Does Your Maid of Honor Wear The Same Dress As Your Bridesmaids?
A maid of honor is also known as the chief bridesmaid and she has various duties to help the bride. The role of a maid of honor is typically given to a close friend or family member of the bride. While planning a wedding is exciting and fun, it can be stressful and overwhelming so having your best friend or close family member by your side to help you is a must. Apart from planning the hen party, a maid of honor also carries the task of organizing the bridesmaids' dresses, hold the bride's bouquet, giving a speech at the wedding, serves as the main point of contact and most importantly giving you the support you need from the days leading to the wedding and on the day itself. She is someone you can lean on and depend on.
What’s the difference between the maid of honor and bridesmaids?
The maid of honor and the bridesmaid have important roles at the wedding, but normally the maid of honor has more responsibilities and holds a more active role than a bridesmaid. The bridesmaids are expected to help out on the big day itself such as supporting the maid of honor in helping the bride get dresses, be present to support the bride and walk down the aisle. On the other hand, the maid of honor plays an integral part of the planning and build up to the wedding as well.
Ways To Make Your Maid of Honor Stand Out
According to traditions, all bridesmaids wore the same dresses including the maid of honor. As wedding trends evolve over time, it is common for the maid of honor to wear a different dress from the rest of the bridal party today. This will distinguish her role as a special and unique part of the bridal party. The maid of honor dresses can be slightly different in style from the others, in a different shade of the same color group, or completely stand out and be nothing like the other bridesmaid dresses.
If you are a bride-to-be who are looking for the perfect dress for your maid of honor or if you are chosen to be the maid of honor and are searching for some inspiration, finding the ideal MOH dress is a special part of the wedding preparations. As the maid of honor holds an important place in the wedding ceremony, her outfit should be one that makes her feel like a million dollars.
Same color, different dress style
The Maid of Honor dresses can be a slightly different style compared to the bridesmaids. For example, you can dress your bridesmaids in V neck chiffon sage green dress and have your MOH in a sleeveless satin dress. This is a subtle way of having your maid of honor wear a different dress to your bridesmaids, without standing out too much. Or your MOH can have a floral gown while the rest have a solid design.
Different color, same dress style
You could go for a mix & match by having your bridesmaids in one shade and your Maid of Honor in another shade. The contrasting mix of satin mermaid dresses is best for a fall wedding.
Different dress color or design
If you want your maid of honor’s look to pop out, you may want to choose a dress that is a shade lighter or darker than the rest of your bridal party’s dresses. For example, your bridesmaids could be in a dark purple and your MOH in a dusty purple dress.
For a subtle change
Different dress colors and styles may not be the right option for every bride. If you prefer that all members of the bridal party to be cohesive but still want to distinguish your main of honor, the difference can be subtle. When you are picking your bridesmaid dresses, you could opt for a gown that is available in several necklines and sleeves options in the same colors and fabrics such as the infinity dress. This way, your maid honor will shine in a short sleeve style while other bridesmaids have one shoulders or halter neck dresses.
What Are The Different Types of Maid of Honor Dress Styles
There is a variety of dress styles available to accommodate the different body types, preferences and wedding themes. Here is some common type of dresses to consider.
A-Line Dresses
A-line dresses are flattering for various body types and they feature a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist. This will create the "A" shape as aptly named.
High-Low Dresses
High low dresses feature a shorter hem in the front and a longer hem in the back. They add a trendy and modern touch to the wedding party.
Mismatched Dresses
More and more brides are opting for mismatched dresses as this will allow each bridesmaid to choose a style or shade that suits her, while at the same time, still maintaining a cohesive look.
Lace Dresses
For a touch of romance and sophistication, lace bridesmaid dresses are the ideal choice. Whether as an overlay or the main fabric, lace bridal party dresses are timeless.
Sequin or Metallic Dresses
Sparkling sequin bridal party dresses are nothing but glam and they can be suitable for more formal or evening weddings.
Off-the-Shoulder Dresses
Off-the-shoulder dresses show off the shoulders and collarbone, thus creating a romantic, sexy and elegant neckline.
Strapless Dresses
Strapless dresses are timeless and classic. They showcase the shoulders and neckline, and offer a versatile and chic choice.
When it comes to the Maid of Honor’s dress, there is actually no strict rules. The MOH may wear a slightly different dress than the bridesmaids to distinguish her role as a special and unique part of the bridal party. Ultimately, the decision on whether the Maid of Honor wears a different dress or same dress in different color depends on the bride’s preference, the overall wedding theme, and the aesthetic for the bridal party.