Bride Guide: Maid or Matron of Honour?

maid of honour wooden gift box with white ribbon and pink roses being handed between two women, one in a pink bridal robe and the other in a white robe

You’re getting ready to choose your Bride Tribe and your leading lady to stand up beside you on your big day. But does she earn the title of Maid of Honour or Matron of Honour? What’s the difference and does it matter?

Bride Tribe proposals are made extra sweet with our custom gift boxes. Photo by Elsa Campbell Photography

 Traditionally the title of “Matron” refers to the Bride’s honour attendant who is already married, whereas a “Maid” is unmarried. This role is often given to the Bride’s best friend or sister, though we’ve seen a bit of a shift from this norm to include the Bride’s mother or even a well-behaved, much-loved pet dog.

Can you have both a Maid and Matron of Honour? Absolutely! If you’re wondering how the bridal procession traditionally follows when both are in attendance – the Matron of Honour walks down the aisle first, followed by the Maid of Honour, who will stand closest to the Bride during the ceremony.

Our gorgeous Bride to Be with her closest girls. Photo by Poppy & Sage Photography. Flower crowns by Bumble & Bloom

These days, most Bride’s choose to simply use the title “Maid of Honour”, whether her attendant is married or not. If you wanted to avoid using the terms “Matron” or “Maid” altogether, you could simply opt for “Honour Attendant”. In times when the Bride’s honour role is given to a male, we’ve seen the clever introduction of “Man of Honour” given to him. Likewise for the Groom’s party, we’ve seen “Best Woman” instead of the traditional “Best Man”.

Of course, if your honour attendant has four legs, you might choose the title “Dog of Honour”. Just make sure they don’t steal the wedding cake!

Courtney & Aaron shared their big day with their furry family. Photo by Fig Tree Pictures

So what do you think? Will you stick to tradition when giving titles to your Maid or Matron of Honour? 

Whatever you decide, we have you covered! Our “Maid of Honour” gift boxes can be found HERE and you have the option to custom your title to suit whoever is beside you on the day… no matter how many legs they have!

Bride Advice: with Chanel

Chanel and Allen became engaged in November and the gorgeous couple caught our eye when they won a LOOP Giveaway that The Bridal Box Co. was participating in. Chanel is ALL about the details, has great taste and a totally swoon-worthy instagram @chanelngarcia. 

These love birds have tied the knot now, but we had a sit down when Chanel was still a blushing Bride-to-be to talk all things wedding!

The Bridal Box Co: Tell us about the proposal? Did you see it coming, or were you super surprised?

Chanel: No I didn’t! He caught me by complete surprised and kept the ring with my Maid of Honour. We went glamping in Glenworth Valley for our 10 year dating anniversary and he popped the questioned by the fireplace. It was very secluded and romantic!

The Bridal Box Co: When is your wedding and how long is your engagement?

Chanel: Our wedding is in November, we would have then had a 2 year engagement. We’re thinking of having a cute little garden ceremony and reception in Camden, Moss Vale or Byron Bay.

The Bridal Box Co: How many people are invited?

Chanel: We’re planning on having a small intimate wedding with about 60-70 people.

The Bridal Box Co: What is the theme/colours of your wedding?

Chanel: Blush pink, white and gold.

The Bridal Box Co.: Let’s talk Bridesmaids. How many are you having, how’d you choose and how’d you propose?

Chanel: I have three bridesmaids, I surprised all of them individually. My best friend is my Maid of Honour because she’s been there through thick and thin. We tell each other everything! Bridesmaids are my sister who’s always been supportive and my cousin who I share my fondest childhood memories with.

Maid of Honour- We were playing the game “speak out” with the mouth pieces. I pretended to read a card asking her “Will you be my maid of honour?” She understood what I said but didn’t realise I was actually asking her!

Cousin- I made a “Will you be my bridesmaid” mug and dropped it off to the barrister before we met up for coffee. I waited for her to receive her order in her mug. She was so surprised and excited!

Sister- I came out with a card and a “Will you be my bridesmaid” candle in a gown at my first wedding dress fitting.

The Bridal Box Co: What did you fill your Bridal Box Co boxes with?

Chanel: A candle, nail polish, beautiful soap, customised shot glass, customised hair tie and a DIY inspo booklet (with photos and details about our big day, their dresses and their roles).

The Bridal Box Co: Do you have any advice for other Bride-to-be’s planning their own wedding?

Chanel: Keep an eye out for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. Keep a little planner to note down ideas and plans. Involve your fiancé and your bridal party! My fiancé and KIKKI K wedding planner have made everything easier!

Inspo: Bridesmaid Proposal

Your besties have been by your side through thick and thin; to celebrate your wins and bring you ice cream when you’re down. When you want to ask them to stand by your side on your special day, you want to find a way to let them know they are special and just how much they mean to you!

Sometimes your closest friends live on the other side of the world and the question will have to be asked over the phone or Skype. But if you’re lucky enough to have your tribe close by – then why not spoil them with a Bridesmaid proposal picnic!

Pop-up picnics are definitely trending at the moment, which means there’s probably a service near you that lets you host a gorgeous picnic – without all the hassle! Just like Glamping (which we also love!) all the cooking, packing, set-up and cleaning is done for you. If you’re more organised and DIY, here’s a little inspo we put together with a few of our very talented Gold Coast vendors.

As you grow up, you truly realise how important having your best friends in your life is. Even though you may not see them every day or even week, you love knowing that when you are together again, it’s like it was yesterday that you last spent time together!

We also (of course) recommend our gorgeous, “I can’t say ‘I do’ without You” gift boxes to accompany you on your Bridesmaid Proposal Picnic!

Styled Shoot Team:
Coordination & Bridal Boxes @thebridalboxco
Event Stylist @lovenwishesstyledevents
Florist @franklyandtheflowers
Photographer @atomicbutterfly_photography
Videographer @nsiproductions
Clothing @the_bohemian_club
Sweet Treats @two_little_cupcakes
Jackets @hideandrose
Platter @conkandco
Hair @hsk_hair
Makeup @majormakupandhair
Signage @bearartdesign
Candles @drifttradingco
Models @conkandco @jessicatonkin1 @gold_coast_musings @bruna_bidoia