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Smiling from ear to ear because your sister or bestie just asked you to be her matron of honor or maid of honor? As the names suggest, it is an honor for your friend or sister to ask you to play one of these important roles.

But is there a difference between these two “honor attendant” roles?

Is the matron of honor more important than the maid of honor?

Or is it the other way around? 

Whether you’re a maid or matron of honor, here’s what these roles mean, what you're responsible for, what you should expect to pay for, and how to plan for your best friend’s wedding! 

Matron of Honor vs. Maid of Honor: What’s the Difference?

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A matron of honor is essentially the HBIC (head bridesmaid in charge), and it’s no different than being the maid of honor. 

The title the bride gives you is based solely on your marital status.

A matron of honor is always a married woman, and the title carries the same level of importance as the maid of honor.

If the bride has a maid and matron of honor, you’ll split the pre-wedding and day-of duties that most brides bestow upon their MOH. Think of it like a partnership, where you’ll both stand out as her most important people!

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What Are the Matron of Honor's Duties?

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So, what exactly is an MOH’s job?

Matron and maid of honor duties include:

All of these are duties the entire wedding party can take part in. However, as matron or maid of honor, you’ll be the one she relies on the most, which is exactly what makes it an honor!

Afraid that this important title means you’ll have to help with wedding planning? 

It’s not the MOH’s job to be the bride’s wedding planner. Some brides don’t want any help with planning, while others may rely on their MOH to help them make all sorts of important decisions related to wedding details.

It all depends on the bride.

Having a Man of Honor instead? Learn everything you need to know here.

What Events Does the Matron of Honor Host?

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Matrons and maids of honor traditionally plan pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and the bachelorette party.

And if you’re lucky enough to have a fellow MOH by your side, you can split the duties and each plan one of these big pre-wedding events.

If you don’t want to be the one to plan the bachelorette party, you don’t have to. Let the other MOH handle the bachelorette plans and take charge of the bridal shower arrangements instead. 

What Does the Matron of Honor Pay For?

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If you’ve ever been part of a wedding party, you already know some costs are involved. 

Here’s what maids and matrons of honor can expect to buy and pay for. At the minimum, you’ll need to budget for:

It’s customary for the whole wedding party to chip in on the bridal shower and bachelorette party and split the cost amongst the entire group.

Remember, just because you’re the matron of honor or maid of honor doesn’t mean you have to shoulder the entire cost for the events you plan.

Taking the other bridesmaids dress shopping? Find your closest Bella Bridesmaids location!

What Does the MOH Do on the Wedding Day?

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The bridal shower and bachelorette party are your moments to shine. The better the party, the happier she’ll be that she chose you to take charge of these important events! 

But your most important duty is to be her right-hand woman on the big day.

Here's your day-of duties checklist:

As an esteemed MOH, you’ll quickly learn that you play a major role in the wedding, making it fun. The bride is relying on you because she knows you can handle it. She knows you’ll do whatever it takes to make her wedding day go off without a hitch.

Our suggestion? Make a checklist of your duties so you don’t miss a beat.

See also: What Is an Honorary Bridesmaid (and Do You Need One)?

Your MOH duties begin as soon as your best friend or sister asks you to be her maid or matron of honor. From shopping for bridesmaid dresses to arranging her train to get those perfect “I Do” photos, your role as MOH doesn’t end until the wedding is over.

And guess what? 

Being the MOH is one of the best jobs you’ll ever have! It’s not about what you pay for or what type of pre-wedding events you plan; it’s about being there for her.

So be her support system. Be the shoulder she leans on when making decisions about the big day. And, most of all, keep reminding her the day-of that she’s the most beautiful bride of all time.

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