Completing the Cast: How to Ask Your Maid of Honor

One of the most exciting and overwhelming wedding planning moments is proposing to your maid of honor. Sure, popping the question can be as simple as “Will you be my maid of honor?” but this big role requires a special proposal. After all, this woman has stood beside you through thick and thin, so she deserves the best. Wondering how to ask your maid of honor to say yes to your request? Here are some creative ways to pop the question and make her special.

Who Should Be Your Maid of Honor?

Is it that friend you’ve spent the last 15 years of your life with, that ride-or-die cousin or your little sister with whom you’ve shared a room since you were kids? Delegating the maid of honor is no easy feat, especially if you’re blessed with loving, doting people by your side. You don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but at the same time, you don’t want to feel pressured into choosing someone because they’re expecting to be picked.

Ask yourself the following questions before giving the role to a loved one:

• Who’s someone reliable, organized and trustworthy?
• Who can afford the effort and cost that comes with the role?
• Who can understand her duties better?
• Who has been with me through thick and thin?

Can You Have 2 Maids of Honor?

Still can’t decide after some thinking? Consider having two maids of honor — only if you genuinely want them by your side on your big day, not because your mother pressured you into it. You could have a man of honor instead for what it’s worth. It could be your male best friend or brother. Your wedding, your rules.

7 Clever Ways to Ask Someone to Be Your MOH

A special role requires an equally special proposal. Here’s how to ask the maid of honor to stand by your side on your wedding day.

1. Send a Gift Box

A box filled with self-care items — hand cream, sleep mask and nail polish — a letter, and some of your maid of honor faves is the perfect gift. Bonus points if your letter is placed on the bottom of the box for a major surprise.

2. Meet for Brunch

Ask your bridesmaids and MOH for a girl’s brunch. Ask everyone to wear their most feminine dress, feast on pancakes, bacon and sandwiches and share with your squad how much they mean to you. After a short but sweet speech, give each person a small keepsake. Let the MOH be the last person you ask for a fun surprise.

3. Set Up a Movie Night

Organize a special overnight party at your home. It’s a great way to drop the question if you and your friends enjoy late-night happenings like this. Curate personalized snack boxes for everyone and place the message inside the popcorn bag. Don’t forget to take a video to capture their genuine reactions.

4. Send a Bouquet of Flowers or Sweets

Every girl loves receiving random gifts. Surprise your MOH with a bouquet of her favorite flowers or sweets for a more creative touch. Then, attach a note with a heartfelt message. Do the same to your bridesmaids for a truly special experience.

5. Announce It Online

People love sharing greetings and cheers on social media. What better way to ask your MOH than proposing online? Create a fun post on Canva asking her to become your maid of honor, add your photos, then ask your MOH to check her feed once it’s uploaded.

6. Ask Through a Funny Shirt

A fun, goofy friend will appreciate a funny shirt, no matter the occasion. Wondering how to ask your maid of honor for her presence at your wedding in the most creative way? Consider printing her meme-worthy face on the shirt, the question on the back or a catchy phrase like “Nacho Basic Maid of Honor.”

7. Host a Game Night

Invite your dearest girls for a night of games. Prepare some fun games, food and prizes to get everyone excited. Prepare wedding-themed categories for games like Charades or Family Feud. Somewhere along the line, tease them with questions about being a maid of honor. When announcing the winners, give the kits to everyone involved in your bridal squad, including your MOH.

8. Provide a Personalized Loungewear

Prep your MOH for the busy days ahead by gifting her comfortable loungewear. You can have their name or initials embroidered for a more personalized touch. While shopping, don’t forget to get one for yourself for pictorial purposes.

9. Give a Surprise Visit

Does she live in a different state or country? Shock her with a visit. Coordinate with someone close to her and plan for your surprise visit. Impromptu visits are a tried-and-tested way to make someone living far away from you. Give her your proposal gift and maybe cook something nice for her while you’re at it!

What Exactly Does a Maid of Honor Do?

Your maid of honor’s main job is to be your go-to person before, during and after your big day. She’s responsible for planning your bachelorette and bridal shower parties — but bridesmaids are expected to assist her — your hype woman, confidant and mediator.

On your wedding day, her responsibilities begin with taking charge of your bridal squad. She’s your point person on your big day. For instance, if guests have questions about who to give monetary gifts to, the MOH and the best man are likely the two people to guide them. She’s also expected to give a speech during the reception, which will take around three to five minutes. 

Ultimately, she should provide physical and mental support — accompany you in gown fittings and lend an ear whenever wedding planning stresses you out.

How to Distinguish Maid of Honor From Bridesmaids?

Your MOH is the principal bridesmaid. While bridesmaids are responsible for providing support and help, your maid of honor will help you prepare and ensure you are well-pampered on your big day. More often than not, maids of honor shoulder more costs and responsibilities than the rest of your bride squad.

Make Your MOH Happy

Being a maid of honor is a big responsibility, so help your best girl prep for her duties with these heartfelt proposal ideas. Make her special to make her say yes to the role and don’t forget to have fun in the process.