The maid of honor lends a helping, sometimes calming hand to the bride. Often the bride's sister or best friend, the maid of honor helps select outfits for the bridal party, helps to keep a record of the gifts for thank-you notes, organizes fitting appointments and tends to the details, and like other bridesmaids, attends all pre-wedding parties.
What do bridesmaids do besides don wear-only-once dresses? Bridesmaids help the bride in any way possible, from making decorations to addressing invitations. Bridesmaids usually are expected to attend pre-wedding parties, showers and the rehearsal dinner, and most importantly, fittings. On the wedding day, bridesmaids stand in the receiving line, to the left of the maid of honor.
In the eyes of the groom, the best man can really live up to the title. The best man is the right-hand man of the groom. In addition to handing the groom the ring, the best man delivers the first toast at the reception — and might even serve as master of ceremonies. Pre-wedding duties include getting the groom to the bachelor party, and eventually to the wedding, on time.