Difference between Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor
When it comes to choosing the right person to stand by your side on your wedding day, there are two commonly used terms you may come across – “Maid of Honor” and “Matron of Honor”. While these two roles may seem similar, there are some significant differences that you should be aware of.
Definition:
To start with, let us understand what these titles actually mean. Traditionally, a Maid of Honor is an unmarried woman chosen by the bride to be her chief attendant at the wedding. On the other hand, a Matron of Honor is a married woman who plays the same role as a Maid of Honor.
Age:
One of the significant differences between the two roles is the age of the woman. A Maid of Honor is typically a younger woman, such as a sister or close friend who is not yet married. On the contrary, a Matron of Honor is usually an older woman who is already married.
Title:
Another significant difference between the two roles is the title they are given. “Maid of Honor” comes from the word “maid”, which means a young, unmarried woman. In contrast, “Matron of Honor” comes from the word “matron,” which refers to a married woman.
Duty:
The duties of the Maid of Honor and the Matron of Honor are essentially the same. They are responsible for helping the bride in planning the wedding, organizing bridal showers, and helping the bride get dressed on the wedding day. However, a Matron of Honor may bring in more experience to the table, having already gone through the wedding process herself.
Attire:
Finally, there is also a difference in the attire that the two roles wear. A Maid of Honor is typically dressed in a gown that is the same color as the bridesmaids. On the other hand, a Matron of Honor may opt for a different style or color that is appropriate for her age.
In conclusion, while the roles of Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor may seem similar, there are key differences that should be considered when selecting someone to fill the position. Whether you choose a Maid of Honor or a Matron of Honor, both roles play a vital role in making your wedding day one to remember for a lifetime.
Table difference between maid of honor and matron of honor
| Maid of Honor | Matron of Honor | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The unmarried woman who assists the bride in wedding planning and on the wedding day. | The married woman who assists the bride in wedding planning and on the wedding day. |
| Relationship to the Bride | Typically a close friend or sister of the bride. | Typically a close friend or sister of the bride who is already married. |
| Title | Maid of Honor | Matron of Honor |
| Duties | Assists the bride with pre-wedding planning, attends dress fittings, helps with bridal shower and bachelorette party planning, holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony, gives a speech at the reception, and helps the bride with any last-minute needs on the wedding day. | Same as Maid of Honor, but may bring a different perspective due to being married and may also provide guidance on marriage and relationships. |
| Attire | Wears a bridesmaid dress or a dress that matches the bride’s wedding colors. | Same as Maid of Honor. |