In a world and time that is social media driven and with the pursuit of perfection that is constantly putting pressure on everyone to have that Instagram worthy wedding, how do you have a stress-free celebration with all of your family and friends in one place? And not get hung up on all the BS? Here are a series of Blogs to help guide you towards a celebration that will not only be free of any stress, but also one that will be kickass and full of happy memories. Here’s the second tip in our Stress-Free Weddings series…
Bridesmaids
Before assembling the bridal party, you need to be clear on one thing – the difference between a bridesmaid and a maid of honour.
Bridesmaids tend to be a sister, cousin or very close friend. Although nowadays brides often choose an attendant of the opposite sex, reflecting the nature of modern friendships. Numbers wise, there is no minimum or maximum, however couples do frequently choose to have an equal number of attendants. If there is only one bridesmaid, she will serve as the Maid of Honour.
in the lead-up to the wedding, some of the tasks bridesmaids undertake include addressing and stuffing envelopes, going dress shopping, or getting involved in DIY projects, whether it’s creating personalised ceremony programmes or making decor elements for the reception. Bridesmaids can also help out with tasks such as recording details of gift givers during events such as the engagement part. If you have a bridesmaid whom has a type A personality, she can organise the accommodation allocation for your guests, or assist with the timeline of events for the weekend and lead up to the wedding. You know your bridesmaids best, so use their strengths to your advantage.
On the day of your wedding, they support the maid of honour in looking after the bride. The can help look after the flower girls or page boys, circulate at the wedding to ensure guests feel included, dance with their opposing groomsman and also answer any of the guests queries. It is an honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid for someone, so don’t be afraid to ask for their help on the day. Plus they love you and genuinely want your wedding day to be a success.
Maid Of Honour
The maid of honour (or man of honour, where applicable) serves as the chief bridesmaid. She acts as the brides key personal attendant both during the engagement and on the big day, with an aim to reduce stress wherever possible and lend a hand or opinion when needed.
In the lead up to the wedding, the MOH will traditionally host events such as the bridal shower and plan the bachelorette. She can also help corral, and delegate to, bridesmaids wherever a hands-on effort is needed. For example, if the favours are being home made.
On the wedding day itself, her duties range from helping the bride get dressed, making sure she eats something and holding her bouquet during the ceremony through to signing the marriage certificate and helping the bride to go to the toilet if her dress is too ornate to wrangle alone. Traditionally, she also dances with the best man during the newlyweds’ first dance, takes charge in moments that need a soothing hand and may also make a speech or toast.
Usually she’s dressed the same as the bridesmaids, although some brides will reflect her status with a different colour, piece of jewellery or slightly different dress design. Note that if she is married, the correct term is Matron of Honour.
