Any bride will tell you that planning a wedding is no walk in the park. There are a million decisions from choosing the perfect dress to booking the reception hall. And with so much riding on the big day, it’s no wonder that brides often feel overwhelmed. The good thing is they have their maid of honour to help them through the process.
Being a maid of honour is an honour and a privilege. It is also a big responsibility. After all, you are not just attending the wedding; you are helping make it happen. The bride is counting on you to be there for her every step of the way.
However, sometimes maid of honour inadvertently adds to the bride’s stress levels. They became more of a burden than a help. If you are a maid of honour, make sure you avoid doing the following things:
1. Inconsiderate With the Budget
One of the most critical responsibilities is respecting the bride’s budget. While it is natural to want to look your best on the big day, it is essential to remember that the bride is the one footing the bill. We know that a wedding can be costly, so try to be mindful of how much the expenses should be from the perspective of the bride’s budget.
It is inconsiderate to ask her to pay for an expensive dress or designer shoes that you will only wear once. If you have any concerns about the cost of your outfit, be sure to discuss them with the bride in advance.
By being considerate of the bride’s budget, you can help make her special day even more memorable.
2. Always Considering What You Like
When it comes to being a maid of honour, the focus should always be on the bride. After all, it is her special day, and she should be the one who feels like the star of the show. That means that a maid of honour should avoid considering her own likes and preferences when making decisions.
Whether choosing a dress or planning the final wedding venue, the goal should be to make the bride happy. Of course, that doesn’t mean that a maid of honour can’t offer her own opinion. But ultimately, it’s important to remember that this is not her day.
It’s about celebrating the bride and helping her feel loved and supported on one of the biggest days.
3. Being a Yes-woman
Just because the bride asks for your opinion doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything she says. If you constantly agree with her, you’re not doing yourself any favours.
The bride will likely respect you more if you’re honest with her and give her your genuine opinion, even if it’s not what she wants to hear. And, who knows, she might even change her mind about something if she hears it from you. So don’t be a yes-woman — speak your mind and stand up for what you believe in.
4. Being a “Negative Nancy”
Being a maid of honour is a big responsibility. Not only are you tasked with supporting the bride on her big day, but you also play an essential role in the overall planning and execution of the wedding.
This can be a lot of pressure, and it’s essential to avoid becoming a negative Nancy. A positive attitude is necessary for keeping the bride calm and helping to make sure that everything goes according to plan. You don’t want the bride to stress that much over the wedding.
Of course, there will be times when things don’t go as planned. But if you can remain calm and cheerful, you’ll help ensure that the bride has the best day possible.
5. A “No Show” on the Big Day
A crucial part of making sure the day goes off without a hitch is having a reliable maid of honour who will be there to support the bride and help with any last-minute tasks. Unfortunately, sometimes a bridesmaid may be unreliable and fail to show up on the big day.
This can be highly frustrating for the bride and put a damper on the whole event. If you are a maid of honour, it is vital to do everything to avoid being a no-show. This includes being punctual, communicating effectively, and respecting the bride’s wishes.
If you cannot commit to being present for the entire day, it is best to let the bride know in advance. This way, she can make alternative arrangements and won’t be left in the lurch.
Being a maid of honour can be a lot of work, but it’s important to remember that you’re there to support the bride, not take over. By following these tips, you’ll be able to help the bride have a fantastic wedding day without driving her crazy. Be a good maid of honour and not a source to induce her pre-wedding jitters.
