Maid of Honor’s Reception Responsibilities

The reception is a post-ceremony wedding celebration. At the reception, the maid of honor will be able to relax and enjoy herself for the most part, but there are a couple of fun things she’ll be in charge of during the party.

Some brides have a gift table at the reception for holding wedding presents. Often there is also a birdcage on the table to hold cards containing checks or cash so they won’t get lost. The maid of honor helps direct guests to the gift table or holds envelopes in a safe place until the bride and groom are ready to take them.

At some point close to the start of the reception, the bride and groom will have their first dance—the DJ or bandleader will make the announcement. The first dance starts with just the bride and groom, but after about a minute, anyone can join in. The bride may want you to signal that it’s okay for everyone to start dancing by having you and the best man (and the rest of the wedding party) start dancing.

This is usually done right after the best man’s toast. (For more information, see How to Give a Toast.)

The wedding photographer will want to take several pictures of the wedding party. This may be done in a separate room, outdoors, or in a private area of the reception room. Make sure you don’t stray too far away during the photo session. The order in which members of the bridal party will be photographed varies according to the photographer; you may not know when your turn is coming up.

Being prepared to touch up the bride’s hair and makeup is especially important near photo time. Keep tissues and a powder compact on hand so that the bride can have a quick peek to make sure her hair and makeup are in place. With all the dancing and fun, the bride’s hair may have fallen out of place, or tears may have smeared her makeup.