Important Duties of the Chief Bridesmaid or Matron of Honour – Plan my Wedding

The chief bridesmaid is usually a sister or dose friend of the bride. She liaises closely with the bride during the wedding preparations and helps with the clothing for any other bridesmaids, flower girl and pageboys. The Matron of Honour is usually the bride’s older married sister and is normally the only female attendant.

6 months
□ Discuss plans with the bride, groom and best man
□ Discuss dress or outfit with the bride, especially if being made, and ascertain who will pay – see ‘Clothes for the Matron of Honour’, and ‘Clothes for the Bridesmaids’

4 months
□ Help the bride to choose her dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses

4 weeks
□ Arrange or assist with arrangements for the hen party

1 week
□ Attend the wedding rehearsal (church only)
□ Attend any pre-wedding parties

1 day
□ Collect any hired clothing and accessories On the day
□ Ensure bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girl
□ Help the bride with her hair, make-up and dress
□ Help the other bridesmaids, flower girl and pageboys get dressed and give them any final instructions on their duties
□ Leave for the ceremony with the bride’s mother 10 minutes before the bride

At the church or civil ceremony
□ Arrange the bride’s dress and veil
□ Follow behind the bride and her father or giver-away up the aisle
□ Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
□ Witness the signing of the register, if required
□ Leave the church or civil ceremony on the left-hand side of the best man, directly behind the bride and groom
□ Depart for the reception with the pageboys and any other bridesmaids, after the bride and groom

At the reception
□ Stand in the receiving line between the groom and the best man to greet guests
□ Help to display and record gifts received
□ Have the first dance with the best man
□ Help the bride to change into her going-away outfit
□ Hand bouquet to bride when she is about to leave

After the wedding
□ Return any hired clothing and accessories
□ Write to the bride and groom to thank them for their gift
□ Write to the bride’s parents to thank them for their hospitality