Let’s be honest — we’ve all heard someone grumble about the fact that they’re a bridesmaid. Not only is it a time-consuming commitment, but it’s an expensive one, too.
Of course, no one will contribute more of her time or hard-earned cash than the maid of honor. If you’ve earned this title, don’t listen to those complaining about wedding party to-dos. It turns out being a bridesmaid is great on its own — and being MOH is the best.
Here are 10 reasons why.
1. So. Many. Parties.
As the maid of honor, you’ll get invited to everything from the engagement party to the shower to the bachelorette, plus all the more intimate celebrations in between. Then, of course, there’s the biggest party of all — the wedding reception. Throughout it all, you’ll be celebrating your best friend or beloved family member, meeting new people and making memories you’ll never forget. Needless to say, parties are a huge perk.
2. Bridesmaids’ Dress Decision-Making
The bride’s not quite sure which dress she wants her bridesmaids to wear. Who is she going to ask? Yep, it’s going to be the maid of honor, and your input could ensure you and the rest of the bridal party are styling on the big day. You’ll be able to help select the right color, fabric, length and price point, making the final garment more attractive to you and probably to the rest of the maids.
Sometimes, a bride will do you one better. She’ll let the MOH wear a bespoke gown that sets her apart from the rest of the maids. This is an even better perk of nabbing the role, since you’ll get to make sure your look suits you while highlighting you to all the single groomsmen — ahem, wedding attendees.
3. Saying Yes to Her Dress, Too
Now that your dresses are out of the way, it’s time to focus on the most important garment of the day — the bridal gown. Being the maid of honor ensures the bride will enlist you to help her find the dress of her dreams. From bridal salons to exclusive trunk shows, you will uncover the perfect look together — and that’s something neither of you will ever forget. And, at the very least, you’ll probably get a glass of champagne while you peruse the racks together.
4. All the Pampering
We just mentioned champagne, which is the perfect segue into our next MOH plus: You get pampered alongside the bride. Sure, you might have to pay for your spa services out-of-pocket, but popping into the salon for a mani-pedi feels good any day of the week. Add professional hairstyling and makeup application and, we promise, you’ll be feeling like a million bucks when it’s time to walk down the aisle.
5. Looking out for Your Girl
Someone you love is getting married, and you get to be their right-hand woman through it all. That might mean you have to step in and be stern when the bride needs something — a late merchant or a moody bridesmaid is unacceptable on the big day. But it also means you can ensure your BFF is going to get the day of her dreams, and you’ll walk away feeling all warm and fuzzy about that.
6. Making a Toast to Remember
This responsibility is a divisive one. If you’re not a fan of public speaking, you won’t feel jazzed about raising a glass in front of hundreds of people. However, once you look at the toast from another point of view — and, probably after you’ve written a killer speech — you’ll be so happy to have the opportunity.
Think about it this way: The happy couple will feel like their wedding was a whirlwind when they look back on it. They’ll remember standout details, though, and your heartfelt and hilarious speech will probably be one of them. So, honor that and knock it out of the park.
7. Snazzy New Photos
You’ve paid for the hairstyling, the makeup artistry and the dress. Now, you’re going to get some professionally taken and edited photos of yourself. As maid of honor, you might even be able to get some solo shots, which you can use to spruce up all your online profiles — including the dating ones.
8. Standing Next to the Nuptials
Weddings are touching, no matter where you’re sitting. But you’ll be standing right next to a friend or family member as she commits to sharing her life with another person forever. That is an incredible honor that won’t be lost on you in the moment. Bring your tissues.
9. Big Day Confidence
We’ve already mentioned how all your beautifying will contribute to some gorgeous photos for you to take home. But serving as MOH will give you a boost of confidence throughout the wedding day. You’re the bride’s go-to girl, and everyone knows it. You’ve delivered a fantastic speech. You look a-ma-zing in that dress you picked out. The next thing you know, you’re chatting with new people on the dance floor because there’s something alluring about your top bridesmaid glow.
10. Restoring Your Faith
It’s not your moment to be madly in love right now — and that’s OK. Some bridesmaids let this fact get them down, but you should let your friend’s love build you back up. As MOH, you get to witness it firsthand, and it will make you feel those warm-and-fuzzies you’ve been missing. You might even realize the whole to-do has restored your faith in true love. It could just feel like time to start looking again, thanks to your stint as the No. 1 bridesmaid.
You better get out there and grab that bouquet, MOH. It’s your time to shine.
