| bridesmaids are extremely important to the bride, the | | | | Unfortunately, they ignore the fact that they are |
| maid of honor is often even more important and as | | | | required to do more work and instead they use the |
| such is viewed as a favorite of the bride. She | | | | other bridesmaids as servants—forgetting that a |
| sometimes is viewed as the Chief of the bridesmaids. | | | | bridesmaid serves the bride, not the maid of honor. |
| It is important that the role is not over played. | | | | This behavior is known as the Maid of Honor |
| While getting engaged is an exciting experience for | | | | Syndrome. The following can identify MHS. |
| every couple, planning a wedding can be quite stressful | | | | · She throws her weight around, thus, making |
| for most brides. Fortunately, a bride has the liberty to | | | | the bridesmaids feel inferior. |
| appoint bridesmaids. Typically, bridesmaids provide | | | | · She overly emphasizes her role as the maid |
| immeasurable support for the bride as she plans her | | | | of honor. |
| special day. Not only do a bride’s girlfriends | | | | · She rubs her more elaborate bridesmaids gift |
| rightfully earn their bridesmaids gift, but they also | | | | in the other bridesmaids’ faces. |
| confirm their friendship toward the bride by offering | | | | · She plans the bridal shower on her own |
| their love and support as she prepares for her | | | | without receiving input from the other girls. |
| wedding day. However, there can be a downside to | | | | · She disregards the other bridesmaids feelings. |
| this bridesmaids concept—it’s called the | | | | · She belittles the other girl’s |
| Maid of Honor Syndrome (MHS). | | | | bridesmaids gifts. |
| The average number of bridesmaids to stand up in a | | | | · She is overly opinionated and tries to |
| wedding is four. Of the four, most brides will appoint a | | | | influence the bride’s decisions. |
| maid of honor. Typically, the maid of honor is expected | | | | Does any of the above sound familiar. If you know |
| to take on more responsibilities than the other | | | | someone who exhibits the behavior described above, |
| bridesmaids and as such she is usually the | | | | then it’s safe to say that they suffer from Maid |
| bride’s sister, cousin, or closest girlfriend. In | | | | of Honor Syndrome. Those who suffer from MHS |
| addition to her increase in responsibilities, the maid of | | | | make the wedding planning experience very difficult |
| honor usually wears more elaborate wedding attire | | | | and are prone to create an uncomfortable |
| and is presented with a more intricate bridesmaids gift. | | | | environment for the entire wedding party. It is important |
| Having a maid of honor is a privilege that most | | | | to recognize the signs of MHS earlier on and make |
| bride’s learn to quickly appreciate. However, | | | | every attempt to rectify the behavior. In turn, it is |
| some maids of honors have taken their positions to | | | | important for a maid of honor who suffers from MHS |
| the extreme. | | | | to realize that wearing unique wedding attire, receiving |
| While accepting the position as maid of honor does | | | | a more elaborate bridesmaids gift, and juggling more |
| comes with more responsibility and is highly esteemed, | | | | responsibilities doesn’t make her better than |
| some girls take their position too seriously. | | | | any of the other bridesmaids. |