Eight Maids-a-Making (Decorations)!

It has been brought to my attention on more than one occasion that the "honor" of being asked to be the Maid of Honor is not given the same amount of "verve" it used to have in the past.  The position of Maid of Honor is considered the be the bride's go-to person for anything wedding-related she needs help with.  This may include ordering wedding favors, calling guests, putting out fires with stubborn relatives, and occasionally even wiping tears away from a bride's porcelain cheek! At any rate, the Maid of Honor has added responsibilities with her title. Here is an excerpt from wedding expert Colin Cowie:

FOR THE MAID OF HONOR:

Lady Liaison. As the leader of the pack, the MOH is the contact person for all of the bridesmaids. She also manages many of the follow-up conversations with the attendants over their dresses, shoes, fittings, flowers, hair, the parties they should attend and just about any detail that slips past the bride. On the morning of the wedding, the MOH also checks in with the attendants to make sure they have transportation to the ceremony, have their hair and makeup done and have their bouquets in hand.

Play Hostess! Where does the MOH make her mark pre-wedding? She organizes the bachelorette party just before the wedding. And should the bride’s mom, sis or another friend neglect to step in, the MOH may host the bridal shower too. (Even if she doesn't host this event, the MOH is expected to act as record-keeper for all gifts so the bride knows who to thank for each present. She can also craft the kitschy, time-honored “ribbon bouquet” the bride carries down the aisle at the rehearsal.)

NOW, FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

Compared to the duties of the Maid of Honor, these girls get off pretty easy. Here’s why:

Be Involved. The bridesmaid should expect to assist the bride or MOH as needed with decorations, dress shopping trips, assembling invitations or programs or any other task she’s tapped for. Oh, and be on time and low-maintenance for all these events; it will help alleviate the bride's stress beyond measure.

Smile! This edict doesn't just apply to all wedding-related photo ops! A bridesmaid should put on a happy face at all times and not criticize the decisions the bride makes for her own special day. This means an attendant should jump into customs the bride wants to include in her wedding, from a receiving line to a bouquet toss. She should help out with assembling party favors, if asked. And she should accept graciously the bridesmaid’s dress the bride has chosen—from its color to style—with a genuine smile (not a smirk!)

For a complete look at the roles and responsibilities of all the Maids, please check out colincowieweddings.com/inspire-me/i-doevent/maid-