Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor: What’s the Difference

Whether you are MOHs or the brides who have found out your MOHs, both of you are so lucky to be meaningful to each other！

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A wedding means a lot, not only because it's about you embarking on a new journey, but also because of multiple pre-wedding things. So, here your close circle is, you can include your bestie(s) to help prepare your wedding, and that’s what MOH(maid of honor or matron of honor) does. 

If you have asked your BFFs to be your maid of honor and matron of honor but still have no idea what role do they play, that’s why we are here.

What’s matron of honor? What does a maid of honor pay for? What’s the difference between the two MOHs? Below, we will get them covered.

Difference Between Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor

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Traditionally, the only difference between the maid of honor and the matron of honor is the marital status: the matron is married. But they actually play the same important role in helping you prepare for the nuptial. 

You can understand this traditional division of MOH by marriage as a dialogue between the past, the present, and the future. It's very romantic, isn't it? So everyone has a role to play, but they support each other just to celebrate the big day and help the bride complete the handover of this stage of life. 

In practical, it’s about sharing the duties of wedding planing. Next let us learn about the maid of honor meaning and the duties.

Tip: The marriage is not a must-have restriction, and of course, you can involve both married or unmarried MOHs in your wedding.

What Is a Matron of Honor

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The answer is in the question, MOH means to be given the honor to be head bridesmaid in charge and to stand by the bride’s side. Considering the broad definition of gender, you can use the term ‘honor attendant’ to describe it appropriately. There are another playful designations: The bride’s male honor attendant is called ‘man of honor’, and the groom’s female honor attendant is called ‘best woman’.

Your siblings, cousins, friends etc., anyone who has special meaning to you can be bestowed on MOH.

If you have received will you be my MOH proposal, you must be so important to the bride with love and trust. Are you ready to share the responsibilities of the wedding planning? If you don't know what your duties are yet, scroll to find out!

What Are the MOH’s Duties

What is the maid of honor’s job? The duties can be divided to pre-wedding and day-of things and here the simple list:

Pre-wedding

1. Lead the bridal squad.
2. Help the bride nail down her wedding dress, shoes, accessories, and so on.
3. Wedding decor, If the bride has a DIY decor idea, help her.
4. Assist in choosing the bridesmaid dresses, flower girl gifts
5. Curate and host the bridal shower and bachelorette party: the venue and vendors, gifts, games, decor and so on
6. Be the official wedding party point person.

On the wedding day

1. Be the point guest at the wedding.
2. Be an assistant at her side: such as adjusting the train.
3. Sign the marriage license.
4. Provide emotional support for the bride.
5. Address a speech at the reception.

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What Does the Maid of Honor Pay for

Yes, depending on the tradition and specific wedding arrangements, generally speaking, the maids of honor may bear some costs. Here are the expenses that may be involved:

1. Your bridesmaid dress, shoes, accessories, hairstyle
2. The bridal shower gift and wedding gift
3. Bridal shower: decorations, food, drinks
4. Bachelorette party: travel expenses, accommodations, activities

The expenses are flexible. What is crucial is communication and consensus between you and the bride alongside other bridesmaids, because everyone’s financial situation and budget are different.

How to Include a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor for Your Big Day

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You set the rule. First, you should pick up your nearest and dearest as your MOHs among your family and friends. Here is an example for those brides who have no idea how to choose their MOHs, your eldest family or friend is your matron of honor, and the second eldest is your maid of honor. Then, you can split the tasks based on how they fit best. For example, one helps you prepare for your bridal party, while the other is in charge of your bachelorette party. If one of them is married, you can ask her for advice on things like the wedding venue and decorations.

All in All

If there is something that is eternal, it may be love. Which kind of love is stronger, I think it is friendship. You and your besties support each other in spirit and reality for your big day, which lasts longer than the ceremony itself. Even if you do nothing for pre-wedding events, companionship can already provide great emotional value for your bride.

FAQs about Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor

Can You Have More than Two Maids of Honor?

Absolutely you can. It can be difficult to select a single maid of honor but luckily, you don't have to choose.

Who Goes First, Maid or Matron of Honor?

Usually, the 'maids walk down first, followed by the MOH with the bride last. If you're just having one maid or matron of honor, it's a simple line-up. But with two MOHs, you have a little more flexibility. For example, you can have the maid and matron walk down together with each other and/or the best man.

Who Stands Closest to Bride Matron or Maid of Honor?

Aisle Standing: There's no strict etiquette on whether the maid or matron of honor should stand closer to the bride at the altar. Most brides choose to have their sister or closest friend stand closest, regardless of marital status.

What to Do If You Can’t Pick a Maid of Honor?

Don't have one at all. There's no need to cause yourself stress if you don't want to choose between your sister and best friend or don't want to end up in an argument by promoting one bridesmaid above the rest.