If you’re reading this, you were probably chosen as the maid-of-honour for your bestie’s big day. It’s truly exciting, and you must be over the moon! But let’s face it, it’s also a tad nerve-wracking with a touch of “What did she sign me up for?” when you think about all the planning you will be doing!
If this is your first time as a maid-of-honour (or bridesmaid, for that matter), we’ve got your back covered with the best tips. Check them out!
Before the wedding
- Start by creating a to-do list. Consider this list your bible for the time being, so keep it handy to ensure you won’t miss a single detail from the moment you said yes to the invitation until the wedding day is over.
- Handle the bridesmaid dress choices. Whether the bride is a detail-loving perfectionist or a laid-back one, navigating the world of bridesmaid dress shopping can be quite challenging, especially with a big crew of ladies. Be diplomatic when discussing dress options, and keep in mind that pleasing everyone can be as tricky as finding a unicorn. So, roll up your sleeves, because this is no walk in the park, but it’s definitely a journey worth taking!
- Plan the best hen party ever, and here’s a little secret: when you choose Henfree as your organiser, it’s a piece of cake! This is your moment to celebrate your BFF and have a blast. Plan the hen do with care, keeping the bride’s preferences in mind. And if she’s game for it, add in a surprise or two to add that extra spark of excitement!
- It’s time to level up your wedding planning game! Show your enthusiasm for finding the ideal venue and gathering inspiration for all the other elements. Create your Htched account, dive into Pinterest, follow wedding accounts on Instagram, and make sure to tag the bride anytime you find something for her. If you can, arrange a visit to the chosen venue with your friend and get to know the place inside out.
- Attend dress fittings. Learn how to assist the bride in getting into her wedding dress and handling any necessary adjustments. This will be crucial on the big day.
- Be there for her! Wedding planning can be extremely stressful, so be her rock. Listen to her vent, and help her find the fun in her role. Instead of a vague “Call me if you need anything,” step up with concrete assistance. Take tasks off her plate, whether it’s tracking down the decoration company or rescheduling that long-overdue food tasting buried under a mountain of tasks.
- Take charge of messages from friends and family who won’t be able to attend the wedding. You can have these messages sent to you for reading during the speeches, or you might consider creating a fun video compilation of their best wishes for the newlyweds. No matter which way you choose, the couple will treasure these heartfelt words!
During the wedding
- Create a hair and makeup rota for the bride, bridesmaids, mothers, and anyone else that may be joining you. Ensure everyone knows their time slots to prevent any mix-ups or delays.
- Assemble a bridal emergency kit stocked with essentials like safety pins, hair bands, makeup essentials (lipstick, mascara), plasters, and plenty of tissues.
- Handle any last-minute decor arrangements, from the wedding favours to “Just Married” signs. Everything needs to be in its perfect place!
- Be the bride’s personal assistant! Be by the couple’s side for photos and assist as needed; be on bathroom duty for the bride; make sure that she doesn’t miss her meal; and ensure that everyone is having a fantastic time. If required, kickstart the dance floor and set the party mood for the night! Your mission: make it smooth and unforgettable for the bride, all while having a fantastic time yourself!
- Bonus Tip: Have you ever come across the ‘First Drink vs Last Drink Wedding Challenge’? Choose that one reliable friend to capture the guests saying, ‘Hi, I’m Person’s Name and this is my first drink.’ Then, as the night gets to an end, gather a video of the same person announcing their name and declaring it’s their last drink. When you look at the results, we guarantee you won’t regret it!
After the wedding
- Round up all the decoration items and ensure everything is prepped for setdown. Assist with any lost and found enquiries (there’s bound to be a few) and give the lovebirds space to prepare for their honeymoon.
- Don’t forget to collect photos and videos from the guests to craft a sweet video of the day , a special keepsake for the bride.