The Maid Of Honour Bible: Duties, Ideas & Tips

Discover the most important Maid of Honour duties, advice, unique ideas and ways to support and spoil the Bride-to-Be. Whether you’re a Maid of Honour, Matron of Honour or even a Man of Honour, we have you covered!
A bride and bridesmaid who has done her bridesmaid duties well

Top Maid Of Honour Advice & Ideas

Maid of Honour Duties

The Maid Of Honour Speech

Maid Of Honour wedding speeches are becoming much more common for weddings in the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe these days. It's a big moment and you definitely don't want to *wing* it. With some quick planning, you can give a memorable and entertaining speech that won't have the audience zzz-ing...

  1. Keep it short – maximum 5 minutes
  2. Make any thank you’s needed – other bridesmaids, important guests etc
  3. Start with the bride – how do you know her, what do you admire in her and why does she deserve happiness?
  4. Include a funny story – but nothing inappropriate
  5. Include a heartfelt wish for their future – make it personal to them
  6. End with the couple – A final thought about their relationship and end with a toast

Note: It’s becoming much more common for brides and grooms to have mixed genders in their wedding party. We celebrate all supporters of the married-couple-to-be, whether you’re a Best Woman, Man Of Honour, Bridesman, or Groomswoman!

Example MOH Speeches

Planning A Hen Party In 4 Steps

As the Maid Of Honour, there is so much to the role but the hen weekend is the one area where you have real creative control and the most ability to spoil the bride.

  1. Gather the Bride Tribe & Set the Budget: Talk to the bride about her ideal hen party. Get a rough headcount of who's likely to attend and gauge everyone's budget. This will help determine the type of activities and destination you can choose.
  2. Choose a Destination & Date: Consider the bride's personality and preferences. Does she envision a relaxing spa weekend, an adventurous city break, or a fun-filled night out? Decide on a date that works for most of the group, considering work schedules and other commitments.
  3. Book Accommodation & Activities: Choose what type of accommodation you'd like and what your budget is. Choose activities that everyone will enjoy. Consider the bride's interests and the group's dynamics. You can DIY the booking and deal with your supplier directly, or you can submit Free Quick Enquiry using the button at the top of the page and we'll send you top package options!
  4. Add the Personal Touches: Make the hen party special with personalised decorations, games, and favours. Consider creating a theme or incorporating the bride's favourite things.
Important Tip: Whether you plan it yourself or use us here at The Foxy Hen, clear communication with the Bride and the hen party group is key to ensure everyone has a fantastic time!

Essential Maid of Honour Characteristics

  • Calm under pressure
  • Easy going and supportive of the Bride
  • Organised
  • Bride-focused
  • Keep a smile on your face and maintain a positive mindset throughout

Note: It’s becoming much more common for brides and grooms to have mixed genders in their wedding party. We celebrate all supporters of the married-couple-to-be, whether you’re a Best Woman, Man Of Honour, Bridesman, or Groomswoman!

Common Maid of Honour FAQs

Ad Maid of Honour, it’s your job to liaise with the Bride to confirm the list of Bridesmaids and to get their contact details. Both a group chat and email chain may be the best way to make sure everyone knows what is happening

The bride will typically give some direction for what you should do in terms of hair and makeup

If not, it is better to go neutral. You are not trying to show up the bride so a simple yet elegant look won’t fail you!

Typically the bride will have these laid out for you as well, but if shoes aren’t chosen it is again best to go neutral and simplistic so you don’t stand out from the rest of the Bridal party.

Check with the Bridesmaids as well to see if you all already own similar shoes or accessories again for coherence! 

This varies depending on the wedding, but a Maid of Honour dress can be anywhere from £/100-800+ and the individual Bridal party members typically pay for their own dresses. If you’re not sure, it’s best to speak with the bride early to make sure it’s clear who is paying.

It is traditional for the Maid of Honour to give a speech at the wedding.

If you’re a confident speaker, then have some fun with it! If not, get it written early and practice in private until you feel comfy! If it’s a huge fear of yours, speak with the Bride to workshop ideas or alternatives.

Still Have Questions? Get In Touch!

If you’re a Maid of Honour and you have the awesome job of planning the hen party, then we know you probably still have a million questions about how to do it right and how to make it a special experience for the bride-to-be. We’re here to help!

Check out our hen party destinations or get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of our expert Hen Party Planners.

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