Events

• The maid of honor is responsible for hosting or co-hosting the bridal shower as well as taking part in planning the bride-to-be's bachelorette party. The bridal shower is generally a lunch or dinner held in the bride's honor where gifts are given and the bride's female family and friends are invited. Shortly before the wedding, a bachelorette party is held. It is the responsibility of the maid of honor to ensure that both of these events come off without a hitch. The maid of honor may also assist in engagement dinner preparations or during the reception dinner.
  
  

Pre-wedding

• The maid of honor is responsible for helping the bride scout ceremony and reception locations, select and design invitations, find a wedding dress and set up a gift registry. The maid of honor is also in charge of coordinating with the bridesmaids when it comes to pre-wedding events, including dress fittings. She must also pay for her own wedding attire. The maid of honor should be available to the bride throughout her engagement to provide any help that she may need.
  
  

The Ceremony

• Before the ceremony, the maid of honor is responsible for helping the bride into her dress and with her train while also supervising the bridesmaids. During the ceremony, she must assist with the veil and hold the bride's bouquet. The maid of honor should have an emergency kit complete with a needle and thread, as well as extra nylons and a roll of tape. The maid of honor must also have copies of special prayers and readings for the ceremony. She will stand by the bride during the ceremony.
  
  

The Reception

• During the reception, the maid of honor is seated at the bride and groom's table. She is photographed with the wedding party and is expected to mingle with the wedding guests. During photography and the bridal dance, the maid of honor needs to assist the bride with her train. Traditionally, the maid of honor dances with the best man and prepares a toast. Toward the end of the reception, the maid of honor needs to gather all the single women for the bouquet toss. After the reception, the maid of honor is responsible for helping the bride dress and prepare for the honeymoon. She then is expected to return the bride's clothing to her home.