In This Article
Maid of honor. The lead member of the bride's wedding party, traditionally an unmarried woman closest to the bride. Holds a specific set of ceremonial and pre-wedding responsibilities. Distinct from matron of honor, the corresponding title given when the role is held by a married woman.
Where the term comes from
The title in its modern American form was codified in Emily Post's 1922 Etiquette and was stabilized during the 20th-century formalization of the white wedding industry. The maid versus matron distinction predates Post by centuries in European wedding custom; modern Anglo-American usage allows both titles to be used in the same wedding (one maid, one matron) when warranted.
How it shows up in real life
The maid of honor typically holds the bouquet during the ceremony, signs the marriage certificate as a witness in jurisdictions that require one, gives a toast at the reception, organizes the bridal shower and bachelorette weekend, and is the primary point of contact for the rest of the bridal party. The role is significant ceremonial labor; modern couples often discuss the time commitment explicitly before extending the invitation.
Common misuses
The titles are not interchangeable. Calling a married role-holder a maid of honor or an unmarried role-holder a matron of honor is a minor but visible etiquette error in printed programs. The other common misuse is treating the role as decorative; the actual responsibilities are substantial and a partner who does not have the bandwidth should be invited to a smaller role rather than be set up to underdeliver.
