If you've been chosen by a sister, cousin, bestie, or any other important babe in your life to be her maid of honor, you might be feeling, well, honored ... but also a little overwhelmed. 

That’s understandable since it’s not just about being the bride’s right-hand woman on her big day; you’ve also got one of the most exciting responsibilities—planning the bachelorette party.  Don't worry, we're here to help guide you through everything you need to know about your maid of honor duties for bachelorette party planning and the rest of the events. 

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What Are Maid of Honor Duties?

So, what exactly is a maid of honor (or matron of honor)? Basically, she's the right-hand woman to the bride, providing emotional support and helping with various logistics throughout the wedding planning process. MOHs tend to be the point person, conveying the bride's instructions or requests to the rest of the bridesmaids.

Once you've accepted MOH duty, it's a good idea to have a conversation about how much help the bride will want. This will ensure you're on the same page as far as her expectations go. Some brides are comfortable handling most things themselves, while others rely heavily on their wedding party to tackle their wedding to-dos.

Here's a rundown of the tasks you can expect as a maid of honor.

Pre-Wedding Event Responsibilities

Once that ring is on your best friend's finger, the chain of events is set in motion. Typically, several celebrations lead up to the big day, and as maid of honor, your involvement in each may vary.

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Engagement Party

The bride's parents usually throw engagement parties, but other family members or friends can also step in. While the maid of honor isn't expected to host, you should plan on being there to help kick off the wedding excitement.

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Bachelorette Party

Planning the BATCH bash is one of the most important maid of honor duties. Check-in with the bride about what she's envisioning and suggest party ideas, especially if you need to consider a particular budget for the group. This is a good time to poll the other bridesmaids about their availability, their willingness to spend, and their thoughts on the plans.

Then, take the lead on researching options, booking accommodations and activities, coordinating with all the bridesmaids and BFFs, brainstorming hashtag ideas, and all the other bachelorette must-dos. Just be sure to get the bride’s blessing before making final decisions.

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Bridal Shower

This is another situation where a mother, other relatives, or family friend may offer to host. However, in many cases, the maid of honor also organizes this event. If that's the case, you might be able to rely on the bride's close friends to help you with the heavy lifting. Either way, you should be in attendance and keep track of the list of gifts so the bride can send thank-you notes.

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Rehearsal Dinner

​Generally taking place the evening before the wedding, this final fête is traditionally hosted by the groom's parents or family. You're off the hook for the plans on this one, but as a member of the wedding party you'll be expected to attend.

Maid of Honor Duties for the Bachelorette Party

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Feeling overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done? Fret not, you can plan your bachelorette party without the headache with these tips. 

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Alright, let’s kick things off with a solid plan! First, sit down with the bride to understand what she envisions for her bachelorette party. Is she dreaming of a wild night out, a chill weekend getaway, or something totally unique? Once you’ve got a clear idea, start mapping out the details.

Create a Plan

• Activities: List out potential activities that match the bride’s interests. Think about fun things like wine tasting, a beach day, clubbing, or a cozy spa weekend.

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• Reservations: Ensure to book any venues or activities well in advance. Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during wedding season.

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• Transportation: Arrange for safe and reliable transportation. Whether it’s booking a party bus, arranging rideshares, or designating a driver, make sure everyone can get to and from the party without any hassle.

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• Flexible Itinerary: Keep the itinerary flexible to accommodate last-minute changes. For example, if a venue cancels, have a list of other places you can go. If you’ve planned outdoor activities, but the weather takes a turn for the worse, have some indoor alternatives ready.

Communication

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• Group Chats: Create a group chat with all the bridesmaids so it’s easier to share updates, ideas, and reminders.

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• Regular Check-Ins: Regularly contact the bride to ensure the plans align with her expectations. Also, touch base with the bridesmaids to confirm their availability and involvement.

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• Clear Instructions: When sending out invites or updates, include all necessary details, such as the schedule, dress code, and any costs involved.

Emergency Kit

• First Aid Supplies: Have band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications on hand.

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• Beauty Supplies: Your squad will thank you for keeping extra hair ties, bobby pins, a mini hairspray, makeup touch-up essentials, and blotting papers.

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• Miscellaneous: Don’t forget phone chargers, stain remover wipes, a mini sewing kit, and anything else that might come in handy.

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Planning a maid of honor bachelorette party but unsure of the perfect timing for the event? We have plenty of tips on when to have a bachelorette party to ensure you schedule your celebration at the perfect moment.

Setting a Budget for the Bachelorette Party

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Now, let’s move on to the money. Setting a budget for the bachelorette party allows everyone to have a great time without breaking the bank. Here’s how to manage the finances effectively:

Guide on Setting a Budget and Sticking to It

Initial Meeting: Gather the bridal party for a quick in-person or virtually meeting to discuss the overall budget. This is the time to be transparent about costs and expectations.

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• Estimate Costs: Break down the expected costs into categories such as accommodation, food and drinks, transportation, activities, and any extras (like party favors or decorations).

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• Set a Per-Person Budget: Determine a reasonable amount each person can contribute. Be considerate of everyone’s financial situation.

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• Track Expenses: Use a shared spreadsheet or the Batch app to keep track of all expenses so everyone knows where their money is going.

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• Stick to the Plan: Once the budget is set, try your best to stick to it. If new ideas or expenses come up, discuss them with the group before committing.

Cost Sharing

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One of the trickier parts of planning is deciding who pays for the bachelorette party. Consider this common approach to make matters easier:

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• Accommodation and Transportation: Typically, everyone chips in evenly to cover these shared expenses.

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• Food and Drinks: These are usually divided evenly among the group. Setting expectations upfront about dining and drinking plans is a good idea.

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• Activities: Costs for group activities should also be shared equally. If there are optional extras, make sure everyone is aware.

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• Bridal Costs: Traditionally, the bridal party covers the bride’s costs as a gesture of appreciation and celebration. This includes her share of the accommodation, food, drinks, and activities.

Budget-Friendly Activities

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The average cost of a bachelorette party isn’t getting any cheaper. But with some creativity and DIY spirit, you can throw a fantastic bash without draining anyone’s bank account.

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• Game Night: With classic board games or fun bachelorette party games, this is a great way to have a lot of laughs without spending a ton of money. 

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• Potluck Dinner: Instead of dining out, add a personal touch to the party by hosting a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish.

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• Movie Marathon: Set up a cozy movie marathon night with the bride’s favorite films. Make it extra special with themed snacks and comfy seating.

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• Spa Day at Home: Create a relaxing spa day with DIY facials, manicures, and pedicures. 

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• Outdoor Adventure: If the weather cooperates, consider outdoor activities like hiking, a beach day, or a picnic in the park. 

Invitation Best Practices

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Sending out invitations is a key part of your maid of honor duties. Getting this step right ensures that everyone who matters is ready to celebrate with the bride. Here’s how to nail it:

Timeline for Sending Invitations and Following Up

• Send Invitations Early: Send those invites out six to eight weeks before the party. This gives everyone ample time to clear their schedules, book travel if needed, and get excited about the big event!

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• Include Key Details: Your invitations should be crystal clear with all the essential information: date, time, location, dress code, and any costs guests need to cover. This avoids any last-minute "What time was it again?" or "Where are we meeting?" moments.

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• Follow Up: About two weeks before the party, gently nudge those who haven’t RSVP’d yet. A quick reminder via text, email, or even a phone call can help you get a solid headcount.

RSVP Tracking

• Online Tools: Use online platforms like Google Forms, Eventbrite, or a Facebook event to manage RSVPs. They’ll automatically tally responses, making it simple to see who’s in.

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• Confirm Attendance: A few days before the party, do a final check-in with guests. This helps with last-minute prep and gives you an accurate count for all your plans.

Execution on the Day

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The big batch bash day is finally here, and it's your time to shine! To keep everything running smoothly, check out these tips:

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• Stick to the Schedule: Start the day by reviewing the schedule with the bridal party. Ensure everyone knows the plan and what time each activity is happening to keep things on track and reduce stress.

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• Delegate Tasks: No woman is an island, so don’t do everything yourself! Delegate tasks to the bridesmaids and other helpers. Assign someone to handle transportation, another to oversee decorations, and someone else to manage games and activities.

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• Double-Check the Details: Before guests arrive, do a final walkthrough of the venue. Check that decorations are in place, the seating arrangement is correct, and all supplies are ready.

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• Welcome Guests: As guests arrive, ensure they feel welcome and know where to go. It sets the tone for a positive and enjoyable event.

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• Keep the Bride at Ease: Your most important job is to keep the bride happy and stress-free. Make sure she has everything she needs and is enjoying herself. Take care of any issues discreetly so she can focus on having a great time.

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• Capture the Moments: Ensure someone takes photos and videos to capture all the special moments. These memories will be cherished by the bride and her friends for years to come.

After the Bachelorette Party

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Once the bachelorette party is over, it’s time to show appreciation. It might seem like a small gesture, but sending thank you notes goes a long way in expressing gratitude to everyone who played their part in making the event special.

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Personalize each note to mention something specific about their contribution or how much the bride enjoyed their company. This adds a warm, personal touch that goes beyond a generic thank you.

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Aim to send out these out within a week or two after the party while the memories are still fresh.

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How to Help During the Wedding Planning Process

What does a maid of honor do to assist the bride during all of the nuptial prep? Wedding planning comes with an extensive to-do list, and the bride might call on you to check off a variety of tasks.

Dresses

Be prepared to help your bestie find the gown of her dreams by going to bridal shop appointments with her — there might be some champagne and cake in it for you too! Wedding dress shopping is a big moment; she'll look to you for input. Just be careful not to be too critical. Let the bride share her opinion on each selection before weighing in to avoid any hurt feelings.

Once the bride babe says yes to the dress, she'll need to have it fitted to her measurements. Accompanying her to dress fittings is a great way to provide support, and you can learn from the alterations person how to bustle the dress (which will come in handy on the big day).

Bridesmaids' dresses are another big thing to tackle during this time. Whether you and the bride look for them together or bring the whole squad, this is an important item to weigh in on since it's your look for the wedding. You might be asked to pass along the details of the chosen dress to other bridesmaids or help facilitate ordering.

Big-Day Details

As the wedding day approaches, don't be surprised if you're enlisted to help with things like addressing and mailing wedding invitations or working on DIY items, including name cards, favors, programs, or other decor. If the bride seems stressed but hasn't delegated anything to you, be sure to ask if there's something you can take off her plate — suggesting a wine night while you get your craft on is a fun way to bond.

You can also volunteer to be the point of contact to answer questions from family members, guests, and wedding party members. This will ensure the bride isn't bombarded and everyone has all the logistical details.

Final Countdown

When the week of the wedding arrives, it's crunch time. Help the bride wrap up final odds and ends, like creating playlists or wrapping gifts for parents or the groom. Give her (and yourself!) a much-needed chance to relax by getting a mani-pedi a day or two before the wedding.

This is also the time to put together an emergency kit of essentials that you might need during the wedding day — think band-aids, tissues, Advil, mints, safety pins, fashion tape, a stain-removal pen, bobby pins, hairspray, a lint roller, a comb, and anything else that could come in handy.

Lastly, the bride might also need help packing for the honeymoon, especially if the couple is departing shortly after the nuptials. Overall, communicating with her and offering help however you can is the most important thing.

Maid of Honor Duties on the Day of the Wedding

Alright, you've made it to the home stretch! The biggest order of the day is to ensure it's as stress-free for the bride as possible. Maid of honor responsibilities will revolve around what the bride needs spontaneously, as well as a more concrete list of things to do.

Getting Ready

If the bride's posse is hanging out in the bridal suite, having some snacks and a little bubbly on hand is a good idea. It's easy for a bride to forget to eat on such a busy day, so encourage her to nosh when possible.

As the bridesmaids and the rest of the bridal party get glammed up, you can help organize everyone and ensure the process is going according to schedule—especially if the group is enlisting professional hair styling or makeup.

Check in with the wedding planner to see if there are any last-minute details, like ceremony or reception set-up, that need to be attended to. If the bride wants to send a message or gift to the groom, offer to be the go-between or find someone who can.

Wedding Ceremony

The moment has arrived to walk down the aisle. Of course, you'll be part of the ceremony, and you might need to hold onto the groom's ring until the happy couple officially exchanges vows.

Once the bride gets up to the altar, arrange her veil and the train of her wedding gown to ensure it's picture-perfect. You'll also hold her bouquet while she says, "I do," so her hands can slip the ring on her hubby's finger.

The newlyweds will likely sign the marriage license right after the ceremony, and the maid of honor and best man are often asked to be witnesses and sign it as well. 

Then, it's time for photos, and you may need to help corral family members and the wedding party for group shots.

Wedding Reception

We mentioned it before: wedding dresses with a long train aren't ideal for the party portion of the day, so the dress will need to be bustled before heading into the reception. Figuring out how to bustle a dress can be challenging, so we recommend getting a tutorial from the tailor at a fitting.

Next up? It's time for your maid of honor speech, a chance to pay tribute to your best gal and raise a glass to her and the groom. While infusing a little humor is okay, the best toasts are heartfelt and sincere. This is another big moment in your maid of honor duties, so give it some forethought and practice.

As the celebration kicks into high gear, encourage everyone to hit the dance floor and let loose. And even though it's a little awkward, the bride might also need your help going to the bathroom throughout the celebration, especially if she's wearing a poofy ball gown. Hey, what are friends for?

At the end of the reception, gather everything important, including wedding gifts, the guest book, the top tier of the cake, and anything else the bride wants to keep. If there's a wedding coordinator to handle the clean-up, that's great, but having a MOH as backup will give any bride peace of mind.

The MOH Is the MVP of the Bridal Party

Being someone's maid of honor is a big job, and hopefully one you're happy to do for someone you love. As the bride's right-hand woman, you'll be an essential person to lean on from the engagement to the end of the reception, so it's good to prepare for the whole process.

One of the most exciting parts of the timeline is planning the bachelorette party; it doesn't hurt to have some help. The Batch app will help you create an itinerary, take polls from the crew, book experiences, and more. While you're busy supporting the bride, Batch gives you the assistance you need to plan an amazing celebration.