1. Take the lead.
You are basically the Big Boss of Bridesmaids, and as such, the ladies of your friend's entourage will look to you for guidance. Don't be afraid to take charge regarding details that the bride or her wedding planner may often overlook. You're there to make things smoother, less stressful, and more fun for everyone.
2. Plan a great bridal shower.
As the head honcho, you're traditionally tasked with giving the bride one last party as a single woman, so better make it count! Involve her closest friends (even her family, if you wish), and be responsible with the event's logistics -- from collecting funds from attendees to making calls to suppliers. It doesn't matter if it's not as sosyal as you want it to be, as long as it creates beautiful memories for the bride and her closest girl friends to cherish for a long time.
3. Be accessible.
There's a reason why you were chosen as the Maid or Matron of Honor, and that's probably because you're very close to the bride and you're someone that she can rely on. As the she trusts you, so will the rest of the crew. Be in constant communication with the entourage, the guests, and if need be, the suppliers that may have questions about the big day but can't directly approach the (probably frazzled) bride. Things will be easier for both parties if there's only one point person to approach.
4. Delegate tasks.
You may be the responsible for a lot of things, but that doesn't mean that you have to do everything. Get the bridesmaids involved in activities like fixing up invitations and packing DIY giveaways. You can even ask help from the groom and his groomsmen! Just know the your limits as a coordinator and avoid being a control freak. Everyone should have fun, and that includes you.
5. Be present.
Whether it's during the preparations or the big day itself, being a constant, caring presence is a huge thing for the bride and her loved ones. Whether it be helping her retouch her lipstick or offering her dad tissue when he starts to get teary-eyed, going the extra mile can be the hugest contribution that you can ever give. Being the Maid or Matron of Honor can be taxing, but the seeing the happiness on everyone's faces will make all your hard work definitely worth it.
Photo: Instagram @patdy11
