 Bending
the Traditional Wedding Rules: Making Two Maids of Honours Work
Bridesmaid 101 received this great article from Caroline Cloutier who
writes articles about weddings including bridesmaids, maid of honor
duties and many other subjects. This article is about having two Maids
of Honor:
Now that you've announced your engagement to family and friends, the
official wedding planning may begin. This is such an exciting time in
your life and you just want to share the moment and the day with those
closest to you.
One of the first things on your list
may be to select the wedding party. For many, selecting the wedding
party isn't the most difficult task of the wedding planning process.
Nevertheless, what happens when you have two people so close to you, you
couldn't imagine them not being your Maid of Honor? Who do you choose
and who do you risk offending?
Did you ever stop to think the
biggest question could be Why not have two?
More brides than ever today are
opting out of traditional customs when planning their special day. This
is one day in your life centered on you and your fiancé and you should
have a say as to how the day goes.
Of course due to pride and jealousy,
revealing your desire may be received with initial disapproval. Remember
you are just as important to the two people you wish to include in this
special role as they are to you! Their reactions will eventually turn
into pride.
One idea is to have a Matron of Honor
and a Maid of Honor. This can work if one of the two is married. Of
course, if this isn't the case, there are simple ways to make each Maid
of Honor in your wedding party feel special.
Dress the part. When selecting the
bridal party attire, allow your two Maids of Honors to wear another
color or different style to the bridesmaids. This will help guests
recognize who in your wedding party is closest to you.
Two parties are better than one.
Allow your two Maids of Honors to share the planning of showers and
other bridal celebrations such as a Stagette. Perhaps one can plan your
wedding shower and the other can plan the girls' night out. Regardless,
encourage them both to celebrate your upcoming marriage in their own
ways. Whether this is together or separate occasions.
Separate Duties during the Ceremony.
Have one Maid of Honor pick up your train, and ensure your entrance and
exit runs smoothly, she may also be the one to stand beside you. The
other can hold your bouquet and your ring. As for the processional and
recessional, they can enter together and leave with one accompanying the
Best Man and the other accompanying another groomsman. If you are
concerned about who can sign the marriage license, there are a couple of
options you may consider. One is to have a separate witness sign. This
could include a relative or one of the other bridesmaids. You could also
allow your two Maids of Honors discuss and decide amongst one another
who can sign. Or you could get creative and have the two of them share
the signature line and sign together!
Speeches and Toasts. When the time
comes for speeches and toasts, ask your Maids of Honors who would be
more comfortable giving a speech. Perhaps one can give a speech and one
can give a toast. Or why not have the two give a joint speech? One may
have a case of stage fright and will appreciate not having to stand up
in front of a large group. It's best to ask and also expect you may have
two speeches instead of one from your bridal party. As long as the
speeches are kept short, why not have two?
Personal gifts to show your
appreciation. The attendants' gifts are to show your appreciation to the
bridesmaids for their participation and hard work. When selecting these
gifts, you may wish to give your two Maids of Honors something extra
special. This could include a pendant engraved or something more unique
to each personality.
Remember, this is your wedding day
and everyone will be happy for you regardless. Don't be afraid to bend
the traditional rules. As long as you are making your own choices for
this day, everything else will fall into place.
If you have other bridesmaid
articles, please let us know as we love helping others with planning
their bridesmaid events. Check out Maid of
Honor Duties for more information to help make the wedding a major success.
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