When a bride chooses her Chief Bridesmaid (Matron of Honor) she is usually her best friend, and someone that she knows she can trust and rely on - no matter what.  She knows when she gets stressed out, or has forgotten something important, her Chief Bridesmaid will be there to calm her down, solve the problem and make her laugh!  So what are the duties of the CB?

Before the Wedding

Go with the B2B on numerous shopping trips whilst she chooses her wedding dress and accessories and say the 'chosen one' is the absolute best.

Try on umpteen bridesmaid's dresses, short and long, different styles and colours, until the B2B decides on the one She likes.

Arrange the hen weekend/night - send out the hen invites, collect the money, get the other hen's to help buy the various silly outfits you will all be wearing for the occasion, and hold her head the next morning when it hurts.  Don't forget the pain killers.

The Wedding Day

Arrive early at the place where the B2B is getting ready for her big day. Help her get ready with hair, make-up, getting into the bridal gown.

Be sure to have a bottle of champagne on ice to calm her nerves (and yours)

Have an emergency kit to hand for those last minute panics - tissues, headache pills, lipstick, mascara, rescue remedy, sanitary wear (just in case).

Help the younger bridesmaids, flower girls get ready.

Check the bouquets have arrived.

Leave before the bride with the other bridesmaids.

Follow the bride down the aisle, lift her veil and look after the bouquet.

Sign the register.

Go down the aisle with the best man.

Make sure the other bridesmaids are in the right place for the photographs.

At the Reception

Join the receiving line to welcome the guests.

Make sure the guest book does the rounds for the silly comments.

Ensure that any wedding gifts are safe and secure.

Dance with the best man.

Dance with any guests that look a little left out - even if it is a knees-up with a 90 year old.

Request some 'blasts from the pasts' from the DJ to keep the party going.

Help the bride change into her going away outfit.

After the Wedding

Return any items that were hired.

Look after any wedding items until the couple return from their honeymoon.