The Chief Bridesmaid’s Planning Checklist
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By PAGE Editor
Being appointed chief bridesmaid (or, Maid of Honor) is a big deal. It means that you’ll have earned the trust of the bride, and that you’ll have to deal with all of the responsibilities and duties that go with that trust.
Doing the job well means being organized. You’ll need to compose a plan, and set that plan into motion. So, what are the important steps to consider?
The Planning and Organization Hub
A good wedding involves quite a few moving parts. If you don’t get on top of your responsibilities when it comes to organization, then you might find that you lose control. The stress can be considerable.
Start by sitting down with the bride, and trying to understand her vision. If she’s working alongside a wedding planner, then involving them might be important, too. You’ll need to research all of the various vendors and ensure that they’re of the required standard. This might mean talking to florists, caterers, venues, bands – and any other professional whose services are required by the soon-to-be-happy couple.
Remember that you’re the point of contact for all of the other bridesmaids. The right digital tools, like cloud storage services and encrypted chat, might make this easier. Make sure that you are easily contactable, and that you solve problems when they’re brought to your attention. Your job here is to assist the bride, dealing with the fine details so that she can focus on the big picture.
Master of the Hen Party
You’ll also need to figure out what you’re going to do with the hen party. This is where you can push the boat out, and organize an event that’s perfectly suited to the particular tastes of the bride. Make sure that you talk to everyone about your plans, including the bride.
It might be that you need to work within a limited budget. This will ensure that everyone is able to attend. You might look for a weekend at a spa, or an intense clubbing marathon in Las Vegas. Whatever you pick, it’s important that everyone feels included, and that no one feels obliged to spend beyond their means. After all, you want the event to be as genial as possible – this is a celebration of freedom, after all.
The Emotional Support System
You’ll need to be the bride’s emotional anchor throughout what can be a stressful, tumultuous time. She might need to vent her feelings, or to use you as a sounding board for ideas. Your emotional role might depend on her personality. If she’s prone to stress, anger, or anxiety, then it might be wise to anticipate these emotions, and to soften them proactively. If you’ve been chosen for this role, the chances are good that you’re capable of doing this.
What matters is that you let her take the driver’s seat, and that your support is unconditional and unwavering throughout.
Extra Duties: The Big Day and Beyond
You’ll be expected to perform certain tasks on the day of the wedding. These can be formal, or they can be informal. Make sure that you aren’t taken unawares. You’ll need to hold her bouquet and dress, and insist that she eats something in the morning – no matter how stressed out she might be.
In some cases, you’ll be expected to give a speech. Prepare this and practice it well in advance. Don’t rely on ChatGPT – people will be able to tell. There are also post-wedding duties, like sending out thank-you cards, to consider. Don’t prioritize these until the time comes – but be aware that they’re coming up!
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