The Low-down, Dirty Truth About Being a Maid Honor

Drawing by: The Jewel Store

For only a select few of you, you will be asked a pretty honorable question in your lifetime: "Will you be my Maid of Honor?" So here is the low-down dirty truth about it: The title and attention at the front of the altar are about the only glamorous things about it. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you are going to accept the title of Maid of Honor here are some more truths you should consider:

1. You're responsible for planning everything...EVERYTHING. Oh, you thought "so and so planned that"? Nope, you're wrong. When it comes to the bachelorette party, wedding shower/bridal shower, and the list goes on, it is your responsibility to coordinate everything. While getting help from other bridesmaids is a route you can take, overall you are the event coordinator.
2. You shouldn't expect to be paid back...for ANYTHING. During many parts of the wedding journey you're likely to have to dish out a little bit more money than the other bridesmaids to help make the bride-to-be's last fling memorable. Plan to set some money aside to account for the little things that need to be taken care of like tips, extra bachelorette party trinkets, taxis, first aid kits {haha} you name it! Keeping tabs isn't necessary because at the end of the day, the favor will be (or has been) returned.
3. You're not the one getting married. As much as you may despise the wedding colors, hate that the Bride isn't having open bar, or whatever other wedding detail you're not a fan of, you must remember that it's not you getting married. Therefore, keep those types of opinions to yourself (or your future wedding planner)!
4. You're the spokesperson. Are you good at public speaking? Well, brush up on your leadership and speaking skills because you will be the spokesperson for everything. You will be helping the wedding planner, you will be rounding up the brides, and you will lose your voice. 
5. Expect to bear the brunt of a lot of emotion. Stock up on some tissue and expect to be used as a punching bag every once in a while, because if your friend is like many brides, some water works and heavy emotions will be occurring throughout the wedding journey. Don't worry, she DOES still want to get married.
6. You're on call even after they say, "I Do!" Oh you thought your duties were over? That's cute....Post "I do!" it is on to the next segment of the wedding where you need to assist the bride with her dress, touching up, and the list goes on. You might have some time to put some lip gloss on, but that's just about it. 
7. Plan a spa day post wedding....you're going to need it! After all of that running around, you're going to need it!

Being a Maid of Honor will leave you broke, tired, hating weddings, and wondering who is going to buy your bridesmaid dress. But, at the end of the day, it is the most rewarding coveting role and your Bride-to-Be wouldn't have chosen you if she didn't think you could handle it. So, wear your role with honor...just carry Tylenol ;-)