Chief Bridesmaid Duties

• The chief bridesmaid attends to the bride's needs.MAID OF HONOR image by john hodgkiss from Fotolia.com
  
  The primary purpose of the chief bridesmaid, also known as the maid or matron of honor, is to assist the bride throughout the wedding-planning process. Her duties include party planning, schedule coordination and emotional support.
  
  

Attire

• The chief bridesmaid helps the bride choose her wedding gown as well as attire for the bridesmaids, including dresses, shoes and accessories. She pays for her own attire and attends dress fittings.
  
  

Pre-Wedding Tasks

• The bride may require help with wedding plans and details, such as reserving the venues for the ceremony and reception, choosing floral arrangements, assembling favors and designing and addressing invitations. The chief bridesmaid may also keep a log of the suppliers and service providers involved with the wedding.
  
  

Pre-Wedding Parties

• The chief bridesmaid plans and attends pre-wedding parties, including the bridal shower and hen night, or bachelorette party, with the help of the bridesmaids. At the bridal shower, she keeps track of all gifts received. She also attends the wedding rehearsal and helps the bride coordinate the bridal party as needed.
  
  

Emotional Support

• Weddings are often stressful for the bride, so the chief bridesmaid serves as a shoulder to cry on, offering emotional support and a listening ear as needed.
  
  

On the Wedding Day

• Before the ceremony, the chief bridesmaid ensures the day runs smoothly by keeping bridesmaids on schedule, ensuring the bride finds time to eat and helping the bride get dressed. She may also help with setup and may coordinate with vendors throughout the day to relieve the bride of this responsibility. This enables the bride to relax and enjoy her wedding day with as little stress as possible.
  
  

During the Ceremony

• The chief bridesmaid holds the bride's bouquet as the bride and groom exchange vows and may also hold the groom's wedding ring until the appropriate point in the ceremony. She arranges the bride's train and veil before the bride walks down the aisle, when the bride arrives at the altar and as needed throughout the ceremony.
  
  

After the Ceremony

• The chief bridesmaid signs the marriage license as a witness, bustles the bride's gown and stands in the receiving line at the bride's request.
  
  

At the Reception

• If the bride has planned a bridal party dance, the chief bridesmaid dances with the best man. She also toasts the bride and groom. At the reception, she continues to attend to the bride's needs, including helping her freshen up, making sure she has time to eat and assisting guests.
  
  

After the Wedding

• After the wedding and reception, the chief bridesmaid helps with cleanup, ensuring gifts reach their destination and storing the bride's gown if she is leaving right away for the honeymoon.