10 Uncommon Tips For A 1st Time Maid Of Honor

Did You Know?  “Another origin story for the bridesmaid tradition is Biblical: When Jacob married Leah and Rachel, each brought her own “maid”—but they were personal servants rather than your typical bouquet-holding bridesmaids.” (via)

I don’t really believe in wedding season because I’ve been to weddings.. in every season. Each of them so pretty & special.  But I get it; spring is colorful, fresh, lush, & the weather is just right.  Below is a list I put together of the rather uncommon tips I have for the first time Maid’s of Honor (aka MOH).

There are millions of girls out there that have been in a million weddings, but then – there’s girls like me.  I have 4 friends. One of them is my dog.  I invest in the other 3 really well, but it’s hard for me to manage more than that. (Remember, this post?)  I’ve accepted I’m not a 36 BFF’s type person.  So this was the first wedding I had to wear a Maid of Honor hat.

If you’re like me & one of those 4 friends of yours is getting married & wants you to be their Maid of Honor – this post is for you.  Because you’ll likely be the only newbie, & w the coveted position next to the bride.

10 Uncommon Tips For A 1st Time Maid Of Honor

1. Show Up:  This sounds obvious but I’ve been to other weddings where the Best Man or the Maid of Honor is missing from particular events, if at all possible don’t be that person.  Just showing up, being present, smiling, is already making you a star at the duty.  And not just wedding day, I’m talking bridal shower(s), bachelorette parties, wedding weekend events, all of it!  Everyone wants to see the Groom, Bride, Parents, & then bridal party.
2. Only Do What the Bride Wants:  Don’t do more.  Have good communication w the bride so you know what she wants & listen to her.  Then stick to just that.  Something that’s cool or important to you, might not be to them, & vice versa.
3. A Petit Four is a Small Cake: Yeah.  I guess everyone else knows this?  Good term to have in your pocket, thank me later.  They’re served at bridal showers.  If you’re in charge of bringing dessert, this is probably what they’re expecting.  (You have no idea the amount of time I googled this)
4. There Is A Lingerie Party:  Oops.  This is part of the bachelorette party, so plan accordingly.  Likely you’ll be in charge of planning The Bachelorette party so make sure there’s time & space to do a quick lingerie gift giving party too. **Also, ask the bride for lingerie sizing & send it to the people joining the Bachelorette Party w the invites.
5. Have No Fear:  You’re going to have to ask for money.  Walk into a room of people you don’t know.  Act like you know what you’re doing.  Hound for RSVP’s.  I have no fear w people anymore when it comes to things like this.  You can’t either.  Follow up, be obnoxious, all the things.  Have no fear!
6. Everyone Else Has Been In 2,365 Other Weddings: You’re the noob if you’re new to the wedding party shin dig. I did NOT know what was going on, but always acted like I did.  Ha! That’s key here, act like you know what you’re doing.  I will say, a bonus to not being part of 1,000 weddings?  Everything is fun, new, & an experience.
7. Devote TIME:  When you’re saying yes to Maid of Honor, you’re saying yes to giving up time & monies – which you likely won’t mind doing because the bride is a BFF, but be prepared.  Wedding planning, wedding shower, bachelorette parties, wedding weekend, & whatever other little needs or requests the couple may have – add up.
8. Always Dress Up:  Don’t try to outshine the bride here, stay away from white.  But you don’t want to walk into an event where everyone is dressed to the 10’s & you’re left wishing you were.  Especially if you’re not familiar with the wedding guests & party, you might not know their vibe.  Fancy? Casual?  Navy is popular, I went for pinks…  But also, try your best to be comfortable too.
9. You Can DO Your Own Makeup/Hair:  If you like doing your own makeup & hair then do it, especially if you’re good at it.  You know what works w your skin, hair & face.  You won’t be the only one if you choose to do your own on wedding day.
10. Know Your Speech:  This sucks right? Public speaking.  You know what sucks worse, when you’re not prepared.  “Winging-it” is a joke.  Practice your speech like you would in a speech class at college!  This is a tip I have from attending weddings, nothing’s worse than speeches that drag on, the ones packed w “inside stories”, or the ones that seem lost..  Google or Pinterest ideas on where to take your speech + do’s & dont’s.  TRUST ME on that one.  Make sure you have it practiced & prepped well in advance.  To my surprise, the wedding I was in delivered FULL speeches at the Wedding Rehearsal instead of wedding day!  Procrastinating would have kicked my ass.  Be ready! **Also, have a short toast prepped for the wedding rehearsal, bridal showers, whatever might call for one! Because again, prepared is the best way to go w public speaking.  Wouldn’t hurt to have your significant other do the same.

I love how everything I listed sounds easy & like I’m a pro.  Let me tell you, the struggle was real my friends! If you only saw my google search history when the person hosting the bridal shower casually said “some cute petit fours will work”.  I literally assumed there was a typo.  Petit four doesn’t look like it’s spelled right, you mean cupcakes?

HA!  I have some freaking stories, but hopefully this list will help anyone with the duty stay away from those painful interactions.

Ok, now I leave it to the real professional’s!  I know a lot of you reading have been in way more weddings than I have, or even been the BRIDE.  SHARE your tips & info.  Newbie’s, like I was, are in desperate need for anything we can get – Trust me.

The more uncommon tips, the better!

Have a great SUMMER weekend everyone!  Go out, enjoy, and be thoughtful.

Xx

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