Congratulations! You’ve just gotten engaged, and the excitement for your upcoming wedding is building up. As you start working with your NJ wedding planner to plan every detail of your special day, one crucial and exciting decision you’ll need to make is choosing your maid of honor. For a lot of brides, this decision can be difficult, but as seasoned New Jersey wedding planners, we’re here to help make that decision a lot easier!

If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events, New Jersey’s premier style-centric wedding, party, and event planning company. We specialize in high-end, unique events for modern, bold, standout clients and we pride ourselves on cutting-edge, creative design, styling, and event management.

The maid of honor role is not just about helping you prepare for your big day; it’s about having someone by your side who understands you and can provide invaluable support. So without further ado, let’s guide you through the process of selecting the perfect maid of honor for your New Jersey wedding, with a breakdown of what to look for, what to do, and what to avoid.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Maid of Honor

Personal Connection:

When choosing your maid of honor, prioritize someone you have a strong personal connection with. At Well Dressed Events we usually recommend a close friend or family member who knows you well, understands your preferences, and can anticipate your needs. A maid of honor who shares your values and is genuinely excited about your wedding will make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Reliability and Support:

Choose someone who is organized, personable, and financially stable. They will be your right hand throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Look for someone reliable, organized, and willing to go the extra mile to help you. A supportive maid of honor can provide emotional support, assist with tasks, and keep things running smoothly when you’re unavailable.

No Drama:

Choose someone who is no-drama and not self-centered. Your maid of honor should understand that this process is about you, not them and literally honor your wishes. Offering insight and opinions is okay, but someone who tries to steamroll or change your plans is going to end up causing a lot of unnecessary stress. And when it comes to the wedding day, we’ve seen a lot of maid of honor drama and it ruins the whole mood. So be choosy! Good vibes only.

Problem-Solving Skills:

As the top New Jersey wedding planners, we know wedding planning can come with its fair share of challenges. We always tell our NJ brides that it’s vital to pick a maid of honor with strong problem-solving skills. Look for someone you know will be able to navigate unexpected situations with grace and ease. A maid of honor’s ability to think on their feet and find solutions will be a valuable asset during the planning process and on your big day!

Time & Availability:

Planning a wedding requires a significant time commitment. Choose a maid of honor with the time and availability to attend dress fittings, meetings with your NJ wedding planner, vendor appointments, and other pre-wedding events. They should also always be available on the actual wedding day to assist you as needed.

What to Do When Choosing Your Maid of Honor

Have a Heart-to-Heart Conversation:

Before officially asking someone to be your maid of honor, have an open and honest conversation with them. Discuss your expectations, their availability, and their willingness to take on the role. Ensure that both of you are on the same page regarding responsibilities and commitments. 

Consider Their Strengths:

Think about the strengths and qualities that make the person a great candidate for the role. Are they organized, creative, or great with details? Consider how their skills align with the tasks that a maid of honor typically handles.

Personalize the Proposal:

Just as your proposal story is unique, make the maid of honor proposal special too. You could create a personalized gift or a heartfelt letter expressing why you want them to be a part of your wedding journey. This gesture will make them feel appreciated and excited for the journey to come!

What to Avoid When Choosing Your Maid of Honor

Pressure and Obligation:

Don’t choose someone as your maid of honor just because you were their maid of honor. It’s okay to not reciprocate, especially if this person is at a different stage in their life and can’t dedicate the time it will take to perform the maid of honor duties. Of course, we always recommend having a conversation with them about it to set expectations but don’t feel pressured. Sometimes you’ll be surprised at who politely declines because of children, work obligations, or financial situations. Make sure the person you choose is excited about the responsibility and wants to take it on willingly.

Overlooking Personal Dynamics:

While it might be tempting to choose a sister or a best friend, make sure you’re considering the dynamic of your relationship. A close relationship doesn’t always mean a smooth working partnership. Ensure that the person you choose can balance your personal connection with their role’s responsibilities.

Neglecting Feelings:

Remember that your choice might impact other close friends or family members who might have expected the role. Be prepared for potential conversations about your decision and handle them with sensitivity. And don’t forget, just because they aren’t your maid of honor doesn’t mean they can’t be in your bridal party.

To Put A Bow On It!

Choosing a maid of honor for your New Jersey wedding is a significant decision that deserves careful consideration. This person will play a crucial role in your wedding planning process and on your special day. Remember, you don’t need to have a maid of honor! You don’t even need to have a bridal party if you don’t want to! But to learn more about a bridal party’s responsibilities through the planning process, click here! Choose wisely and cherish the journey ahead together! If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding services or have any questions, contact us! Happy Planning!