Maid Of Honor: How To Make Her Stand Out

There are many ways to make the maid of honor stand out from the bridesmaids. One way is to choose a unique dress for the maid of honor, such as a different color, design, or fabric. Another way is to give the maid of honor special accessories like a statement necklace, a glitzy hair accessory, or a sparkly bracelet. A different hairstyle or bouquet can also help to distinguish the maid of honor. Additionally, the maid of honor can walk down the aisle alone or be given a thoughtful announcement at the reception entrance.

Choose a unique dress

There are several ways to make your maid of honor stand out from the bridesmaids by choosing a unique dress. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Different Dress Style: Opt for a different dress style for your maid of honor. This could be a contrasting fabric, such as a chiffon gown for the bridesmaids and a sequined or lace dress for the maid of honor. Mixed-fabric gowns are also a trendy choice. Alternatively, you can choose a unique silhouette for the maid of honor's dress, allowing her to stand out subtly.
• Unique Fabric or Pattern: If your bridesmaids are wearing solid-colored dresses, consider dressing your maid of honor in a floral print or a unique pattern that incorporates all the colors of the bridesmaids' dresses. This will create a stunning visual effect. For a more subtle approach, choose a dress with a subtle pattern, such as a velvet dress with an embedded floral design.
• Distinct Neckline: Another way to make the maid of honor stand out is by choosing a distinct neckline for her dress. For example, she can wear a strapless neckline while the bridesmaids wear cap sleeves, or go for a one-shoulder design if the bridesmaids have sweetheart necklines. A one-shouldered asymmetrical option is also a great choice to set her apart from the two-shouldered dresses of the bridesmaids.
• Complementary or Contrasting Colors: If all your bridesmaids are wearing the same color, consider dressing your maid of honor in a complementary or contrasting shade. For instance, if your bridesmaids are in French blue, your maid of honor could wear a soft sky hue. Alternatively, you can opt for a deeper shade of the same color, such as dressing the maid of honor in eggplant while the bridesmaids wear lavender.
• Accessories: If you prefer to keep the dress styles and colors consistent, you can still make your maid of honor stand out by adding unique accessories. Consider a bejeweled belt, a gorgeous hair accessory like a pearl clip, or a statement necklace and earrings. These accessories will add a touch of sparkle and set her apart from the rest.

Remember, you can combine these ideas to create a truly unique look for your maid of honor. Whether you want a subtle difference or a bold statement, there are plenty of ways to make her dress stand out and reflect her important role in your special day.

Opt for different hairstyles

Opting for a different hairstyle is a great way to make the maid of honour stand out from the bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Different Hairstyle

If all the bridesmaids are wearing their hair up, the maid of honour can leave hers down, or vice versa. This simple change will set her apart and make her feel more like herself.

Unique Hair Accessories

Hair accessories can be a subtle yet effective way to differentiate the maid of honour. A pearl hair barrette, cute hairpins, or a baby's breath natural floral crown can add a unique touch to her hairstyle.

Complementary Hairstyle to the Bride

The maid of honour can coordinate her hairstyle with the bride's. For example, they can have similar but not identical hairstyles, such as romantic chignons with strands pulled out of the bride's updo while keeping the maid of honour's clean.

Incorporating Flowers

The maid of honour can incorporate a bloom from her bouquet into a headpiece or add a flower from her bouquet to her hair as a subtle pop of colour. This creates a cohesive and fun look.

Highlighting Hair Colour

If the maid of honour has highlights, she can showcase them with a hairstyle like bombshell curls with accenting French braids, which will beautifully display her two-toned locks.

Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle

A casual half-up, half-down hairstyle can be created by pulling out a few strands from the ponytail section to frame the face. This look is both elegant and effortless.

Curly Hair with Volume

For those with curly hair, a slicked-back ponytail can be a surprising transformation. This style is especially suitable if you want to showcase your dramatic makeup look.

Low Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces

A low ponytail with loose waves and face-framing pieces left out in front is another option. Adding volume at the roots and wrapping some hair around the hair tie can make it more formal.

These suggestions offer a range of ways to make the maid of honour's hairstyle stand out while complementing the overall wedding aesthetic.

Wear statement jewellery

One way to make your maid of honour stand out from the bridesmaids is to have her wear statement jewellery. This could be a bold, glitzy piece, such as a statement necklace, a sparkly bracelet, or a hair accessory. A unique piece of jewellery will make your maid of honour feel special and is a simple way to distinguish her from the rest of the bridal party.

When choosing a piece of jewellery, consider something that will complement the maid of honour's dress and the overall wedding aesthetic. For example, if the maid of honour is wearing a strapless dress, you could choose a statement necklace that will stand out. Or, if she is wearing her hair up, you could select a sparkly hair accessory that will catch the light.

You could also consider a personalised piece of jewellery as a gift for your maid of honour. This could be something that she can wear on the wedding day and cherish long after. For example, a personalised necklace with her initials or a meaningful symbol. Not only will this make her stand out, but it will also show her how much you appreciate her.

When styling the rest of the bridal party, you may opt for more subtle accessories to ensure that the maid of honour's statement piece truly stands out. This could include delicate earrings or a simple bracelet. By creating a contrast with the other bridesmaids' jewellery, you can ensure that your maid of honour shines and is recognised for her important role in your life and wedding.

Walk down the aisle alone

Having the maid of honor walk down the aisle alone is a great way to make her stand out from the bridesmaids. Here are some tips to make this moment extra special:

Highlight the Moment with Music:

Choose a unique song for the maid of honor's walk down the aisle. This will create a memorable moment and draw attention to her entrance.

Emphasize the Honor:

The maid of honor's solo walk symbolizes her special role in the wedding. You can further emphasize this honor by having her walk slowly and gracefully, taking her time to savor the moment.

Create a Stunning Visual:

The maid of honor's dress can be a focal point when she walks alone. Consider choosing a unique dress that stands out from the bridesmaids' attire. This could be a different color, fabric, or style. You could also add a statement accessory, like a bejeweled belt or a hairpiece.

Add a Touch of Nature:

Flowers can enhance the beauty of the moment. Consider having the maid of honor carry a bouquet that complements her dress. The bouquet could be larger or feature different flowers or colors than those carried by the bridesmaids, adding to the visual impact.

Make it a Grand Entrance:

If you want to make a bold statement, consider having the maid of honor walk down a longer aisle or make a grand entrance from a different direction, such as from the side or through a different doorway. This will create a dramatic effect and give her an unforgettable entrance.

Remember, the key is to make the maid of honor feel special and celebrated for her important role in your wedding. These suggestions will help create a memorable and distinctive moment for her as she walks down the aisle alone.

Carry a unique bouquet

Carrying a unique bouquet is a great way to make your maid of honor stand out from the bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Size and Shape

You can make the maid of honor's bouquet slightly bigger than the bridesmaids' bouquets. This will make her bouquet stand out while still not rivaling the bride's bouquet. You could also opt for a unique shape, such as a hanging bouquet or a hoop bouquet, which is easier to hold than a traditional bouquet.

Choice of Flowers

You can choose to include a few extra focal flowers in the maid of honor's bouquet to make it stand out. Flowers such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, or ranunculus are popular choices. If you want to keep things simple, a single stem can be just as impactful as a bouquet full of flowers. Consider a bright coral peony or a unique King Protea, native to South Africa, for a beach or boho-themed wedding.

Color

If the bridesmaids are carrying bouquets, consider making the maid of honor's bouquet a different color. This could be a few shades lighter or darker than the bridesmaids' bouquets, ensuring they still fit seamlessly into your wedding color palette. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing French blue, the maid of honor could carry a bouquet with a soft sky hue. Alternatively, if you want to make a bold statement, include bright colors in the maid of honor's bouquet, such as rainbow colors or yellow chamomile for a summer wedding.

Accessories

Add unique accessories to the maid of honor's bouquet, such as a personalized ribbon or a floral cuff. These details will make her bouquet stand out and feel extra special.

Complement the Bridal Bouquet

While the maid of honor's bouquet should not outshine the bridal bouquet, you can include some of the same specialty blooms used in the bridal bouquet to create a sense of cohesion. This will also signify the supportive role of the maid of honor on your big day.

Frequently asked questions