How do I be a maid of honor?

Question

I'm only 17, but I'm in line to be the maid of honor at my sister's wedding in September. Since there was another girl who was supposed to be the maid of honor, I haven't really been involved in anything. I have many questions:

How do I plan a bachelorette party suitable (considering I'm underage and my mom will be there too)

What sort of things do I assist my sister with?

Do I still give her a present? If so, what do I give her?

I'm sure there are many other aspects I have to deal with that I don't know about, yet. PLEASE HELP ME!

Answer 1

Hi!
Don't worry! You can do a great job!

First of all, order this book: Ultimate Maid of Honor
It really covers any question that you ever could have.

Bachelorette Party: Ask you sister what she has in mind. The best bachelorette parties that I have gone to have been down to earth and relaxing. What about the idea of planning a day at the spa? You'll have to see if your parents will foot the bill, or maybe all of the bridesmaids can chip in to make it the best ever. Think of your sister's personality. What does she like to do for fun?

The sort of things you'll do to assist your sister: The best thing to do is to ask her how you can help. Ask her if there are any jobs that she can delegate to you...like researching florists or photographers or deejays. You'll need to get a list of things that are important to her to take into consideration when you call the different people. But really, the biggest things that she'll need help with are holding her flowers at the appropriate time during the wedding, making sure she eats and drinks (not all alcohol) at the reception, and doing everything in your power to make sure that she is calm, cool, and collected.

Present: The best present that you can give her would be to read that book that I mentioned above. It will give you all kinds of thoughtful little things for you to do...like packing a wedding day survival kit and things like that.

Actual present ideas: a collage of sister pictures or just something off of her registry.

Don't stress!!! That is your major job as maid of honor! Be calm and happy and excited for your sister's big day! Go pick up a bridal magazine on your way to get the book and start getting in the mood!

Answer 2

I was recently the bride and my younger sister was my Maid of Honor. The best thing to do is ask your sister what you can help with. She can let you know what projects she can use your help with and she will be thrilled you asked!

For the Batchelorette party or wedding shower, it can be G rated if you feel that is what your mom and most importantly your sister would enjoy. Here are a few G rated options that can be a blast
1) Spa theme- pamper yourselves- check to see if you have a Facelogic location near you- facials are great and only $40 a piece
2) If your sister likes desserts have a decadent dessert pary with lots of yummy options and have your mom buy some champagne
3) Scrapbook- send cute cards to each of the brides friends who will attent the wedding to write a special story (funny ones are best) about their friendship with the bride- have the friends bring the cards to an appetizer party and you can share the stories while enjoying finger foods

Be creative and I am sure your party will turn out great!
Enjoy this special time in both your lives
E

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the bachelorette party, you could ask your mom to help you plan the aspects of it that require you be over 18 for. (I don't know how she would take that but she may be willing to let it go since its for your sister.) Just be there for your sister. Imagine the busiest time of your life, and just imagine the sort of things that would've liked help with. Offer to pick up her dress from the tailor's or help make out wedding invitations or just ask if there is anything she needs help with. Make sure you have the numbers of the other people involved with the wedding in case you need to call and get some info. You can offer to make the appointments for her hair and nails and that sort of thing. You could get her a small gift if you want to, try to make it personal like a nice picture of you two in a nice frame, or something like that. Good luck!

Answer 4

A maid of honor is there next to the bride to help with any needs she may have. Maybe she needs you to pick up wedding invitations, or stuff enevelopes. As far as a bachlorette party, plan a lingerie brunch instead. Find a nice local resturaunt that serves brunch cocktails (mamossas and such) for those old enough to party. All the guests meet for a brunch meal, and give the bride lingerie for the honeymoon. Its cute and fun, and still somewhat tactful for the traditional mom. Play games like "advice for the bride" where all guests write down words of wisdom for the bride and her upcoming marriage. Check out party city, they usually have bridal party favors and games! For a present, see if your mom will go in with you, so you can get something nice, without paying too much for your age. Most of all, ask the other girls for help, if they love your sister, they will be more than happy to assist you.

Answer 5

Please don't be afraid to ask your mom for help! You'll need advice from people who have done weddings before! You can pick up a few books from the library to start! Important thing about the bachlorette party is coming up with a budget and sticking with it! You will need lots of help - don't be afraid to ask! There are things that you just won't know - like how to help your sister put on a wedding dress!!!! Ask lots of questions and this will help you prepare for your own big day! As far as the present goes - it's pretty much the least of your worries - but something cute for the honeymoon would be nice! Hurry and get to the library - not time to waste if the wedding is in September! :-)

Answer 6

I'm sure that with you being 17 and the maid of honor, and your mother being invited, that a bachelorette party involving heavy drinking and strippers is not expected.

Think more of a fun girls' night out... the kind of things you and your sister would like to do together. You could do something silly like Chuck E. Cheese and bowling... my female friends and I could have a blast doing something like that. If you're a more serious type, you could do something like a nice dinner party and board games. There are lots of fun things you can do in front of your mom. Please don't think that it's got to be over the top... what's important in the end is that your sister has a lot of fun with all of you.

As for what you can assist her with, lots of brides need help with wedding arrangements, especially the boring things like picking up dry-cleaning, counting RSVP's, and the like. You should ask your sister specifically what you could do to help her the most. It's different for everyone, depending on how much she likes to do herself, how big of a wedding it is, and so on.

If you can afford to give her a present and want to, give her something from the heart or something that she needs. I prefer to give people sentimental gifts, but I find that most young brides prefer practical things... especially when they're first moving in together after the wedding. I had a friend who got married a few years ago and I asked her what she wanted the most. She told me "Please, please towels... we have three blenders and only two towels and I would like my husband to be able to shower, too!" So I gave her towels and she was ecstatic... but it wouldn't have been something I would have thought of on my own.

Answer 7

I agree with the above-first of all get excited, and try not to get too panicky-your sister obviously must think you are qualified and can handle it...so consider it an honor!
Next, shuffle on over to theknot.com. There are lots of fun ideas for bachelorette parties. It really will depend on your sister's taste: for me, my Maid of honor knows I would rather have a bachelor party ala "The Princess Diaries 2", where we have a slumber party and be super girly.
The knot will also be able to give you some info on how to be the best maid of honor you can be. I know it seems daunting, but I know your sister will really appreciate your time and effort!
Have fun!

Answer 8

I'm the maid of honor for my best friend and since she's very religious and didn't want a "bachelorette party" per se we're having a lingerie shower... Fun and Acceptable. Plus it's doable since you're underage.

One of the main things you're in charge of is the Bridal Shower. You and the other bridesmaids plan it and host it.

I don't know if you'll be in charge or if someone else will but you need to gather somthing old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

As far as a gift, maybe you can go in with your parents, or considering the expense make her something that would follow one of the something old and something new guidelines. :) I hope this helps!

Answer 9

Concidering there are going to be minors at the bachelorette party, I suggest that you and the rest of the brides maids get together and concider having the party at one of the brides maids homes. I have been to several parties and the best ones are always at the homes. (Grandmas even like to stay for the strippers sometimes ; )
I would just ask the bride what she needs your help with for the wedding. She is gonna need a lot of help and if she isn't asking, assure her that you are ready to help when she needs it. And most of all, remain calm at all times.

Answer 10

The PARTY -
Ask her what's she wants! Get an idea of what she's looking for. Consider the following:
1.Does she like suprises? or does she want it scheduled in her planner?
2.Would she enjoy a theme? Luau.. fresh fruit.. flowers, grass skirts.. go crazy! or would she prefer a day at the spa with the girls... a trip out of town..
3.Find out who she wants invited because you're responsible for sending out the invites (And do it in a timely manner!) If you do a theme.. match your invitations with your theme. You can send the invites with a card from Target or where she registered.
4. Is this going to be a bachelorette party or a bridal shower? If this is a bachelorette party that's more scandelous and you feel like embarressing your sister you can bring in the candy bra, sex dice, and scandelous garments.
5. party favors - my friends did a heart shaped coffee scoop with ribbon that said the date of my shower.
6. bridal shower games - your sister may or may not want to have these. check first.
7. Get help and input from the other bridesmaids
8. take pictures!

Other responsibilities:
1. your are to gracefully spread the word on their registry (it's not proper for her to)
2. assistant: she may want you to help her do her gift registry, choose dresses, accessories, prepare wedding favors, choose flower arrangements, look at potential wedding venues.
3. you traditionally will prepare a toast for the reception

i recommend google, theknot.com for ideas and resources.