How to be a Maid of Honor 101.

Hello lovelies,

Over the past few weeks, I've had the pleasure of proposing to all of my bridesmaids. I wanted it to be special for each of them.  (Check out proposals on previous posts www.mcoliviaevents.blogspot.com ). It's been such an adventure and seeing the beautiful smiles on their faces, and the surprise on some, has made it totally worth it. I was truly terrified that someone might say no for some reason but it's been all good so far. From my African friends who have never been to Nigeria before to those who are not even in the continent. Issa Intercontinental Wedding Parry! 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃.

The funny thing is, I've never had the privilege of being part of any bridal train because no girlfriend of mine ever asked me. I was always asked to be the MC on their special days, downside of being a great Wedding MC. While it is 💯 fun, I can't help the 😬😬😬😬😬😬 feeling that now I'd never know what it feels like to be a bridesmaid, EVER! So, I'm going to make it a wonderful experience for all of my girls, they must have all the fun that I have been denied. Seeing them enjoy this is probably the closest I'll get to being a bridesmaid. Unless one of my girls pulls a #ForeverDuncan before November and asks me. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

Anyway, now that I'm done proposing to my bridesmaids, it's finally time to ask the Chief of them all, My Maid of Honor (AKA Chief Bridesmaid).

The Maid of Honor often wears a different color from other bridesmaids.

Before that, I think it would be nice to share some fun stuff about the special duties of a Maid of Honor. It's important every Maid of Honor knows what the job is about before she says yes.

First, the Maid of Honour is usually the Bride's sister or best friend. And in the event that this bride's sister/best friend is married, she is referred to as the Matron of Honor.

Her responsibilities in a Nigerian wedding party are synonymous to that of the best man, and stretch as wide as the Amazon River.

So, from my experiences as a Wedding Mc/Guest, and all round wedding snoop 😂😂😂😂😂😂, I've compiled a list of some of the most important roles the Maid or Matron of honor plays. From being an assistant wedding producer to just making sure the bride has zero stress through the entire planning/wedding process. These responsibilities start before the actual wedding day and continue till the wedding party is over. 

If you've been asked and have agreed to be a maid of honor, Congratulations! I shall now walk you through your duties so you can deliver like a pro!

Before The Wedding

1. First, It is important to start a prayer chain with other bridesmaids for the success of the wedding and marriage. 

2. Help the bride pick out a wedding dress. Be ready to walk her through several bridal shops and countless dress fittings. If she wants to lose/add weight to fit in her perfect wedding dress, support her.

3. Be there for wedding rehearsals, dance rehearsals and all other rehearsals in preparation for the big day.

4. Work with other bridesmaids to ensure that the Bridal shower/Hen party is a blast. P:S - No cat fights on the planning committee. 😼😼😼😼😼.

Wedding Morning

The D-day is here, remember that today is the day your bride has looked forward to all her life, it must be perfect for her. If she hasn't been a bridezilla throughout the wedding planning, thank heavens, but you must be prepared for anything today. Get your superwoman on. The real work starts now so you have to;

1. Make sure the bride and all the other bridesmaids are up early and have something to eat. You would want to eat at this point too. You need the energy for the busy day ahead and your bride may not get any free meal time again.

2. Liaise with beauty vendors to be sure the bride has absolutely nothing to worry about. Be sure that the bride and bridesmaids get their hair/make up done in time. You must remember to look great at the same time. Super woman mode!

3. Ensure the bride and other bridesmaids are available for the morning photo-shoot.

4. Get the bride to church in record time. Some churches charge a fine or actually cancel a wedding if the bride is late. True story!

During the Wedding service

1. Get the bride out of the wedding car and assist her with any final adjustments to her dress, hair and veil before she makes her grand entry.

2. Keep emergency tissues ready in case she sheds a tear or two during the exchange of vows.

3. Pull back her veil from over her face when occasion demands.

4. Plump out the bride's train to ensure it looks nice in all pictures.

At the Reception

1. You must ensure that the bride has something to eat and drink before the bridal entrance. A hungry bride is a cranky bride, and that is the last thing you need.

2. Check that bride's hair and make-up is still popping. And everyone is on cue for the grand entrance.

3. Ensure that there is an effective wedding gift register and party favors for all confirmed guests.

4. You must never forget to slay. As a single lady, a maid of honor must be prepared to bring the fire on the dance floor, she must catch the dance fever and spread it. If she catches the bouquet and lands a dance partner, that's extra points and we can start planning her wedding next. 😉😉😉😉😉

Bonus: It is never the job of the maid of honor to pick money sprayed on the dance floor. However, she may help assign this sacred duty to someone worthy since Nigerians do not joke with spraying money on the dance floor. They did not come to play and will surely make it rain in all possible currencies.💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

After the Wedding

1. Give yourself a high five. You have done a brilliant job. And your bride is ecstatic!

2. Ensure all the wedding gifts are accounted for. And be sure that the once revered wedding dress (which will most likely be tossed for the reception dress) is safe and secure. The bride will ask you when she's sober.

3. Keep in touch with other bridesmaids. If things went according to plan, you must have gained several new friends.

4. If you did a great job being a Maid of Honor. Congratulations. Expect a call to be a Godmother soon! May the forces be with you. 👸

Have fun being a Nigerian Maid of Honor!

This is my personal wedding series 'Becoming Mrs Ray', a Nigerian Girl's Journey from Yes to I do'.  Please feel free to comment and give welcome suggestions. I don't bite but be polite. This series is hosted on my Event Management blog, www.mcoliviaevents.blogpost.com . Subscribe. Comment. Share. Thank You!