What's the difference between maid of Honour and chief bridesmaid?

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In reality, the main difference between a maid of honour and a chief bridesmaid is nationality. In the US, the bride's BFF has generally been known as the maid of honour if they're single or the matron of honour if they're married. In the UK, the chief bridesmaid has traditionally been the person the bride relies on.



In this regard, can you have a maid of Honour and a chief bridesmaid?

Yep, you two are right. Matron of Honour is married (maid literally means virgin in this context!). Maid of Honour is an American term and Chief Bridesmaid is our equivalent though of course lots of people use Maid of Honour here now.

Beside above, who should be maid of Honour? Bottom line: Your wedding party members and honor attendants should be the people you feel most connected to. Don't let the politics of other people's wedding party choices get in the way. Even if you were a maid of honor for your friend's wedding, it's completely fine to choose someone else as your maid of honor.

People also ask, what is a chief bridesmaid?

The chief bridesmaid is usually the bride's closest friend or member of the family member. Her role is to help the bride organise a calm, stress-free wedding and assist her throughout the wedding day itself.

Which is more important bridesmaid or maid of honor?

The main difference between bridesmaids and maids of honor is that the maid (or matron if she is married) is the head bridesmaid. She is often the person in charge of setting up the bachelorette party and bridal shower. Why are they so important? Really, these days it's a matter of tradition to have a wedding party.

33 Related Question Answers Found

What does the maid of honor pay for?

Help plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. The maid (or matron) of honor is in charge of the parties, but bridesmaids are expected to have ideas, give feedback, help decorate, chip in cash, and assist with the hostess duties. If you're on a limited budget, be up front about it.

What does the maid of Honour do?

A maid of honor is responsible for being the head of the bridesmaids, keeping them organized. Typically, the maid of honor leads the bridesmaids in planning a bridal shower and often a bachelorette party. On the day of the wedding, a maid of honor helps the bride get dressed and stay calm.

Can you have 2 maid of honors?

There's no reason you can't have two maids or matrons of honor. These are the two women you feel closest to, and you want them by your side on your wedding day.

What do you call a bridesmaid who is married?

It's then logical that the young women attending a bride on her wedding day are called bridesmaids. Traditionally, they were chosen from unwed young women of marriageable age. Interestingly, when a maid of honor is married, she's called a matron of honor instead.

How many is too many bridesmaids?


On average, North American brides have between three and five bridesmaids. Some have way, way more than that; others forgo the bridal party altogether. If you're considering going above average (six bridesmaids or more), first consider some pros and cons of having a big bridal party.

Can you have a maid of Honour and matron of Honour?

Their roles are the same; the difference is purely in semantics. A maid of honor is an unmarried woman, while a matron of honor has already had a wedding of her own. If you've elected two women to the role, regardless of marital status, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

Do bridesmaids and maid of honor wear the same dress?

It is traditional to distinguish the maid of honor from the bridesmaids by giving her a different dress or bouquet. There are three ways you can put the maid of honor in a “different” dress. She can wear the same style in a different color. She can wear the same color in a different style.

How many bridesmaids can you have?

In general, formal weddings have a half dozen or more bridesmaids in addition to the maid of honor (it could be as many as a dozen, but that is very rare). Semiformal and casual weddings can have just one bridesmaid - the maid of honor - but typically have about three to five.

How do you make a chief bridesmaid stand out?

How to Make Your Maid of Honor Stand Out:
  1. A unique bridesmaid dress.
  2. Make her bouquet bigger and better than the rest.
  3. Opt for a unique hairstyle.
  4. Bigger, bolder accessories.
  5. Let her walk down the aisle alone.
  6. Give her a special reception entrance.
  7. A special gift—just for her.

Can a married woman be a bridesmaid?


Traditionally, bridesmaids were chosen from unwed young women of marriageable age. The principal bridesmaid, if one is so designated, may be called the chief bridesmaid or maid of honor if she is unmarried, or the matron of honor if she is married.

Do chief bridesmaids make speeches?

At The Reception
As the bridal party arrives at the reception venue the chief bridesmaid will: Be a part of the receiving line and greet the guests. Give a short speech and toast the bride and groom. Make sure everyone has good time, especially the bride.

How old does a chief bridesmaid have to be?

Junior bridesmaids are 12-16, although you can extend that younger if you need to. Better to have a younger JBM than to have an Amazon flower girl. Anybody older is a bridesmaid, or maid or matron (if she's married) of honor. Ring bearers should be between the ages of 3 and 7 as well.

What is a matron of Honour?

“The Maid of Honor refers to a bride's honor attendant who is NOT married. The Matron of Honor refers to one who is married. Honor attendants are usually a best friend or sister. Recently though, some brides have selected their mother for this role.

How do you propose to your bridesmaids?

Choose the right one for your squad.
  1. Bridesmaid Invitation Bracelet. Asking bridesmaids to stand by your side on your wedding day doesn't get much easier than this.
  2. Bridesmaid-Themed Box of Goodies.
  3. Wine Label.
  4. Bridesmaid Bath Bomb.
  5. Bridesmaid Proposal Puzzle.
  6. Custom Gift Box.
  7. Personalized Shot Glass.
  8. Custom Card.

How does the maid of honor walk down the aisle?


The maid or matron of honor is the last of the bride's attendants to walk down the aisle, either alone or with the best man. The ring bearer walks in next. The flower girl walks in just before the bride. Traditionally, the bride's escort is on her right, but feel free to break tradition.

How can I be the best maid of honor?

Follow these tips to become the best maid of honor she could ask for.
  1. Talk to the bride up front about what she wants you to do pre-wedding.
  2. Make checklists with her.
  3. Prep an emergency pack for the wedding day.
  4. Calm her nerves.
  5. Draft a killer speech.
  6. Snap pictures.
  7. Be the first on the dance floor.

Will you be my maid of honor gift box?

Will You Be My Maid of Honor Gift Box with Card. These beauty gift boxes are the perfect way to say THANK YOU to your deserving bridesmaids. Each gift box is adorably packaged as shown and includes 4 lovely, handmade beauty items for pampering. Each box is ready to give with your choice of label on top.