Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor

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Congratulations, you are getting married! If you have many friends, the next few decisions about your bridal party will probably be difficult! When you are thinking of your bridal team, you might be a little confused and unsure of the difference between maid of honor and matron of honor, that is where we come in. Sure, you have a few bridesmaids in mind, but if you have a special friend that you want to be maid or matron of honor, then you need to know the difference. Do not worry, we will explain it and you will have a clearer picture.

Difference Between Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor

Maid of Honor: The maid of honor is someone who is unmarried and is usually a sister or the bride’s best friend. The term maid of honor originally regarded to be the female attendant of a queen, hence where the name came from.

Matron of Honor: The matron of honor is someone who chosen by the bride and she is married. She is usually a close friend or relative. Someone more mature can also use the term matron of honor.

Can I Have a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor?

Usually a bride will choose either a maid of honor or a matron of honor but it is known for the bride to have both. It is your wedding so you can decide on your bridal party. This is perfectly fine. Some brides cannot choose between the two and have friends that are both unmarried and married, so they have a maid of honor and a matron of honor. The women you choose as your maid of honor and matron of honor can stand to your left during the wedding ceremony.

Duties and Responsibilities of Your Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor

The maid of honor and the matron of honor will have very special duties and responsibilities before and during the wedding. If the bride is choosing to have both maid and matron of honor, then these two women will probably work together to make sure their tasks are done to a high standard and efficiently. They will keep a close eye on the bride and help with the wedding plans as much as possible.

Responsibilities before the wedding:

  • Organize the bridal shower or hen party. They will probably ask the bride for all her friends and family contact details so they can organize a party without the bride worrying about this.

  • Be there for the bride to support her along the way, no matter what.

  • Look after the bridesmaid team by making sure all the bridesmaid dresses, fittings, and accessories are dealt with.

  • Pay for their own outfit including the shoes so this will save money for the bride.

  • Attend all pre-wedding parties.

  • Spread the news that the bride and groom have registered to be married (if not marrying in church).

  • Help to decide the wedding colors.

  • Help to choose the wedding cake.

  • Make sure all the bridal team get to the rehearsal.

Responsibilities on the day:

  • Make sure all the bridal teams makeup and hair are done.

  • Arrange the brides train and veil before she gets married.

  • Hold onto the groom's ring.

  • Hold the bride's bouquet while the ceremony is taking place.

  • Sign the marriage license as a witness after the ceremony.

  • Stand next to the groom if the wedding has a receiving line.

  • Help with any questions during the reception and guide people to their seats. As well as being a maid of honor and matron of honor, they will also play host to the guests.

  • Make sure all the presents are placed in the correct area, in a safe place.

  • Help the bride change into different clothes, if she is looking to go on her honeymoon on the night of her wedding.

  • Keep track of all the bride and grooms gifts.

  • Make sure the bride eats and drinks. With all the overwhelming commotion going on, the bride may forget to do so!

  • Announce when the party will start along with the groomsmen.

  • Dance with the best man during the first dance.

  • Toast the couple after the best man.

These are many responsibilities so make sure you choose your maid of honor or matron of honor sensibly. Ideally, they have to be an organized person who is ready to commit to you and be there for you. She will be listening, guide you through your journey and most importantly keep you smiling. She will take all the stress away from your shoulders and let you enjoy all the steps to becoming a bride!