Image by Meraki Weddings. Read on to know the difference between a Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor.
So, you’ve chosen your bridesmaids. Now it’s time to decide who will lead the pack as your Maid or Matron of Honor. This is the go-to friend who’ll help you throughout your wedding journey and be your right-hand person on the big day. From planning your bridal shower and bachelorette party to assisting with wedding planning tasks, your Maid or Matron of Honor is there for you through it all.
But what if you can’t decide on just one person for the role? Can you have both a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor? Absolutely! In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular for brides to choose both. However, you may be wondering what sets these two roles apart and how you can make both feel special. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Image by Emily Delamater. See more of this real wedding here.
What’s the Difference Between a Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor?
Let’s start with the burning question: what sets a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor apart? Traditionally, it all boils down to their marital status. A Maid of Honor is typically unmarried and, while a Matron of Honor is married and fulfills the same duties as that of a MOH. Essentially, both have the same responsibilities and occupy the same position of honor—the only difference is the relationship status.
How Do You Choose?
When choosing who you want by your side for your big day, tradition often dictates that it’s someone you’re closest to, such as your best friend or sister. But let’s not forget another other important factor—the responsibilities that come with the role. You need someone who can take on the challenge with confidence and won’t shy away from taking charge.
Although being a Maid or Matron of Honor does come with some financial responsibilities, don’t let that discourage you from choosing the right person. With open communication and support, you and your MOH can work together to manage any costs and make your special day unforgettable.
Image by Memorybox Photography. See more of this real wedding here.
Does My MOH Have to Be a Woman?
The honor of being in the wedding party is not limited to any particular gender. Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of men and non-binary individuals taking on the role. It’s all about choosing the person closest to you who will support you throughout the planning process and on your big day.
In some cases, brides may even choose to have both a Maid of Honor and a Man or Person of Honor stand by their side. This is a great way to honor both individuals who are important to you, and it’s a beautiful way to break down gender norms and traditions. So, don’t feel limited by tradition or societal expectations. Choose the person who means the most to you and who you know will be there for you every step of the way.
Is It Possible to Have Both a Maid of Honor And a Matron of Honor By Your Side on Your Wedding Day?
While being a Maid or Matron of Honor is a traditional wedding role, there’s no rule book stating that you can’t have both by your side on your special day. In fact, having two MOHs can be incredibly beneficial, particularly if you have a big wedding party to wrangle.
Picture this: your younger sibling is the perfect candidate for Maid of Honor duties because they know you better than anyone else. But, having a Matron of Honor who has already been through the wedding planning process can offer some invaluable insights and tips that can make your experience much smoother. It’s a win-win situation, so don’t be afraid to double up.
What Are the Responsibilities of the Maid of Honor And Matron of Honor?
The Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor serves as the leader of the bridesmaids and is responsible for planning and hosting pre-wedding events like the bachelorette party and bridal shower. They also help the bride with various tasks and projects leading up to the big day and usually give a speech during the reception.
Image by Meraki Weddings. See more of this real wedding here.
How Can You Maximize the Benefits of Having Both?
When you have a Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor, you have twice the support. You can have them work together on all the responsibilities or split the tasks to fit each person’s strengths. For example, if one is more artistic and crafty, they can handle the DIY projects, while the other can take the lead on organizing your bachelorette party or bridal shower.
It’s also important to consider their location when dividing tasks. If one of them is long-distance, it may not be practical for them to help with physical tasks like stuffing envelopes or assembling favors. In such cases, it’s best to delegate tasks that can be managed remotely. But, if both MOHs are in close proximity, they can tackle all the wedding prep tasks together. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for everyone and ensuring both MOHs feel appreciated and involved in your special day.
How to Incorporate Both MOHs Into Your Wedding
One of the first things to consider when having two MOHs is how to make them both stand out. Instead of having them wear the same outfit, you could dress them in different bridesmaid dresses or give them a special accessory or detail that sets them apart.
It’s also important to think about their walk down the aisle. There are plenty of options for how to handle this, whether it’s having them walk together, having the best man escort them both, or even having each MOH walk solo. Choose the option that feels right for you and your wedding vision.
Now that you know the difference between Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor, it’s time for the fun part—coordinating the fashion. You get to choose everything from the color palette to the getting ready robes or pajamas and even the dresses. It’s a chance to express your and your wedding party’s unique style while still keeping everyone in sync. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Image by Brogen Jessup Photography. See more of this real wedding here.
.jpg "Photographers")
