance with planning tasks
- Create a wedding day emergency kit
- Attend rehearsal, brides luncheon
- Helps the bride keep a record of bridal shower and wedding gifts
- Arrive 2 hrs early to help the bride get dressed for the wedding (with the bridesmaids)
- Keeps the bride on schedule
- Arrives 1 hr early at the ceremony
- Arranges the bride’s train and veil before the processional, at the altar, and at the recessional
- Gives the bride the groom’s ring at the appropriate time in the ceremony
- Holds the bride’s bouquet while the bride exchanges rings with the groom
- Signs the wedding certificate with the best man as a witness
- Walk in the recessional with the Best Man
- Stands in the receiving line
- Sits at the head table next to the groom
- Dances with the best man during the wedding party dance
- Mix, mingle, and dance with wedding guests
- Helps the bride change clothes after the reception
- Takes charge of the bridal gown after the wedding, and returns any rented wedding attire
- Mails wedding announcements after the wedding
- $$$: pay for MOH dress, shoes, and other accessories; hair and makeup; transportation to the wedding city; purchase shower gift and wedding gift