Congratulations! You’ve been chosen as the maid of honor for your friend’s upcoming bridal shower. The Maid of Honor is the trusted leader for all things in the wedding planning process and pre-wedding festivities, especially regarding the bachelorette party. As a Maid of Honor, you want to ensure your bestie’s last single girl hurrah goes off without a hitch.
There are many Maid of Honor duties and responsibilities! From decorations to food to activities for these pre-wedding events, a lot goes into planning a successful bridal party.
As the maid of honor, you are responsible for throwing a wedding party that will be remembered forever. But what about wedding ceremony etiquette? Are there certain things you should or shouldn’t do to make sure wedding guests have a good time and are comfortable?
If you’re the lucky one chosen to be in charge of this night out with the girls, you must be aware of Maid of Honor duties and etiquette. After all, the bride’s future mother-in-law may be in attendance!
As the Maid of Honor, you have been given a unique role in the bride-to-be’s life. Being chosen as the Maid of Honor is an honor and a responsibility. A party is a great way to celebrate her last days as a single woman and give her one final night of fun before saying, “I do.”
Luckily, there are some etiquette tips you can keep in mind to ensure the celebration goes smoothly. We will explore some of these rules so you can feel confident in your role as Maid of Honor. Once we’ve gone over etiquette for the Maid of Honor, we’ll also provide you with a look at some of the planning processes that will be your responsibility!
Here’s everything you need to know about bachelorette party etiquette as the maid of honor, from organizing activities to who should foot the bill!
Maid of Honor Basic Etiquette
As Maid of Honor, duties like organizing a fantastic pre-wedding party are part of your job description! So adhere to these simple rules, so your bride-to-be has an unforgettable night out with her closest friends before saying, “I do.”
Consider the Bride’s Wishes
The number one rule when planning a rehearsal dinner or wedding party is to consider the bride’s wishes first and foremost. This means talking with and letting the bride choose before making any significant decisions about the event or hiring a wedding planner to do the talking for you. You don’t want to surprise her with an activity she isn’t comfortable doing or something she specifically said she did not want at her party.
This means discussing potential bridal shower activities, bridal party guest lists, budgets, locations, etc., so everyone is on the same page and no one is surprised by any last-minute changes or additions!
Be Respectful & Inclusive
Not everyone has the same financial means or wants to participate in certain activities on the wedding timeline, so it’s vital that all guests feel included but not pressured into doing anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Make sure you ask each attendee what their expectations are for the night, give them time to decide if there is something they would like to do or opt out of and respect their wishes.
Be Discreet
It may seem like common sense, but it’s important to remember that not all details about the evening should be shared publicly (or even with all the bridesmaids!) Keep sensitive information off social media and ensure everyone knows not to post anything without consulting you first.
What happens at the party stays at the party—that’s a rule we can all agree on!
Set the Budget Together
Organizing a party can get expensive when you factor in dinners, drinks, transportation, and décor. So, who pays? This is a tricky question that is best answered by the bridal party.
Some people prefer to split the cost, while others might opt for one person (usually the Maid of Honor or the bride’s parents) to foot the bill. Ultimately, it comes down to what everyone feels most comfortable with.
Just make sure you discuss the details and come to a decision that works for everyone involved ahead of time, so everyone knows how much they are expected to contribute, and there are no surprises come check-out! Discuss this with the bride, all the bridesmaids, and all other guests involved. This will ensure that everyone knows how much money they need to bring and what kind of activities they can expect without breaking the bank.
Invite Only Those Invited by the Bride
The bride should always get the final say over whom she wants at her party since this is her special day!
Inviting only those the bride decides on ensures that no one feels left out or unwelcome at her celebration. This also allows for more intimate conversations between guests who know each other well, allowing them to bond and celebrate their friend’s upcoming nuptials even better during the wedding festivities!
Be Prepared
As Maid of Honor, it’s your job to provide an unforgettable night out for your bride-to-be and her closest friends.
Ensure you have all activities planned ahead of time (including reservations if needed) and transportation covered. You don’t want anyone getting lost or stuck waiting around on the night of the party! Inform all bridesmaids of their bridesmaid duties for the night. If the bride’s mother or other family members attend pre-wedding events, let them know what is expected of them.
Finally, plan for a few surprises and have a plan B ready in case something doesn’t go according to schedule, the weather isn’t cooperative, or any other surprises may arise.
Don’t Over Plan or Overwhelm Guests
When planning the party, getting carried away with all the excitement of the different possibilities can be easy. So another ultimate Maid of Honor responsibility is to not over plan or overwhelm guests with too many activities or events during one night (or an entire weekend’s events).
The focus of this event should be celebrating the bride-to-be, so choose two or three main activities that will create lasting memories while still giving everyone plenty of time to mingle and relax with each other throughout the night. That way, everyone has an enjoyable time rather than feeling rushed from one activity to another.
Know When To Call it Quits
When it comes time for the last call at your favorite bar or club venue, don’t hesitate to call it quits for the night. Remember that everyone has different limits regarding drinking (and partying).
It’s the Maid of Honor’s responsibility to be aware of guests’ comfort levels so that you can ensure everyone is safe on the ride home and make sure any after-party plans are carried out responsibly. It’s not worth risking anyone’s safety or well-being, so it’s the Maid of Honor’s duty to know when to call it a night!
Maid of Honor Bachelorette Party Responsibilities
As the Maid of Honor, specific responsibilities are expected of you when planning a memorable party for your bride-to-be. Of course, some of those planning points may be easier than others, and some may even take some creative engineering. But those are the responsibilities you took on when you accepted the role of a best friend, and even more so when you said yes to this top position!
To make sure your party is as successful and enjoyable for the bride-to-be as possible, be sure to follow these essential tips:
Set a Budget & Stick to It
Planning a party can get expensive quickly, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. (That’s why we’re mentioning it again!)
As the Maid of Honor, you must ensure everyone understands their financial obligations and adheres to the budget. This major Maid of Honor job isn’t the most glamorous task. It includes making sure all payments are made on time and collecting money from those who have yet to pay up. Additionally, it is customary for the bridesmaids (not including the bride) to chip in and cover some of the costs associated with hosting the party—such as decorations, food/drinks for cocktail hour, etc.—so be sure that all bridesmaids understand their share of the costs involved.
During wedding planning of the food and festivities for the bridal shower, if it looks like you may go over budget, try to come up with other ideas that are just as fun and memorable for the bridal party but don’t require spending too much money. You can also ask the bride if she would like to pitch in or provide a certain amount of funds from her own pocket for her wedding guests, or choose DIY projects that can help you stay within the budget.
Not only will following a budget help keep costs down, but it also allows everyone attending this part of the wedding reception to enjoy themselves without worrying about how much they are spending (or being asked to spend).
Planning Responsibilities
Once the bride and other bridesmaids have agreed on a budget and contributed accordingly, it’s time for you to jump into action and start the rest of the planning process! Again, it is part of your head bridesmaid or Maid of Honor duties to ensure that every process runs smoothly, from deciding on dates/times/locations to creating detailed itineraries and making reservations or speaking with wedding vendors if necessary.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about getting the bridal party together for a night out—it’s also about honoring the bride-to-be! That means creating bachelorette party ideas that reflect the bride’s personality, interests, and hobbies.
Finally, if possible (and depending on your wedding planning budget), it’s always nice to include special touches such as personalized favors or gifts for each guest (or at least the other bridesmaids!) at the night’s end.
Set Expectations & Guidelines
When planning the bride’s wedding party, it’s important to set expectations and guidelines with both the wedding party and the bride-to-be.
For example, if the bride is uncomfortable with any particular activity or behavior, then those should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, it’s the Maid of Honor’s job to be sure to remind everyone (bridesmaids included!) that this is a joyous occasion and that all guests should act accordingly.
Plan Ahead
Create a timeline for your wedding event.
Are you or the bride thinking about hosting an entire weekend in another city? Start planning ahead and make sure everything is booked in a timely fashion. Deciding on a date (or dates) well in advance lets you ensure everyone has enough time to plan their travel arrangements if needed. This is especially important if any out-of-town guests will be attending!
Additionally, ensure the bride has input on all event details since it is her special day!
Choose an Appropriate Venue
When choosing an appropriate venue, it’s essential to consider what kind of environment your bridal party would like most. For example, not all parties have an open bar or wild nightlife; some prefer more low-key events such as brunch or spa day trips.
Consider your group’s preferences and try not to choose something too extreme for those who may not be comfortable participating in certain activities.
Be Aware of Location Considerations
For many people, their pre-wedding party is one of their last nights out before tying the knot. So it’s crucial to select a safe location where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves without fear of danger or harassment.
No matter what type of venue you choose – whether it’s a bar, restaurant, club with a dance floor, or something else entirely – make sure that everyone is comfortable with being there and that safety is always a top priority. It may also be helpful to plan ahead for any transportation needs; for example, if your chosen venue is too far away for most people to commute without help, then look into renting a bus or van for the evening instead.
Help Create the Guest List
When creating your guest list, make sure that everybody knows each other and gets along with one another – no drama is allowed at this celebration!
Plan Activities
Planning activities for your bachelorette party can initially seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!
When choosing activities for the event, select things everyone can enjoy regardless of age or interests. A great way to do this is by keeping the activities lighthearted and fun, with plenty of opportunities for laughter and bonding between guests. Trivia games, scavenger hunts, and karaoke can make for an unforgettable evening! Spa days are always popular choices since they allow everyone in attendance to participate and have fun together.
Remember that whatever activity you choose should fit everyone’s comfort level and budget—you don’t want anyone feeling left out because they can’t afford something or feel uncomfortable due to something being too risqué.
Send Invitations with Wedding Invitations
When sending out invitations, give guests plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly. Send out invitations at least six weeks in advance, if not more. You can send them out with the wedding invites when doing the wedding planning!
Be sure to include pertinent details like location and dress code (if applicable). Don’t forget to mention if there will be costs associated with attending so guests can budget accordingly. And most importantly, don’t forget to include an RSVP card, so you know who is coming and who isn’t!
Follow Up on Invitations
After sending out invites, make sure that everyone RSVPs promptly by following up with them via text or email if necessary so that you know exactly who is coming and who isn’t able to attend due to other commitments or scheduling conflicts.
Important Maid of Honor Party Day Responsibilities
On the day of your extravaganza (finally!), it will be up to you (as Maid of Honor) to ensure everything runs smoothly leading up to and throughout its duration.
This includes ensuring that every guest is accounted for before departure (or arrival if hosting at home), coordinating transportation needs if necessary, managing any last-minute changes or adjustments required before takeoff (so to speak), overseeing activities throughout the evening—including keeping track of designated drivers if alcohol will be served—and most importantly having fun! After all, this is supposed to be an enjoyable event for everyone involved, not just another checkmark on your list of ‘to-do’ items leading up to the wedding day itself.
Get Ready to Party!
As the Maid of Honor, or the right-hand woman of the bride, there’s certainly no shortage of things to think about and do before the ceremony begins! You play an essential role in making sure the bride-to-be has the best day ever on her special day.
From selecting an appropriate venue and inviting all relevant guests, to avoiding any offensive activities and helping instill the budget – being asked by someone who holds you close enough to entrust you with such an important task is both an honor and a privilege—but also one that requires dedication and focus amidst all its joyousness! Adhering closely to etiquette standards is essential when putting together this special event.
Now that you know what goes into throwing an epic wedding party as Maid of Honor, it’s time to get started! With careful planning and attention to detail, your bestie’s last single girl hurrah will be one for the books! Not only will your bride-to-be love every minute of it, but her friends will, too – after all, this night is all about celebrating her big day!
We trust that this guide will offer you the knowledge and tools to take some of the stress out of flawlessly organizing a magnificent event -allowing you to fulfill your Maid of Honor obligations easily! By following these tips for proper bachelorette party etiquette as a Maid of Honor, you’re sure to plan an unforgettable night filled with fun and laughter that celebrates your friend’s upcoming marriage in style!
Now, get out there and host the ultimate bash that nobody will forget anytime soon! Good luck!
If you’re interested in hosting a party at Premier Events Center in Clinton Township, Michigan, be sure to contact us for more details! We would love to help you turn your dream bachelorette party into a reality! From our luxurious banquet rooms and exquisite catering services to our top-notch wedding planners – Premier Events Center is the perfect venue for any special event or celebration. Contact us today, and let’s start planning the big event!