Traditionally, the person who stands closest to the bride during the wedding ceremony is the maid of honor. She is typically a close friend or family member chosen by the bride to support and assist her throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. The maid of honor is usually seen as the bride’s right-hand woman, offering emotional support, helping with wedding tasks, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
One of the key roles of the maid of honor is to hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony. This allows the bride to have her hands free to exchange rings, hold hands with her partner, or participate in any other ceremonial activities. The maid of honor may also assist the bride with adjusting her veil or train, if necessary.
In some cases, the maid of honor may be joined by a matron of honor, who is a married woman serving in the same role. If the bride has both a maid of honor and a matron of honor, they may stand side by side, with the maid of honor standing closest to the bride. This is a way to honor both individuals and recognize their importance in the bride’s life.
It’s worth noting that the specific order of the bridal party can vary depending on cultural or personal preferences. Some brides may choose to have multiple maids of honor or no maid of honor at all. Ultimately, it’s up to the bride to decide who stands next to her and in what order.
In my personal experience attending weddings, I have seen a variety of arrangements for the bridal party. I have witnessed weddings where the maid of honor stood closest to the bride, holding her bouquet, while other weddings had a matron of honor standing in the second spot. Each wedding is unique, and it’s important for the bride to choose the people who will support and stand by her on her special day.
To sum up, the person who stands next to the bride during the wedding ceremony is typically the maid of honor. She holds the bride’s bouquet and provides support and assistance throughout the wedding planning process. In some cases, a matron of honor may also stand by the bride’s side, either in the second spot or alongside the maid of honor. The specific order and arrangement of the bridal party can vary depending on the bride’s preferences.