To the girl that just got asked to be the beloved Maid of Honor,
Congrats! Being the maid of honor in a wedding is such an exciting position -- especially when it's for your very best friend. That person may be your sister, a sister-in-law, your childhood best friend, high school best friend, college best friend, whoever it may be! There are a lot of responsibilities on your part, but it's not like the tasks you're given at your job or for school. These are so much more fun to do and they're for your best friend! There's tons of planning, shopping, and excitement that goes into the process. You're filling the shoes of the person that the bride needs to make decisions with that her hubby-to-be just can't seem to fill.
You're probably feeling pretty excited but overwhelmed at the same time. The big day is going to sneak up faster than you can think about it. Your planner has something scheduled at least once a month for something bridal related. You want to have the fanciest bridal shower for her and the most epically fun Bachelorette party. You start roaming the aisles of Hobby Lobby for decorations and your Pinterest is starting to flow over with ideas for games and table arrangements. Most phone calls or lunch dates with your bestie are spent discussing color patterns, dress fabrics, and flower arrangement ideas. You might be wondering who the lucky groomsmen will be and if there are any available bachelors on the list.
You might be pondering, what exactly is in this job description? From my experience, I have a few tips.
You want to be on the bride's side.
Yes, please tell her when that dress is not super flattering for all six (or however many) bridesmaids, but continue to encourage her in her decisions. You'll probably have to deal with various family members always wanting their input to be right, but it's one of your jobs to be the voice on her shoulder reminding her that this is her day. She wants pale pink peonies instead of the dark pink ones that her great aunt so urgently suggested? Go for it, girl.
You fit in as her personal bridezilla-meter.
You know deep down that she wants to be nothing like a bridezilla. However, you know that those moments can creep up sometimes, and it's your duty not to let her end up on one of those crazy TLC shows.
Get to know her other bridesmaids.
They can be a major help in creating ideas, planning, setting up, and helping financially. It's always more fun when you can form a connection with them so that there will be lots of laughter and fun on the big day. However, don't let anyone talk you down. You were chosen as her best girl for a reason; trust that her decision on you was for a reason.
Get her mom's phone number.
She will be an important person for many, many details. She probably knows her as much or more than you do. She also probably won't crack on any surprises you might have planned. Tag team with her for the bridal shower. She does know most of the family members to invite, and she will probably want to help provide the big things that you might not be able to afford.
The Bachelorette party.
Get the bride's input for this one because it's important that you know what she loves to do (even though you probably already know). Don't let this one stress you out too much -- it's all about having fun and celebrating the bride-to-be!!
When the big day comes, try to be the calm in the midst of the storm.
With all the beautiful decorations filling the venue, stress can be the main factor filling into the start of the ceremony. When the table arrangements get messed up or all the groomsmen are late, it's your job to reassure her that everything will be all right, even if you're freaking out just a bit as well. Jam to some music while getting ready, have a dance party, take goofy selfies -- your carefree spirit will ease the tension. Plus, the professional pictures always turn out best when they're the fun, candid ones.
During the ceremony, you'll probably want to cry and that's OK.
Your bestie is a beautiful, glowing bride, and it's a big moment for your friendship. Practice your fake laugh for those one million pictures that await to be taken when the ceremony ends. Don't forget to actually enjoy the food, and remind the bride to do so too. And yes, dance with the best man or that cute groomsman. It's always more fun when the bridesmaids connect with the groomsmen. But most importantly, dance and have fun with your best friend all night because she won't have another one like this. This day will be one for the books.
You may think that you couldn't possibly fill the shoes of someone like this. Well, neither did I. My best friend knew I was the one who she could trust to be in this most honored position, no matter how perfectly or imperfectly I fulfilled the role. I'm almost without a doubt sure that your person will have the same thoughts. The most important part is to continue to cherish the friendship you have with each other and add this milestone into the jar of many more milestones past, present, and future.
With love and signed on an issue of "The Knot,"
Your mutual MOH
