One of the most difficult tasks on any bride-to-be`s agenda is deciding `who will be my maid/matron of honour?`

The person you choose will be responsible for dishing out large portions of support and assistance - helping to ensure that the wedding and the time preceding it run smoothly - so you`ll need to choose wisely.

The maid of honour is usually the bride`s closest sister or very best friend. She may be married; in which case she is called the matron of honour (although some ladies take offence to this term!). Some brides choose to have both a maid and a matron of honour to share the duties. Whomever you choose, make sure that she is a reliable, trusted friend who will operate with your best interests at heart. Remember, you will be soliciting her help for a variety of planning aspects, not to mention the fact that you will probably need a shoulder to cry on occasionally!

Traditionally, her responsibilities include the following:

• Offering emotional and moral support - whenever the bride needs it.
• Helping the bride choose her wedding dress.
• Assisting with the selection of the bridesmaids` dresses.
• Helping to coordinate fittings with the bridesmaids and confirming timely delivery of the dresses.
• Planning and hosting the pre-wedding shower (see suggested links below).
• Keeping a record of gifts received at the shower.
• Subtly spreading the word about where the couple have registered their gifts.
• On the day of the wedding she is there from dawn, helping the bride dress and seeing to any trivial matters that may arise. Essentially her role is to calm the bride`s nerves, and make certain that the bride gets to the church in time.
• Ensuring that the other female attendants on the day - particularly the younger ones - are ready on time and know what is expected of them.
• Attending to any last minute details that may arise at the ceremony or reception.
• Carrying the bride`s emergency kit - which is usually a bag containing essential make-up, a tranquilizer/headache tablet, an extra pair of pantyhose and anything else that may be needed.
• During the ceremony, she holds the bride`s bouquet so that her hands are free to receive the ring.
• Holding the groom`s ring.
• Usually, she is also the official for the signing of the marriage contract.
• She should also be there to help the bride change out of her wedding gown into her going away outfit, if necessary.
• With the help of such a trusted soul - someone who will help you maintain your sanity throughout some of the craziest times - you`ll want to thank her for her involvement. Don`t forget to present her with a gift before the wedding, as a token of your friendship and gratitude.

Links to help the maid of honour plan a shower:
www.allaboutshowers.com/bridal
www.mystiksprinkle.com/
www.bridalshower.com
www.weddingbells.com/canada/help/honorbefore.html

Article source: LifeWorld